Wonderful breads and pastries, strong community feel. An incredible hidden gem that I love to return to.

Super service! Best sandwich and latte I have had in years! Why not 5 then? Con: small, bathroom a bit dirtier than I would like for "Amazing" read more

It's kind of funny, this place is tucked into such a random spot that you'd almost think you took a wrong turn getting there. It sits in a parking lot surrounded by small businesses and industrial buildings, the kind of area you'd normally just pass through without a second thought. But that's exactly what makes it feel like a hidden gem once you find it. The paninis are a standout. They use thin bread that gets this perfect golden crunch when pressed, and the fillings are really well balanced, nothing overwhelms anything else. You actually taste the ingredients working together, not just a pile of meat or bread. And then there's the bakery side, which is consistently solid. I don't even know the official name of them, but those triangle-shaped croissant-looking pastries they're known for? Easily the highlight. They're incredibly flaky, you can feel every delicate layer as you bite in, and rich with that buttery goodness. Their seasonal items can be a bit hit or miss, but honestly, they're still worth trying. Even when something doesn't fully land, you can tell they're experimenting and putting thought into it, which makes the menu feel fresh and interesting. read more

This is the spot. Also pro-tip, fuel up here before Costco in Richmond or post Point Isabel dog park. Honestly though, Gran Milan has my heart. Pre, during, and post pandemic. The most amazing Italian bakery for those in the know, or those that need to know! The owner and staff are fantastic ~ the first time I took my Sicilian father, he was so impressed, it's his favorite spot and he travels to Italy a few times a year. We used to come here only for the fresh-out-the-oven focaccia, and then we moved onto their amazing pizzas, and now we're all the above plus coffees and sweet and savory (and authentic) treats. I haven't seen a spot with these type of offerings outside of North Beach and especially on this side of the East Bay! Such a cute bakery, and located on a side street off the freeway (just in case you ask yourself if you're going the right way)..it's tucked next to I think a CrossFit and auto spot, but plenty of parking. We've even recently used the cannoli for a baby photo shoot (which we devoured shortly after). If we could go here everyday we would, but we try to space out our visits so they're equally as special. Bellissima! read more

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What a great place! We had a small celebration there and asked to have bruschetta with with a plate of fresh burrata and another plate of prosciutto di Parma wrapped around melon. The combination of the prosciutto de Parma with the melon was flavorful and very fresh. The burrata with fresh tomatoes was amazing. It looked like it came directly from an Italian restaurant in Italy. Everyone loved it and could not stop going back for more. The service was exceptional. We want to thank Paty and Laura for the elegant presentation. And, of course, Anabelle for managing the event and preparing the caffe macchiato the way it should be prepared. None of this would be possible without Rufo, the "maestro" of Cafe Gran Milan. He has created a precious little corner of Italy here in Richmond, California. read more

Gran Milan - Bruschetta with fresh burrata and melon with prosciutto di Parma - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

Adorable cafe tucked near Acapulco Rock and Soil and a body shop on Jacuzzi Street. Friendly cashier who guides you to a million pastry choices and focaccia and cannoli. How to choose? Definitely try their pizza and follow it up with a sfogliatelle. You will not be sorry. Casual dining by locals who are in-the-know. You must seek this place and try their baked treats. read more

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Small bakery with dining both inside & out. I've come here numerous times and always for the bread sticks! I mean green olive sticks of loveliness. . I also grabbed a mushroom & sausage pizza for dinner. It was also delicious. Oh, and bruschetta...meh. It was okay. Service was okay. A bit rude but nothing major. But nothing memorable either. read more

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I've visited this cafe 3 times now and I enjoyed each experience. Their baked goods are super fresh. My favorite is the sfogliatella, the texture is so crunchy and interesting I don't even know how to describe it, and the inside filling is a tasty cream and not too sweet. I've never had this before coming to this bakery, but it's supposed to be a well known Italian thing. Service is good. The lady working in the front is very friendly, she was always patient when I ask her questions about what's inside the items. Quality of the baked goods here is definitely . The cute little cafe makes me feel like I'm in Italy. My husband and I came here on a date once and it's quiet here so you can chat and enjoy your food slowly. If you're on a date here, I recommend driving to the Albany Bulb afterwards for a nice romantic stroll, which is only a five minute drive away. Parking is easy. But this cafe doesn't seem to fit in with the little mall area... there's warehouses and stores. read more

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What we ordered: Bruschetta special Blueberry pie Pistachio croissant Pistachio cake Rum soaked baba Cappuccino We took most of it as to-go snacks for our day in the city but we had the bruschetta and rum soaked baba at the bakery. Both of those were amazing! The tomatoes in the bruschetta were perfectly seasoned and fresh, the burrata and proscuitto were fantastic. We ate the blueberry pie and pistacchio croissant on the ferry ride to the city. Made for the perfect snacks. We haven't eaten the pistacchio cake yet but we aren't expecting anything short of amazing. The owner (?) and lady behind the counter were super friendly. Definitely a must try, hidden gem! read more

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Damn, don't they give you a whole basket for free at Olive Garden? $10 for two olive breadsticks?! Trust me, peeps, these are worth it. Heavy on (I think) castelvelstransos and high quality olive oil. This place is in a weird industrial park between 80 and 580 in Richmond. And they were doing great business. Wonder why ;-). Coffee was great too. read more

This is a nice little hidden spot for breakfast and cappuccino. Their pastries seem simple but they are well executed with quality ingredients. We tried the breakfast sandwich which was ham, tomato, mozzarella and egg on a nice soft brioche torpedo roll. The crispy pastry dough in a lovely lattice design on top of the leek and Parmesan strudel was really nice and not greasy. The plum danish was something I hadn't seen before and it was a nice combination of tart and sweet. Well foamed milk on top of their espresso for a cappuccino. Not open on Sunday so make sure you come early on Saturday as items tend to sell out. read more

My new hidden gem. I woke up this Saturday morning craving something delicious. My mom told me about this focaccia bread She tried at a coworkers party. She raved about how delicious it was and how we should go. In that moment, I grabbed my keys and mom and we headed out. When you arrive, it feels like a hole in the wall (my favorite) it's a very small and cozy café style bakery. To surprise, my mom's coworker Marco Flamini, who told my mom about the amazing place was there with the owner having a visit! The owner and lady working the front both were extremely welcoming. Unfortunately, the amazing focaccia bread was not ready till 10:30 am and we arrived around 9 AM. However, all the pastries that were ready to go looked mouthwatering. Traditionally I would take pictures of everything to show, but I was so impressed that I started creating a box to take home. I attached a picture of the receipt so you guys know all the things I got. When I tell you everything was equally amazing... I can't imagine how good the focaccia bread is going to taste when we come back. Definitely take the time to stop by and say hello and grab some pastries pizza and focaccia bread . I now have a new spot I can grab good pastries for Christmas and Thanksgiving! I will provide an update when I return . Note: you can also call ahead and have them reserve items for you! However, they do close at 2 pm! Shoutout and Thank you Marco for introducing this amazing new spot to my family & now Yelp family read more

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Love this place!! Great authentic Italian bakery with fire breakfast and lunch options. Extremely fast service. Staff and owner are so friendly! Small tucked away hidden gem. read more

I'm so happy I finally got the opportunity to try their food. I've been eye-ing them for years, but due to their location that's not on my usual route, I had not gone there. Finally, I was In The area and the timing was great to snag a quick lunch. I have to say that their prices are not cheap! I basically spent over $60 (before tips) for 2 panini, a fruit tart, a napoleon, 1 foccacia ,and 1 Cafe latte. However, the paninis were so so good! The bread was crispy but not dry! It was filled with fresh lettuce and tomatoes, not overly stuffed but fresh a d delicious. Certainly felt like eating gourmet panini sandwiches. The fruit tart was really good though I wish the tart was thinner. The napoleon was passable though, not my favorite. They were busy! But the line moved quickly. The dining areas (a small outdoor patio with about 4 tables and a other 4+ indoor tables were cozy. The bathroom was old but clean and spacious. Would certainly be back to try more of their pastries and bread! They all looked scrumptious! What a local gem! read more

Gran Milan - Delicious but not cheap - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

Gran Milan is such a cute cafe in an unassuming place, I'm so glad I was able to find it! Wonderful pastries you really can't go wrong. It seems a lot of regulars frequent the place and they really take time to get to know their customers. I've been before and loved their pastries and coffee, this time I recently ordered their cannoli's and they were the best cannoli's I've ever had! The perfect amount of sweetness but the flavor of the filling was out of this world. Hope to be a regular customer for years to come. read more

Gran Milan - Some of their pastries still on my list to try - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

I absolutely love this place and I can never get a picture because I eat everything beforehand! My personal faves are the homemade soup, the olive bread, long pastry with the apples on top, their tarts and their lobster croissant thingy. Great service and vibe! I go there 1-2 months - it's in my lunch time rotat honestly read more

Ferrari meets focaccia! It's been a while since I've been here. But recently discovered their signature pastry is fogliatelle ricce. Not quite a croissant, not too sweet, totally petite! Located in an industrial area off the i80 and 580 exchange in Richmond. Most notably known as the exit to Ranch 99 on the east side of freeway, or Costco on the west side, this bakery packs a huge selection of baked delights savory and sweet. Still to me the best coffee (featuring Mr. Expresso; Oakland) and the best Italian bakery this side of Naples. And let me tell you the hint of lemon, the mild creamy ricotta the painstakingly prepared flaky layers with a splash of powdered sugar, of their fogliaelle... is the perfect morning, or brunch bite... or two or three with that cup of Joe. It's quant inside with a few outdoor seats, nice enough to linger. Service is always fast, convivial and welcoming, "hey Ruffo! I call out to the master baker always sporting a beanie and apron in the back; he could be Flea of RHCPs long lost brother. "come stai amico mio? He enthusiastically reply's. That's about all the Italian I know except a heartfelt Ciao upon exiting. "Ciao Grazi" Ruffo enthusiastically waves back! The line has never been more that 2-3 folks and be patient because newbies get antsy looking at everything from pizza to pastry's decorated with precision, grace and Italian flare! Ferrari meets focaccia! Splendido! read more

Gran Milan - Sfogliatelle ricce - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

I saw an article about this place being opened by an Italian retired soccer player. I stopped by for an early brunch and they definitely have the best baked goods. I tried a salad and sandwich. The sandwich was good but a bit dry with the thick focaccia. The salad was pretty basic nothing different in my opinion. The baked goods though, are so popular and next level! There were so many people there just getting pastries. Highly recommend checking that out! read more

I have been here twice... the last time was more than 6 months ago. The lady at the front is always so amazing. I have ordered pastries from here, like their tiramisu and cannolis. Parking can be a headache as this shopping center has other businesses around but it's worth the visit. read more

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Weird location, but great pastries! Highly recommend the raisin roll... So good. And literally any breakfast sandwich. They're so friendly there & very patient! And their little outdoor area is super cute :) can't wait to try more pastries as they do have a limit on how many you can purchase. read more

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I've had this bakery bookmarked for the longest time and I barely made it in right before they closed at 2p. Inside was cute and cozy with warm red walls and cafe tables/chairs. Since they were about to close, there were a few items left - I was bummed they were out of the flaky pastries that I wanted to try (croissants, etc.). I made it quick by picking out one of their fruit tarts (apple custard) and a chicken calzone, which the cashier gave as a BOGO since there were 2 left- that was really nice! Unfortunately the tart and calzone were underwhelming - maybe it's personal taste, but I expected the tart to have a crispness to the crust but it was cake-like, lacked flavor and the filling fell flat. The calzone was filled with chicken, onions, broccoli and cheese but it was a little dry and it the flavors didn't go together for me. I'm willing to go back early to try the coveted croissants and other pastries that were long gone by the time I arrived! read more

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Sfogliatelle. Early in the morning. Close your eyes, ignore the fog, the freeway, the industrial park, click your heels together and think of Rome. One bite of pastry and you are transported to the land of ciao bella, motos, the lumpy cobbles of the Via Appia. I have personal rules about Yelp pastry reviews - I don't apply a global standard, but rather a local/regional standard - is this five stars for the region I'm in? That said, the sfogliatelle from Gran Milan are as good as the ones I've had in Rome. They are excellent not just on a regional standard, but on a global one. They are so superlative that now, on my semi-regular travels to the Bay Area, I'm going to make return visits to Gran Milan (and I usually try to never revisit a restaurant or bakery.) Note: purchased, first thing in the morning, so very fresh, earthshatteringly crisp and dusted with a light puff of powdered sugar, filled with a cinnamon-citrus-ricotta cream. More: this is a small very Italian cafe buried in an industrial park. IIRC it has a few small tables (I got takeout, so did not enjoy a cappuccino with my pastry.) Parking is interesting but not bad, inside and waiting is nice. The woman at the counter (Annabelle?) was lovely and very helpful. I also ordered a box of pastry which I did not get to eat (I gave it away. Now why did I do that?), a puff pastry with apple which was delicious the next day so must have been phenomenal the day of, and the olive breadsticks, which were also outstanding, salty, rich with a generous portion of well-flavored savory green olives, chewy and hearty, and also which ended up being breakfast two days in a row. I'd do that again in a heartbeat. It was my first time at Gran Milan, but family has been coming here forever, and now I understand the reason why they're regulars. And... darn it, realized I didn't get a picture of the sfogliatelle. How could this review possibly be complete without it? I must visit Gran Milan again on my next trip to the Bay. read more

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Gran Milan definitely felt like a hidden gem! From the pizza, panini, croissants, and the cafe latte just really hits and reminds me very much of Italy. read more

Dude...might be the best sandwich I've ever had! Seriously...I'm a bit of a food snob, this place did not disappoint. Went to get a window tinted at the tint shop ( Shout out to the Tint Co. Richmond...fantastic service, quality products) and passed by this cafe on the way into the parking lot. I could smell it as I drove by and my mouth was already watering. I asked the dude at the tint co about the cafe and he got super pumped. Highly recommended it, so I went there while I was waiting for them to install the tint. Somewhat small menu ( which I don't mind at all) but with plenty of options. Panini, salads, soups, pastries, espresso etc...I had the chicken pesto panini, my coworker got the porchetta one. Omg!!! So killer. Fresh. Home made with love. The bread (focaccia) was so light and delicious. Pesto was super fresh, vibrant green color. Fresh tomatoes and herbs. I'm going to be craving this place for an eternity. I cannot wait to have it again. Bravo Cafe Gran Milan!! read more

Squisito! A real touch of Italy in Richmond. Pizza, panini, incredible pastry and desserts. Hard to find, but well worth it.

Found a hidden gem near my workplace. Recommended by my coworkers, so we gave it a try, and it was sooooooooo good! We have prosciutto and roast beef panini. The bread crust was so crispy and nicely seasoned with fresh olive oil and salts. Flavors were really delicious. I actually like here more than the popular sandwich shop in Pirenze, Italy. Will come back for a morning espresso and some desserts like canoli, heheee read more

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Hard not to love this local bakery. The items are made fresh daily and are authentic Italian bakery. You have to try the fresh pizza pies and the breakfast sandwiches, which look and taste like you bought them from an alley of Roma! read more

Gran Milan has a variety of delicious baked goods. The selection of croissants include cream, chocolate, almond filling and plain. I was not a fan of the chocolate croissant, it was more of a chocolate cream and I wish it was a more chocolaty or strong cacao flavor and filling. It just felt like a custard with some cocoa mixed in. It might be a personal preference in chocolate filling, but I don't like the one at gran milan. However, I really enjoyed their almond croissant and I can imagine getting one every visit. The olive bread was quite tasty and I wish I had some olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip it in. There was a decent amount of olives and I read a sign to watch out for the olive pits, luckily I didn't get any olive pits! The spinach and cheese strudel was amazing. The person in front of my got 3 spinach and cheese strudels and when I saw there was ONLY ONE LEFT, I HAD to try one haha. Boy was I glad I got it, I'd get a spinach and cheese strudel every visit, IF they still have any left that is. MMMMMmmmm I love apple pie, so I had to try one of those also. The apple slices were quite thin and I would have preferred much thicker slices of apples. But in the end, it was a tasty apple pie. Gran milan keeps me wanting to go back to try all of their pastries. I hare the pizza is a must try so that's another item on the menu I must go back for! read more

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Great coffee and treats! Staff is friendly and service is quick! Cute spot for a quick bite - has outdoor seating! read more

Gran Milan - Custard filled pastry - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

If you want to grab some yummy Italian pastries come early they go fast! Tues-Sat Hours 8-2pm the pizzas are delicious so fresh and authentic! Love the crunchy crust. My Mocha was on point too! read more

Gran Milan - Porcheta with Gorgonzola Pizza was mouth watering good! - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

The place is in an unassuming industrial center but it's clean and well decorated. The people are super friendly. A ton of food options and pricing is very affordable. The only problem with this place I see so far is that everything looks delicious. Lol Great spot! read more

Gran Milan is a completely hidden gem tucked away between the warehouse businesses on Jacuzzi Street, and it's probably the one place in Richmond where you can find freshly made Italian goods for an affordable price and in excellent quality. If you find it, you'll see that there's plenty of parking around the lot! The inside is cozy and quaint, offering the usual warm comfort of local cafes. I personally love how the staff preparing fresh pizza and pastries is in plain sight from the counter. There are multiple things I enjoy grabbing from this joint: - Cafe Latte: it's strong, it's creamy, it gets the job done to start the day right! - Tart with nuts and berries: super tasty and a lovely balance of sweet and nutty! - Cannolis: smooth interior, subtle sweetness, and nice, crunchy exterior - Berries beignet: absolutely fluffy and perfectly flavored! If you've been to Italian-owned restaurants and bakeries before, you'll know that Gran Milan is the real deal! This is a precious local business and it offers even more than just the pastries! Order a pizza, order a panino, order something sweet! Whatever you get, it will be good! read more

Gran Milan - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

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Looked for a place for a light lunch. This little hole-in-the wall was charming. It was our first time at this place and we were welcomed right away. Prices are a little steep, but it was worth it after trying their paninis. SO delicious, fresh, and tasted amazing. You're definitely paying for the quality and the authentic Italian taste. Also, their chai latte is delicious! They ran out of a few pastries I wanted to try, but that just proves that this place is popular. We can tell that a lot of the customers are regulars. Gonna come back here next time we're on this side of the Bay to try their other treats! read more

Gran Milan - Menus 3/2023 - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

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Excellent pastry! Fun, funky location. We're becoming regulars. Pleasant owners and staff.

I love this place with my entire heart! If you want authentic Italian food, this is the place to go! The ambiance is so lovely, and the customer service is amazing. We got the chicken pesto panini, prosciutto panini, cannoli, and a cappuccino - all of which were 10/10. Every time I visit Richmond, this is the first place I'm visiting. read more

Good spot to get coffee + breakfast pastries or lunch sandwich while you're on your Costco trip! Sausage panini is absolutely delicious and so is apple strudel. Decent amount of seating (not a ton) both indoor as well as outdoor. read more

Gran Milan - Outdoor seating area - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

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De-licious! The food is absolutely delicious. The interior is amazing, especially the outdoor seating. Wish I could've sat outdoors, but there were only a few tables. But that did not upset me. The workers were absolutely polite. They always asked if you needed something along with your order. Panini was amazing, and the iced mocha was balanced with the perfect amount of chocolate. Pastries were absolutely perfect. I need to order them more! I'm coming again! read more

Gran Milan - Pastries! - Pizza Near Me - Richmond, California

I've been going to Gran Milan since it first opened years ago, and it has never disappointed. Don't let its location--across from a body shop in an industrial area--fool you. Their pastries are top-notch, and everything they make is crafted with care using high-quality ingredients. It's a hidden gem, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this lovely spot. read more

"Here we go... apple pie! Best apple pie in the city. (Jerry starts eating) Delicious. I'm not waiting for you. Take some!" - Jerry Seinfeld Da Scene: Used to come all the time when the kiddo was in school close by, MISS THIS PLACE... Was in the area so popped in to find them thriving and knockin' it out. You KNOW it's good when LEO frequent the place, and there's a line at 8am Sat. morning! Da Grub: Like a kid in a candy store, you don't know where to start. Yes, their sweets are consistently beautiful and equally tasty. From the crisp/citrusy sfogliatelle, to the apple/strawberry tarts, to the infamous "camel"... it's hard not to come away with a big box. The ratio of tender pastry to custard to fruit are in perfect harmony. Don't overlook the savory offerings! Breakfast sammies always good, but the spinach/leek pastries today were off the hook as was the veggie quiche... always take some olive bread home, pair with rosé and some good cheese, salami or Jamón, mmmmmm! If they have the focaccia piled high with sauteed onion, get TWO, you'll thank me! Da Service: partly why we come back, they are down to earth folks to enjoy what they do. Front counter always friendly, skilled and quick with the espresso drinks. The paisans that run the place are always busy in the back, typical of experience in Italy, once you are a familiar face, they acknowledge with a nod or a simple "chow". Seems like stuff is constantly coming out of the kitchen... just when our order is packed up, something beautiful is put on display! Can't gush enough, worth a voyage within a hours drive, come on over. read more

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Great place to have coffee, pastries, lunch in El Cerrito. Friendly faces. You need to try their Olive Bread, runs out early in the day.