Scrambling for a last-minute birthday cake, we found ourselves at the French Bakery Cafe, which has changed its name to VAN DOUGH BAKERY. Thank goodness - what a find! With only fifteen minutes before they closed, we were lucky they had a cake, and the friendly staff were more than happy to write "Happy Birthday" on top. They also had candles for sale. The baked goodies behind the glass looked so good, we also got an eclair and a peanut butter fudge brownie. The cake was delicious - with a layer of cream and strawberries inside, and the eclair was airy and creamy. But that peanut butter fudge brownie was amazing - thick, dense, and full of flavor. If you're ever nearby, stop in a grab a few goodies from VAN DOUGH - you'll be glad you did! read more

See all

Still, not what it used to be. We decided to attempt this once again after avoidance since our miserable last try. New owners? New Chef? This time a Sunday morning around 9:30am, just before the church crowd. Place seemed unusually empty; maybe three customers, some others just getting some pastries in a bag to go. The parking lot was empty as well. Perhaps it gets much busier in another hour. We ordered an omelet with house potatoes, since they 'didn't have' hash browns that were on the menu. We also shared a two-stack of pancakes. Food tasted terrific. My wife keeps talking about those pancakes. The portions were acceptable, as the wife and I shared one plate, a stack of pancakes and a less than truly good chocolate-almond croissant. I do consider the cleanliness and order of the establishment a factor of my experience. Basic stuff, like cleaning the hot sauce bottle caps. Sheesh! Also, why is there a leaf blower in the dining room? The leaf blower stayed right there the entire time we were visiting. I wish I could say this was a great experience, but that experience is still elusive after all these years. CritDicks read more

See all

I asked for 2 plain ham and cheese croissants. Unfortunately, since they're not premade, they charge you for the egg ham and cheese croissant $13.95 each.. However the jalapeño Ham & cheese is only $5.95. The math doesn't add up. read more

French Bakery Cafe - No plane ham & cheese croissants allowed - Bakeries Near Me - Vista, California

French Bakery Cafe has a lovely assortment of pastries behind the counter. I met friends for lunch. Their menu is very limited. I had the house omelette. The sausage was over cooked, some might say burned. The hashed browns were good. read more

Definitely order their tiramisu cake in any size is delicious! We ordered an 8 inch but wish we had more You can add fresh strawberries and almonds to the outside. The fresh whipped cream is so good! The staff is very friendly and they help you when you place your order. read more

The French Bakery is/was a wonder & delight. However it is now Van Dough Bakery and while it looks almost like the same place it's not. I was deeply disappointed after 15 years of breakfasts, every celebration ever strawberry cakes, the best fruit tarts & a delicious selection of pastries & treats, the ownership, wait staff, ingredients, and presentation has changed. So far my experience has been, not for the better. The previous owner still has a store front in Carlsbad, it's a bit of a drive but the effort will be worth while. read more

Needed a last minute cake and this place did not disappoint. I got the 10 inch chocolate cake that had fresh strawberries inside and on top and it was a hit! Very clean inside. read more

I love the products they make here. It's absolutely fantastic. However, they have been using the cleaner called Fabulosa. It's highly toxic. It smells horrible and it overwhelms you and you can't smell the smells of a bakery. All you can smell is fabulous so it's gross. I hope they please. To change this. My feeling is that a French Bakery should smell like a clean bakery with the smell of their fresh baked goods that's what entices us! read more

Extremely disappointed with our experience. We placed our order at 10:14 and didn't receive any update until around 10:40, when an employee finally came over and asked if we had ordered food. Considering we'd been sitting there waiting the entire time, that question was frustrating in itself. The cashier's attitude wasn't great from the start and only made the situation worse. After realizing something was wrong, she asked how much we had paid and couldn't even locate our order without first figuring out the total before the tip. The fact that we were left sitting there for over 25 minutes with no communication and no one knowing what happened to our order is completely unacceptable. What was most disappointing was the complete lack of urgency or apology. The cook stood around staring and whispering to the cashier while we were trying to figure out what was going on, and neither employee showed much concern for the inconvenience. Customer service felt careless, dismissive, and unprofessional throughout the entire interaction. While they eventually refunded the food, they did not refund our drinks. Given the poor service, wasted time, and mishandling of our order, I believe those should have been comped as well. To make matters worse, I had already left a $6 tip before receiving any food, which ended up feeling like a mistake. Management should seriously consider coaching their employees on basic customer service skills. Mistakes happen, but ignoring customers, failing to communicate, showing no accountability, and acting indifferent when an order is lost is not acceptable. What makes this even more disappointing is that my family has been coming here for years. We've supported this business for a long time, but after this experience, I will be making sure they no longer receive our business. It's unfortunate to see a place we've enjoyed for so long provide such a poor customer experience. Overall, this entire situation was a joke. read more

Terrible service. No labels on any product. Rude counter staff. Croissant we received was made. Yesterday was not even reheated and was dry. They "dont do refunds" eating the macaron I ordered I got a mouthful of frosting that was unflavored and sad. DO NOT EAT HERE. They also handed a customer a gallon of milk to use for thier coffee and took it back behind the counter. Makes me wander how the health department hasn't shut them down yet. Will not be returning read more

I love this place!! Their fruit tarts are even more delicious than the ones I grew up eating from Porto's, and I cant wait to come back for those crème brûlée's .. read more

Well color me surprised and full of joy. It looks like the new ownership has hit their stride. I stopped here because I was craving something sweet & decided it was worth getting anything even if it wasn't something that I loved only to find out that their pastry counter is flush with treats. It appears they have doubled their offerings! Not only that but they also got the cinnamon rolls that I love so much back on the menu, the kind that are French where they are more croissant like than puffy and doughy. They are absolutely exquisite with a cup of coffee. This will save me a trip to Carlsbad to the French bakery over there for cinnamon rolls going forward and I could not be more overjoyed. 10 out of 10 cannot recommend this place enough going forward so stop by and be in for a real treat. read more

I am extremely dissatisfied. I used to love this place and came here all the time. Today, on my birthday, we went to pick up a 10-inch tiramisu cake--for which I had specifically stated that I am ALLERGIC to strawberries. When I placed the order, I requested peaches instead; I didn't mind paying extra for them. The problem is that I now have my birthday cake right here, and despite having told them that I am allergic to strawberries, they left them on--and gave me no option to have them removed. I'm sorry, but I will not be returning. I am very disappointed read more

French Bakery Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Vista, California

There food making me sick now. Been twice and both times I was sick entire day. Sucks because many years ago there good wad excellent and high quality read more

We were curious about this place, but the moment we walked in, we realized this was not a place for quality pastries. The desserts looked like they'd been sitting out for awhile-- not fresh. and the staff didnt know seem familiar with what they were selling. They have a carrot cake, but it has regular whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting. Other cakes look generic same as what you would get at a grocery store The shop was awkwardly quiet and the staff was watching us so we felt bad not buying something. Wended up purchasing three macaroons. Macaroons should be delicately crisp on the outside with a slight chewy texture. These macaroons were so stale. It was like biting into a Ritz cracker. The taste was super sugary with no flavor. I spent $10 on three macaroons. I definitely will not be returning. read more

Coming here can be a hit or miss. Mainly has to do with the staff in the front. Sometimes they ignore you and seem irritated and sometimes they are complete sweethearts. This makes me dread coming from time to time. The only reason I continue to come is because of their cakes. Both the chocolate, vanilla, and tres leches are amazing. I think their desserts are worth making the trip to this place. One of my favorite desserts is their yogurt slice cheesecake. Which is a shocker because I dislike cheesecake. So it says a lot. read more

French Bakery Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Vista, California

I come by to this bakery regularly to grab a coffee and an occasional pastry since it's so close to home and it's along my route home and am always satisfied with my experience here! This bakery and cafe is located in a shopping center with plenty of parking with nearby grocery stores and restaurants. It's a cute little spot with some seating both inside and outside. Very quaint. They're always friendly with me when I walk in. They have a good variety of pastries and I love the chocolate almond croissant! All their other pastries are tasty is well. I usually swing by for coffee and their mocha is very tasty. read more

Large variety of fresh pastries with ample seating options inside or on their covered patio. Menu by register has breakfast and lunch options from sandwiches, crepes, etc. Staff were friendly and helpful. Nice little place to grab a coffee and something to eat with friends. read more

French Bakery Cafe - Large variety of pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Vista, California

I love this place! Their bakery is great, you can tell they use in-season ingredients. I LOVE LOVE LOVE their fruit tarts! So good. They use marzipan instead of custard in some of them (which is how it should always be in my opinion). The prepared food is great too. Very local vibe here. The baristas and counter people are always so sweet. read more

French Bakery Cafe - Prepared food menu June 2025 - Bakeries Near Me - Vista, California

See all

Great chicken sandwich, coffee and chocolate moose! Highly recommend. Service and ambiance is also high quality.

I just left French bakery, I ordered a $50 cake, a danish and a large latte. I asked the lady if she could please add light foam and mostly milk. She handed me the coffee cup about half full. I politely explain to her. The coffee was strong for me and if she could, please add some milk. She then walked to the far end of the counter with her back towards me, and the two ladies proceeded to stand there and talk quite loud about the white lady, looking over their shoulders, and laughing. Really unbelievable, The owner of this bakery should consider educating their staff on Customer Service and professionalism read more

French Bakery Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Vista, California

Please do not eat here.. your health can be at risk! Their food is not safe to eat, their place has been inspected and had so many health violations! Their water cups were all still wet before they even let them dried up to use. They leave their tables dirty and don't clean it. Their food is not that great at all, please don't eat here. Health can be at risk!! This place is super unsanitary. My friend ordered this breakfast croissant and the same day, he got food poisoning and started to feel ill! PLEASE be careful if you decide to eat here, I advise you not too.. it's your choice. read more

French Bakery Cafe - Their breakfast croissant sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Vista, California

See all

Delicious French pastries like you can buy in France: tartes aux pommes, éclairs, millefeuilles etc. Chapeau au patissier! read more

Really Good pastries, the best tiramisu ever, and their fruit tarts everything fresh and tasty

This was the second time I came and I was happy to see that this time it was much cleaner and didn't have that sewer smell it had the first time I went a couple of years ago. The Florentines were amazing! I will definitely go back! read more

Delicious and pretty cake for a birthday surprise. Efficient and pleasant service. Many other items looked tasty. Not busy after lunch.

Picked up a two tier wedding cake as a wedding present. When I ordered i was very specific and I told the person taking the order no strawberries at all in side the cakes. I asked for a white cake with chocolate mousse and a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse. When I picked up the cake there was two tiny hairs on the top tier and strawberries in the middle of both cakes. The bride was very disappointed. On top of that the white cake was ok but the chocolate cakes was so bland. read more

French Bakery Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Vista, California

See all

This place is right across the street from us and well within walking distance. My parents are from Europe and I love a good pastry but I don't find myself coming here often. I will say their almond croissants are great and I have tried a few others such as an almond horseshoe/horn. Everything was tasty enough but I don't see myself coming here often. The vibes feel like the same old folks having early bird eggs and toast on the makeshift patio. Nothing extraordinary in my book. Workers are nice but not worth the Pastry for me. read more

Such a perfect little gem! Pastries and drinks that will make you keep coming back. Staff is always kind and attentive. The shop is always tidy and clean, and staff is constantly monitoring to ensure it stays that way. read more

this morning we went to have breakfast in there at about 8 AM. We put in an order for the house omelette and sat there for a half an hour and then had to ask the workers where our breakfast was! So then he went back and got somebody busy and we got had brown to hashbrowns, and the inside sausage brown and it stunk. For over $47 this was totally unacceptable! As we were sitting there waiting, their front door kept sticking open and it was cold with the wind blowing on us. My husband got up and shut it several times. They need to get that Dora adjusted so that people could sit in there to eat and not have cold wind blow on them in the early morning. We won't be going back! read more

I have been shopping at this restaurant for years. It's under new ownership and it has done the business no favors. I went into buy a cake for a birthday. There were no cakes available. The staff was rude and when trying to pay with cash they told me they had already cashed out their drawer. Keep in mind, they close at 7:00 and I was there at 6:25. They're happy to charge 3 and 1/2% though for using my credit card. I won't be back read more

The desserts on Vetrine look very appetizing. My kids happily ate some of them. But I don't like coffee. It looks like some kind of diluted coffee. I likely expected more, and the coffee was made a little worse than usual. read more

See all

Looking for a pastry or breakfast, this place might be in your wheelhouse. We came here for breakfast and got two breakfast sandwiches and the strawberry Nutella crepes. The croissant used for the sandwich bun is so good, it's flakey, butter and delicious. They don't hold up very well so, I would suggest not choosing this bread for Togo options! The crepes were amazing and I don't like sweet food but paired with the strawberries it was perfect! They definitely forgot our crepes but made it right quickly! It's a walk up and order counter with grab and go pastry's. It's a bit outdated and could use some love decor/detail wise but nonetheless the food was yum! read more

See all

Pretty good quality abs delicious pastries but very expensive in my opinion. That's the only reason I gave them 1 star less.

Stay clear of this place, under new management. For one, the service stinks, I think the girl behind the counter was the owners daughter. The way she acted, you could tell, she didn't want to be there. My wife wanted the spinach quiche but at 9am, they were already out so she settled for the ham quiche. She couldn't even cut into the crust, flaky, I think not. Everything about this place, total chaos. In advance, Stay Clear read more

Great cakes, amazing coffee & dessert!! Great customer been coming here from r over 10 years

While they do have great pasteries, today we went for the first time to try the breakfast items. We ordered the Traditional eggs Benedict and the Brie omelette. I am NOT a chef and have only made hollandaise sauce in the microwave quick and easy. Sadly their sauce was NOT as good as that. The Brie omelette was dry and you had to search for the cheese. Denny's has a better omelette and that is not high praise. read more

I've been here about 3 times in the last year and a half. All because I'm at the next door jiffy lube so it's a quick lobby for waiting. I don't know how they can mess up a coffee so bad. I don't think they know what an espresso is. All three times it's been served as a 5 oz pour over coffee. And even that's crap. Any coffee derivative is insanely off. Any drink for that matter is awful. Even the pastries seem to be falling off. Do Not come here for coffee or any drink, or pastries really. You're better off literally anywhere else. read more

I didn't read reviews before coming here and I'm so glad. Needed a birthday cake in a hurry for a co-worker that was not supermarket so I stopped in. The cake was a hit. Super moist and absolutely delicious. There was nothing left. All of the pastries look so wonderful behind the glass I'll definitely be back. read more

French Bakery Cafe - Vanilla strawberry cake - Bakeries Near Me - Vista, California

I picked up a variety of pastries for my granddaughters 16th birthday. The blueberry and fresh fruit tarts and macarons were so delicious. The only item I was disappointed with was the apple custard tart. It was tasteless and seemed stale. read more