I stopped by Lafayette Bakery on Memorial Day morning and there were only a few people in line. The selection of pastries and breakfast items made it so hard to choose because everything looked amazing! I ended up getting the ham and bacon quiche and it did not disappoint. It was flaky, light, and had the perfect crunch. I paired it with a vanilla latte with almond milk, and as a barista myself, I have to say the latte was a 10/10. You can tell it was crafted with care. I enjoyed my breakfast in the patio where they had outside seating, it was clean and very spacious! The service was also great! The barista who took my order was super friendly and made sure I got my items once they were ready. I'll definitely be coming back to try one of their sweet pastries next time! read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Front of the bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Uniqueness: Their pastries are well done! Wait Time: [x][x][x][x][x] Food Quality: [x][x][x][x][x] Service: [x][x][x][x][x] Setting: [x][x][x][x][ ] Cost: [x][x][x][x][ ] Recommendation? Definitely stick with their pastries as their other savory foods looked alright (perhaps one day I'll try and see how they taste). Yelp told me about this bakery in the older Carmel Plaza here that's not in the main Ocean Ave. The plaza was sadly mostly empty but was still curious to see how this bakery is. The inside was also pretty sparse at the time of my visit and there were a decent amount of pastries still on display and first impression of their sandwich & other savory goods was a bit of a miss by the looks of it. Still I ordered a lime tart, tiramisu, and a guava raspberry tart with no coffee, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how good they all were! Not too overly sweet, and it didn't feel like any other generic tart/tiramisu so I would definitely be curious to try some more. Staff were also friendly and the overall price per pastry was slightly on the pricier side but then again, this is Carmel. Perhaps another plus if anything about this place is you definitely won't have to worry about tourist crowds or long lines! Would I come back here? Maybe I will give their savory food a try next time as well but truth be told regardless, I'll check them out again for more pastries as they did a good job. Worth the visit! read more

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Sometimes a place has such great reviews that your expectations end up being much higher than the actual experience. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to us here. We stopped by while driving along the coast and ordered a cappuccino, a latte, and a tiramisu. The café itself is small and has a nice atmosphere, but it definitely feels like it could use some renovation. The biggest disappointment was the coffee. Both drinks were watery, bitter, and tasted more like regular drip coffee than something you'd expect from a café with such high ratings. The tiramisu was also much smaller than expected and much sweeter than a traditional tiramisu. There was also a small outdoor patio, which could be really charming, but it also looked tired. The wooden tables were weathered, dusty, and in need of some care I know this café is known as an old French café, and I really wanted to love it. I truly hope they invest a little into both the space and the coffee because the location has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, this visit just didn't live up to all the amazing reviews. read more

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We stopped by for a quick coffee and ordered a latte and a cappuccino. Unfortunately, both drinks seemed to have far too much milk and very little coffee flavor. They tasted more like hot milk than coffee. Too bad we didn't realize it until we were already driving away, so we couldn't ask for them to be remade. read more

Delicious treats from savory to sweet! Started with a flaky blackberry jam pastry that was excellent and had the chicken Caesar sandwich later for lunch down the road. We arrived inside with a small line and looked for what we were about to choose before ordering after our short wait. A great location with a look into the bakery. Some seating outdoors as-well, but we had it to go read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

It's been a little over a year since I visited Lafayette Bakery. I happened to pass by it while looking for an antique shop at The Barnyard Shopping Village. I had forgotten that's where it is located. It was about 11:30am on a Sunday morning and there was no line. I expected the shelves to be bare, but they still had lots of items available. I bought a pre-made mini chicken sandwich and a chocolate croissant. Both items were utterly amazing. The mini sandwich was made with the most scrumptious bread and something in the sandwich gave it a delicious little kick that I loved. The chocolate croissant was just plain fantastic. I'm going back to Carmel Valley in late summer and can't wait to get another mini sandwich or two and a croissant. read more

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This place is legit. We came toward the end of the day, so much of the selection was already gone, but what we did get was worth it. Must-tries: * Cheese focaccia with hot honey (warm it up!)--absolutely incredible * Chocolate pistachio cake--pure perfection * Lemon meringue--beautifully balanced, tart and sweet * Passionfruit tart with raspberries--another bright, tangy-sweet standout We found a nice outdoor spot to enjoy everything, which made it even better. Do yourself a favor and go early for the full selection! read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Super cute patisserie tucked into a charming little plaza. The bakery itself is adorable, and while dogs aren't allowed inside but they are welcome on the back patio. They have SO many pastries and breakfast treats that it's genuinely hard to choose. I originally went in craving something sweet, but I couldn't resist trying their mini baguette ham and cheese sandwiches since I've never seen a mini one before. Paired it with a latte, and wow, I was immediately transported back to Paris. Simple and absolutely delicious. I honestly wish I had grabbed a few pastries to go because everything looked incredible. Already looking forward to coming back and trying more next time! read more

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I won't sugar coat this I ordered Almond Croissant, Custard Chocolate Gaga, and Chocolate Croissant it wasn't the standard of what baked goods should be. For the price of $16.50 for 3 pastries it was good but not spectacular. The Gaga was disappointing it was thin not enough chocolate no custard , the almond croissant was visually flat like it was smashed, and the chocolate croissant was decent. Overall I've seen an tasted better bake goods elsewhere. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Custard Chocolate Gaga's - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Cute little spot. There was a line but it went by quickly. Pastries were delicious. The coffee was okay. Standard siting out self service coffee, which is rarely good. For espresso drinks it appears to be an automatic machine with basic mass market syrup (think syrups sold at Marshall's or World Market). Felt odd to have no prices displayed at all. The items weren't overpriced but I got less than I would have otherwise since I just didn't know how much everything would cost. More gluten free options would have been nice as well. read more

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Early chilly morning in Carmel, exploring for some good coffee and bakery bites, came across this packed authentic French Patisserie/bakery in the barnyard shopping strip. Got their popular chocolate swirl, bagged their pistachio/cranberry sourdough loaf for take out. All the items are baked in this bakery unlike few others who buy from wholesale bakeries. Also noticed many getting their fresh sandwiches..was lil too early for me to bag sandwiches. The coffee was meh, had better ones at other places. Definitely a spot to satisfy bakery cravings or sandwiches, just allow few minutes for line which moves fast. read more

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Our brother in law recommended this bakery to us so we made a visit. It was quite busy all morning and there were a constant influx of people coming in and out. We got a delicious sourdough, key lime meringue puff and a pastry with lots of baked meat and cheese. The food was delicious and crispy and it's so quaint in there! read more

I was working in the area and needed a quick bite before heading home. I found Lafayette on Yelp and saw it on a few social media reels so thought I'd give it a try. It checked my boxes and now on my list of places to go when I'm in Carmel or on my way to Big Sur. Highlights: Mini-sandwiches: perfect portion if you need something small. There are veggie and meat options. I tried the prosciutto sandwich (yum). There are full sizes to go which are perfect for two on a hike in Big Sur. Pastries: The minis are perfect portions for flavor but I took the full size for breakfast today. Right now we are marveling over the raspberries. I don't know what they do but it guarantees a return trip for me. Coffee: No complaints here! Sitting back with a latte with my sandwich is my version of a good morning. Ambiance/service: very friendly and patient with a first time visitor! I love the patio for sitting back and enjoying my food. Thanks again and I have to get back to my raspberry swirl before it's gone! read more

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Lafayette is an old school French bakery in The Barnyard Shopping Village that I've been going to for years and I can't believe I am only just writing a review for them in 2026. Please forgive me. Maybe I've been unwittingly gatekeeping. But no more. It is a small pleasure in my life to walk into this sunny warm cozy space that smells of butter and flour, grab a couple mini salmon sandwiches and a mini lemon bichon (a must) (and maybe an extra pastry or two, just to try something different once in a while) to take with me for the day and eat it somewhere picturesque, like at the beach watching all the happy dogs scampering across the blustering sand. The food is light, delicate, and perfectly simple. The people are nice. Grab and go. Go early before things sell out, because they do. There is no other location. It is the only one and to me, it is special. read more

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I can't gate keep any longer. This is one of the best bakeries I've ever been to. A REQUIREMENT to stop here any time we are in or around the area. Fun fact: my husband and I stopped here before we got engaged at point lobos and when we came back to Monterey for our honeymoon. You can't go wrong with anything here, and they have something for everyone. There's a case for dessert specific items, sandwiches (I recommend the prosciutto, ham & Swiss or caprese, or all three if you do the minis), and a baked item case ( to the right of the cashier). From this case you want to get the Apricot pinwheel and the raspberry brioche. I am not a fan of brioche but they nail it here. We don't come here for the coffee, so I can't really comment on it as the star of the show is definitely the baked goods but a hot tea will run you $3.50 for a medium. read more

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Was sadly disappointed with this place. The mini bichon I got had no lemon in it at all. It was a dry empty puff pastry. The mini brioche I got was dry and stale. I also got the raspberry brioche. It was better, but it still felt like there was something missing with the texture of the brioche. It wasn't as airy as I wanted it to be. It also got dry without the topping. The apricot pastry was okay. It was too much pastry, not enough of the good stuff. Maybe three bites of it and the apricots tasted straight out of a can. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Display of pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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This pastry shop has been a local favorite in Carmel for good reason. It has been around for about 12 years, and I have been coming here at least once every two weeks for that entire time. There are a lot of great bakeries, pastry shops, and cafés on the Monterey Peninsula, but this one has always stood out to me for its quality, consistency, and charm. They usually have at least 15 different varieties of French pastries, along with mini cakes, bite-size tiramisu, brownie bites, and premade sandwiches. Everything is beautifully presented, and you can tell they care about the details. I also order large amounts for my staff at least once a month, and they absolutely love when I bring these treats in. One of the best things they offer is their fresh focaccia flatbreads on Saturdays. If you're lucky enough to come in around 10 in the morning, you may catch them while they're still warm. They usually make three or sometimes four different varieties, depending on what the chefs decide to create that day. There isn't really a set menu for them, but in true French fashion, they put out whatever they feel inspired to make, and it is always amazing. The only problem is that they usually sell out within an hour, so you have to get there early. I honestly don't understand why they don't sell those focaccia flatbreads throughout the week, but I'm guessing it comes down to quality. They seem like perfectionists, and that is probably part of what makes everything so good. When you get one warm, it is absolutely worth the trip. The pastries are excellent, the quality is consistent, and the shop has become one of those dependable Carmel places that locals truly appreciate. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of their coffee, but I'll admit I'm a bit of a coffee snob. That doesn't take away from the overall experience at all. After 12 years of coming here regularly, I can confidently say this place is special. It is warm, consistent, high quality, and very much part of the Carmel community. Five stars for sure. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Large pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

Fantastic pastries, pies, sandwiches and coffee. Service was also great! Parking is plentiful, inside seating is a bit light but they have a big outside patio out back. read more

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I saw a long line while making our way to breakfast. But by time came back at 11 am most of the pastries were sold out. But the chocolate croissant was one of the better ones I've had. There was a lot of chocolate, they def don't skimp. The citrus yuzu croissant was different in a good way. Little pockets of yuzu baked in were delightful. Soft interior with crunchy exterior. Outdoor seating available. read more

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I love this bakery so much! The staff are so nice and lovely to talk to in the morning. Tried all the mini sandwiches and every single one is delicious. The almond pastries are unmatched. Everything about this bakery is so lovely. If you are going through the PCH, drop by here to pick up some small meals and treats on the way. But come early because many of the pastries were sold out by 11. I definitely recommend the ham and swiss cheese croissant warmed up because that is the BEST thing i have ever tried-- juicy, crunchy, savory, sweet -- all the best things. I am still thinking about it to this day read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

A huge variety of delicious looking items..... not a price on a one of them. No prices posted anywhere in the shop. I even inquired. Nope. Nothing is priced. You have to ask the clerk about every item you're interested in. No thank you. read more

Came here after checking out of our airbnb, to grab a quick bite to eat and some coffee. Love how convenient their pre-made sandwiches are, and all their pastries looked amazing! My friends and I each ordered a mini baguette sandwich each, plus some hot drip coffees and a couple sweet treats to share. I opted for the prosciutto sandwich, which is the perfect mini size for breakfast. The baguette had a nice chew to it. Loved the sesame seeds on the exterior for extra texture! And the flavors of the prosciutto and the accompanying accoutrements worked well together. Service was pretty quick since they pretty much bag your food and hand it to you once you pay. If you order coffee, there's a self serve station, or you wait for a specialty coffee the make behind the counter. The only caveat is that they don't do iced coffees! So if a hot drink isn't your thing, you're out of luck. Pretty decent bakery to hit up if you need to pick up something quick and tasty. Interested in trying more of their baked goods next time I'm in Carmel! read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Highly recommend. Everything is amazingly delicious and so very well made. Don't miss out on the best pastry outside of France!!

Ordered: - Mini ham cheese, Mini salami cheese, Mini prosciutto (3.5/5): Our main complaint about the 3 above sandwiches was the bread that was used. Since it wasn't toasted, it essentially felt like we had cold, hard baguettes with cold deli meats inside. It felt dry to eat and we probably wouldn't get again - at least for breakfast. - Mini salmon (4/5): Our favorite mini sandwich mainly because we love salmon and because the bun softer than the previous mentioned sandwiches. - Quiche Lorraine Ham, Bacon, Cheese (4/5): We got this one warmed up and it was so nice and warming on a chilly morning. Definitely a filling quiche with a delicious crust. The only con was that the crust was a little burnt likely from warming it up so we couldn't eat it all. It was definitely also a bit on the oilier side. - Almond Croissant (5/5): My gf loved this one! It was delicate and flaky and had the perfect level of sweetness. Definitely one of the standouts for her. Overall (3/5): We came here on an early Saturday morning in October to pick up a quick breakfast before heading to Point Lobos for a hike. The service was quick and efficient so we could be on our way, which was a plus. The location was also very convenient as it was right next to a spacious parking lot. Our main complaint was that the price tags weren't shown when we were ordering and it felt tedious to have to ask the cashier how much everything cost. Maybe this was by design though- after purchasing everything we found that the mini sandwiches came out to about 5 dollars per sandwich. For the size that you get, we thought it was pretty overpriced. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

What a precious place. We stayed nearby and this was my go to for coffee and French pastries. The location is perfect for grabbing and eating at one of the many benches nearby. The pastries were out of this world and the coffee is just what you want in coffee-bold and flavorful just as it is! I will dream of returning. read more

Massive glass cases filled with fresh French pastries and even a meat filled option or two. I've tried several over many visits and all have been delicious. However---I've eaten pastries in Paris, France and these American made versions seem much less soft. It could be the local water or some other factors. According to Google--there are 4 factors--1. higher fat butter used in France 2. specialized soft flour with no flour additives used in France 3. France has strict baking regulations 4. French people expect hyper fresh artisanal products. This bakery is locally made top quality. There is an outside seating area that's a little shabby and neglected. Very limited indoor seating. Service is ok. But, for someone such as myself, who has travelled around the world, lived overseas as an expatriate, and has formally studied multiple languages in universities in other countries, it's kind of ridiculous for a French girl behind the bakery counter to repress a laugh--that she obviously wanted me to see--at my pronunciation of one of their products. Give me a break! She clearly understood what I said since she retrieved it for me. read more

This place has amazing pastries and sandwiches I ordered Salmon and spinach quiche warmed up along with a latte and it was so good. I also picked up a few pastries. Lots of parking but Al way a lineup and only a few tables to sit at on the patio. The employees were very nice and helpful as well. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Quiche and some pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Love the pastries and the mini sandwiches. We were going to go for a coffee drive and we discovered this french bakery. I would come back again if I go there again. read more

So delicious and in such a cute area. Pastries are perfect and the sandwiches are so yummy. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

Tried the almond paste croissant. The butteriest. Pure decadence. At this point, I don't need to think about other patisserie.

A popular location. There was a line but went fairly quickly. The bakery goods are plenty and very delicious. It's a first come, first serve. Once they run out that is it for the day but they have a wide selection of fresh baked goods. The place is nice to dine in the courtyard or to-go. An excellent choice if visiting here. read more

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Tres bien! Excellent French bakery. Nice selection of pastries and baguette sandwiches. The ham and cheese quiche was a standout with a unique flaky crust and creamy egg custard. Friendly service with a smile. Limited seating so best enjoyed to go. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Excellent coffee. Tasty croissants. Delicious selections. Stopped in for a coffee and snack on our way to walk the dogs at the beach. Service was quick. The store was clean and comfortable. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Stopped by before heading for the airport and it was around 11am on a Monday. If you want their top sellers, definitely come early because many items were already out of stock. My favorite was the coffee cream puff, light and fluffy and the cream was 9/10. I got the mini prosciutto sandwich on a baguette and wish I had passed (3/10) but overall, everything looked amazing and I would recommend. In the photo, my friends purchased other baked items but I can't comment on those! read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

Came twice in a 4 day span, so it's safe to say I liked the it! I went a Wednesday around 9:30AM and Saturday around 7:30AM. It wasn't busy either days. On Saturday there were even more pastries varieties, perhaps because it was earlier in the morning closer to opening time. However, there was more than enough to choose from both days! I'm a sucker for almond pastries, so I ordered both the almond twist and the almond croissant. Both were good, but definitely different. The croissant was moist due to the frangipane and had the usual croissant flaky consistency. Overall, very good! The twist, on the other hand, although it also had a flaky consistency, it was more crips and I found it less sweet and more dry. However, it was equally good! I also ordered a ham and cheese croissant. I wasn't a fan of the spread it had, at the end it overpowered the ham and cheese flavor. I wouldn't repurchase it. Lastly, I ordered a latte. It was good, but if you're looking for a coffee spot, this might not be the place for you! It was decent, but not the star of the place. If you're at Carmel, this is definitely a place to visit for pastries! Staff were friendly and the place was very cozy. read more

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The. Best. Croissants! The Almond Twists, Pear Tart, Chocolate Mousse cream puffs, OMG it's French Pastry Heaven! Such a diverse & incredibly authentic selection of delights! Succulent, delectable, decadent! Surprisingly they were open till 3 pm and still had a FEW sweet & savory options available... lucky us! We plan to arrive early next time for maximum choices. See you there! read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Front door Lafayette French Bakery In Carmel Barnyard - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Best bakery in Carmel! There something for everyone. We got breakfast and lunch items for three people and it was $50- very reasonable and the quality is incredible. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Lafayette Bakery offers a large selection of delicious pastries. We picked up an assortment of pastries before driving to Big Sur. Each pastry was flavorful and flaky. Don't miss it! Lafayette's does get incredibly busy on weekends though. Arrive early. read more

Lafayette Bakery & Cafe - Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Carmel, California

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Have been here two days in a row this week and was super happy each time! great latte, great service, and super tasty parties! Be sure to try the cinnamon roll read more

Yum! Easy parking, and delicious pastries. What more could you ask for? Line was long on a Saturday morning, but worth it. Ordered a ham and egg focaccia, an almond croissant, and a chocolate pistachio pastry. Everything was 10/10! A must-do when in the area. read more