I went to Chaupain with my pregnant wife and, in a gesture of solidarity, also began eating for two. We went gloriously overboard: the open-faced salmon lox sandwich, strawberry evalope, chocolate Elfroy , and mille-feuille. The salmon sandwich was fresh and flavorful, though the cream could have been ever so slightly thicker and the ciabatta bread slightly more toasted. The strawberry evalope and chocolate Elroy were terrific: delicately crisp croissants, butter beautifully balanced, and fillings/toppings sweet but thankfully restrained from becoming sugar bombs. But the mille-feuille was utterly incredible and the reason to write this review. It was like the perfect vanilla ice-cream cone flavor transformed into 1000 crispy, buttery, flaky layers, with a restrained custard that let every texture and flavor shine. I'm not even a vanilla fan and it was pure joy. A transcendent pastry experience--and worth every calorie we pretended not to count. Five stars. As the owner of a Mom and Pop cabinetry store, I have to congratulate Sami and Sarah, you guys are crushing it!! read more

Everything about it is great. Salad for lunch was so good. Oh of course the pastries are delicious. One of my favorites is the chocolate chip scone! The employees are wonderful and always smiling, and give the best service. The place reminds me of Marseille France where all my cousins live. Very pleasant ambiance. And I'm blessed to just live around the corner read more

Chaupain can never go wrong in my book and will always be a go to spot for pastries and brunch. This was my second time at Chaupain but first time at the San Clemente location. This time around we got the shakshouka, chicken pesto sandwich, smoked salmon tartine, and the pistachio croissant. Everything was amazing, as expected. Their bread and pastries are top tier, you can really tell that they use high quality ingredients. Their croissants are honestly the best I've ever had. So flakey and crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. read more

Chaupain Bakery - Shakshouka de Tunis, Chicken Pesto Sandwich, Smoked Salmon Tartine - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Another fresh and delicious sandwich on the go. Be sure to get side salad that is included with takeaway order. Mine were not and I had to request. Advanced order and payment is encouraged to prevent any wait time. Food is excellent and I highly recommend this place. Very clean, great fr dining inside or out as well. read more

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This bakery oozes with fresh baked goods. A lot of customers and seating inside and outside. We were able to find a bar seat looking towards the outside while seated indoors. I had a flat white and it tasted delicious. Along with my coffee I had a chocolate chip croissant. The chocolate was more like a gooey texture than pieces of hard chocolate and the texture of the croissant is a lot softer as I bite into it. Taste was wonderful of course, everything is baked fresh daily. I bought a loaf of cheddar jalapeño bread, sourdough that is. Texture was harder than I expected. Not sure if it was a loaf made the same day though. That's my take. read more

Chaupain Bakery - Lunch selections - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Okay, I had to come here one more time! Cako and I were walking back to where we were staying and I planned it so we had to walk by here. They have to be the best bakery in San Clemente! I think I'm only going to go here when I'm up and eat my way through it! The staff is always friendly! I always have to have a plain croissant. But I pair it with a sweet pastry, and this time I chose the guava cruffin...OMG!!! Sooooooooo effing good! The best time to go, in my opinion, is right when they open. Parking is easy and there's plenty of tables available. Next time, maybe we'll sit outside and eat. Cako knew how happy this place makes me happy. I tied her up over on Min's patio told her to sit and wait. This is the first time I've done something like that. Cako Approves! read more

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We stopped in for lunch yesterday.I got the Countryside chicken salad with saved parm and my husband got,the quiche Lorraine.The salad was excellent,one of the best I ever had.(the salad dressing was red vinegar with mustard grain yum!)My husband also liked his quiche. It is super pricey though! read more

Chaupain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

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I wanted to eat everything here but lack of money and a general belief that it might not be great for my health prevented me from doing so, at least this time. We tried a Nutella cruffin and a croissant with custard and chocolate. Both were extremely fresh and decadent. How could they not be? This place could be dangerous to your waistline but it is definitely a guilty pleasure. read more

Chaupain Bakery - Almond Croissant with custard (top) and Nutella Cruffin (bottom). Both were excellent. - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Having tried their other locations, this San Clemente spot offered the same high quality pastries and brunch food, while also being located on a charming downtown street! My usually favorites are the berry croissant and kouign amaan, but I discovered a new favorite: the bacon leek quiche. It had a great depth of flavor and I would definitely get it again! Service friendly and quick despite there being a line, and they offer to heat up the savory options if you're willing to wait. The spot is roughly a 15 minute walk from the beach (with some incline so beware!), making it a great treat before or after a beach day! read more

Chaupain Bakery - Cinnamon roll, cruffin, pistachio croissant, cinnamon twist, and apple tart - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

An updated review as of 2026. Haven't been since their store was just a tiny one and that was years ago, I'm excited that they have expand their bakery with more seating and love the huge display of bake goods (I didn't get to take a picture of it on this visit but I'll update soon). They are always busy and I don't blame them. Now that I work up the street, I'm making it my mission to treat my staff at work with some of these heavenly goods. Services were quickly, lots of staff and I'm just amaze how fast they work. Food. OMG! It was crispy and fluffy, the layers and THE CUSTARD....I could eat a whole jar of it if I could. Made my staff pretty happy on the sweet treat, and to some a better day. The pastries I got was a mixed berry bateau (2) and (1) Limoncello Tiramisu (DEVINE). Can't wait to come and for more. 10/10 read more

Chaupain Bakery - limoncello tiramisu - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

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A must visit when you're in San Clemente! Delicious pastries and a nice selection of breads. I have yet to try their menu or premade sandwiches and quiche that looked amazing. We skipped the Farmer's Market stall on Sunday and headed straight for the bakery that's only about a half block from the Farmer's Market stall. Service was awesome and we love the outdoor and indoor seating options. They were out of the Peach Danish., But, it allowed us to try other items. This spot is busy, but the line moves fairly fast. read more

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This cafe location is a hidden Gem! They offer a variety of French pastry selections, savory sandwiches and other savory choices. First time in Chaupain Bakery and Alison bakery employee helped us with great recommendations and had a sweet personality. All pastries were heavenly delicious, and so was the pumpkin foam latte. Great experience will come back! read more

Great bread and great coffee and amazing dessert options make for a lovely day by the beach in San Clemente. Good customer service by nice people working hard here and making customers happy to return again and again. Enjoy your weekend everyone and please stay for some delicious snacks bread and wonderful coffee here at beautiful Chaupain Artisan Bakery in the heart of San Clemente. Ask for Victor and Joaquin the best brothers working here. read more

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Raspberry danish was a 10/10 - tasted fresh and perfectly sweet. I also got a kefir yogurt and that was so yummy - different creamy and tangy. Lots of other French options like ham baguettes and other pastries - a must try. read more

Chaupain Bakery - Danish at the beach - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

I was in the mood for a cappuccino, and decided to stop by this French-inspired bakery. I appreciate how their bread is made fresh, and all the lovely looking pastries. I didn't get to try one this time around, but will surely do, next time. Turns out they don't make cappuccinos here, but Angus, who was cheerfully working at the front (greeted absolutely everyone!), was kind enough to make me a latte with extra foam as a replacement. It was perfect! The drink made my first ever visit to downtown San Clemente that much more enjoyable! read more

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Haven't found the perfect Kouign Amann since a private French baker had a pop-up sale in San Mateo 4 years ago. Despite trying so many since then, between here and even Paris, they've just been total flops. It's crazy how many variations there are, from doughy to bready to basically just a croissant. Have to say Chaupain's, which I found at the Cardiff 101 farmer's market, was AMAZING. I wish I had bought more than one; I had just been disappointed so many times, and Paris was the last straw for me lmao! Service in the tent was super friendly and he was surprised I knew was a Kouign Amann was. If you're a butter/sugar/pastry fan, you'll love their Kouign Amann (Queen amann) read more

They expanded their store!!! It has now been 3 weeks and they have more seatings inside and outside!!! Really feels like a french café now!!! As a French citizen I approved their baked goods! Their croissant is as authentic as it is in Paris! I am super happy that they came here in San Clemente! They used to only come every Saturday for farmers Market and only have their pain au chocolat, croissants and Quiche but having a café is so much better! I don't need to drive as far and just do my morning walk and get their freshly baked goods! The staff are so friendly and so nice! The ambiance is great! Love hearing French classic music! Makes it really feel homie! Highly recommend as the food are all freshly baked and the samples are always a great addition! read more

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Chaupain bakery is a husband and wife team in San Clemente. It's very inviting and has a beautiful indoor and outdoor space . They offer great breads, pastries, quiches , breakfast and lunch. The staff is very polite and welcoming . We ordered Shakshuka de Tunis , pistachio Croissant and coffee. Everything was delicious. We purchased a multigrain bread to go . I highly recommend this bakery. read more

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This was my first time trying chaupain bakery and I had an amazing time! It was such a cute location, a nice woman named Carmen helped me with figuring out what I wanted and what was her favorite. I ended up getting the ganache croissant which was a perfect cure for my sweet tooth. Carmen walked me through how they make everything in house and how fresh all the products and ingredients are. On my way out I also got a loaf of sourdough. Will definitely be coming back! read more

First time and enjoyed the food and customer service. Lots of delicious options. Plenty of seating inside and outside. read more

Chaupain Bakery - Guava Cruffin - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

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This was absolutely the best bakery I hit in San clemente. Far and away the most traditional and artisanal. A great selection of croissants, buns, and sweets adorn the counter. But, a freshly baked chocolate cookie awed me! Oh, a flaky cinnamon bun, too! Super clean, peaceful spot with tons of folks eating some fresh sandwiches on patio. Workers are nice, attentive. The selection is great and everything appears to be well executed read more

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As much as I love the place and have gone many times, this recent visit was one for concern as it was disgustingly hot and I had no idea what was going on. It was especially concerning as the weather outside already being hot as came in to enjoy a pastry and at least try to have some cool down time. Unfortunately it was so hot that I couldn't enjoy the food inside comfortably, which is a shame as I usually enjoy the ambience that they provide. If I was struggling in the heat inside, I can't imagine the workers who seem to work in both areas and stay inside for long periods. It's terrible that they have to work in these conditions! read more

Chaupain Bakery - Photo of thermostat being at 87 degrees - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Just a comment - I come here very often. Normally have to wait for tables to be bused - today on the patio on the street, There are five tables that need to be bused . Please make this aware of your employees. While I was sitting here, enjoying my afternoon coffee and pastry two girls came out and each clean one table. Then finally a young lady( with a nose ring )came with a dish pan & cleaned all the tables read more

Chaupain Bakery - Cappuccino and pastry - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

I have been walking by this amazing bakery. They have a great outdoor dining area. Cute decor. The staff are friendly and helpful. You a tell they enjoy where they work. This place is always busy, everyone comes early, before they sell out of items. I purchased a variety of sweet and savory pastries, that I could share with my sister. I ordered: a French onion croissant, a jalapeño cheese croissant, a pecan sticky bun, apple tart, a cinnamon cream cheese bun, and a cold brew coffee with salted caramel foam. The sticky bun and cinnamon cream cheese bun are fantastic. The carmelization is perfection; at its finest. The flaky layers of buttery pastry are superb, crunchy and pillowy. I warmed up the apple tart it was perfect not very sweet with just the right amount of tartness. The onion & jalapeño cheese croissants we had for a morning snack the following day. They were still exceptional, the day after. Chaupain participates in the San Clemente Farmers Market on Sundays. read more

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I had such a great first visit! Carmen, the manager, was incredibly kind and welcoming from the moment I walked in. She recommended the pistachio croissant because it was her favorite, and I'm so glad I tried it--it was absolutely delicious! Her friendly attitude made the whole experience even better. I'll definitely be back! read more

Chaupain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Sacrebleu! That's it, all the French I know, and by now it is probably something an Xer like me would say. A more parallel expression in my finest southern accent would be, DAMN! Exceptional bakery with top quality food. Go after 9 am and you will wait in line to order and for you food. BUT it is worth both. The pastries are exceptionally crafted and the quiche is exceptional! Went there on two successive days to avoid the guilt of gorging myself in one setting. The almond croissants were a little intense but still exceptional. read more

Afternoon aperitif on San Clemente Del Mar Ave!! Our favorite French bakery, coffee spot and all around breakfast-lunch hangout NOW serves small plates and wines in the late afternoon. Food was excellent. We had Crab tartare and sliders done with a French twist. Awesome bread as would be expected from this bakery. Perfect fries with 3 dipping sauces, mayo being one and typically French. Enjoyable to sit out on the Ave these warm summer afternoons. Staff and management always friendly and helpful. read more

This is our go to breakfast spot when we visit San Clemente. They have expanded their dining area inside, but we enjoy sitting outside in their Paris bistro inspired patio. They have a wide selection of scrumptious pastries. Our favorites are the Chocolate Elroy, Raspberry Danish and the Mixed Berry Bateau. The desserts are light and not overly sweet. I recommend the French Breakfast Wrap and Sausage Breakfast Skillet. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. read more

Chaupain Bakery - Mixed Berry Bateau, Raspberry Danish and Chocolate Elroy - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

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Usually get the pastries at the Carlsbad market. But everything we've ever had from here is always good. Pastries, bread etc. it's nice to have that go to spot for pastries as ours in Oceanside shut down. Service is good friendly staff and clean and welcoming ambiance. read more

Pastries were very good. We had the cinnamon rolls and pistachio croissant. Simply delicious. Staff were warm and friendly. Store was clean and organized. Not a fan of the round tables though. Overall great pastry shop. Will recommend highly to visit and enjoy the food if you're in San Clemente. Cheers! read more

I have been coming to this place for years and it's still fantastic! Cute place, people are friendly and everything is delish! read more

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Chaupain Bakery is a cute spot on Del Mar Ave in San Clemente. It's a small space inside, but they do have a nice outdoor patio space. Personally, I love their croissants and delicious pastries. They have great sourdough to purchase, as well as French bread too. They even have delicious sandwiches! All the staff are very friendly too! read more

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I love all Chaupains but this one not so much. The location is great and very friendly service. Parking is usually plentiful and overall appeared dog-friendly. One thing that bothered me was their orange juice that I always ordered was not fresh. It's in the fridge and it tastes like it was made a day or 2 ago. Other locations are juicing it on the spot and you can really taste the difference. There was a random hair on my OJ cup--okay whatever it happens. But also my coffee mug had a distinct smell to it like it wasn't washed well. And I didn't enjoy their Chocolate Elroy their croissant wasn't as flakey as other Chaupains. Possibly had just an off experience. read more

Update July 2027: bigger space still as good or better than I remember last year. Spinach croissant was like a delicious spanakopita and the elfroy was also delicious. Will return every year! read more

It's a little helter skelter for service/queuing and self seating. There's no real direction on getting to the counter around people waiting or either checking out the menu or quite frankly, the whole order process. It was kind of uncomfortable. I understand there are "lanes", but it doesn't work. I think the strollers in the way also adds to this. Patrons are quite rude and don't bus their own plates, that said, since it is a problem, outside tables need to be checked by staff more often. Or make clear signs that patrons should bus their own tables out of respect of other diners. I wouldn't call this classic French brunch, but still for what it is, the food was tasty. The highlight was the bread; had a nice crust, not too tough, and still a soft chew. read more

We stopped in for cappuccino and pastries and had a great experience. We ordered a berry tart and an Opera cake--both were delicious. The atmosphere is beautiful, the service was excellent, and the cappuccino was just right: hot, well-balanced, and full of rich coffee flavor (not overly milky). Highly recommend. read more

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Great location in San Clemente Village. Small bakery which has outdoor seating only. So much to choose from. Freshly baked croissants, danishes, cakes, cookies and more. Also a great selection of bread in bags ready to go home with you. They have a few ready to grab sandwiches, also you can order more food items from the menu. The Foccacia chicken sandwich looked so good but I chose the ham and cheese sandwich made in a freshly baked baguette. Sooo so good. My son got the Caprese and loved it as well. The coffee was good as well. Customer service was friendly and fast. Overall a great place to eat while in the area or even get food to go and head down to the beach for a picnic. I will be back read more

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This place is amazing! I am very hard to please when it comes to desserts and pastries. I got a croissant with some kind of cream in it with fruit on top that was delicious. The raspberry cheesecake was divine. I love cheesecake but am very particular, this one passed all the tests. The place is a little pricey, but if you remember it's California and near the beach then it's well worth the money. Workers were super helpful and there is lots of seating options. read more

Chaupain Bakery - Raspberry cheesecake - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

Went for a Sunday brunch with my family. The seating area is rather small, so if you have a large party like mine, plan ahead. The coffee there was average, but the sausage skillet was the daily special and I really enjoyed it. The pastries were good as well. I can't speak on the service, but they were really busy. read more

Chaupain Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - San Clemente, California

I think their Eggs Benedict just might be the best I've tasted. The hollandaise sauce is not cloying. Theirs is a medley of flavors that dance on your tongue and enhance the egg and ham flavor. The bread makes for the perfect canvas...the crunch provides the best contrast for that runny egg yolk. I'm in love with this boulangerie. I wish they had a branch close to my house. read more

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