Breakfast is AWESOME...usually. I love the simple but cute atmosphere, excellent menu, easy order-at-the-counter system, and just pick your own table. Oh and there's a parking lot in the back. The menu has so many great options, there really is something for everyone! Egg sandwiches, quiche, scrambled eggs, French toast, pancakes, yogurt/granola... if not, the big pastry case filled with delicious baked goods can be your meal. The French scrambled eggs are always so fantastic, that I can never bring myself to switch it up-- it's that good. Perfect soft, creamy, rich consistency every time. They taste like they're scrambled with love, Dijon mustard, herbs...and French magic, probably. And when the Chef/Owner is in, you MUST opt for the baguette. Just a piece of their beautiful baguettes, served with butter and/or jam. Rumor has it that she's the master and is the only one who can bake them perfectly. Here's where things can start to get dicey: - If they use day-old bread...GASP! Last time I was in, B.C. (Before Covid) the bread was NOT baked fresh that morning. It was stale and had that old-chew texture, no spring. It seems like it was "steamed" back to life in a microwave. Very disappointing. Especially after I went on and on to the husband about how epic the baguettes are. - Customer Service. It's 90% awkward and cold and unwelcoming. Smiles are rare at the cash register, and I usually want to get away from there ASAP. This department could use the most work. - Protein sides. Your options with the French scrambled eggs are bacon or sausage and both are meager (for the price) and just 'meh'. - Line can get long during peak hours, and most tables are 2-4 tops. Overall, Essence is one of my favorite breakfast spots in the valley and the butter croissants alone are worth everrrrrrry flaky, buttery, calorie. read more

The coffee is great, the pastries are to die for, and the food is rich and tastes great. The atmosphere is very nice. You will want to keep coming back here. read more

For anyone who has seen Italy at least once, you know how breakfast is over there. Espresso or cappuccino and a fresh pastry. This place was recommended by friends, so I decided to give it a try. It does resemble the Italian breakfast a little bit. My friends were right, their baked goods are a legend. So fresh and delicious, you're naturally inclined to get more than one. Their presentation is also appealing. I got a croissant, a raspberry danish and a small cappuccino. Cappuccino, to be honest with you, is not the best in town, but still a cappuccino. My eulogies go to the baked goods I got. Never had something that good before in Phoenix. Prices are fair. I will come back other times to try something different and see if my palate will get satisfied even more. Watch out for parking, as this place is right on Indian School street and there is not much room for maneuvering your 4 wheel. :-) ciao! read more

Um so initially I was going to take a picture of the food because the artistry of how it looks is amazing. However, lol I'm sad to say I couldn't stop eating it to take a picture lol. First of all there egg sandwiches was amazing. I ordered mine on a croissant with bacon Friday morning and it was literally perfection. ive never had a sandwich taste that good ever. The cheese was amazing the bacon was cooked perfectly and that croissant was flaky and buttery goodness a lil small but still filling and amazing. I also ordered the chocolate croissant and almond chocolate croissant as well for coworkers and they adored it by far the best bakery in Arizona. I'm so sad I didn't have time to come in today. Hopefully I'll be able to come in Wednesday and take pictures of it before I devour it all. Thanks to the staff for their patience. Everything about my experience was amazing read more

This place is really great. From the breakfast to the crossaints. The almond crossaints and chocolate eclair are my FAVORITE thing there. Tried the macaroons the pistachio one and strawberry one were so goood. Also I love how they cook their eggs so perfect . Very different from a lot of other breakfast spots. The staff could be a bit nicer and more patient but other then that this place is an amazing spot to grab breakfast or sweets for somebody that loves to splurge a little on sweets. Been here more times then I can count and I'm always grabbing a box full of treats read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Strawberry macaroon was so amazing even max wanted a bite lol - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

One of my best breakfasts, ever. I got the special and it was, well, special . The owner/chef was there, attentive and involved in making sure we were all happy. I also scored some baked goods and bread before I left and I was very impressed with the whole thing. I wish I lived closer, and I wish they had more room because it seems to fill quickly. So I guess they aren't going anywhere. I need to try more items. The coffee drinks were perfect. All items were above par. WILL BE BACK! read more

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Unfortunately I need to update this review. Although the food when it came this visit was still delicious, the service up front left a lot to be desired. I was handed a stone cold cup of weak tasting coffee. When I pointed this out I was served another cup of stone cold coffee. Finally I got a cup of drinkable coffee. All three times I had to cross the restaurant to add a little half and half. Frustrating. I waited half an hour for breakfast. During this time no one ever offered to refill my coffee or apologized for the delay. They were not particularly busy. I've been a customer for a very long time, but I can't help noticing there are lots of other options in the area where they pay a little more attention to customer service. It seems this issue up front has been pointed out a number of times but has not been addressed. Until it is I likely won't be back. read more

NO CUSTOMER SERVIXE we are long time customers looking forward to what was our favorite salad, the arugula salad with dates neither of our salads had a single piece of date when we spoke to the "cashier/service "chick" and said we did not have any dates in the salads, her response was next to "too bad" later we asked about making special orders and her answer was just as non-customer service. (Go on the website and send an email) Plus the air conditioning was not in a comfortable zone so mediocre salad a hot room no customer service whatsoever thr pastries are good but too oversized/American. Bigger is Not always better read more

Absolutely delicious! I am a huge fan of their breakfasts and all of their pastries. The almond croissants are amazing. I highly recommend Essence Bakery! read more

This is a stop we make whenever we are on this side of the valley. This time after my wife's out patient surgery at Banner's in Phoenix. Picked up a few items for take-out today... The caramel, hazelnut and chocolate macarons are AWESOME. They always are... Also picked up chocolate croissants and hot chocolate - these are soo good that they are saved for later. My wife got the egg salad and bacon sandwich for lunch which she really liked though I got a taste and thought it wasn't anything special... I honestly didn't expect the sandwich to be special really - so in case, it wasn't worth the price IMO. Will still be coming back for the pastries as they definitely are worth it. read more

Not much to say. Some of the best food I've ever eaten. Scrambled eggs were better than I thought possible, and the raspberry rose macaroon was one of the best single food items I've ever had. Not cheap, but absolutely worth the price. We will become regulars. read more

Out of everything, at 11:20am they said no serving of breakfast items (egg sandwich)? Ordered a large Latte, was cold. Ordered toasted sourdough bread it came pre buttered and jam was awful! All the staff was just standing around, and then a 2pm they locked the doors? I feel sorry for for owner, this place is taking a nose dive read more

Neighborhood French style bakery, coffee and breakfast spot for Quiches, Brioche and Macaroons.. Oui Oui! :-) I indulged in a Quiche Lorraine which was in a perfect flaky crust and VERY hot just out of the oven! This place gets PACKED on the weekend so get there early and have time to just relax while you wait and enjoy their organic coffee or a beautiful Macaroon. Food took a little while but well worth it! read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I waited 45 minutes for an egg sandwich. Not a great sandwich either. Should have just made it myself at home. Won't be back.

We were looking for a quick breakfast and thought a bakery/cafe would be just that. Wanted the jalapeño croque monsieur, but they were out of it. Got something else and it took over 45 minutes to get our food. When we finally got it, it was very mediocre. We left still hungry, late, and agitated. Could be better during slower hours, but we don't plan on returning to find out. read more

While traveling we decided to stop here. The whole experience was spot on. Nicely decorated, food was done exactly right. I have never had eggs that were so perfectly done. The Almond croissant was one of the best as well. Had the full breakfast with a side order of the croissant and coffee. Service was friendly and efficient. It looks like a newer bakery. Hope they do well. You won't be disappointed. read more

I pass this place all the time but have never stopped until today because I ran out of coffee lol. Stopped in around 9:30am and the line was pretty long but the place wasn't overly crowded. It's super chill and cute inside. They had so much to pick from in the pastry window but I decided on the organic drip and the almond chocolate croissant because it had amazing reviews on Yelp. The coffee was really good just kinda mild and I like mine a little stronger. The croissant was like bitting into heaven. OMG it was so good. Fresh, flaky, buttery. It might be the best croissant I've ever had...I'm not exaggerating lol. It's sweet and goes perfectly with the coffee. The service wasn't spectacular but maybe that's because the line was long. The cashiers and servers didn't make eye contact or even smile but I will give them a pass THIS TIME. They have a delicious looking breakfast menu so I will be back soon with the hubby for breakfast. This place is a little hidden treasure...well maybe not so hidden since I pass it everyday LMBO read more

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Pastries are great but the wait is terrible. This is a busy bakery, bit the issue is the complete lack of staff. Two staff members in a weekend to take orders, serve, make coffee. Line is akways out the door she moves at a snail pace when when most people are just picking up a quick pastry from the counter. read more

Very good baked products. However, they're very slow, disorganized, and non-efficient. We got their special of the day (biscuits and gravy), and it was very bland and expensive. Otherwise, very comfortable nice vibe. I would recommend only going there for their baked goods. read more

Thought I'd give this place a try again, same slow service. Line moves so slow with two people. Management can you please improve your front end. Does anyone else have any suggestions for a place that has good pastries? read more

Yes, the pastries are very good here. If you're getting it to go, I'd say do it. But customer service here could improve greatly. There were two of us in the restaurant one early morning, but not a smile or a friendly hello. It would be a great thing to ask us if we wanted more coffee since we were sitting in to eat. But I had to go to the counter, and even then it was like they were doing me a favor. Writing the review because I really hope they can step up the customer service. So much more potential! read more

Superb, addictive pastries, meant to savor. Mediterranean quiche was excellent as well. Service was pleasant. Come early

Used to love this place. Amazing baked goods and food. Sadly the menu is so limited and all the vegan options have vanished. I really hope the med platter will reappear someday, miss the grape leaves so much. Still a great spot to pick up pastries. read more

Just discovered this gem. Pastries are works of art, and the staff are awesome. This place is popular with the locals, and I can see why.

First time visiting this place nice selection . Clean and good customer service here. The pastries were good and fresh.

It's always worth the drive from Gilbert to visit the best bakery in Arizona. The macarons and fresh bread are a go to. The variety sample pack would make a wonderful gift for any macaron lover I can't say enough good things. Stop what you're doing and make a trip here! read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Macarons - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The Yule Log is really yummy. It was $55.95 My husband said they have the best coffee in town. They have delicious macaroons as well. They use hight quality ingredients and you pay a premium for them. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Yummy! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This is the only place in the valley to get a croissant. As a croissant connosoir of all things crescent shaped specifically au chocolate, je vous chéris. I've been to every "French" bakery in this state and this is the one to go to. read more

Honestly, one of the best croissants I've ever had. I got the breakfast special: scrabbled eggs w/ tomato slices and a rosemary olive croissant. Sooo good. Almond croissant was also delicious. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Breakfast special - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

TL;dr version: on the pricey side, but extremely tasty food. Friendly staff. The $5 lemonade was rather delicious. I had a $5 raspberry danish, and the fruit tasted extremely fresh. I also had the $14 breakfast entree special: Mashed Avocado, with Lemon & Sea Salt on sourdough toast topped withfried egg, vegetales, and jalapenos. Truly one of the yummiest breakfast dishes that I've ever had. Apparently no WiFi, which is perfectly fine by me. Leaves more space to sit when there aren't people lingering all day. read more

I had to update this review . Everything that happens in the back of house is great. Their front of house needs serious work. If there is one person in line it's a twenty minute wait. Seriously, just hire a roamer or something and you could be pumping profit like crazy read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Lines, 1 cashier, no picker for the Pastries. Terrible process - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Croissants are real butter croissants love the baguette and great #americano and splash of heavy cream. read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I found essence a little over a year ago. Absolutely love the food and pastry's and that's what keeps me coming back. I have had issues on more than one occasion with the staff were parts of my order are missing and some of the staff coming across as rude. Still I would recommend this place! read more

YUM... My first time here! I loved it. I got the French scrambled eggs with sausage and baguette. Everything was GOOD! The green ice tea was good and better cold. The ice machine was out of ice. It took them about 15 to 20 mins to get more ice into the machine. The chocolate croissant was super good. Got 4 macaroons and I inhaled them at home. YUM......................... read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Macaroons - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I've already written a not so flattering review for the Tempe location and now, I'm sad to write an even worse review. I've never been more disappointed with a macaron in my life. But we'll get back to that. Inside is bright and clean with friendly employees. The parking is a nightmare. The back has a small lot with about dozen spots. An employee was standing outside "working" the traffic for the lot but he just stood there against the building. Unbelievable. I had to look for myself to see if there was a spot as when I asked, he said to go check. Okay, thanks for doing your job. Order process was fast and simple. End of that. The brioche. What the heck happened to their brioche loaf? In Tempe location, it was fluffy and light and delicious but in Phoenix location, it was at least a day old, too eggy and dry. Their brioche was the best thing but wow. I hope the Tempe location hasn't change. The macaron. Seriously?! The shell - too many air bubbles, cracked, uneven, hollow and spread too much. The filling - too runny and curdled. The filling is only in the center instead of spread out entirely. Majority of the flavor is supposed to come from the filling that soaks into the shell but when the filling is only in the center, the flavor can't spread. You get the filling in the middle but the rest of the macaron is just eating the shell. As a pastry chef, those are the shells that would have never seen the light of day. It is an insult to be served those inadequate macarons, let alone pay for it. Who cares if its big? It's just more flavorless shell to eat. I would rather have macarons from AJ's fine foods. I saw worse macarons in the case so I hope they never sell those to their customers. Absolute and utter disappointment. read more

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Sensations de goût frais, local & organique (Delicious fresh, local & organic taste sensations). Even the eggs are beyond the normal simplicity of most restaurants. The eggs are always creamy, rich decadence. And the prices are amazingly reasonable & similar at other places with less quality. Your mouth just feel like you're in a 5 star in a casual, low key atmosphere. Chef Eugenia Theodospoulos utilizes "only the freshest, most flavorful and environmentally friendly ingredients in their fine fare, believing that organic, local ingredients and farming methods are not only respectful of seasonal production schedules, but also help minimize both the emissions of dangerous greenhouse gases and the need for excessive, pollution-producing transportation."* Chef Eugenia Theodospoulos is hands on even in the front bagging to go orders when they are busy. She definitely takes pride with a genuine smile in her bakery/dining establishment. Definitely try their freshly baked breads & pastries. read more

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I've been wanting to try Essence Bakery and finally, I came with a friend of mine. After a tough spinning class, we felt like we deserved "bad, but delicious" food... I know, stupid - The best way to blow a workout! Anyway, there's plenty of parking in the back and when we walked in, the café is pretty roomy. We scrutinized the menu a little bit and I finally decided on an iced vanilla latte with non-fat milk. They didn't offer coconut or almond milk, which is a bummer. The flavor wasn't bad, but not the best. I also ordered the Lorraine quiche. It came with a side of fruit and the fruit was fresh and tasty. The quiche was ok. I've had better quiches. I also decided to order a dozen mini macaroons to take home and indulge in later. Every time I start feeling sorry for myself, I'll just pop a macaroon in my mouth to make myself feel better (that's the plan). I just had two - the raspberry one and the espresso one. They were pretty damn good and yes, I already felt sorry for myself twice since I left the café! Don't judge!!! read more

I was so amazed when I discovered the one in Tempe and then went into utter bliss when they decided to open this one in Arcadia. I adore that there is finally more breakfast options for Arcadia, naturally after I move out that zip code. I'm not very good at waiting for food, I like to start with the pain au chocolate or the chocolate almond croissant with my coffee. You will not be disappointed by the quiche or the big breakfast, that jam is the star of the plate. However my ultimate fave is the huevos frenchos. Avocado, enough said. As if it is any mystery, I could never leave this place without a dozen of their macarons. I have a weakness for the french chocolate, hazelnut, raspberry rose, and key lime flavors. I can't describe enough how this little piece of patisserie can ensure happiness inhabits my every molecule. You may find yourself darting from the yogis of OM to park here but it is worth it. Until my next return, you can leave your imprint on me any time my little cafe! read more

If you're trying to think of a unique treat to give your clients or colleagues {...or anyone, really!}, the AMAZING macarons from Essence are always a hit! They're so colorful and delicious. I usually have to order a mini one for myself as well. Shhh, don't tell! read more

Essence Bakery Cafe - Delicious Macarons from Essence! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Super solid lunch spot. Really cute atmosphere. I didn't partake in any macaroons or pastry this time but my coworker had to wipe drool off of my face while we were waiting in line to order. I will be back to swoop some sweet delights very soon. I ordered the Mediterranean platter which included dolmades (which I thought were a teense too oily), hummus (nice texture, not overly whipped, still had a slight chunk which I enjoyed), a lovely chopped Greek salad, and heavenly toasted and lightly buttered Baguette. It was very good -- great portion size and no overwhelming feta flavors which can be my main complaint with Mediterranean/Greek food. I wanted a bit more garlic in each offering but overall great dish , I didn't leave any on my plate. Now let's talk bread -- I'm thinking the next time I come back, I'm ordering the 18 inch baguette sliced in half, toasted and buttered. Not even kidding. I love bread and this bread made my inner fat kid squeal with delight. My coworkers ordered the mini grilled cheese & pear salad, the caprese sandwich, a quiche, and some sort of veggie salad. Everyone was very satisfied with their entree selections and I'm game planning my next visit. read more

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