-beautiful hidden high end little known to outsiders local bakery where the owners know the long time locals by name family owned local neighborhood folks ...long time decades past restauranteur in the neighborhood ... all the cakes are absolutely moist, not too sweet we recently ordered a carrott bday cake for a relative on a visit to town and it was surprisingly not so sweet , very moist! Always in high demamd ... most being sold out by end of day cakes are not cheap but... special occassionas.... sometimes you splurge once in awhile read more

One of life's joys is to celebrate another birthday with cake, yes CAKE! I like cake, not all cakes are alike. Specifically, a white or yellow fluffy bread with light not sugary sweet icing and a light vanilla custard filling with multiple berries...this cake has many names and I found some of the best at Tutto Bene Beverly Hills, Sweet Lady Jane Beverly Hills and sometimes at WholeFoods all named differently. When I saw some posted pics of this cake from this shop, I was so excited to try it. This is a very small shop with only one table inside and a few more in the outdoor patio. For reference, this cake shop is across from Pavilions in La Jolla, where I parked and grocery shopped before crossing the street to this cake shop. Upon entry I saw their version: Gateau Aileen. 'Gateau' is french for cake and Aileen is someone's name. I ordered a slice togo. The female staff behind the counter was helpful and friendly. The display case also had macarons and lots of other enticing desserts, and a small shelf of wines and sparkling wines. With excitement and anticipation, I headed home immediately and plated my slice on my fancy porcelain dish. After the first bite, I was shocked with disappointment to realized this is NOT the one, Not even close to other versions I've had. Apparently, this cake looked better than it tasted, and it tasted horribly bad, possibly the cake passed its expiration date, because ups on closer inspections, the strawberries on top looked over ripen. Good thing I didn't order a whole cake, but I hate spending any $$ on anything I can't enjoy. Perhaps is was just an off day at this bakery. Sadly, whoever Aileen is should not be associated with this awful tasting thing they call Gateau Aileen is cake NOT worthy of your Royal tastebuds. Sorry, NOT Sorry, Cannot Recommend read more

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Everything is quality here from the desserts to the lunch. A little known thing that I really like here is their cookie shaped like a cat. Their chicken salad is delightful as well as pretty. So healthy! And you can't go wrong with any of their cakes for a special occasion. read more

Michele Coulon Dessertier - Salad - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

My son and I had been wanting to try their almond cake for his birthday. I called had but, unfortunately they were not selling that by the slice that particular day. She did tell me we had mini desserts of it basically like petit fours. We came in and chose two of those as well as a black and white. When we opened the box, it was a very sweet surprise to get an additional mini dessert :-) the almond cake did not disappoint! It was not too sweet, had a subtle almond flavor and a raspberry buttercream complimented with a fresh raspberry on top. Will definitely go back for a full slice when they have it on offer. read more

Michele Coulon Dessertier - Lovely packaging - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

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One of the most talented and skilled staff I've ever seen. The items are always consistent and every time I visit La Jolla I have to make a stop! read more

Best cakes ever. My favorite bring the Gateau Eileen ... But the vegetarian choices are limited so on Fridays it's hard to eat here and get my protein in. Very quality ingredients always though! read more

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When I come by at 9am on weekdays, there is plenty of free street parking. Their shop is tucked in the back behind the buildings facing the street. The Aileen Gataeu is delicious! The cake is a very light chiffon sponge and the cream is like whip cream - light, fluffy, and barely sweet. The fruit is generous and fresh. The cake is beautiful on the outside and when cut into to review the fruit layers. It was also very easy to order a cake for pickup. They always have some cakes for same day order or next door order but you want to order at least a few days in advance if you want a particular cake. And no, they don't make custom cakes (as in cakes not listed on their menu). They do personalize by writing on cakes. I came back for a dozen assorted cupcakes. You cannot choose which flavors but you can choose a flavor if you do a dozen of one flavor. The cupcakes were decorated with tiny macarons and dusted with subtle sparkly glitter. The cupcake itself was dense. It wasn't necessarily dry but on the verge of feeling so. One person commented it seemed like gluten free cupcakes but they were "normal" cupcakes. The frosting was seet as it should be but not as sweet as American buttercream. They have a beautiful display case. I would come back to try more cakes and pasteries. read more

Highest quality ingredients and seasonally peak ingredients are the order of the day. The best gluten free and additive free options I have seen locally- Gianduia is chocolate rich with hazelnuts, macarons perfect, there is a thumbprint cookie along with a GF truffle. Not to miss are the daily soups. My favorite is the spinach & fennel soup along with many others. I'm at this lovely spot at least weekly and sometimes more often. read more

From the first time I tried the almond cake, I knew I needed it at my wedding. Hubby didn't mind what we had, as long as I was happy! I called a month in advance and said I needed a 6inch almond cake, they let me know I could pick up and refrigerate overnight and to give 1 hour to bring the cake to room temperature for serving. I shared the cake with family members but the rest I wrapped in wax paper, put in a ziplock bag, and we shall enjoy it on our first wedding anniversary, read more

Michele Coulon Dessertier - Almond cake with Raspberry cream filling and apricot cream icing. This was our cutting cake for our December wedding. - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

-1 for not pushing the envelope in terms of flavors, variety, and/or presentation. Cute little dessert shop tucked away from the road. When I arrived it seemed they were in the middle of rearranging or otherwise getting ready for the holiday season. They seem to specialize in full custom orders, so the dessert case was smaller than others, as anticipated. The lady at the register was very kind as I came at a very weird time looking for desserts. To go, I got two mini desserts and a single tart. They seemed to also offer slices of cake, but none appealed to me at the time. Prices seem a bit high considering portions, but maybe I'm jaded. Tart was fairly simple berries atop a standard vanilla cream. Mini desserts were good but not necessarily incredible. Nice place potentially for your straightforward flavors and large group cakes, but otherwise not at the top of my list. read more

Michele Coulon Dessertier - Berry tart, two mini desserts. - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

The chocolate cake was incredible! So elegant with gold leaf and embellishment. I brought the small cake to a family dinner, and it nearly led to a family argument on who was going to get the last piece to take home to their loved. We worked it out And they all asked for the name of the bakery where I got the cake from. The small cake would have fed 9 to 10 people. The pieces were small but very rich. I would definitely get another cake from this Bakery. read more

High end French pastry bakery, everything is absolutely delicious and prepared with care. Dine in experience for dessert after lunch (bc their hours are shorter - but taste makes up for it) is amazingly cute because they serve drinks and pastry selection on cute painted china and crystal glasses, and you get to sit in the quaint Monterey style shopping center or their cute small indoor seating area. Definitely a unique spot and worth the trip! read more

This is the cutest and moist delicious Dessertier I have been to. The atmosphere is adorable, the menu very nice and DELICIOUS! I highly recommend stopping by for lunch and/or dessert. You can tell the ingredients are fresh-fresh and so tasty! read more

Michele's desserts are as good as they get. Great location too! Looking forward to coming back on Saturday for morning pastries :-)

Gorgeous bakery located in La Jolla! Decadent desserts! Fresh and delicious! Amazing customer service! Parking is challenging, but worth it! read more

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SLICE OF CAKE KIND OF DAY (4 stars) - FOOD: good - SERVICE: excellent - PRICE: ok - AMBIANCE: bakery shop The shop is tucked in the back of a small plaza. It only has room for maybe 6 people to sit inside; it's cozy. They serve espresso, sell a variety of pastries, mini cakes, slices of cakes, and full cakes. Came specifically for a slice of cake that has been taunting my tastebuds though photos and I had to come try it. GATEAU AILEEN ($12) - Although tall and intimidating, it was very easy to eat in one sitting. The slice tower had four layers of cake divided by fresh fruit. The cake wasn't dense, it was airy and fluffy but a little dry. It reminded me of angel cake but a little dryer. The fresh fruits of strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries and the cream in between each layer added the needed moisture and texture. Forking into the slice and taking a bite with a little bit of everything made it so enticing to keep eating bite after bite. RECOMMEND Will definitely be back to try other slices of cake. JABA APPROVED. Until the next bite... read more

Michele Coulon Dessertier - Gateau Aileen - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

I stumbled upon this shop when looking for a cake for my husband's birthday. I wanted something that looked beautiful but also tasted amazing. Needless to say- this cake delivered all of the above! The ordering process was super easy. Their website features all of their cake options, different sizes and pricing for each. All you need to do is just call in and place the order. I can't wait to try out their other cakes!! read more

Michele Coulon Dessertier - Black and white cake - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

I was gifted this treat by a coworker today. Best slice of cake I have ever had. Different textures And flavors. Sweet but not overdone like a grocery store version. This is the real deal. I wish I knew the name of this cake (maybe owner will read and respond) I will be back because that was an amazing dessert treat. read more

Michele Coulon Dessertier - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

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We knew the desserts were simply astounding, but surprised that they serve a delicious lunch at very reasonable cost on the nice deck in front of the shop. read more

Went to buy the famous cake and the icing was waaaay too sweet! The icing was also kinda hard and old. Far too expensive for $14.00 per small slice. Ugh, even for $6, I would not come back. The place was tiny and cramped. Disappointed with this visit. read more

So amazing. The service was on point. They were attentive and helpful. The desserts we got to go and shared with 5 people. It was very welcoming atmosphere! Definitely will be returning. read more

Cute little dessert shop we stumbled upon while checking out some of the murals of La Jolla. Tried a couple mini tarts. $3 for a tiny tart seemed excessive given it was cold and nothing special. We got a huge scone from a nearby bakery for $1.25. read more

This bakery was always my choice for ordering birthday cakes. Unfortunately they may have fallen victim to Covid or just careless employees or cost cutting, what a shame. Their staple cake, Gateau Eileen (I hope I spelled it correctly), was always my favorite. OMG, not this time. A 10 inch cake for $150, lacked enough fruit filling, and to make matters worse, the cake was dry and the cream was way over wipped, tasted like butter. They have lost something and I hope it's not their chef! Or, expertise in baking; personally I will never order a cake from this bakery again. read more

Every year for my boyfriend's birthday I try to find a bakery that we haven't tried before and isn't a place that is mass producing cake. I stumbled upon this bakery online and instantly liked the flavor selection on their website. Of course yelp folks had amazing stuff to say about them so I decided to go with them this year. I called them up to order the cake and within 10 minutes I was done. They helped me a great deal with zeroing down to a great flavor based on my requirements. Very sweet people to talk to. I got the Torte Lion Belge flavor. It is beautifully decorated and absolutely delectable. The cake is super moist and the dark chocolate flavors are rich. One of the best cakes I've had and trust me I eat a lot of cake. The pickup was easy, the cake was ready and I took less than 5 minutes in this place. They seemed very mindful of hygiene and distancing given the current situation. I am delighted that I decided to get the cake with them. A big fat thumbs up to them. read more

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This review is strictly for their service. I walked in on a Saturday afternoon in December. I was inquiring about ordering a Christmas cake/dessert. I walked in having limited knowledge of their options as I had only viewed their Instagram page. I'm familiar with the name, as a local. Regardless, I didn't know their business model. My husband and I walked in and talked to the young girl at the counter, she was addressing our comments and questions. When an older woman, abruptly interrupted the conversation, and was quick to "dismiss" our inquiry. It was pretty awful. Without judging this woman really, it was pretty awful. We typically purchase our cakes at a younger chefs bakery in La Jolla. We were not prepared for the dismissal of service that we encountered. It's as if she had sized us up, and quickly concluded that she would not make a cake for us. The most frustrating part was the fact her Instagram page was promoting, Christmas cake logs, and snowmen cake, etc... When I went in saying "oh we were just interested in one of your standard Christmas cakes" she was quick to say "we don't make anything standard". Well, all of the Christmas cakes, pastries, etc. on your Instagram page appear to be the same year after year. Confused much? I sure was. A little concerned too actually. read more

Excellent cakes for any occasion -it expensive but you pay for what you get -Appear to be a small place from outside, but there's a great job with the cakes and very courteous service read more

Careful . . . The price of Macarons and one-bite cakes are now $3 each, an increase of 50 cents EACH from just exactly one year ago. Gone are the delicious hand pies that brought me back in again today. We'll just go with the macarons. The altitude is waaay high in here, so high they'll make you feel unworthy to be occupying their floor space. Ugh . . . Let's be clear . . . They are no Laduree, that is most definitely for sure. I should have walked out. Instead, I waited at the counter for several minutes, while three employees looked me directly in the eye, did not greet me, nor did they say a word, let alone wait on me. So I whipped out my camera phone . . . That always gets 'em! And it did! The ordering process proved to be painful. Each time I'd ask what the flavors were in their little 1-bite cakes, I'd be met with a sigh and a glare. If I'm interested in buying a tiny morsel for $3 each, I want to make sure I like the flavor. Capeesh?? Get a clue and learn how to treat people!! I left here not happy at all with how they treat locals. They must think everyone who walks in here is a tourist, because people in the know no longer frequent their store because of the way they treat people. Read the one star reviews. There is one customer who says he's been going to this store for 8 years and won't return. There is your reason, people. Customer service is EVERYTHING. read more

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I went to this bakery and coffee shop to inquiry about their wedding cakes. I have read some Yelp reviews raving about them. I wish the owner or manage were present to answer my questions. Instead, I was " waited on " by a very contemptuous employee, a woman, who treated me with such disdain and rudeness that I was extremely taken aback. She just nodded- never heard her voice- she just looked down at me. Why? Why does a customer has to endure such rudeness. It was obvious she hated being at her job. If the owner or manager is reading this could you please let me know if you make wedding cakes? read more

Beyond exquisitely designed deserts! Very good bakery. Lovely light lunch menu in the heart of the village! YUM!

Where have we been! Throughout the 3 years of living in SD, I honestly wished we knew of this place sooner. We would've tried all of the delicious flavors by now because they do sell by the slice too! What really brought us here in the first place is the location and our search for a "Perfect For 2 Wedding Cake." Due to COVID, we unfortunately couldn't share a large wedding cake with our loved ones, so we decided to go small for now to celebrate. After looking at different businesses who specializes in (Perfect for 2 Wedding Cakes), we drilled down to Michele and have made no regrets! Pictures don't do it's justice, but our current favorite flavor is Gateau Aileen! Yes, it's a niche for this business and I see why. The balance of all the flavors make a perfect sweet spot for your sweet needs. Next time we'd like to try the Angel Food Cake. Overall, we had a great experience with their above and beyond customer service, the quality of the beautiful 6" Cake and the perfect portioning of the cake. I highly recommend! Make sure to call in for all your 6" + cake orders. It takes average 48hrs to be ready. Recommend: 10/10 ***** read more

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Best Desserts in La Jolla, especially Gateau Eileen! Actually the best cake in all of San Diego County which as we know is larger than the state of Rhode Island! read more

Wondered across this dessert shop by accident and got a slice of cake because they looked so good and fancy like Extraordinary Desserts. I got the chocolate and caramel cake ($9) which was delicious! Rich and moist, i especially liked the caramel and walnut layer, the caramel was so rich and gooey and the walnuts gave it great texture. I also got a few mini tarts and macarons, which i ate later for dessert. The tarts had the lightest flakiest crust, which elevates the whole tart. My favorite was the salted caramel macaron, it was so light and airy and and a thin crisp shell and the caramel was so good! My favorite macaron in SD and anywhere for that matter. They also sell whole cakes for weddings and special occasions. Service here was great, they were friendly, helpful and knowledgable about all their items. The place is a bit spendy but you get what you pay for, its all made fresh with quality ingredients and the cakes are a few bucks cheaper than Extraordinary Desserts. I'm kinda over Extraordinary Desserts and have been looking for a replacement to take out of town guests. Now i've found it! read more

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Delicious. Well made cakes. Very pricey tho but worth it because they quality is so good Definitely a place you want to go to enjoy a slice of cake and have a nice cup of tea. Would recommend us for birthday cakes and all type of cake occasions. Or a cute little date because the outside is really nice and comfortable to sit and eat a slice. Great customer service nice people I've used them about seven or eight times. Thanks again guys read more

Tasty, classic deserts. I wish a person taking my order was less snobby. It made me feel I did not belong there. read more

This company did my wedding cake and my husbands 40th birthday cake. They have so many unique options, were in constant communication with me with my wedding cake and the taste was delicious. I will use them for all future celebrations that I need a cake for. read more

I have never tried the desserts though they look amazing. But the chicken salad is delicious and beautiful! You can tell the ingredients are freshly sourced. The dressing is mouth watering and perfectly accents the salad and fresh veggies! This is a secret neighborhood treasure. read more

Michele Coulon Dessertier - Chicken salad - Bakeries Near Me - La Jolla, California

Amazing!!! You can definitely taste the quality in each bite! (Downside: They DO NOT deliver!) We met with Michele to go over all of our dessert needs for the party and had a wonderful tasting to narrow down all the bite-sized pieces we wanted. We ended up ordering 200 pieces from her and a cake. Her cake are so MOIST! My favorite was the banana cake!!! YUMMMM!! My favorites are: 1) French Caramel Tartes 2) Pecan Caramel Tartes 3) Shortbread dipped in dark chocolate 4) Pecan clouds 5) Chocolate Truffles 6) Salted Caramel macarons 7) Pistachio Macarons 8) Traditional coconut macarons (delicious if you love coconut!) read more

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Michelle is and has always been a cut above the rest! Every cake she makes is made with the eye of an artist and heart of a chef!

Another awesome review for Michele Coulon dessertier. I've been a big fan of this bakery for a while. She come from a prominent line of chefs from her family. Everything is so tasty here, you can definitely see the quality of the ingredients and the craftsmanship of the baker. All of her cakes are amazing, if you can't make up your choice there are mini bite size versions of them. You can try them all till you find your favorites. My favorite is the gateau Aileen. The texture of the cake is perfect and with all the mixed berries and frosting mixed into it it is a bite of heaven. The dessertier also sells lunch and breakfast items. The quality of the ingredients also shines in all her savory dishes. They are one of the best in San Diego read more

Really quaint bakery in La Jolla. Fresh desserts with an assortment of cakes, cookies, muffins, cake pops, etc. We have the lemon cake. Was pleasantly surprised with the tart lemon flavor. Beautifully decorated. Very dense. Not airy. My preference is for a lighter cake so I gave the business 3 stars. If you prefer a denser cake, you will it. Keep in mind that this shop is unique and in La Jolla. You'll definitely pay the price for it. My slice of cake was $9 before tax! read more