Amazing flavors and textures! And great variety. One of the best pastry shops in the area.

Marcia, I most certainly enjoyed our chat the other afternoon! Thank you for the beautiful, fluffy, perfect macaron; as well your hard work and dedication to your business for ~15 years! Ordered a small passionfruit torte, and it was wrapped in a delicate scalloped fringe of white chocolate. Oh---what a gorgeous little masterpiece to behold inside of my box wrapped with yellow and white ribbon. Also sampled the apricot nut thumbprint cookie. The latter...perfect nibble en route home. As usual, a line....as usual, left wanting to haul the whole darn display case with me. SIGH read more

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It wasn't a bad place. But I don't think I will ever be back here again. It's a cute little shop and the servers/cashiers are super nice. But I just wasn't impressed with the selection and it sort of pains me to give me this review, but I can't see myself going out of my way (I live on South side) for Masse's. It's been on my list of things to eat for a while now. I adore sweets. Like if I could genetically engineer my body to only eat sweets, meat, and select vegetables and fruits, I would do it in a heart beat. But unfortunately, I've had better cake in Berkeley. My friend and I ordered a pear tart and a caramel poached pear dessert. They were both good, but not worth 5 bucks each. It just didn't entice me to come back. The pear tart was just like the ones in France and I love me some pear tarts. The caramel poached pear was sort of like a flan caramel with pear and it was pretty good too. HOWEVER, this place just didn't make an impression on me. I love Crixa and while these bakeries are both good, I find Crixa to give me more value in taste (I don't know, I just prefer the taste at Crixa more) and I'm actually willing to go to Crixa even though it's just as far as Masse's. I'm not saying Masse's is bad place at all. In fact, you may disagree with me and think Masse's is the best place in Berkeley to get sweets. And like I said, the servers were super nice and they explained everything to me. I suppose something that really bugged me was the lack of signage: I didn't know what is the dessert/ingredients and when I paid, I was slightly dismayed that I paid 11 bucks and some change for two desserts. I really don't know why since Crixa is priced comparably. I suppose it's because I want to know what each dessert (excluding macarons) cost. However, I do highly recommend that you try Masse's since it is a nice to eat, but it's just not the best place for desserts in my opinion. read more

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One of my fave bakeries in Berkeley! Had a taste of the goodies from this place after my BF brought me some macarons. Since then whenever i'm in the North Berkeley area to get Cheeseboard of Tigerlily I end up coming here for dessert. The place itself is so cute and well maintained. There's some seating inside but since it's a small shop it's best to just take your stuff to go imo. There's a lot in the area/CVS as well so you can always find a spot to park. Honestly the only thing i've gotten here are the macarons so I can't really comment on anything else. I've had a mix of pistachio, lemon, chocolate, strawberry, salted caramel, vanilla - basically all of their flavors. My faves are definitely the pistachio and salted caramel. It's more expensive than some places but the quality can't be beat. read more

Masse's Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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At first I was afraid of visiting this bakery since a few yelpers said the workers were rude. I arrived around noon and was happily greeted by a lady behind the counter. It wasn't busy at all so I had no problems with looking around and having a small conversation with her. She was really nice and suggested the salt caramel macaron. Their macarons are small and are priced at $1.25, which is a good thing because you're able to grab one of each flavor and not have to worry about spending too much. She packed my macarons in a white box and tied it with a yellow ribbon. My mistake was to only order one of each flavor!! Somehow I got my boyfriend to forget that we brought macarons home and I ate two of the five that we ordered!! Oh, they were so yummy! I tried to wrap the box up as neatly as I could... but I think I'mma get busted either way! :D We're gonna have to revisit ! read more

Masse's Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Ending a 3 day food tour at this bakery was something I could have done without. Their pastries tasted good but their customer service needs work. When I asked about the different pasteries, the lady helping me gave me a snobbish attitude. I'm sorry that I'm here purchasing pastries to pay for your wages. Maybe she was having a bad day but please remember you're making it a bad day for your customers as well. 1 Star for customer service and 3 stars for the high prices and bakery selection. If you don't mind enduring snobby customer service, their pastries are decent. read more

Masse's Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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A small tiny bakery shop located right near cvs on Shattuck most well known for their pastries and their cakes. They have decent prices for their pastries and for their coffee. Their cakes though are spectacular whether it be for the taste of the cake or the design! If you don't want to get a full size cake, they offer a mini version too which is cool. The mini can be shared with two people for a pretty good price. They also sell macaroons here too for a pretty good price too. As for seating they are limited on seats. Since it is a small shop they can fit give or take 10-12 people inside the shop. They do offer outdoor seating but that is also limited too - my best guess is 6-8 people outside. Just a side note: they do not have public bathrooms. All the members of the staff are very kind and welcoming too. They are willing to answer any questions you have and always welcome you with a smile. Either way it's a great pastry and cake shop located in Berkeley on shattuck. If you ever get the chance to, try getting either a Tiramisu cake or the Intense Chocolate Cake. You won't be sorry!! read more

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Masse's is the best place to buy cakes in the East Bay - there's no competition. I've been buying cakes from them for 15 years, and I've never had a Masse's cake that wasn't amazing. The shop itself is charming and the owners are great. It's odd how many Californians have decided to take the owners occasionally brusque comments personally- they are people too and their tiredness has to do with you. Get over yourself. read more

Delicate, scrumptious pastries! They do wedding cakes, serve mini cakes and other delectables, but I went here solely for their macarons! I admit it. I am currently having a phase with these petite, scrumptious macarons because their inside chewy texture and mini flavored jam filling is just so hard to resist! Every bite of it makes me continue to want for more! Before I know it, it is all gone! I spoke with the owner and baker, Masse, and he is friendly! I asked for one of each flavored macaron and he added a complimentary macaron to the order! The surprise of the additional macaron was my favorite one too - pistachio macaron! Good choice and way to go on winning my heart! = ] There would be a couple of seasonal flavored macaron popping up from week to week. I ordered up their filling of Strawberry Balsamic, Pistachio, Lemon, Salted Caramel, Chocolate and Black Currant macaron! All of them were delightful in their own flavorful way! Collection of my colorful macarons - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/masses-pastries-berkeley?select=P6kCBlTSvpiiUklXShmovg#N_xXY4D3MfWJnSmqepxpaA Mister Masse, thank you for tossing in my favorite macaron! You made my day! read more

Masse's Pastries - Macarons! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

The cakes at Masse's are simply divine. No other bakeries in the area can rival the originality and beauty of their cakes, the lightness packed with unique flavor while balancing sweetness (not too sweet). The pomegranate and passionfruit cakes live rent free in my head. Took 2 stars off because the woman owner is very rude. Wonder if it's only toward people of color as most of the reviews who had the same experience aren't white. read more

I bought two desserts for Thanksgiving: a pumpkin pie and the guava cheesecake. Our guests were so impressed with both the flavor and appearance of these. I ordered ahead of time online and the pickup was very organized and fast. The woman in charge was so nice and easy to talk to. This will be my bakery from now on. read more

Just walking by, I saw a table had a French Macaron cookie on a plate. What? They have French macaron in Berkeley? OMG. I love those things. So went inside and got one of each flavor they had. A chocolate one and a strawberry one. $1.25 each. My total was $2.50 even. Cookies are small and pretty tasty. Ate them both in less than 5 minutes. Pic above. They take credit card minimum $15! Evil. read more

Masse's Pastries - French macarons $1.25 ea. - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cakes are good. Customer service is horrible. Lady is rude, questions me as to why I'm wearing a mask... during flu season. It's demeaning.

As a true Michigander, Marsha could not have been more kind during our visit to Masse's! The pastries were decadent, as well! Highly recommend! read more

I grabbed some Sufganiyot Hannukah donuts: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/AROCIT_xG30zqkdlkZQ0fw?select=3ab8jVoYgkZKyU0XMSPzJw#3ab8jVoYgkZKyU0XMSPzJw I got the vanilla-bean filled (not traditional): very good. $2.75. But, not quite as good as the filled donuts at Doughnut Dolly. read more

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My daughter said the croissant at Masse's was the best in the Bay Area. So we went there on our way to hike on Mt. Tamalpais. The croissants were doughy and dense, not flaky. We did not like it. One thing I observed while we waited for our food - there was no sign for pastries and no price. So one of the staff or maybe owners had to repeatedly answer the same question- what is this? And this? And this? Seems so inefficient. Why don't you put a sign with all the details and price so customers won't ask the obvious questions. Maybe that's the way to connect to the customers? But other than to tell what it is, I didn't feel a lot of additional value or information provided. read more

Masse's Pastries - Croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

I wish I could have taken photos of the cakes I bought- they were a HUGE hit at the party I took them too. So much so that someone knew they were from Masse's. I have found my new favorite bakery in the Bay Area. The service was also incredible. For not having a lot of staff, they were really helpful. I'm on the hunt for the best tiramisu cake and so far this place is it. read more

I've only been here once, but once was enough to get me hooked. I needed a gluten-free cake for an office party before the world shut down and I was able to call and order a couple of days ahead. It was such a simple process. I took the owner's suggestion and bought the hazelnut chocolate cake. Holy wow, the chocolate flowers were so rich I can still remember the flavor melting on my tongue. And the hazelnut and chocolate cake weren't lacking in texture despite the fact it was gluten free. I was so happy when I was chosen to bring the remainder of the cake home. I ate for at least three nights, all the while fantasizing about going back to Masse's to try more of these infamous treats! The price was very reasonable for such good quality too! Masse's is definitely on my dessert list for future celebrations! read more

Came here for dessert after lunch today. We had the pistachio raspberry cake and the lemon meringue plus two macrons (raspberry and salted caramel). Everything was good but my favorite was the macrons. It was nice and chewy and had intense flavors. The place is kinda hectic tho and you need to pay attention to your parking or the meter maid might get you! read more

Masse's Pastries - After lunch dessert - pistachio cake with lemon meringue - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

If you love macaroons, then you have to try Mass's Pastries in Berkeley!! I came here with a group of friends on Saturday. The ladies inside were really nice and friendly to us. There was only 4 flavors of macaroons that day, and they were vanilla, coffee, lime coconut, and a 4th type (which I can't remember). All the macaroons are $1.25 each. I decided to try the coffee flavor, and it was delicious! The cookie on the outside was the perfect chewy consistency. The coffee creme in the middle was good, too. I'd definitely come back to try other macaroons. There was a lot of little desserts on the display case, too. read more

Masse's Pastries - storefront - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Thank you for two stunning cakes this year! They were delicious. Both light yet decadent. Orders and pick up were easy during the pandemic. Can't wait to try more! *quarantine decorations by me read more

Masse's Pastries - 8" mango - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Been here twice now and Masse's has some of the best cakes I've tasted yet! Peach and Torrone: My favorite thus far! The sweetness of the almond torrone, cake, and glaze is in PERFECT harmony with the fruitiness of the peaches and the layers of textures from the fluffiness of the cream to the crunchiness of the almonds made for one heavenly bite after another. Caramelia: Masse's most popular cake apparently and for good reason. The caramel mousse is delightfully airy and the bits of poached pears brings you back from the heavier sweetness of the chocolate. Passion Fruit Torte: Very tasty blend of passion fruit and white chocolate mousse. It doesn't have the same complexity and balance of the Peach and Torrone though, so it comes as a close runner-up. Citrus Charlotte: Yummy cake, raspberries and ladyfingers, but I found the lemon curd to be a bit too tart and overpowering. Blueberry Macaron: Delicious! MUCH better than Bouchon Bakery's. The shell has a thin, crispy exterior with a moist, rich interior complemented nicely with fresh blueberries and cream. The service is OK. Passably approachable and friendly, though I was disappointed when the lady at the counter said that she couldn't write a message on my cake for my parents' wedding anniversary due to the line. Honestly, it doesn't take very long to do (and I would know as I had them write up a birthday cake on my first visit) and I feel like they need to remember to prioritize customer satisfaction over getting through the crowd as quickly as possible. All in all, come here for the delectable cakes and be prepared to bask in sweet euphoria. read more

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Service was very nice and accommodating, he walked me through each cake, too bad I was not a fan of the chocolate chiffon. Macarons were a bit inconsistent in texture, some of them being overly chewy. Flavors of the day: rasp, coffee, vanilla, strawberry, yuzu, mango & salted caramel. The latter four were my favorites. Gifting and wrapping: they are so generous about offering boxes and ribbons. A lot of places these days just try to throw your dessert in a tiny paper bag. 14 macarons & 2 cakes, $28. Minimum purchase of $15 for credit cards. read more

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It was a rainy weekend afternoon in Berkeley, and I was craving macarons like no other. So far, my macaron quest had pretty much come up unsatisfactory; they were either too sweet, too dense, or very artificial-tasting. I'd heard really good things about the macarons at Masse's, so I decided to venture out in the freezing wetness in search of some sweet consolation. This little bakery is located on a strip of little shops right next to a diner I'd never tried, but the diner is quite large in comparison, so it's easy to miss Masse's if you're not specifically looking for it. The interior is small but cozy, with one table and some window seating. The owners had even put up lunar new year decorations, which I thought was adorable, as the pastries didn't really boast Asian bakery to me. Service was a bit slow because there was only one person behind the counter, and he seemed to be helping customers, fetching cakes, and making coffee at the same time, but it picked up once a lady came out to help him. She was quite nice and a little motherly, warning us to be careful driving in such weather since she'd seen three accidents just that day.. but I digress. I tried the green tea and salted caramel macarons, not wanting to get too many in case they suffered from the same flaws I'd previously experienced in macarons. I tried the green tea macaron first, and from the first bite, I forgot about the freezing rain, my lack of an umbrella, and the impending doom my midterms were sure to cast the next week. The texture was nearly perfect, with the outside being crunchy and that kind of falling apart but not really falling apart texture and the inside light but still slightly chewy. Plus the green tea flavor really reminded me of the authentic matcha ice cream you can get at Japanese supermarkets, and while a little sweet for my taste, it wasn't so much so that it overwhelmed the taste of the tea. I would get this again ten times over, it was that good. The salted caramel macaron wasn't as good as the green tea one, but the texture was still nice. It was a little denser and chewier, and I felt like it was overly sweet. I tend to think that all salted caramel pastries and drinks and whatnot are too sweet though, so that could be just me. My friend also tried a brioche. I had a bite and thought it was a little dense and lackluster, especially compared to the macarons, but I can see it going well with a cup of coffee (cream, no sugar). I'll have to come back and try some of their other pastries, specifically the cakes and other flavors of macarons. Yum! read more

Masse's Pastries - Valentines macaron box: green tea, salted caramel, and raspberry. - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love their hazelnut chocolate cake. A weekly treat. Tried their walnut chocolate, tiramisu, opera cake, mango cake. My order of favorites: - Hazelnut chocolate - Opera cake - Walnut chocolate - Mango cake - Tiramisu read more

I'm disappointed to say that I experienced racism today from the workers at this shop. I went here to buy pastries for Hanukkah, and while the place was busy I watched the older female worker be very nice and attentive to all of the white customers while her interactions with me were very rude, cold and dismissive. Not only did she make me wait longer then the other customers, she also served the customers that walked in after me (and no, they did not call in ahead of time). When I finally walked up (again) and explained the incident to the older male worker he responded, "oh". The woman was within ear shot and she didn't apologize, explain, or even acknowledge me (other then to ask me to move aside so that she could help another white customer). It's upsetting that as a Black women living in a fairly "progressive" area, I would be subjected to racism while I'm simply trying to buy desserts for a holiday. read more

Masse's is the best! Such amazing pastries from such a great family. Our go-to bakery for special events and or anytime.

Please do not shop here. The service here is fine if you're white, but I witnessed the workers be rude and skip over the only Black customer in their shop. They were very friendly to the white customers, myself included, but essentially ignored the Black woman who was patiently trying to place her order. I decided to read through past reviews and there have been multiple complaints from BlPOC customers who mentioned experiencing racism from the owners. As white people, we need to be better and this business is repugnant and abhorrent. If you continue to shop here and you are white, you are condoning this behavior and supporting a racist business. #BlackLiveMatter read more

I purchased 2 cakes, Mango and Caramelia(?), for my son's birthday and they were both so delicious and so pretty. Guests had second servings! Didn't have any leftovers. I'll be getting everyone's birthday cake from here. Staff were nice and warm. A gem! read more

Masse's Pastries - Caramilia(?) - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The service is good and their cakes are amazing. Mango mouse cake or passion fruit cake is my #1 choice for birthday cake not only it tastes good but they also make it fresh daily. read more

When asking a simple question, while deciding if I should place an order, the response I received from the owner was delivered in an arrogant and dismissive manner. I will never patronize Masse's. Even though my previous experiences were positive. The treatment I received from the proprietor was uncalled for, unacceptable and unprofessional. It is a shame Katrina Rozelle has closed her College Ave store. I will travel to Alamo for those deliciously beautiful desserts. And treated with respect and excitement. read more

Divine pastries but the ill tempered woman behind the counter (co owner I think?) has soured me on patronizing this bakery. It kills me because I have purchased many delicious items over the years but the last time I was there the woman went off on me over something she thought I said. It's very unfortunate and unpleasant to have such a negative experience while shopping for sweets. I see the same has happened with others. read more

Love this place, usually beautiful desserts do not taste good. Not masses tho, the desserts are amahzinnggg. Order from here for every celebration/holiday etc. always love the lunar ny menu. Ive tried every cake on their regular and lunar new year menu and a few christmas items. Soooo good. And their custard tarts mmmm mmmm good. Okay now im drooling signing off. read more

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I wish I could give this place a lower rating than one star. I came here to look for a specific cake that my daughter requested for for her 14th birthday. My daughter, unfortunately, was with me. I never got to ask any questions or try any of the sweeties because I could not get past the lady behind the counter who, I imagine, must be the owner, because really no one would hire her. I am going to go out on a limb here and say she is your old-fashioned racist. She was perfectly nice to the white dad with kids in front of me. She was so rude that me and my daughter simply walked out and my daughter started crying in the car when she saw how I upset I was. Sometimes I wish places like this would put up signs that said "Only Whites Allowed" as a warning to people of color. That would be preferable to having to cross paths with such people. read more

Had a chance to try the pistachio cake and the mango mousse cake, both of them were amazing! The service was actually really good at this place. I have to admit we were a little apprehensive about visiting this place based on other yelp reviews but when we were there, we found the people there extremely friendly! Highly recommend checking this place out! read more

Marsha, the owner is SO SWEET. She's like the grandma who loves you and talks on and on.. but about interesting stuff! She's a legit foodie and we swapped a ton of restaurants in the bay area and NYC. She and her husband have been in the food industry for decades and know all the big players and as she kept saying, "could make a leather shoe taste amazing"! Even though I'm dieting for my bridesmaid role next month.. I splurged. * Guava Cheesecake - OMFG this was like heaven in my mouth. This was made with ricotta cheese I believe - soooo perfect, dense, slightly crumbly, with a thick slightly moist crust that added the crunchy texture but was still easy to cut into (I hate when the crust is so hard you can barely cut through it, and when you do it requires so much force that you end up making a mess). The sliced almonds on the sides gave that extra bit of crunch as well. This was all topped with a layer of guava flavored gelatin that PERFECTLY complimented the sweetness of the cheesecake. Wow. read more

Masse's Pastries - Guava cheesecake - AMAZING!! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I usually come here on sunday afternoons to have afternoon tea. They have a great selection of little desserts for all. From chocolate cakes, fruit pastries, fruit-tarts and cheese cakes to little macaroons. They have a few classic like tiramisu,lemon meringue to something a little more exotic guava puree cheesecake. They also have tea and coffee that goes very well with each and individual desserts. They use fresh/local/organic ingredients too. Each dessert has it's own individual taste. I've tried most of the cheesecake and enjoy eat and everyone of them. They have a nice infusion of vanilla bean into the cream cheese. Their fruits are always fresh and their chocolate cakes are to die for. Little quiet table seating and large window in the front makes it a peaceful and enjoyable afternoon tea place. The owners and bakers are all very nice people too. read more

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My husband and I always loved the pastries and cakes from this shop. It was our go-to place for birthdays and other special occasions. And the two of us often stopped in during the farmers market for a special treat. Until one day, I sent him to pick out something special for his desert. He came back flustered and almost in tears. Chris had been diagnosed with early onset dementia but was still functional at that point. He told me he'd been humiliated by the female owner and made to feel the fool. Now, bear in mind, he knew what was happening to him, but he never complained, was always as sweet to everyone as ever, but he'd lost the words to tell the woman how he felt about her treatment of him. Needless to say, Chris was no longer able to shop at all for much longer, but humiliations like this are very detrimental for people with dementia, and are known to speed their diminishment. Reading more recent reviews, it seems pretty clear to me that the woman, whom I believe is named Marcia, could well have Alzheimer's herself. Erratic angry behavior is often a symptom of that dreaded disease. I hope her family is taking good care of her. read more

Okay this place really nails cute desserts. I was in charge of sweets for a dinner party of 4, and the nice girl behind the counter advised me to get 3 or 4 small ones. I chose the tiramisu, raspberry chocolate, and guava. Came out to be $19.50. The guests absolutely loved the guava -- the cream is light and delicate, and the almond sponge cake was pretty soft. I was hoping the tiramisu would blow me away, since I love that stuff, but it was a solid 4/5. I thought the outer crust lining the cake was a neat aesthetic touch, but found it to be on the drier side (history: I bought the cake at 9 am, left it in the box all day in the fridge, and enjoyed it at ~8:30 pm.) I have a tree nut allergy (hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans are bad but almonds, peanuts, cashews, pistachios are OK....it's an odd allergy) but risked all that to buy these cakes anyway. (These cakes all have the same prep surface.) I think I had the *slightest* reaction but it was over in a flash and totally worth it. If you have a more serious nut allergy though I don't recommend these products. There will definitely be some nut oil mixed into all cakes. I'm coming back to get more of these gems whenever I have guests entertain. read more

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One of my favorite pastry place in the Bay Area. Been coming here for many years and it never disappoints. The style here is European with some Asian influence. Thus, the pastries tend to be less sweet and more light. Those pastries are works of art, pleasing on the eyes and deliciousness in the mouth. My absolute favorite here has to be the Mont Blanc which is seasonal. You'll love it if you love chestnut. Their Guava Cheesecake is also very unique. read more

Masse's Pastries - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California