By far the best pastries in this area, expensive but excellent. No wonder they are at this location for so long. We saw so many re-visiting customers while we were there. read more

Sponge cake is my fav here at Masse's. And I order all birthday cakes here. I have to say that the espresso drinks here are not up to my standard. Go across the street to Peet's for coffee! read more

I had initially written a two-star review, but recently I tested their cakes for my daughter's wedding, and I was very impressed. First, Masses was easy to work with. Second, the five cakes we tried ranged from good to excellent - we are probably going to go with all five of them - each table will have a cake. read more

Our daughter chose to have the incredibly delectable dark chocolate and orange pastry she tasted at Masse's to be transformed into her wedding cake. She could not have made a better choice. The cake was spectacular, and delicious. Both Marcie and Paul Masse were terrific to work with. Our daughter had chosen a "woodsy" fall foliage theme for her wedding, and the Masse's followed through with the perfect cake. They even presented it on a slice of tree trunk. Nothing but raves here! read more

Masse's Pastries - Our daughter's wedding cake. - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

My favorites - pain aux raisins (best in the Bay Area), chocolate truffles with salt caramel (tried five other brands - they are NOT as good as these), Bella buns (named after Paul's daughter - he only makes them during the winter. they are brioches with vanilla custard inside), bacon maple macaroons. Their cake decorations are a visual feast fpr the eyes. I have tried many cakes - both small and large. They are all good. No matter how small your order -- tea and cookies, hot chocolate (delicious), or a coffee and a croissant and the pastry is served to you on plate in a tray with a glass of water, utensils, napkin - all very civilized and gracious. read more

AMAZING MACARONS. I particularly love the salted caramel (though I have to space them out within the day) and their Vietnamese Coffee (which they have only after Lunar New Years). Apple tart is also super good (if only I could have that crust on everything I eat) The shop is extremely quaint and unassuming, without looking like they're trying too hard to be cute or hip or whatever. They just are. And the staff is soooo nice. It's quite unfair to other shops, really. It's just unfair that it's tasty and cute and friendly and well-presented. Check it. read more

I'll admit my first impression wasn't great. I walked in and ordered some things at the recommendation of the woman manning the cash register. (She had excellent suggestions!) I ordered a raspberry torte, some chocolate sea-salt caramel, a breakfast bun (brown sugar and dough) and a caramel macaroon. I thought the displays were super cute, so I pulled out my phone to snap a picture. Immediately some angry-looking lady came up and informed me that I wasn't allowed to take pictures and that I should put my phone away. I apologized profusely, but she felt the need to keep chastising me for a couple minutes, implying that I was trying to steal a photo to pretend that I had baked those pastries myself. Super awkward. With that somewhat-sour experience in mind, I took my pastries to the hills at UC berkeley to eat. My first thought: "Now I understand why they can afford to be bitchy to their customers.... these pastries are AMAZING." Seriously. I have never had better pastries than this in my life. Maybe I'm just uncultured, but they were truly amazing. I didn't even have napkins and I did not give a crap, just dug in. They were -that- good. Maybe it was just an off day or something in terms of service. As others have said, there's seating inside, and they also serve coffee, water, and other drinks as far as I can tell. They also have larger versions of each mini-torte for take-away. read more

I love this place. Just about everything they have to offer not only looks like a piece of art but is also incredibly delicious. Masse's also never lets you get bored. They change their designs and flavors constantly. Even with eating one of their cakes at least once a week I still find something new to try when I am there. I also love the people who work there. It almost feels like you are in their home. They patiently describe exactly what each cake or pastry has to offer to every customer that walks in there. Oh and don't forget to try their cookies! read more

Every time I am back in the Bay Area, Masse's is a must for me. From their delicious treats that speak for itself, their friendly staff and the warm, open ambience makes this cozy place even more adorable. I always go for their French macarons (only $1.25 each), abut I always end up caving in and always purchasing a few more plates of sugary goodness. They have an array of decadent chocolate cakes and fruit tarts that have best of both sweet and sour worlds. My only concern for the place is the tiny space. There are not enough tables and chairs to serve all of its fans! However, if the weather is nice, the bistro style tables and chairs are also a good option. TIP: The owner almost always gives out extra macarons for free! :) Bon apetit! read more

I love french macaroons. I have had them in the city and I've had them in france, but these cookies are simply the best cookies I have ever had. The salted carmel is something I cannot live without. It is sooo good! The other pastries are equally fantastic and the cakes and tarts look like perfection. Go here. Eat these cookies. read more

The pastries remind me of Paris Baguette, except these things are the real dinner! My friend and I just got something quick while we waited for our table at Saul's next door. They remind me of Asian desserts that try to be western, but they are actually reversed! They are Asian influenced French pastries! When it's the other way around- Asian trying to be western, it only passes, but this way it is perfect! We both tried a peanut butter sesame cookie and a pandon macaroon. Whenever I'm in the area I will be sure to try and stop in! I also thought the woman behind the counter was nice and inviting. read more

Masse's Pastries - Pandon macaroons and peanut butter sesame cookies. - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Really good cakes made just as in France "Maîtres patissiers" (Master pastry chefs). Just one comment: A small board placed in front of each cake with the name, what's inside and the price will be more than welcome... and sometimes a smile too. read more

This place is sinfully good. Everything looks beautiful and delicious. My boyfriend and I bought a variety of cakes from here. It's way too easy to go over board and want to order everything. We ordered the rasberry chocolate cake, some kind of berry mousse, some dark chocolate dome and a something else which wasn't good. The place is rather small, but everyone is very helpful and nice. I will definitely be back. read more

The key lime mousse lemon curd sponge cake was ok. It was light and doesn't weigh you down. Just not tart enough. But it wasn't sweet either. $6 for the dessert so it's pretty pricey. Very hard to find parking. read more

Masse's Pastries - key lime mousse lemon curd sponge cake - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Wanted to try this place out since it had great reviews. This place did not disappoint. It was a small shop with a little bit of seating. The owner was very friendly. I came here for the macaroons and I got one of each flavor: lavender/earl grey, peach, chocolate, vanilla macadamia, pistachio, salted caramel, and strawberry. Each one was reasonably priced at $1.40. Most places I've been to have them priced around $2. They are very tasty! I will come back for more! My favorite is the salted caramel. read more

Masse's Pastries - Vanilla macadamia, salted caramel, chocolate, and pistachio macarons! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Came here after checking every bakery for Sufganiyot and I was not disappointed. Not only is the bakery located in a cute area with many other surrounding small businesses, the baker was super sweet and gave me my order in no time. I thought the donuts could've used a little less of a powdered sugar coating, but still an amazing treat. read more

The chocolate eclairs here are AWESOME. The filling isn't too custardy, nor is it plain whipped cream. Service is friendly. I sometimes pop in here while waiting for my big hot dog lunch from Saul's. read more

I have never had anything from here that didn't make my taste buds happy for hours. then they get all greedy and dreaming of what I ate and I have to go back for more. I have never had any problems with the mrs. she's a bit sassy, but has always been good to me. read more

I love bakeries and was so happy to run across Masse's... I stopped in one afternoon and bought a chocolate caramel tart with gold leaf. It was really good and very pretty. The price wasn't so bad either. I would love to stop in again and have coffee with some other treats. Unfortunately the day I came in it was very crowded as this shop is very tiny. We had quite a wait and though the worker who served me was very friendly and gave lots of good recommendations, there just wasn't that much variety... read more

I first spotted by this little gem of a bakery on my way to Saul's and was immediately struck by it's charming polka-dot decor and intimate setting. Lovely! However, I was curious to see if the treats could match up to the charming atmosphere. I tried one of the caramel and sea salt macaron, Russian tea cookie, and some sort of apricot-nut cookie, with an American to wash it all down. AMAZING! More than the taste (which was excellent), the textures of the baked goods spoke to some real expertise behind the counter and in the kitchen. I also appreciated that they gave me a glass of water (no ice) to go with my cookies and coffee, without having to ask. I often lament the lack of cafe culture here in the states, but Masse bakery is a little slice of heaven. Friendly service, fantastic baked goods, great atmosphere! read more

Best. Almond.Croissant. Ever. I was introduced to Masse's by the owner of this fantastic bungalow that I rented for a week while visiting in the years before moving here. My first full day in Berkeley, he knocked on the door, gave me directions to Ocean Beach, fruit he'd purchased from the Farmer's Market, and two almond croissants from Masse's. They were possibly the best thing I'd ever eaten. A mile down the road headed toward Muir Woods, I'd demolished the almond croissant, and I don't even really like croissants that much. A full year later, they were just as good, My partner and I have introduced all of our friends to Masse's via the gateway of the almond croissant ever since, and the reviews have been resoundingly "WHERE CAN I GET MORE OF THESE?" Yum. read more

Yep, as good as it gets! I went there for a birthday cake and walked away with their chocolate ribbon cake. AMAZING! I have been back several times and have tried several of their cookies and pastries. This place has great customer service, and their staff is always willing to help with whatever you need. *NOTE* They do not always have Cannoli so, I suggest if you're there, and they have them buy them. They're are as close to authentic as you're going to get here on the west coast. read more

Their cakes are delicious and beautiful. You can't go wrong with any of their mousse cakes or unique flavored cakes. They are made with such finesse and sophistication. Macaroons are always fresh but I find it to be too sweet. Tarts are yummy too. Pastries seems to be their area of neglect, nothing to rave about and something you can pass on. I knocked out 1 star due to their service. The lady behind the counter is moody, on some occasions, she is extremely friendly, whereas on others, you wish you never step foot into the bakery that day as her attitude can ruin your experience. read more

It's true...at my LYS (local yarn shop)...we have a donation jar specifically for the INCREDIBLE macarons from this bakery. My abfab favorite is the lavender and second would be pistachio. Yum E! The balance of sweet, texture, and flavor is so spot on...you just have to try for yourself. read more

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Saw a ton of great reviews for their macarons. Tried their lavendar-earl grey and strawberry ones but the flavors weren't prominent or fragrant at all .. Pretty much just numbingly sweet .. read more

Masse's Pastries - Strawberry and lavendar macarons - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

They have great cakes! and also plenty of flavors to choose from. Having a few different types of the small cakes is a good idea if you are buying for a small group (instead of buying a big one) I also had my son's bday cake made here (raspberry chocolate). Everbody loved it. Prices are not cheap but not very expensive either. A go-to place for cakes in Berkeley! read more

Masse's is a sweet European style bakery that makes exquisite handcrafted desserts. There is always a rotating selection of macaroons, tarts, and gorgeous cakes as well as delightful espresso drinks and tea. I spent a lovely hour with a pot of tea and a gluten free chocolate hazelnut torte and my inner little girl squealed in delight at the cuteness, cozy decor, and delightful non-saccaharine treat. read more

I can't believe I've lived in Berkeley for 12 years and have only just recently tried this place out. I'll be making up for the lost time by coming here as frequently as possible. So what inspired my trip to Masse's was an episode of the Great British Bake Off with a focus on eclairs! I searched Yelp for the "best eclairs" and found this place, which has led to me going a little crazy with the baked goods! In the last week I have tried 11 different flavors of macarons (passion fruit, rhubarb, pistachio, hazelnut, raspberry, chocolate, salted caramel, key lime, coffee, and chocolate). I have never been a fan of this cookie and love these. The flavors in these small cookies pack a punch, and I love their texture (crunchy with a slight chew). I love their Yuzu eclair (and am looking forward to trying a chocolate one), and their financiers. And I've also bought 3 little cakes so far: a strawberry, Bavarian cream with golden sponge; a raspberry cake decorated like a bird; and a flourless chocolate hazelnut cake (my favorite so far!) So basically, I've been going a little crazy with no plans to stop anytime soon (and plans to workout at the gym extra days to counter the binge). I highly recommend this place! read more

Oh so yummy. I LOVE this place. Whenever we have a family get together, we always have dessert from Masse's. I LOVE all the desserts from this place. Oh french macaroon let me sing your praise. Pistachio, raspberry, mango, chocolate.... I remember one Chinese New year, the pastry chef extraordinaire made some lychee desserts that were finger licking good. Everything this guy creates makes me weak at the knees. There is nothing more that I love than to sit with a cappuccino and a blueberry tart. I LOVE this place. read more

I just had my birthday. Guess what the highlight was? The Masses Cake. Their cake is so good I can't even describe it. Taste the creamy goodness and you'll be speechless, too. Way too good to describe in a review. read more

I went here for my wedding cake because I heard of the amazing things these folks did with chocolate. I WAS AMAZED! They are so nice and they are great listeners. I got the most amazing nautical themed wedding cake, it was delicious and gorgeous! read more

Masse's Pastries - My Amazing Nautical Wedding Cake - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

We just had our wedding on 7-31-10 and couldn't wait to give the deserving credit to Masse's for an amazing cake on our day. The cake looked perfect just as we wanted and better it tasted amazing. We thank you for making a beautiful and delicious wedding cake for us. Highly recommend using this place for any special event or no event at all any excuse to eat their cake is a good one. Worth every penny and our tasting was so much fun and delicious. Thanks again! read more

Masse's Pastries - Perfection! Tasted as good as it looked. Thanks Masse's - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

I got a tiramisu cake from here for a birthday celebration. Really reasonable prices. It was definitely an amazing cake - We picked it up late morning and left it in the fridge all day, ate it late in the evening and it was delish! not soggy at all. :) And - this is probably the best part - it had lots of big chocolate curls on top, that tasted like real chocolate, not waxy! Masse's totally broke my rule that if a dessert is gorgeous it won't taste very good. Well done! read more

I love Masse's. The staff are friendly and they sell quality delicacies. I had a macaron for the first time at this place (it was a Yuzu macaron) and fell in love with it. Try their Yuzu macaron. Note that they only accept credit cards with purchase over $15. read more

Tried and liked passion fruit white chocolate:) read more

Masse's Pastries - Passion fruit white chocolate. Yummy! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

We had Masse's make our wedding cake based on the amazing sample tasting and the recommendation of family members. The Masse's are very personable, professional, and have the most amazing selection of baked goods! If someone had told me I would select passion fruit for my wedding cake, I wouldn't have believed them! But after trying the incredibly fresh flavor, that is exactly what we decided! We also ordered a separate sheet cake of their mango flavor, as that was our second favorite. The cake itself was simply beautiful. We were thrilled and our guests were impressed. I would order from Masse's again for any celebration. I may even invent some excuses to celebrate just so I don't feel guilty for indulging. You can rest assured that you are getting the best in quality, fresh ingredients when you order from Masse's. read more

I jus bought some macaroons. It's been wrapped so cute. And the macaroons are delicious. This is a nice place. read more

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

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Ordered a cake for my birthday (chocolate and raspberry) and it was a big hit! Service was good and the price was reasonable. Another friend ordered from them after my party because they also liked the cake! The store itself is very cute so I'm looking to head back there soon for some more treats! read more

On average, the idea of going to Masse's Pastries would cross my mind twice per day. The cakes are sophisticated but unpretentious in design, the environment is adorable, and the owners of the shop are some of the most wonderful people in the City of Berkeley. read more

My wife and I, first went to Masse's to have a cake tasting. For our wedding, we were immediately impressed by the variety of flavors and the quality of their food.The owner is knowledgeable and generous with her time. We immediately knew, that we wanted them to make our cake and that we didn't have to go anywhere else. Our cake was STUNNING and entirely delicious! We were % satisfied. Any occasion, is the perfect occasion to buy a cake from Masse's. Also their macaroon's are addicting! read more