This is a place of baking artistry! Eugenia and her husband Jill have been dedicated to creating the most authentic crafted pastries in Arizona. The coffee is without equal and the Almond Chocolate Croissants are well beyond anything you will find in Phoenix. The renovated and repurposed Home is a little architectural gem on Indian School Road and 38th Street. Try it you'll like it and what a relaxed cafe atmosphere! Simply the best! read more

Stopped in about a month ago and got some pastries and quiche. Pastries were pretty good but not memorable. The quiche package contained two individual portions and cost $25, which I thought at the time was a bit high. When we got home I discovered that the quiche was 6 days old, not sure if it had been frozen but it was a bit dried out. The taste was ok, but for nearly $50 for 2 small quiche and some pastries I expect much higher quality. Will not be back. read more

I had been visiting Essence in the past; however, since they are not open for indoor seating after all of this time I have found another eatery to patronize! read more

Food was really good and pastries were all outstanding. Wait was a little long for lunch but wasn't too bad. A little expensive but not bad considering they use all local and organic ingredients. read more

I really want to like this place, and I honestly do, as certain things are done very well, but some are not. Here's my ratings : look/ feel 5 stars, coffee 5 stars, food pastries - simple organic 5 stars, service 2.5 stars, price 2 stars. A bit too expensive for what you get, and the length of time it takes to whip up some eggs was unacceptable. I'll probably be back at some point, but won't be one of my go to's. read more

In the years since Essence opened in Arcadia, we have been many times. Today we stopped for a quick lunch and had a fantastic butternut squash soup and the amazing chicken club sandwich. I swear that chicken club is like every simple and clean sandwich you ever wanted. Like, is it homemade mayo? And the most tender chicken ever. And good tomatoes and nice bread and good bacon. Ok, I'm done now. It's just so good. This is a favorite neighborhood spot and I'm so glad it's in my neighborhood!! read more

Amazing! I had the chicken pot pie and it was delicious! Also got the chocolate croissant and a macaroon! I will definitely be back.

Tasty brunch special. A friend recommended Essence so we made the 38 mile drive (one-way). We'd come back again. Note: additional parking in the back. read more

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

Just visiting from Big Island and had read about Essence before the trip, so had it on our list. The Signature Turnover with Eggs was delightful for an early breakfast. Excellent blend of flavors and light crust. Couldn't leave without splitting a chocolate almond croissant. Yum! read more

love their baked goods ( a bit pricy) tried their pistachio croissant now I am hooked, very fresh and flaky . They have the best avocado egg sandwich , I would suggest don't get it with the cheese. I have basically tried all their salads and love them all. The place is very clean, hip and roomy, They are closed on Mondays! read more

I closed my eyes and tasted breakfast in Paris. Excellent quality, European portioned, delicious. I can't wait to return. (Eggs, potatoes, croissant, and great coffee.) read more

I've been coming here for years. I love the food and the feeling of this place. I literally come in right before closing because im lazy on Saturdsys and buy a loaf of bread, usually the daily special or french scrambled eggs, coffee, iced tea and a baked good because treat yo' self. If I'm the last customer of the day, I can't imagine what the first customer gets to experience. read more

I went in on a Wednesday morning for a cup of coffee and to work. The food items on the menu sounded delicious but seemed a bit overpriced. I ordered a house vanilla latte and found a space to work. The coffee design with the foam was awesome but the latte itself was fair. I asked one of the employees if they had WiFi and she replied no. No big deal, I turned on my hotspot. Then my laptop was running low on battery and I didn't see any nearby outlets. I asked another employee if they had any outlets throughout the cafe for customer use and she replied no. Unfortunately, I only lasted about an hour here, finished my latte and headed down the street to Sip to continue working. read more

A great cafe that offers a sleek setting for some fresh eats, but it is the pastries that justify a trip across town. Owner/Baker Eugenia Theodosopoulos and her French training is much appreciated and we relish being able to get a world class macaroon without having to put up with French snobbery. read more

Nice neighborhood alternative to LgoNo! Pkg not bad in am & owner makes you feel like you're in Europe! Recommended...

Just so so for breakfast. Service is poor but pastries are amazing. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.

The food is fantastic. The service is horrific. Got there early to beat the lunchtime rush. They offered a special that included soup. The dish arrived. No soup. 'No worries... Can you please bring it anyway. I will be paying for it'. 15 mins later, it still wasn't delivered. I got in line and paid for it, leaving my lunch on the table. 15 mins later, it still hadn't been delivered. I flagged two staff members. "Would it be possible to bring my soup?" They blew me off. I asked to speak with the owner. Sacre Bleu ...zut alors. She blew me off. I left having paid for my soup and declared that I would never go back. If you want great food with obnoxious French attitude, Essence is all that. But in a town where there are other fantastic bakers with equal flare, but without high prices and lackluster service, why bother. read more

Greek. French. Delicious. The spinach pie is one of the best we've had outside of Greece. The pastries are creative and delicious. Great for breakfast, lunch or a mid-day coffee break. We've been back many dozens of times... usually Saturday mornings... and it's consistently great. Best coffee in town. And the quiche... light, airy and perfect. read more

Horrible, service was terrible the pasteries tasted like two day old batter that you left out on the counter. I wouldn't recommend this place it sucked and I can only give this one star but if I could I would give it zero never go here!!!!!!!!!!! read more

I always trust a trendy spot when it manages to bring in the age 60+ crew. Great food, excellent coffee. No substitutions, kinda pricey and long ticket times - but ya know, they're French eggs. So chic like that. If it's Fat-ur-day, get the puff pastry sausage bfast. It's worth the gluten, I promise. read more

Oh My God, Becky! Look at those raisin croissant!!!! Seriously, I am pretty damned snobby about food and especially fancy shmancy claims of being "artisan"' ugh, I despise that word. Essence chefs are not artisans, they're professionals. This is the real deal. As a recovering fat guy, I am unsure if I can even return. The croissant is perfect. Light, buttery and fresh. The egg sandwich with avacado had the perfect bit of crisp edge, as if laser sculpted. Fresh perfectly sliced tomato, not too thin or thick. Did I mention the raisin croissant???? You've probably slipped and bumped your head if you do not stop there after reading this review. 5 stars indeed. read more

As an Arcadia native, I was so excited about Essence opening because I am a big fan of her macaroons. Sadly my excited quickly ended this weekend after my visit. First of all, I almost walked straight into the glass wall .... no decals. My lunch took forever! FOREVER! Restaurants that have you walk up and order at a counter are usually fast, but not Essence. My $8.25 chicken sandwich didn't even fill me up. (side note: I stopped by The Stand on my way home and picked up tacos to satisfy my hunger). The front counter girls were nice, but missing proper training. Every restaurant needs to have flow and an efficient process - Essence missed this part. I saw the manager and I think the owner stand around and not help their employees take orders or package pastries. WTF! Main Points: Its frickin' HOT .... turn on your AC. I don't want to sweat onto my plate Turn on the lights - its too dark. Have a separate line for desserts Pastries are good but the display case is unattractive Add a drink menu You MUST get the food out faster! Most importantly .... BE NICE! All mistakes can be forgiven if you are kind and genuinely want to correct the situation. read more

Essence is one of my favorite spots for lunch in the area. My favorites are the arugula bacon salad and pear/blue cheese sammie salad. I've tried many of the daily specials and have not been disappointed. The ingredients are fresh and often local and organic, the combinations are unique and inventive, and the food is always an excellent quality. The pastries are incredible. I've tried all the croissants (yum!) and usually leave with a few macarons. I recommend the pumpkin spice and vanilla rum macarons. read more

The croissants are like true french croissants, each layer filled with buttery goodness. Sooo amazing like being in France. And the Chocolate croissant was heaven, the chocolate was warm and softened. The pecan sandies are delicious. The decor is cool with wisks used as light fixtures. read more

Great bakery with some tasty pastries. It's a great stop for breakfast. I also had a giant macaron which was not filled with buttercream, but with something lighter. It was very yum. read more

So happy to see Essence make it's way into my neck of the woods. I am kinda shocked at the rating so far, but maybe it has to do with a rough opening. I ordered the chicken club sandwich and it was everything I expected. I totally blew it though, stupid diet reasons made me pass on the macaroons. It's worth a trip to Essence just for those. I think once the staff is up to snuff this place will be as good as the Tempe location. read more

Best French Bakery that I have ever visited. Was there the week it opened and went at least twice a week that winter. Only came to Phoenix for a week this year and ate brunch there every day. Everything we had for breakfast or lunch was excellent. The macaroons are the Best.! read more

45 minute wait for overpriced mediocre eggs and raw, soggy, french toast and it wasn't even busy. The people who were there all wore Lulu Lemon yoga pants and clearly didn't go to yoga by the looks of their hair and makeup. Not my crowd. Grabbed a few macaroons on the way out that were delicious, only reason I am giving 2 stars. read more

Absolutely love Essence bakery! Tried it for the first time today. The blueberry lemon brioche was amazing! The almond croissant was good, as well. read more

Came in the other day and got an assortment of croissants. Overall I was so pleased with the assortment we got and everyone else enjoyed as well. The hands down favorite was the almond/ chocolate almond croissants, the hint of what I assume to be lemon was amazing and made the flavor exceptional (so much so that for our next gathering we are doing double the amount of the almond croissants). The pistachio croissant was a bit disappointing as we hoped there would be more flavor there. It was still a good croissant though! Overall we will definitely be back! read more

Out of sticky buns, chocolate almond croissant limited parking. Arrive at 8:30 and not much left. Very disappointed again second day in a row and went to different location. read more

Needed over 3 dozen macaroons for a wedding very last minute. I am talking about in the next 16 hours, last minute. They were able to provide the right amount and was a very positive experience. Thank you! read more

Love, always and forever. Been coming here for years and i think i have ordered everything they have and its always been awesome.

I had high expectations for this place because of the Tempe location. Tried the macarons, the chocolate seemed, well not. And the mint appeared burnt on the underside. Wonder why I was tasting something weird. So, gave them a chance again with double chocolate cookie, tasted like brown sugar. I know if I don't have the right amount of sugar and chocolate, then the chocolate taste will be cancelled out. I might as well go to the store to pickup $3.95 brown sugar and eat it. Also I called ahead to reserve a small seasonal pie (and they really didn't care, it's like I never called), and it didn't get reserved but they just so happened to have the last one available. I'll just make the worthwhile trip to the Tempe location. read more

I went here for lunch the other day and ordered their Roasted Vegetable and Hummus sandwich and it was much better than I expected! I'm normally a meat eater but had been eating bad all week and decided I should order something "healthier". I wasn't in the mood for a salad so I decided to try it and I was sooo pleased I did! It had so much flavor and was very filling! I didn't miss the meat at all! I didn't try the macaroons on this visit but have had them at their tempe location and they are fantastic! I will definitely be back! read more

The Huevos Frenchos was excellent! I don't know how they can get the scrambled eggs to be so light, fluffy, and creamy, but they were delicious. We took home a plain and chocolate filled croissants for my daughter, who is particular, and she ate both! The owner is friendly and personable, and visited a few moments, making us feel welcome. read more

We were really excited to try this place after seeing it on AZ Highways. My wife loved the chocolate croissants that she had in Paris and this place is suppose to be just as good. When we went to order our food on the afternoon of March 20, 2015 the guy working behind the counter took a phone order after he just helped an elderly couple. Then he took another phone call, so I got in the other line that had two other people in it. Within a minute or two he came to the counter and helped the people in front of me. I placed my order and the girl behind the counter helping me seemed not to happy to be there. I ordered a chicken salad sandwich and my wife had the Jalapeno sandwich. The chicken salad was very bland, but the Jalapeno sandwich was great and the potato salad. While we were eating the guy was very pleasant to a group of three females who happen to be white, but didn't seem as enthusiastic when he served a black female her food. I thought maybe it is just me, but my wife is Asian and after we ate, we got in line again to get some croissants and macaroons to go and the guy was behind the counter and didn't approach it until after we were being helped by the girl who wasn't trying to be pleasant. That person that he helped was another white woman and he was very nice to her. Maybe that was a coincidence? My wife didn't feel that way and felt discriminated. I did notice nobody put any tips in their jars. To bad, the food was good except for the chicken salad, but we will not go back because of the service we received! read more

Wonderful!! Friendly, clean, fresh, unique. Essence Bakery (this location) was amazing!! We stopped in for a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee after running an errand on Saturday morning and we're pleasantly surprised by our experience. We were greeted with smiles and when they found out if was our first visit, both women behind the counter, one of which was Lisa, helped us pick out some of their unique pastries and were kind and patient. We ended up buying 2 croissants - one baked with honey and one pumpkin and their classic breakfast sandwich. AMAZING!! Fresh and flavorful. Lisa came over and asked about our experience and brought it to our attention that if you come around 9ish AM on Saturday, that's when another round of pastries are coming out of the oven. Let's just say, the chocolate croissants are worth it! I highly recommend this place and we will definitely be back! read more

This place definitely caters to the macaron trend. They have two sizes in a wide variety of flavours and colours. Since I don't really understand the draw of the macaron, I stuck to the regular pastry case. Tried the fruit tart, a chocolate eclair, a sort of caramel chocolate tart, and a slice of mille-feuille (Napoleon) along with a small iced coffee to go. All of the pastries seemed pretty fresh and were very well made. I wasn't too impressed with the flavour, though. Something that should have been quite decadent was sub-par. I wish I had gone with some of the warm pastry breads instead. They also have breakfast and lunch, but we were here just for dessert. None of the drinks are listed on the menu which was odd. They also only had soy or skim milk on the bar for my coffee. The interior is very austere and modern with a really cool vintage power mixer in the corner, apparently the owner's own, but didn't seem very warm or inviting as I expect a bakery to be. This is a neighborhood in east Phoenix, not Manhattan. Overall, a very meh experience. Usually a new business needs the wiggle room to grow into their own feet, but since Essence is already well established in their other location in Tempe, I have to just assume I'm not the target clientele and my experience is quite different from the regulars'. read more

This place is LIFE! Everything is specifically made to make a bad day disappear. Breakfast, lunch, pastries, coffee: I don't understand how one place can be fantastic at literally *all* the things. My absolute favorite thing to get is the French scrambled egg breakfast. Macarons with espresso are a close second. I adore this place. EAT HERE ALWAYS! read more