Palo Alto is the land of startups, techies, and, believe it or not, French pastries. The treasured jewels of French bakeries cushioned within the mass of tech companies sweeten the computer-driven city that is Palo Alto. Below are some breathtaking bakery shops that anyone with a sweet tooth would adore and come back begging for more.
Douce France Interior Shot/Courtesy Divine Edem
Douce France Café & Bakery
A French enthusiast’s dream, Douce France recreates the French dream with its array of sweet and savory crepes, magnificently fruity croissants and danishes and its colorful macaroons. The menu alone will leave your mouth watering and your mind seriously considering a vacation to France. Located in the luxurious center of Town & Country Village, Douce France welcomes the city of Palo Alto to its cozy café where you can dig into your favorite book, chatter with your closest friends, or simply bask in amazing pastries and wanderlust.
Paris Baguette Bakery Café sets the trend for modern Paris with its eye-catching luminescent neon sign, and a menu that combines Parisian favorites with a modern element. The bakery prides itself on its mission to utilize fresh and clean, high-quality ingredients from around the globe for its loyal customers. In addition to the customary baguettes and croissants, Paris Baguettes offers unique Asian desserts like its Taro Shaved Ice. Dig into their signature blueberry chiffon cake loaded with blueberries, fresh cream, and blueberry chiffon or eat light with their simple yet flavor-packed cornet pie.
Rich in history and true to its traditions, La Baguette serves up a charming selection of handmade artisan bread with specialties, including pesto bread, cranberry walnut rolls, ciabatta loafs, and their signature nine-grain baguettes. The owner of the café has cultivated a welcoming atmosphere for workers and customers alike. The café menu offers choices of wholesome sandwiches, hearty soup, and delectable salads. After a bountiful entrée, indulge in the princess cake flavored with champagne white chiffon, and layers of raspberry puree, topped with a beautiful whipped cream rose.
Founded by a mother-son duo, Cocola Bakery boasts a classy, high-end taste with some of France’s most classic pastry and baked dishes. Cocola makes its one-of-a-kind, sophisticated selection affordable to the people of Palo Alto. Head back to basics with their simple three-color chocolate mousse, or take a walk on the French wild side with their Millefeuille Napoleon loaded with layers of strawberries, whipped & orange pastry cream, puff pastry, and chocolate fondant.
This French pastry café infuses a sweet French atmosphere with a modern and sleek California twist. Tout Sweet Patisserie originated in San Francisco, owned by Yigit Pura. He wanted to create a patisserie that brought out his ‘inner child’ and love for contemporary desserts, and fostered the imagination and sweet tooth of every customer. Tout Sweet’s architecture remains true to the classic elements of European cafés and patisseries with its small, communal seating and tranquil atmosphere. Delight in the eclectic variety of exquisite macarons, from the exotic bananas to the Ultimate Mac Pack.
