My boyfriend got my valentines cake from here so I decided to give it another try for its bakery treats. I got the peanut better cake, which was pretty good and different because I've never seen a peanut butter layered cake. I would get it again. I also got the dairy free eclair, which I didn't care for and wouldn't get again. The apple crisp was pretty good and I really enjoyed the topping. My favorite is also the mini Bundt cake which has a fall flavor and I love the icing on top. I would get it again. Overall I will Probably come back Here and wild recommend for the gluten free/dairy free crowd. The prices are high for the serving sizes, but that's not too Surprising in this gluten free bakery space. I also applaud the fact there's so many women and black women making these goodies! The staff is always pleasant and helpful. read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Came once out of curiosity and got the orange cake-- so yummy, so moist! None of that typical "sandy" gluten-free pastry texture. Will definitely be back read more

There are not enough words to describe how amazing this place is. Everyone who worked there was so kind and everyone who came in raved about their food. Everything was gluten free but they had a huge amount of dairy free items as well. The options were endless from.bagel sandhwiches, tamales, frozen pizza, donuts, pastires, and so so much more!! I wish we would have bought more and lived nearby. I tried the sesame bagel with vegan cream cheese and it was the doughiest gf bagel I've ever tried and amazing. We also got the chocolate frosted donut and chocolate bread pudding both dairy free and amazing. Nothing else lives up to this place. read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Excellent pastries and savories - gluten free without sacrificing flavor. Wonderful for those needing to avoid dairy as well.

Was walking by and saw this gluten free bakery so wanted to check it out. It's very very tiny, room for about two people at a time. But that's okay, because it smells good and you're surrounded by goodies. They had a dessert counter, which is what I opted for. We decided to try 3 cookies -- the chocolate chip with nuts, chocolate chip with coconut and orange, & the peanut butter cookie. All three cookies were honestly pretty good. They were a little hard/dry but I'm not sure if that's due to the gluten free ingredients. The chocolate chip with nuts was my favorite. They also had a fridge with take home goods, I saw empanadas in there which maybe I'll try if I come back. I think they do custom orders too. A sign also said something about donuts after 2pm only...not sure. All in all good experience and it's nice that gluten free bakeries like this exist! read more

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Just hoovered like 75% of a medium size triple tier cake that was picked up for my boyfriend's mom last weekend - I'm not gluten OR dairy sensitive but she is - this cake was SO. GOOD. Honestly I need to know how they make their dairy free buttercream. It may be better than standard buttercream! The cake was fantastic and also aged VERY well - Not dry or crumbly at all. She was traveling, so the leftover cake got to go home to my fridge. I have been rationing it throughout the week because it was so good. It is worth mentioning that the presentation was also fantastic and included freshly cut flowers. The ordering process was a cinch. When was the last time you had a cake so good you ate every bit of the leftovers? I'll be getting all of my cakes from here moving forward. read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I used this bakery for my son's engagement party and the bridal shower. The owners worked with me to get it all just right for the themes. Everything at both events was gluten free and no one could tell the difference. Highly recommend and wouldn't go anywhere else! 5 read more

Cute place with excellent gf options! Staff was very friendly. We were so glad we stopped in!

Delicious pastries and quiches in the heart of Boston. Natural ingredients. Have been going to Violette for many years. I did like the old version of lemon squares better though. read more

Tldr: Hungry, ripped off (see photo and review), rude service affected not just me but a father-son duo. This is NOT the place to get a bagel when bagelsaurus is next door with relatively gigantic bagels that are a fraction of the price and a fraction of the time. I came here today because there was a line at bagelsaurus. Honestly, I think waiting in the line going across the crosswalk would've been faster and a better experience. All I ordered was a bagel with cream cheese. I sit there and think: "No way this takes more than 15 minutes with 4 people in the shop, let's schedule a Lyft!". Boy was I wrong. After ~10 minutes, the cook announces "Sorry we're taking so long, we're taking pictures of the sandwiches." Sure, fine. Then, a father with his son next to me say they've been waiting 20 minutes for their sandwiches. I understand unforeseen complications, but knowingly delaying orders for scheduled pictures should at least be TOLD to the customers before they order. I talk to this father-son duo, and they also came here because of the bagelsaurus line. We agreed the time difference would've been marginal. More time passes. My Lyft which was delayed arrived before my order was started. I took the bag (empty) with my name on it and asked for a refund for the $7 bagel with cream cheese. The cook indignantly exclaims that they are no refunds and that she is currently cream-cheesing my bagel. Very odd considering she hadn't started beforehand. She exclaimed that Bagelsaurus would've taken double the time, which in my experience, even with a line, is not true. I had to run to my Lyft or miss my train. I open the bagel on the train and my suspicions were confirmed. Not only was the bagel UNCOOKED, but there was SO LITTLE CREAM CHEESE that I believe a diner packet would provide more. Now I am left hungry writing this review after paying 50% more for 75% less food than Bagelsaurus would've provided in the same time. If you don't believe me on the portion size and the amount of cream cheese, I put a picture below. It was evident she really did not want to refund me even when she couldn't give back my time. Then she says that my complaining wouldn't help after I responded to her remark about Bagelsaurus taking double the time with a "No, it wouldn't and I've waited in those lines plenty of times. It shouldn't take 20 minutes to cream cheese a bagel." I hope their pictures turned out better than this sorry excuse for a $7 bagel. I put my fingers in for a size comparison. It reminded me of an english muffin, though even those come cooked when you order them. read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Bagel Scantily Clad With Cream Cheese - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Gluten-free deliciousness! I walked past this bakery heading to UPS, but I had to try it out after I handed off my delivery. I love that the signage is so clear -- the outside reading "gluten-free" in huge letters was what ultimately caught my eye! The chocolate chip cookie w/walnuts was so divine -- seriously can't tell it's gluten free, tastes just like a normal cookie. Extremely fresh. A bit pricey -- $3.40 -- and nowhere to sit; it's a to-go spot so keep that in mind if you're planning a trip to this bakery. I would definitely return; I'm drawn in and am curious to try the other pastries! read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Chocolate chip w/walnut cookie - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I have never been there before best pastry I am excited to try the pastry out when I get home

I've visited Violette in their 3 different locations over the last 10 years, and they've just gotten better and better. Now that they're more accessible in Porter Square and have good COVID policies in place, it makes it even easier to indulge in gluten (and often dairy free) bakes! I go at least once a month. Some of my favorites (I am GF/DF): _ Their challah made me believe that gluten and dairy free bread could actually be delicious. It's even better toasted! They always have challah on Tuesdays but their breads rotate for W-Sa. _ The orange cake with chocolate glaze is SO GOOD. The cake is super moist and the chocolate gives it just that edge of decadence without making things too sweet. This is my frequent request for my birthday and anniversary. _ The angel food cupcakes with lemon curd (only in the summer) are heavenly. The cake texture is not as fluffy as the gluten-filled version, but the taste is spot on. _ Donuts! They have them once a month. Order in advance for sure! I prefer the glazed ones like raspberry or chocolate over cream-filled or cider donuts (the latter being a bit too fried for me). The menu changes each week, so subscribing to their newsletter is the best way to get updates. They also have updates on Instagram. I love that they listen to their customers and are constantly developing new items. They've just recently started selling a French-style GF/DF cheesecake, which I'm dying to try. And rumor is they are experimenting with chocolate croissants! ... !! I usually order online in case there's something I want that's in high demand, like crackers or donuts. But read their instructions for how far in advance to order (usually before noon the day before pick up), order minimums ($25 for online, more for delivery), and which items are available when. Read the labels b/c some items have dairy or nuts. You can order for pick up, delivery, or even contactless. Picking up at the window is very easy, though. They restructured the bakery so there's an ordering counter at the door. All the baked goods are right at the window so you can see everything. Everyone is vigilant about mask wearing and cleaning. Yes, some of their items are more expensive than what you might find at other bakeries. But remember that they are a small business, and nearly all of their ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Note: While they are very good with all things GF/DF (they are certified for those with celiac disease), they do use nuts. You should check their site or email to ask about treats for someone with a nut allergy. The owner, Leesteffy, is very responsive. read more

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I was in the area and noticed this gluten free bakery was nearby. I stopped in and was immediately greeted by a friendly person at the counter that effused with warmth and positive energy (sorry, didn't get her name). She told me all about the offerings in the case and on the menu, fresh bread in baskets, as well as in the freezer. I got a smoked salmon sandwich on sourdough for $14 (no dill sauce because it specified it had dairy). She offered to check if they could make it dairy free but I don't think they could because it was a house sauce and when I received it, it didn't have sauce. The sandwich was a little smaller than I expected but tasty! And the sourdough bread is the softer texture of regular sandwich bread (can't tell it's GF!) and not coarser like artisan sourdough bread. I also got a mini lemon Bundt cake that was super tasty and GF/vegan. It was around $6.50 or so. Lastly, I got two frozen loaves of challah bread (buy one get one free) and had them for breakfast this morning and it was so fluffy and amazing! I can't wait to try the frozen bagels that I also got! read more

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I ordered a custom cake for my kid's birthday and sent a picture of what I wanted. The baker assured me she could make it the same, but what I received was completely different and much smaller than expected. I ordered for 20 people, but the cake wouldn't even be enough for 10! When I mentioned this, she told me to cut it into very small pieces so everyone could get some--such an unprofessional response. On top of that, the cake was so dry we could barely cut it. It's always better to be honest with customers if you can't meet their expectations rather than saying you can do it. If she had told me upfront, I would have looked for other options. Very disappointed and will not be ordering from her again read more

Very kind owner who waited on us. She was particularly patient as this was our first time here. There initially was a line out the door which sparked our interest. The previous reviews led us to our purchases which did not disappoint. First, note that everything is gluten-free. They take this niche feature very seriously. Really wonderful were the olive oil lemon cookies, the macarons, and sesame bagels (very dense, somewhat chewy and good), Due to some limitations that gluten free causes, the treats are particularly sweet, which we liked. Someone without that preference would find some of their items like the lemon squares, too sweet. The shop is small, and there is an uneven surface upon entrance, a ramp. The inside has some small tables and it is quaint. Worth a visit! read more

Was just a window , not a full bakery. Came here exclusively for the vegan gluten free items. Service was nice, we were the only ones there . To order you kinda look through the window to see what's left and what you want. We were hoping to try the vegan Gf bagels; they were sold out. We got a cookie and a cupcake gf/ vegan . Both were ok to me , cup cake was smaller then most bakeries, and the cookie for the price. My 5 year old said the cupcake was a fail, and the cookie was yummy yummy. Haha Grateful to have a gluten free and Vegan options at all. I would come back if I was in the area again for the cookies. read more

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Violette's bagels are nothing short of amazing. They have them for immediate consumption with cream cheese or as a sandwich, or some weeks you can pre-order and pick up. They are like the bagels (with gluten) that I enjoyed as a child, and they are 100% worth the drive to get them. The cupcakes are also amazing, and Violette is our go-to for any special occasion cake. There are very few places that are celiac safe, and to have such incredible options (plus vegan options and many nut-free options for friends) is fantastic. 10 stars for Violette! read more

Let's just add another negative review re their customer service. If you're out of capacity, update your website and don't take new orders. "Happy holidays, we're cancelling your order." Tone deaf & weird read more

I didn't realize that this wasn't a full bakery. I also thought the empanadas would be ready to eat but I had to go home to cook it myself. Overall I love that it's 100% gluten free but I did expect more options and ready to eat food. read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Empanadas - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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As someone who can only eat gluten free this is my go to spot. I've been going here since they were in the old location and it's only gotten better since. Obviously gluten free baking is very trial and error and everybody isn't going to like everything, but they have a great variety and a lot of rotating options. I also just had the best apple bread pudding of my life here which I believe is a seasonal option, but I could eat it every day. I see a lot of complaints from crazy bike people saying don't go here because of some local drama but honestly don't these bike people have bigger fish to fry then going after a small locally owned, allergy free bakery? Like really? Anyways the food is great, location is great, and it's worth it if you need to eat dedicated gluten free and want things you can't normally find, and it supports a local business read more

I had a great experience. Got a challah and it was eggy and dense and rich and delicious! The employee at the counter was very helpful and pointed me to options that were also dairy or sugar free. They really care about what they do at this bakery. read more

Amazing stuff if you're gluten free, and I've never seen so many different kinds of cupcakes at one bakery. It was my first time there and I was trying to get oriented and decide and the staff person seemed incredibly annoyed with me. As others have mentioned it's not the friendliest place. read more

Thx for providing such tasty, relatively healthy cookies so close to Christmas Eve--They were delicious!

So a friend asked me to pick up a cake that he couldn't get yesterday. I went there. I was early. I waited outside in my car talking to a friend. At 10 minutes before 9 I noticed a few people leaving the bakery. So I went over and the door was closed. A minute later a woman came out and told me I had to wait until 9 am. I smiled and waited. At 9am I went in and asked for the cake that was supposed to be picked up yesterday. They refused to give it to me because for preordered cakes to need to wait until 10am. They had no empathy that I had waited and that I was just a delivery person. I will never go there again. Very poor customer service. read more

Bit on the pricy side but happy to support a small business + local gluten free bakery. I would pass on the chocolate cake and ginger cookies (a bit too brick-like in consistency) but the lemon almond cookies are amazing! Fluffy with a bit of a bite to them and delicately flavored. Perfect on their own or with some tea. I've also never had any issues with their service. read more

A gluten-free miracle. Angel food cake with lemon curd and rose buttercream frosting. Angel food cake that tastes like angel food cake. The texture is super close, too. It's a tiny bit dense, but I am not complaining, just describing. I loved the lemon curd with the cake. That feathery light taste of angel food cake and the *POW* lemon curd. Especially when paired with an espresso (at home). Yum! I also loved the feathery light taste of angel food cake with the hauntingly fragrant wispiness of the rose frosting. The buttercream wasn't too sweet and it was just the right density to melt across your tongue leaving roses in its wake. I kept my tastes of frosting separate from my tastes of lemon because the lemon flat out obscured the roses when mixed and I wanted to enjoy both flavors fully. I don't get to Boston often, so I hope this is a regular offering! I'm sorry I didn't get a photo before I squished the pretty frosting read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Angel food, lemon curd cupcake with rose frosting... - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Just found this bakery while walking by and I was so thrilled to see vegan options. My friend and I got a few pastries a chocolate chip orange cookie, a crumble bar, and a turtle pop tart. They were delicious! There is no seating so definitely plan to pickup but it definitely worth the trip! read more

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My food was soured by their distain for the community unfortunately. Not going back...

I haven't rated Violette yet?! I love this place. I talk about it constantly, and I don't even live in Boston. It's THAT good. It's so good. It's the most consistent gluten-free bakery I've ever known. Always a myriad of options, some solid tried-and-trues, always something new, many vegan options, some sugar-free options, just so good. I think I've liked or loved everything I've tried from there. I can't even recall everything. The chocolate-iced peanut butter cookie is a serious fave. The poptarts are delicious. Their brownies are solid. I think their cookies are ok. I have rosemary sourdough that I keep in the freezer that is so delicious. I've only been there since covid has been around so I've never actually been inside. There is always a line, so be prepared, but they move really quickly. I just love this place and would come to Boston just for Violette (and FoMu). read more

Delightful delicious treats. Of your gluten free like I am you always have your eyes peeled for a treat. Especially while traveling. I got some cookies a small pie and a gluten free roll and wish I got more. My husband devoured almost everything before I could even have a taste. I am hoping to go on the way to the airport. I also found the prices to be very reasonable for gluten free. I wish them much success. read more

This store is a neighborhood gem for gluten-free pastries that don't even taste gluten-free. The new expanded store has tables for patrons and serves lunch sandwiches. read more

Love love LOVE this spot! Finally got to visit for the first time this past weekend and bought: Spinach and goat cheese quiche, banana chocolate and PB pop tart, and blueberry crumble bar. They were all amazing. My favorite was definitely the blueberry -- you've gotta try this one! I thought about going back to get one to warm up with vanilla ice cream on top. The women working were very friendly. I'm looking forward to heading back and trying more of the savory goods -- they have empanadas! read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Blueberry bar. - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I went in last week, excited to try some of their gluten free treats as I am GF myself. The donuts and scones were excellent! Unfortunately, I found the staff to be moody. The owner was especially rude and nasty towards the customers. Recently I saw a Boston Glove article about her lawsuit against the city in regards to the bike lane. It seems as if this lost lawsuit is having a negative impact on her mental health, and she is taking out her frustrations on customers. In other reviews, I noticed she was looking up customers' names and searching their information in her "database". To me, this seems like doxxing. I have reported her business to the State AG's office so they can investigate the legality of this practice. She should be more concerned about how her public actions affect her clientele and bakery foot traffic than the loss of two parking spots. I will not be returning until the owner cleans up her act. read more

Such a wide variety of vegan and gluten free goods. Great quiches, wonderful donuts, rice pudding, cobblers, amazing pies, some so sweet some quite savory, great for all pallets. Has a big following from all over the region. A gem that we need to preserve in Porter Square. I love this place. read more

Honestly never going back here. The lady (pretty sure she's the owner) is downright terrible. Just go to Dunkin'

Was excited to go to this bakery, but at the end disappointed. Items don't look fresh, nor do they tasted fresh. Customer service was not excellent. I felt very uncomfortable ordering and paying for the services. Once in a life time for me. read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Thumbprints. - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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I ordered a Gluten-free, dairy-free celebration cake for a friend's birthday. I was a bit worried since I had to order online and there wasn't much info on the website and the people in the store were not very helpful. The cake was wonderful. It was beautifully decorated with real flowers and the requested writing. I got a large and it is a tall dense cake that easily fed 15 people (tall thin slices). The chocolate cake was moist and rich and the vanilla frosting light and creamy. It was delicious!!! Highly recommend for a special occasion. read more

If you are truly GF and can never find anything freshly made in pastries, you must try Violette GF bakery in Cambridge. The brioche doughnut days are truly special- Pastries like biscotti and other lovely pastries are just really wonderful and such a treat to eat. Thank you bakers for a dependable GF solution to hunger pains for luscious desserts. There is not one other bakery dedicated to GF in this area. read more

I have never tried anything I didn't like here! They make the BEST cupcakes with all types of amazing frostings. Their biscotti, macaroons, pies, pizza, quiche, pastries, and cookies, are all incredible. None of their products are overly sweet, which I find that a lot of other GF baked goods are, especially at other GF bakeries. They also make donuts and bagels at least once a month. They make "brioche" style donuts and I don't believe any other places make GF donuts like that around here! They are my favorite GF bakery! I highly recommend them. read more

Violette Gluten Free Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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