Truly wonderful, beautiful pastries. We came near the end of their open hours that day but still…read morehad a nice array of options available. However we were told they couldn't make drinks - I think it was too close to closing time, which I understand. There was a little bit of confusion about items in the case being mislabeled, likely because they get shuffled around as items sell out- so I'm honestly not sure what we ordered really. The prices are on the higher end (but worth it) so save for a special occasion & give them a try!

Nadia's French Bakery in Des Moines is a warm, family-run patisserie founded by owner Nadia…read moreAhissou, who brought her passion for French baking from her childhood in Benin and training in Paris after starting out as a local farmers market favorite. Remember it's not about food only, It's also about expectations, everyone is under staffed, so I always appreciate the service staff who are working. The staff I encountered were helpful and honest. I asked if they're croissants were made in the traditional French style which is a little crisp on the outside and she said no there they were more soft. That told me a lot about their integrity. The staff seemed happy and we're quick and efficient. I don't really have any criticism and I'm sure they're decision has to do with what sells. Unfortunately most Americans want a soft croissant but if that's not what you want You don't have to order it. I would classify this more as an American French style bakery La Mie to me still sets the standard on french style croissants in Des Moines. It's a local business and always worthy of support.And I'm sure a lot of people like it. They also have a variety of simple lunches. Items and expresso . items They have an outdoor seating area too.

Always solid and the staff is wonderful!…read more Popped in here again a week or so ago. I'd meant to try European Taste there at Valley West Mall and pick up a couple of pieces or tiramisu for a friend's birthday. Unfortunately I found out that European Taste is closed on Mondays... I should have checked their hours online first I guess... Couldn't leave empty handed... So I headed over to Chocolaterie Stam! A small six item box of truffles and other chocolates and I was on my way! All's well that ends well! And you can really never go wrong with something from Chocolaterie Stam...!

Stam is a great place to get your bonbons but isn't much a good place to get your coffee…read more In every Stam location, the atmosphere instantly changes when you enter through door and make it feel like a fancy magical experience. You can smell the chocolates that is provided and see the vintage looking decorations. I came at a non-busy hour and the employees didn't seem very attentive for when you arrive. I was actually surprised seeing that this place also offers coffee, so as a "cafe goer", I decided to order a latte to my liking. When placing my order, I needed to wait to pay after they have made my drink which made the encounter a bit awkward as I'm standing there watching them. Receiving my coffee, it was your standard latte. As the cup was hot, there was no sleeves having me use napkins as replacement to not feel too much heat from the cup. That was another reason for my low rating.

Wowwww! First time visiting and first experience with purchasing a Tres Leches cake here…read more Absolutely amazing. I've had tres leches cakes from Mexican restaurants and this one was very comparable to our favorite restaurants. I couldn't believe how fast I was able to get a cake. I made a call at 2pm and was able to pick up by 5:30pm before they closed at 6pm. Excellent customer service and excellent tres leches cake. Spent $40 for a cake that serves 8-10 people. I didn't ask for a designed cake. Just plain white. I will definitely order here again and highly recommend.

Paid $100 for this. Save yourself some trouble and don't come here. Made it very clear if they…read morecould make this and they were very sure about being able to make it.

I have made multiple visits since Gladdie's opened a few weeks ago, and each time, I have found…read moretheir staff to be kind and customer service-oriented. Yes, I do have a sweet tooth. Tucked into the recently opened Shops on Third complex, Gladdie's specializes in cakes and cup cakes, with the ability to customize your order for special occasions. They have seating for that treat you crave, and even sell Coca-Cola products! I like the interior and its overall vibe. I bought a Celebration Cupcake over the weekend, and it was sensational, perfectly crafted and adorned in fun vanilla cake and icing. I counted at least 12 cupcake or cake flavors.

This place is incredible. Easily one of the best desserts I've had. I tried the pistachio dipped in…read morehazelnut and then covered with sweetened condensed milk. It was amazing! The service was quick and they were happy to provide suggestions. I want to come back and try every single flavor!

After swimming on a beautiful day, we wanted some ice cream. I had heard of this place and thought…read morewe were close to it. Sure enough, only a couple miles away. We arrived after 3:30pm and were the only customers. The workers were friendly, explaining the process to us and answering any questions. My kids quickly gravitated to which paletas they wanted. My daughter wanted a Reese's paleta with Nutella drizzle and crushed Oreos on top. My son selected the Fruity Pebbles paleta with chocolate drizzle and sprinkles. It took me a bit longer to decide on my paleta. I decided the strawberry cheesecake is what I'd get. I had it dipped in white chocolate and topped with Graham cracker crumbs. These were all so delicious!! Each one of the paletas had such amazing flavor. They truly didn't even need to extra dips, drizzles, or toppings. Also worth noting is it's a beautiful space inside. Lighted sign, butterfly murals, and gorgeous colors. We truly cannot wait to come back!

If I could give more than five stars for Doré Bakery, I would! For my birthday, they made a lovely…read morevegan spice cake with a vegan cream cheese frosting, made-to-order out of consideration for my various dietary restrictions (vegan and nut-free, to be specific). It was not only absolutely delicious and beautifully decorated (as is standard for them, if you take a look at their photos), but made within a very restricted time frame. The executive chef, Nik Pugmire, was gracious and accommodating, and is clearly exceptionally talented. Des Moines is very lucky to have a bakery like this call it home, and I hope the very best for it!

We called Doré to do our wedding cake. They did a wonderful job and the cake turned out beautifully…read more(photo attached). They also delivered to the venue, which we really appreciated. Amy and Katie were a pleasure to work with and made coordination very easy. Our cake was piña colada-flavored with a coconut créme and naked whipped icing. It was tropical and delicious. Highly recommend! Thanks again, Doré! We a-Doré you!

Classic frozen custard A classic old school custard stand…read morewith old school ambiance. it's a hidden gem in the South Side of Des Moines and doesn't have a fancy outside facade it's been open for fifty two years (1974) and is one of the oldest custard type places around the greater Des Moines area , including Culver's. This place is about its ice cream custard. I've been there so many times and usually I have no problem going there and getting it out. It's right off of Southeast 14th street and well worth a trip from anywhere in the Des Moines area, it has enough parking, so if you have kids and want to go in a little nostalgia thing or you just love good custard, check it out. Many times I order the lemon, but I've had strawberry cookies and cream, chocolate and even vanilla and never been disappointed. I'm a person of a certain age, so, quite frankly, I usually get the junior cup and it's well worth it for me and you usually put enough in there that you couldn't ask for more. It's just so rich and ultra creamy custard with great portions Locally owned and seasonal, typically opening in February and closing for the winter in late December. Daily summer hours run from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM (or 2:00 PM opening depending on the specific seasonal schedule)

This place has spoiled me for any other ice cream shop. I drive from Marshalltown just for a cone…read more The portions are enormous and prices are very fair. If you haven't been here, Go! Now!

I found my new favorite ice cream!! But so sad that it's 3.5 hours away from home!…read more We had lunch nearby and before we headed out on our roadtrip back home, saw this ice cream shop and decided to stop by. The two teenagers working were friendly and helpful. Provided samples when we were trying to choose between flavors. I went in there thinking I was going to get a scoop of their coffee heath, but once I sampled their salted Oreo, I fell in love. The sweet and salty and creaminess of that ice cream was so perfect!! A couple things that I found do awesome in this store.. they have self serve water in the dining area! So many ice cream places make you purchase bottled water if you get thirsty after your sweet treat. They also have shakers with sprinkles at tables!! How awesome!! I will be dreaming about that salted Oreo ice cream til we finally meet again.

Busy place which is awesome. Normally love coming here. Was grabbing ice cream for my family. I…read moretold them repeatedly I did not want lids. 4 orders plus a pint. When you order it with lids you somehow get less and when I am paying $8 for dairy free ice cream I want my money's worth. It also can get really messy with ice cream melting around the lid and spilling out everywhere. Instead of listening I got lids on 3 out of 4 scooped ice cream along with my pint. I get it can be confusing when there are multiple orders but it does not hurt to ask again. I think someone was also new because because someone was doing to weakest of scoops. Normally I am used to the worker really digging in to get the scoop and that just was not happening here. They also kept getting very confused when we were ordering.