The pastries here are absolutely delicious! So happy with everything I got, which was a plethora of sweet and savory pastries. read more

La Châtaigne - Pastries - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California

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We decided to try this place again because the reviews are so great and we thought maybe we've gotten it wrong. So we went on a Thursday morning and there was already a line at 10 AM. The amount of pastries they had was astonishing and they were all so good. The bakery smelled awesome! The coffee is still meh. I don't know it's just too weak and I don't like that. They don't have lids for the coffee cup and I really don't like that. You can sit outside and eat, but it was kind of cold. We got a scone which was fantastic but I would prefer no icing, a mini apricot kouign amann which was to die for and a regular kouign amann which had shattering sugar crust. Soooo good. I love the pastries, but I still think the coffee needs to be worked on. read more

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The one to rule them all. Still the best and I've been looking to see who can topple La Chataigne.

Fantastic bakery with a lot of great options. We came around 12pm on a Sunday, but despite that we were able to get two croissants, a quiche and sandwich. All items exceeded expectations! Would highly recommend this place and it's easily one of my new favorite bakeries in the bay. read more

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Warning: If you have any type of food allergies, ask more than 1 person working there to confirm what is in certain baked goods before buying. I have been coming here for years and this review is solely for my most recent experience with the young man who helped me. I love that they employ many young adults/teens - especially on a busy Saturday morning. Unfortunately this is how my exchange went with the young teen.... He clearly didn't know what any of the pastries were. I asked what an item was he said it was a tart and another person piped in and said no it's a cheesecake. It continued like this with other pastries, like you should familiarize yourself with what you're selling I asked for a quiche Loraine, I come home - he gave me a quiche with just onions with it. Then I asked what kind of loaf was the bread that just came out, he said cranberry. I specifically asked, are there any nuts in it because my wife cannot have walnuts, he said no, just cranberries. Well guess what, we get home... THERE ARE WALNUTS! Thank God I ate it before she did or we would have had to grab her epi pen and take a trip to an ER simply because a kid didn't know anything. I told him, don't forget I have butter and please ring it up, he said ok. As I check out and he gives me the bag to leave he goes, oh I didn't add the butter. And I'm like seriously I just told you and you responded and this exchange happened no more than 20 seconds ago. I was grateful for the other young teens that were knowledgeable but sucked I had to drop the nicely fresh baked bread in the trash since my wife couldn't eat it! read more

We have always enjoyed the offerings at La Chataigne. Good coffee tables outside. A sweet little shop!

Was visiting from out of town and just went in quickly as I was on the way to the airport and just needed a snack. I will definitely be back to get a better sampling of their menu! My quick snack was a croissant and it was amazing!! Light and buttery and perfection. The staff was very knowledgeable about all the lovely items in the display case. Lots of seating outside. I'll be back! read more

Best kouign amann I've ever had in my life - 5 stars for that alone. Also tried some assorted fruit danishes and croissants (plain was excellent). But get the kouign amann!! read more

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I'm convinced it's impossible to order anything "bad" at La Chataigne. My favorite is the bear claw. Less like a donut shop bear claw and more like an almond croissant; with almond paste inside, a touch of cardamom, and caramelized, crispy "claw" edges. Second fav...any of the quiche. I usually get one of the 4 vegi options but the ham and gruyere is no less delicious. Minus one star because the line on the weekends moves very slowly - but it's a very small shop with room inside for just 3-4 people at a time. Work on the street is that they are moving across the street soon, next door to Sideboard, and will have much more room then. I can't vouch for the coffee because I don't like coffee but I hear it rivals any of the other coffee options in Lafayette. Wish I had pics to share but they are in my belly. Bon appetit! read more

Oh man... this place has the best baguettes and pastries. It's a small shop but crowded and sold out fairly quickly. The baguettes have a bit of crunch on the outside yet a very soft and chewy interior. It works really well with their ham and cheese sandwiches or for bringing back home to make your own. When fresh out of the oven, the croissants are out of this world! The service though... is a bit iffy... they can be a bit rude and impatient. The employees never smile and seem very annoyed. read more

Wonderful French bakery with fresh, delicious pastries and Everything tastes authentic and high quality. The staff is friendly, and it's a perfect spot to enjoy coffee and a pastry. Highly recommend! read more

I always come for a chocolate croissant and leave with one of everything. They are so fresh and warm, it really is so delicious. It's a small place so you most likely will start outside in line, once you walk in someone will ask for your order so try to peak inside for what you would like so you don't feel too much pressure once it is your turn. read more

Came by on a Saturday morning and there was a small line outside this tiny shop (only a few people fit inside at once). The pastry case is small, but everything looked fresh and well-made. Limited selection, but solid classics: kouign-amann, croissants, morning buns, bear claws, and quiche. I tried the ham & cheese croissant, and it was right up there with many of the top pastry spots in the Bay. Really well done. What surprised me most was the coffee. They don't serve drip, so I ordered a $3 large Americano--and it ended up being the highlight. Smooth, rich, hot, and just a touch of half-and-half made it perfect. It has a nice neighborhood feel, and most of the people inside seemed like regulars. A simple, friendly spot worth stopping by if you're nearby. read more

Best fresh French baguettes. Crispy on the outside, warm and airy in the inside. Love when they have cannolis and chocolate croissants.

I discovered this place recently, and if I want to treat myself to something delicious, this is where I go. There's always fresh baked goods and tons of tasty treats, but my special love is the authentic French croissant--flaky, crispy, with that rich buttery taste. And my absolute favorite is the financier: tender, slightly moist inside, and wonderfully aromatic. Plus, the staff are incredibly friendly--it's genuinely a pleasure to be here. Highly recommend! read more

I've heard so much about their croissants that I had to finally stop by. Normally, they have lines of folks waiting in the morning for their goodies. I happened to be in the area at 2:30pm (they close at 4pm on Sundays), the "no croissants, sold out" sign was posted, yet good fortune smiled on me when I heard, "There are some croissants just out of the oven." The baker suggested I wait 5 minutes before eating mine, to let it cool down & crisp up. It was yummy! ;) read more

La Châtaigne - Outside the bakery - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California

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I was in today and found out that it is under new ownership. So sad! I hope the new owners will keep up the quality. I could already tell a difference in just the front area. The freezer is pushed up against the shelving display and is empty? The shelving display had none of the cute French stuff in it- just some jams. The croissants tasted the same. Just letting the loyal customers know- I had no idea it had sold and I go often. read more

Love their ham and cheese baguettes. Perfect little sandwiches on super fresh and chewy baguettes. They're so simple but I could have one every day and not get tired of them. Their pastries are also yummy. Big fan of the coffee cookies and the hazelnut chocolate chip cookies. The hazelnut chocolate chip is so decadent with the chocolate used and sea salt. read more

Best French bakery in the east bay. Get there early or they run out! The chocolate croissants and everything else they have are heavenly. Line can be long but moves fast. read more

La Châtaigne - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California

I tried the Affogato and it was absolutely delicious! They even let me sample the ice creams first to help me choose. The cafe is tiny, cozy, and full of local charm, I really enjoyed my visit. read more

Their croissants are some of the best! This is a very cute little shop with fabulous pastries. We tried some of the cookies today and they were amazing! Always love going to this place! read more

La Châtaigne - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California

Great pastries, pleasant staff, short wait for orders and fortunately offer some gluten free options

Would order again: 1) Isigny Ste Mere Croissant (Normandy butter) croissant and 2) sandwich of the day ham and cheese baguette sandwich. The Normandy butter croissant is about $0.70 more expensive than the domestic butter croissant and the staff described it as being more fluffy and more rich. So good. I could smell the butter on my hands 15 minutes after eating it, yum. They're ham and cheese baguette sandwich was also very delicious. It was just the right amount of ham and cheese. There was a small amount of balsamic vinegar and scattered pickled peppercinis. I was a little afraid that the baguette wouldn't be as fresh because a sandwich is refrigerated but I was wrong! It was crispy and crunchy! Wouldn't order again: cheese covered sacristain and kouign amann. The Sacristain was the same price as an Normandy butter croissant with only half the amount of joy eating it. The kouign amann was dense and not as crunchy. The bottom also had TOO much sugar. They only have outside seating and it was really shaded when I was there around 11am! +1 to all the other reviewers about the service you get here. Before I ordered, three of their workers were shit talking when people who don't speak French try to order in French. I felt the weight of judgment when I had asked what's the difference between their two croissants as if I was a peasant. I left our water bottles at home so I asked for two cups of water as temperature were climbing to the 90s and I had this gaze from a worker of "how dare you have me walk to the back to get you water. You should just buy a coffee". read more

La Châtaigne - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Best croissant I've ever tasted. Feels like I'm transported back to France. Perfectly thin and crispy outer layer with a soft, pillowy, and oh so buttery inside. I am now unfortunately hooked, not sure how I can resist this place every weekend. read more

La Châtaigne - French Butter Croissant - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California

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SERVICE 3-stars Indifferent bordering on unfriendly. This was my guest visit and the pastries have French name. I asked the dark haired girl behind the counter for description of the items and I had to keep asking "what about this one" repeatedly as she'd stopped after each one. What a sour puss. Didn't even bother to tell me that there were lots of croissant options on the rack behind her. 1-star. The young blond man at cash register was friendly with a smile on his face. 5-stars FOOD 4-stars Good. Slightly dried out. Based on 1 item. read more

This place is tiny, no seating and strictly a grab and go place. There is a parking lot, but each spot comes with its own parking meter (a dollar for 30min). I came by on a Friday afternoon ~2:30pm-3pm. Luckily I was the only patron there. A few seconds later another lady came in. Let me preface by saying I'm typically a Costco croissant girl. I've never been to France. I wish I have, but I haven't. When I saw people commenting about it the authenticity of these croissants I knew I had to make a stop to try them myself. To me, a Costco croissant is so good, so satisfying. What more do I need? My oh my, let me tell you. Days after consuming these...I want more. I wish I had a tray full in front of me now. How do the workers not sneak a bite during their shift? Maybe they do? Hm. Anyways, these cannot be compared to Costco lol. To other Costco lovers...you've been warned. Croissant expectations bar is going to be set up much higher from here on out. I got both regular croissants and French croissants, and took them home to share. My mom couldn't tell a difference between French butter and regular, but scarfed hers down SO fast. She's not easily impressed by food, but she immediately went on to say how good these were--without me needing to prompt her! That says a lot. My brother and I could tell a difference in taste. My brother says the French butter one is definitely better, more buttery. To me, it's a subtle difference, but it's there. I do think it is worth the extra cost to get the French butter ones. But the regular were delicious too, and worth picking up as well. I felt like the French one is slightly more savory, richer, more flavor, almost fresher. I understand that French butter is higher in fat content, so the difference in flavor makes sense. FYI, the French croissants were the ones with the curled ends, while the originals have more straight ends. At home, and through to the next day (I know, I'm surprised they went on to live another day too), the top layers stayed crispy and crunchy without needing to reheat them. When I'm in a area I'm not usually in, I love to open up the app to see what treats I can pick up on the way, and this place is a great example of why I'll continue to do so! Next time I'm in the area I'm stopping by again, for sure! Happy end of the year discovery for me :) read more

La Châtaigne - Sorry this was the only pic I had. The curled end one is French croissant and straight end one that is already bitten into is regular lol. - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California

I love good-quality baked goods and pastries, and I am happy that I got to try some of the items from this place. Croissants - these croissants were so good and fresh, and even when I consumed it a couple of days after I bought it, the croissant was still soft and the buttery taste really came through really nicely. Not to mention that the look of these croissants was stunning. I especially loved the shine on the outer crust of the croissants. These croissants were gorgeous. Bostock - I'm glad that I tried new things, but honestly I am not a big fan of this one. From the look of it, this pastry looked like it was going to be dense like a lemon bar or something, but upon the first bite, the texture was more akin to a croissant, weirdly. So maybe because the texture I was getting did not match what I had expected, that really threw me off. I also didn't think that the slivered almonds added anything to the pastry. It was in general still pretty good, but I probably wouldn't get this again. All in all, the baked goods from this place are great. read more

La Châtaigne - Bostock and plain Croissants - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California

Lots of tasty options, line wasn't too bad moved quickly. Unless you know what you want it is a little stressful ordering because you can't see anything until you are inside and there are other people in line in front of the options. But the food was good our favorite being the kouign amann and the French butter croissant! I also ordered a white chocolate limoncello but they gave me an almond caprese instead, which was disappointing. read more

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I dare say, best, croissant in the Bay Area. No photo because I snarfed it. The thing that sets it apart, aside from being all buttery goodness, is that it was baked to perfection. Bronze and completely cooked inside. No doughiness at all. The brioche pastry I had was also excellent. Also, buttery and perfectly cooked. Definitely worth a stop if you're in the neighborhood. read more

The service was such a let down. After waiting in line for a decent amount of time, you make it into order, and you're met with rude younger workers. The pastries do not feel on par with the hype of waiting in line. So many other lovely places to entertain. read more

The coffee and French pastry are great here. I had a fruit tart with a large milk chocolate mocha. Wow, I forgot how good this place was. Keep going La Chataigne read more

La Châtaigne - Morning buns on top, bear claw (middle left), croissants made with French butter and an apricot (delicious pastry - forgot the name). - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Just discovered the French butter pain au chocolat on the menu! Best bakery in the area! Cappuccino was delicious and exactly how I like it, lots of soft foam. Quiet, outdoor seating area on the sidewalk. read more

Our family really enjoy visiting this bakery. There is always fresh and tasty bread that my kids love, and the sweets are delicious too. The people who work there are very friendly and make us feel welcome every time we come in. It's one of our favorite places! read more

The almond croissants here are to die for! We had gotten pastries here several times and it's always worth the long lines!

I also was in yesterday and wondered if the bakery had changed ownership. The only reason I wondered was because I noticed a new employee behind the counter and another who was cleaning the outside area. Both were pleasant and very good at their respective jobs. A very nice friendly young man behind the front counter. I bought quiches, chocolate croissants, bostock, and a kouign amann. Everything was fantastic and the same recipes as always. I look forward to returning again and again! read more

We love this place! Fantastic pastries and such nice workers. A great selection of things, you'll have to go back numerous times to try everything...which we plan to! The croissant and quiches were so tasty. read more

What a great place to stop and grab a bite to eat! The ambiance is fantastic: there is outside seating, and parking right next to the shop. All of the bakery staff were busy preparing sandwiches, pastries, and other delights for a steady flow of customers. I really enjoyed the baguette sandwich. I surprisingly didn't enjoy the deserts as much, but that may have been my personal taste: the kouign amann's bottom layer seemed very thick (too thick?) to me, and was incongruent with the rest of the very flaky and light pastry. It reminded me of a sticky, caramel version of See's Candy peanut brittle. I normally wouldn't count something like this against a location, but La Châtaigne seems to aspire to be counted among the top bakeries in the area, and as such, for me the kouign amann did not seem to meet that standard. La Châtaigne is definitely worth a stop, and I will also be taking a look at alternatives that others have recommended as well! read more

Love this place but my desire for their food has been overshadowed by the long SLOW moving line. I know that popular places have lines but this place takes it to another level. I left after standing in line for 10 minutes with about 15 other frustrated people still standing there annoyed. I saw two other customers leave as well, one saying, "I can't wait 15 minutes for a croissant." I asked a woman who was just outside the door what was going on as I left. She rolled her eyes and said it was a couple people (who were together) casually taking their time to look at the pastries and ask questions - and fill 4 bags. Can't there be a line for people that actually know what they want - or possibly an express line like at a grocery store? Maybe the people that want 4 bags of food should be required to call in their orders? Just some suggestions as I hope things will change...as it's becoming less and less desirable to stop by. read more

If you're a fan of flaky croissant then this is the place for you! I found out about this place a couple years ago after taking my dog to Lafayette Reservoir for a walk. Ever since then, I would make quick stops whenever I'm in the area. It's a small cafe but they have a couple tables and chairs outside. I came here on a weekend a little after they opened. A line had already formed. Their croissants sell out frequently so don't wait until they are about to close to visit. read more

The Kouign Aman here is so delicious and there is so much potential but I just can't overlook the service. Service here is horrible. They seem like college aged kids and while our family of four was trying to figure out what we wanted to order, the girl behind the counter tells us only 4 pastries per group and not in the friendliest tone. I was confused and clarified we can only get one thing each because I wanted to order something to go to give to a friend. The girl confirmed 4 pastries per group. I thought this was weird because they hadn't mentioned this to anyone in front of us. So we put in our order and the girl overhears us talking to people behind us who heard her tell us only 4 pastries per group then she corrects what she originally says and says oh it's 4 of the Kouign Aman per group. So now I am annoyed because we ordered 2 Kouign amans, a chocolate croissant, and a cheesecake so unsure of why she felt she needed to tell us something but didn't tell anyone else. I didn't get a chance to order something for a friend like I had wanted. I am on the fence about going back but leaning towards most likely not. read more

La Châtaigne - Selection of pastries - Patisserie/Cake Shop Near Me - Lafayette, California