Holy frangipane! This place is amazing, right around the corner from other amazing. And, this one takes the cake. That's a pun; the cake here looks rediculous. The cute little signs taking you on a field trip are not to be missed. The hand calligraphied menu lists are in the same style, and invite you into a whimsy-laced, multilayer experience. It's an industrial kitchen, a real 5 star bakery that clearly bakes for the other best restaurants and destinations in the world, which, of course are here in Berkeley and Oakland. Today they have some jazz playing inside, as I sit at the smaller of two tables, across from the bench. The people watching is mostly for the half dozen bakers that are smiling back from the open air space. One of the bakers washes her hands to come up and take your order. And the food... I ordered a buckwheat cocoa, a tea they have here. Too hot, haven't tried it, but there is a zero chance I'll be able to pair it with my tomato, gruyere, and corn danish. Zero chance because I'm eating it way too fast. The savory herbs, the two kinds of sesame, the pine nuts, the blistered, juicy tomatoes, the sweet corn, the savory, heavenly flavors. I've had tarts with... well, some of these flavors, but mixing it with this perfect crispy lamination is truly otherworldly. I can't wait to return for something sweet next time. After all, cakes seem to be their bread and butter! read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Tomato, Gruyere, and Corn Danish, with a cuppa buckwheat cocoa! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

4.5 stars $10 strawberry fig leaf tart was: straight out of a grandma's kitchen. scratch made. perishable. delicious. This belongs on some kind of "best of" list. The buttery shortbread with strawberry compote was tasty but not any kind of category runaway. read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Strawberry fig leaf tart - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

We love Sesame! We come almost every weekend for some treats. Everything is delicious and we love that they carry tea from Song, our favorite tea provider in SF. Sesame is far superior to places that are rated "best" in SF -- it's a wonderful spot. read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery resides in the space where Pie Society once was. Kitchen area is similar. The seating outside is new. Sesame specializes in bakes utilizing organic ingredients & seasonal fruits. Menu is ever changing. Dropped in to buy whatever was available. No mood in buying preordered whole cakes. Service was quick, courteous. Pointed out what my eyes wanted. Offerings: bakes & drinks Bites: sesame cookie (3.00) -dense hard cookie semi sweet, heavily flavored with black sesame seeds & various subtle flavas. Crumb cookie (3) -buttery, semisweet outer texture. Center has flavored raspberry purée. Cherry tart fig leaf with whipped cream (12) -multilayered decadence with sweet heavy whipped cream atop a fresh cherry & fig leaf tart. The former had multiple added flavas, butter, sugar. apricot tart slice (9) -not so elaborate as apple tart. Apricot also seasonally fresh, buttered essence + artisanal refinement. 5 stars: worthy! Quality: Excellent. Quantity: Reasonable read more

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Cute little alley spot tucked away in West Berkeley. After asking for recommendations, I ordered the Sesame Cookie and a plum tart/danish (I don't exactly remember the name of the pastry). The Sesame Cookie was delicious - a perfect balance between the nuttiness and savory of the sesame with the sweetness of a cookie should be. The plum pastry was a bit of a miss for me; the pastry itself was flaky and good, but the plum center was too tart and didn't balance well even with the sweet pastry. Nevertheless, I will be back to try their other pastries and cakes! read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cute neighborhood bakery with a short and sweet menu. We tried three cookies on our first visit: a peanut butter owl (think fancy Nutter Butter), almond cookie sandwich with coconut jam, and an oolong buckwheat madeleine. Our favorite of the three was the almond cookie sandwich with coconut jam: perfect salty touch to balance the sweet. Each petite-sized cookie cost $3.50. I would come back and try more baked goods if in the area, but nothing on our first visit truly wowed me. read more

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This place is an absolute treat. The woman at the front counter was so helpful and sweet. We got coffee and one of every offering. We will be back and tell everyone we know to check this place out. Spend your money with small and local businesses read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Tucked away in between two buildings but I always see their signboard on Parker St so finally had a free weekday to stop by. The bakery seems large and the glass case of goods is cute with comfortable outdoor seating. With a friend, we tried the pear cake, sesame butter cookie, oolong madeleine, and jasmine tea caramel cookie. Paired with soba tea. The pear cake was best item for me, not too sweet, flavorful and light so I'd definitely return to have another slice. The treats paired well with the soba (buckwheat) tea. An enjoyable afternoon and I hope to return someday soon. read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Pear cake - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I had Sesame a Tiny Bakery on my to-try list since forever! It looks so cute and I love the name of it, but I don't come to this area often, so I didn't get to try it ... that is until today! We came around 11:30AM or so (on a Saturday), and some of their items were already sold out for the day (I believe they open at 10AM). They have their own parking lot, so that's not something you'll need to worry about. Sesame a Tiny Bakery is a little hidden. Their entrance is located behind the parking lot, and through a little alleyway, where a few outdoor seating is available. But there are signs pointing you to their spot! Between my partner and I, we ordered a Walnut Financier, an Apple Frangipane Tart, Linzer Cookie, Plum Crumble Cookie, and a slice of the Kabocha Tea Cake! By the time we went, they had already ran out of their Sesame Butter Cookie, so I'm guessing that's a popular item! If that's what you want to try, make sure to go early. So since I haven't tried everything yet, I will only do a review for the items I've tried so far. 1) Kabocha tea cake slice - This was amazing! It's so moist and a slice is pretty generous. It's as big or even bigger than the slices you get from Starbucks from what I remember, haha. I like the added pepitas on top for that slight added crunch. And the sprinkle of sugar on top makes the top the best part to eat! The edges were the best, but the middle is far from disappointment too. It's not too sweet, and not too heavy. Perfect breakfast item or midday snack! 2) Plum Crumble Cookie - Such a unique cookie! It's naturally on the sweeter side thanks to the plum. It's a two biter cookie that would leave you craving for more. It doesn't look like your regular cookie, but it's definitely worth trying. My favorite part is the crumble parts of the cookie! I love that it's a bit jammy too. As far as service goes, their staff was really friendly. We had a nice conversation with her about the current menu selection and their collaboration with other shops (I think they partner with Song Tea in San Francisco). I like that they have flyers for local events, love seeing the support! I can't wait to try the rest of my goodies. Highly recommend this cute bakery! read more

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I have been dying to go here forever and my friend finally took me! It was the most perfect sunny day to relax outside with the tea set: - Song red tea - nice and earthy - cookie assortment (adjustments made for my UNFORTUNATE walnut allergy) - the chocolate owl was adorable, and the mini tart and sesame cookie were buttery and crumbly and so yummy - raisin scone with jam - just love a good scone and fresh jam, that's all - the last part is supposed to be a cake, but I wasn't able to try it, again due to my allergy (although it sounded absolutely delicious - I tried my best to live vicariously through my friend). Marykate the baker was so sweet and made me a persimmon tart instead and it was so perfect (subtly sweet and paired with a cute dollop of fresh whipped cream) Now to just wait for the walnut menu to rotate out..! read more

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What a cute place! I came to visit for coffee and bakery. Their tea was very strong and their baked goods were delicious. I was thinking of only ordering a couple of items to try so I can return after a workshop in the afternoon but I was told that they tend to sell out by 1pm so it was better to get everything I wanted to try now, in the morning when they first opened their doors. Everyone who came early packed one or two full boxes of goodies. I'm so glad I got a few more items to take home. They were so good even the next day. The carrot cake was my favorite. It was flavorful with tea and moist. I'm definitely coming back again. read more

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this is the cutest and sweetest little bakery. excellent products and customer service. i will be back.

This bakery has been on my list to try! It's located in the more industrial area of Berkeley and there is only a few tables to sit at. I ordered one slice of cake. It was $8 a slice and the slice was SO tiny! Honestly I was a bit disappointed. I truly thought the slice would be a bit bigger based on a $8 slice. The cake was extremely lights and was not sickly sweet like typical cakes. It was refreshing for sure! I probably won't come back because of the cost but it was nice to try. read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Lovely pastry, sweet little alley, friendly staff. However, I just got used to $6 croissants at many of the great bakeries we have in Berkeley, I can't justify these $8 and $9 versions! I wish them well, I hope there's enough customers to whom price is no object. read more

I went there at around 1:00 PM and they only had some cookies and apricot cake left so I recommend going early to try more things from the menu. I ordered the apricot cake a citrus shortbread cookie. The citrus shortbread was a bit dry and was not as citrusy as I expected so o give it a 7.5/10. The apricot cake is this almond chiffon cake base. The apricot tasted a bit tart and was strong, so I didn't enjoy it as much but it's still good (8/10). The best thing I had there was the complimentary slice of rhubarb almond chiffon cake to celebrate their one year anniversary. The almond cake was not dry at all. The cream is this super light cream and paired so well with the cake. The rhubarb didn't have much flavor. I would order this next time. read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Apricot cake and citrus shortbread and a free slice of rhubarb cake to celebrate their 1 year anniversary - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Lovely staff and pastries! The savory asparagus danish was wonderful. The staff is patient & friendly.

This was such a quaint and lovely experience. The Japanese woman at the front was so fun and kind and guided us through some of the menu items that ended up being delectable. My favorite was definitely the strawberry chiffon cake. I adore how thoughtful and handmade all of their branding is and how their menu is also seasonal! read more

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Love this little cute shop tucked away in an industrial part of Berkeley. The food is more expensive than we expected. The cherry tart was $10! But the quality was AMAZING! I can feel the love of food from the owner in the first bite. Cherries and cream are both so fresh. The antique plates they use are really cute which add to a great experience. read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Cherry tart and guava shortbread biscuit - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Thanks to a (Portland, OR!) friend, I finally found out about this lovely near-secret* little oasis. There's so much care in every detail, from the pastries and handwritten/drawn signs to the flowers and charming vintage tableware - and local, organic sourcing. A half hour in umbrella-shaded sun, with perfect scone, plum jam, and coffee, fully reset what had been a difficult morning. :-) Looking forward to next time and maybe a blood orange marmalade chiffon cake, or a class? (All the cakes - by slice or to pre-order whole - look amazing! As do Sesame's local partners...) * The entrance is actually on Parker St., just off/east of 7th, at the back of the little parking lot. read more

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Food - Droooooool. The most perfect cakes and pastries. I've been several times and order something different each time. I honestly cannot pick a favorite. Everything is delicious. Service - wow. For all the intricate work that is put into every single pastry this is such a well operated bakery. The line just moves along and whoever is at the register is always the friendliest. I can tell that everyone at the bakery is genuinely stoked on their menu. Ambiance - It really has tiny bakery vibes like you stumbled across a gem in a magical dream. The menu is hand-painted by the owner/baker and a lot of the artwork and displays are her work as well. Anything that is not her own work is thoughtfully and beautifully curated by her. Sometimes I go in just for the vibes when I'm in the area. Of course I end up getting a tasty treat, too. Haha read more

What a hidden gem! We ordered a custom cake and it was phenomenal. It was a delicious cake that incorporated seasonal fruits. The buckwheat chiffon base balanced out some sweetness of the blood orange marmalade and lemon curd. Everyone that tried this cake loved it. Placing a custom order was seamless--the customer service was reliable and smooth. The bakery is an adorable cozy spot not too far from Berkeley Bowl West. Plenty of parking and easy to find. read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Beautiful custom cake with seasonal fruits! - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Wow! My daughter and I stopped by this afternoon and shared both a coconut macaroon and a slice of rhubarb almond tart at an umbrella table outside. Both were delicious and well presented. The macaroon was tender inside with a crispy exterior. The tart's sweet crust was balanced with rhubarb. Service was friendly and prompt. read more

Every dessert is fantastic. Sesame Tiny Bakery put so much thought into each dessert. I recently had the peanut cream puff and woah! Big choux with subtle peanut creme pat and peanut praline with whipped cream on top. It's also in the cutest little alley. read more

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We had the sesame cake slice, which was really excellent. The other reviews are not wrong in that this is cake is pricey at $8+ and the slice is small, but I think this is the reality of running a business nowadays. It is totally worth it as a special treat, and I will be back! Service was warm and friendly. read more

Peach cake today was delicious! Light, creamy, spongy, sweet but not too sweet. Friendly warm staff. Hidden treasure of a back alley bakery. Such a find invest Berkeley! Nice teas, nice tables. Score! read more

4 stars but considered giving 3 as i feel like the current 4.9 may be a bit misleading.. sesame tiny bakery is SO cute and such a unique space. i absolutely loved the dish-ware and utensils, and the hand painted menu :"-) the desserts are also all very unique and creative, BUT they are way way overpriced,,especially given the size. the cake especially was crazy tiny we ordered the chiffon cake and peanut cream puff. both were pretty tasty (i found the peanut cream puff to be much yummier and well-balanced/executed than the cake) but neither blew my mind--i think i just had high expectations/anticipation because of the price point and presentation. while i don't think ill ever be back because the desserts were personally not worth the cost for me, i do think sesame tiny bakery is worth a one-time visit due to its unique charm! (u also leave with some cute dessert photos) read more

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I was really looking forward to this place. My boyfriend and I arrived at 2 and ordered a slice of cake and a cup of drip coffee with milk (that's the only coffee they have.) There was only one cake in the fridge left so we ordered that one. The cake was to be a sort of layered French sponge cake with creams and strawberries. (It's supposed to be a very light sponge cake and a lovely recipe that we make in my family. I was excited:) Unfortunately the cake was dry and heavy, and the strawberries inside it were frozen, the whipped cream good, but overall not a good experience. Coffee was whatever (I don't drink drip.) At 3 the woman was already shooing us out to leave which is when they close but truly it felt rude the way she did it. I'll try again another time. read more

I originally learned about Sesame a tiny Bakery from their Instagram (@sesametinybakery). Their Instagram is super cute and the bakery itself is equally cute. The menu changes frequently and I always make a point to pick up a box of cookies from this bakery when I'm in the area. Their cookies are so buttery and delicious! read more

Sesame Tiny Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Berkeley, California

Visit date: November 13, 2021 What I tried: Chocolate almond wafer, Linzer with apricot jam, Ginger cake with poached pears First time? Yes. This is the most darling bakery I've ever visited. My God-sister introduced me to the bakery and walked me over. :) The menu and bakery signage is hand painted (watercolored) which got me excited for the treats because if they are spending so much time preparing the signage I am feeling they are spending as much time and putting as much thought and care into creating their baked goods. And then you read the menu. For me, I always always lean to anything with chocolate, but today's menu had so many interesting flavors and things I do not typically see on a dessert/bakery menu, I was excited to venture out of my chocolate centric selections. By this point in my visit, I am PUMPED for pastries. I almost busted out with my favorite line ("I'll have one of everything.") but I contained myself and picked a trio of treats: the chocolate almond wafer, Linzer with apricot jam, and ginger cake with poached pears, brandy pastry cream, and creme fraiche whipped cream. Everything was delicate, not too sweet, and the perfect size. The chocolate almond wafer was crumbly and not super chocolatey. The Linzer is a cookie sandwich with the perfect soft texture and filling to cookie ratio. I liked that the cake was served cold (my fave way to eat cake). It was fluffy and I inhaled it all. I could see all these treats on a tea menu. It would be a lovely afternoon pairing. I'll definitely be back! It appears their menu will change with what's in season and they do special treats for the Kebabery (next door). There are a couple of benches and a small table out front, too, if you want to enjoy your treats "for here." read more

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AMAZING. What an absolute gem! It's so cute and everything they make is so good. The best cake I've ever eaten in my life.

We came here on a recommendation of a friend and it did not disappoint. tried a rhubarb cake, apricot cake, eclair and the cookie. Everything was fresh and tasty. Some of the items are a little too light on the flavor but overall it's a nice little bakery. read more

I am still dreaming about the fig eclair from this bakery. Perfectly puffy and crisp choux pastry, and the most amazing cream inside with a wonderful texture, not too silky nor gritty that coated the tongue just right. We also tried a couple of their cookies and everything was simply superb. We got everything to go as we happened to pass by during a walk and gobbled it all up immediately. Would love to come back and enjoy their pastries in their patio area with some tea :) read more

Everything about this place is perfect. Just absolutely love it. Always the perfect texture and flavor.

Tasty tasty cookies. Nothing I've had has disappointed me and I always want to buy one of everything. I'm looking forward to them opening in their own space. Wasn't a huge fan of the coffee but I'll put that down to personal preference, it wasn't watery or burnt or anything bad. read more

Delicious treats and lovely atmosphere! I brought friends for the tea and cake service and thought everything was great and nicely presented, but it was really overpriced for what it was. I'm glad to support this new bakery, but I'd suggest just going and getting treats at the counter rather than the tea and cake service for the price. read more

Everything is truly amazing but goddam things are small for the price. Hopefully they'll liberate that cake slice size a bit.

The texture, flakiness and flavors of the cookies are superb! Subtle, delicate and tasty! I got the black sesame cookie, yuzu shortbread and buckwheat cookie. All delicious and perfect alone or with a cup of tea! read more

I ordered a peach cardamom cake for a birthday gathering, and my friend declared it was the best cake she'd ever had. This was her 50th birthday, so that's pretty high praise given how many cakes she's tried over her lifetime so far. It was truly a beautiful, beautiful cake -- the kind of cake that felt like a friend who also happens to be an amazing baker has made for you. You know how sometimes you get a super elaborately decorated cake, but it's waxy or oversugared and just too too much? This was light and fluffy, with bits of skin from the really deliciously fresh peaches, and the perfect smear of whipped cream frosting. Super balanced and delicious. And elegant. After placing the order online, I wrote in to ask for birthday writing on the cake, and I received a super prompt reply that there'd be a cake pennant instead. It looked like it had been inscribed with watercolor, with lovely cursive! I totally forgot to take a picture, and then once we cut into it, we were so excited to try it that no one got a picture of the inside either. (Oops!) The 8" cake *seemed* small, but it fed 9 of us with even a little left over for the birthday girl to have a happy breakfast the next morning. All around a winner. I can't wait to try more items from Sesame! read more

Refined bakery serving the most perfect cake and cookies. Do not miss out on tea and cake on the weekends!

Stopped by on a whim, after a Doc appointment nearby because my partner is always on the look out for new bakeries/coffee roasters to try. Did not disappoint. Very tiny, the hours are limited but SO worth it. The edible items reflect the season and each pastry is a lovely, delicious work of art. If you have a chance and love yummy baked goods, this is a must stop! Ate our treats before we took a pic.... read more