discovered Renaissance Patisserie through the Charlotte in Bloom event a few weeks ago and finally…read moremade my way in to experience it for myself. They had offered samples of their lemon tart at the event, which stayed on my mind--so I came back and ordered the Lorraine-style quiche. It was rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced by a fresh side salad. I paired it with a café au lait, which was equally well done. The ambiance is effortlessly chic--very much reminiscent of a European café--and it was lively during lunch. It's the kind of place where you can sit, linger, and people-watch... and SouthPark definitely showed up in style. At one point, several guests seated near us were speaking French, which added to the authenticity and overall experience. Service was warm and efficient, even with the crowd. The bakery itself is on the smaller side--you order inside and then head outside to sit and eat. I went on a Sunday, so it was very busy with a long line, but it moved quickly. When seating fills up, the neighboring restaurant allows use of their patio, which is a thoughtful touch. My friend enjoyed her quiche as well, and we both agreed it's a spot worth returning to--whether for a casual lunch, coffee, or a pastry break. I also order a few macarons to go and my family enjoyed them.

Review for Renaissance Patisserie…read more After relocating to Charlotte from San Francisco, one of the first things I searched for was a proper kouign-amann (pronounced queen-ah-mahn). It's a staple where I'm from, and when I discovered that Renaissance Patisserie carried it, I made the drive immediately. I'm happy to say--this place is the real deal. The kouign-amann here reminded me of the ones back in San Francisco. It wasn't quite as buttery or rich as some of the West Coast versions, but it was absolutely enjoyable--and most importantly, I finished every bite. That alone says a lot. Location & setting: Renaissance is tucked into the upscale specialty shops of SouthPark, in a lovely, polished shopping center surrounded by quality retailers like Williams Sonoma and several restaurants. Parking is plentiful and convenient, and once you step out of your car, you're welcomed into a charming outdoor courtyard that feels relaxed and refined. You'll immediately notice the bright yellow awning--it's cheerful and inviting--and inside, the bakery is just as charming. The black-and-white tile floors, small bistro tables, and beautifully arranged pastry case create a classic European feel. It's not a huge space--maybe six or seven tables--but it feels cozy, elegant, and thoughtfully designed. What makes it special: * A stunning pastry case filled with beautifully crafted desserts and laminated pastries * Skilled bakers and decorators--you can tell there's real craftsmanship behind the products * Friendly, efficient service * Apple Pay accepted (always appreciated) * Self-service water and condiments station * Clean, comfortable environment * A lovely outdoor patio that's perfect when the weather cooperates I do wish they occasionally experimented with more creative variations of the kouign-amann--perhaps seasonal fruit or specialty flavors--but even in its classic form, it's consistently a hit. I've brought these pastries to friends and gatherings, and they're always well received. What I appreciate most is that Renaissance delivers on quality and consistency. It may be a newer trend here in Charlotte, but these pastries have been a long-standing favorite in cities like San Francisco, and it's wonderful to see that level of craftsmanship available locally. Bottom line: Beautiful pastries, fair prices, great service, and a polished, welcoming atmosphere. This has become my go-to bakery in Charlotte, and if you appreciate well-made French pastries, you will not be disappointed.

SO CUTEEEE!! this cafe has an amazing atmosphere, i even saw people hosting a birthday party here!…read morei ordered an iced caramel latte and i can easily say that it was one of the best lattes ive ever had! the coffee was rich in flavor and had the right amount of every ingredient. i love that they have a little water station, though the water is a tad warm. i would've taken a picture of my drink but it was so good i finished in a few minutes! overall, amazing experience

Amelie's is quickly becoming my new favorite bakery in the area! From their adorable decor & lovely…read moresweets selection, to their yummy sandwiches & cute coffees, they've got a little bit of everything. We tried the strawberry & cheese danish and bread pudding along with our macarons - everything was fresh & tasty. I also had a chicken & goat cheese sandwich with wonderful flavor. I only wish the chicken was cut a bit to fit the sandwich. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu!

Valani's is a must if you're in the mood for something sweet…read more Tried the Italian crème cake and a strawberry cream horn. The Italian crème cake was an easy 10/10, super rich, moist, and decadent without being overwhelming. You can tell it's done right. The strawberry cream horn was also really good. The strawberry flavor itself was pretty subtle, but the crème was light and airy, and the pastry shell had a great crisp to it. They have a small outdoor seating area, which is nice, because the inside is very... cozy. Staff is friendly and helped us choose these great desserts Also had their tiramisu here in the past and it was delicious. Overall, really solid bakery. I'd absolutely come back, especially for that Italian crème cake.

Wow... this place is legit! If you want excellent quality, Italian baked goods, you have to come…read morehere. Everything not only looked great, but tasted amazing as well! It was difficult to decide what to get. They had so many options, but everything held up to the highest standard and quality. When we got there, there was a line out the door, however, the line moved very quickly, and it was definitely worth the wait. I do wish they had more of a seating area.

This is a nice cafe and bakery store adjacent to the Ritz Carlton hotel in downtown Charlotte. We…read moregot to try some of their dessert items as the hotel gave a celebratory platter, filled with their items. Loved the coconut cream chocolate cake, macarons, and the chocolate layered strawberries. The cafe also has excellent variety of hot and cold drinks. I saw the barista working super hard to complete the orders quickly. I didn't see the store being super crowded at any point, nice spot to grab some drinks and bites on your way in or out of the hotel.

I'm literally standing inside right now. Not sure why it claims it's closed. Nonetheless, the…read morebarista was sweet and very helpful. I walk by here all the time. It was great! I had a red velvet cupcake.

This French bakery is a hidden gem tucked away in southpark . I sat outside with my puppy. I had…read morethe blue matcha which was quite unique. My friend had a dirty chi latte and we shared the lychee dessert. Wow it was delicious!!! I can't wait to try other options. Service was a bit slow due to the crowd of people that came in . However, it was a Sunday afternoon at 2pm .

Chez Marie is a bright, charming little patisserie at one corner of Sharon Corners shopping center…read more The blue and white ambiance lends a decidedly French air to the place, with its half-dozen or so tables inside and another four or five outside. The inside was immaculate and beckoning, with a two-sided display of the offerings and a shining espresso machine behind the register. The workers bore welcoming smiles and a a polite, inviting nature. All of that is the reason I give this patisserie three stars instead of two. While some foods are still a mystery to me - barbecue I can just take or leave, mostly leave - I know coffee and I know baked goods. The croissant I sampled was dry, implying unkindly that the flaky pastry dough was either formerly frozen or not fresh, and while croissants aren't exactly the moistest pastry to be found, the idea behind making them is kneading and rolling in a lot of butter, which I truly could not taste. What a disappointment. And somehow, somehow, my latte, albeit freshly prepared before me, was lukewarm when I took my first sip on the way to the car. How is that even possible? At the last minute, I asked for caramel to be added to my drink, but that was imperceptible too. I'd forgotten to ask for it to be half sweet, so I guess that was a blessing in disguise. When you stop by a bakery late in the day you sort of pays your money and takes your chances, but I visited just before noon. No crowds either. Disappointing all around, though again, the ambiance invites lingering. Cute bistro, lovely people, but - and I cannot believe I'm saying this - I'd have done better at the nearby Starbucks if all I wanted to do was get a latte and pastry. As the French would say, domage.

I got the vanilla puffed pastry. It was delicious! I seen other things that I wanted to try before…read morevisiting but they were sold out. Very sweet people that work there. They were patient and accommodating. It's definitely worth going! I'm looking forward to going back to try other things but will go early before they sell out.

I don't know who needs to hear this ! But Mado is a treasure in Rockhill Sc. I'm not really into…read moresweets that much but I heard I just had to try this spot . It's black owned & they are from France which I thought was a nice little twist to the business. When I arrived it was a line out the door ! I said oh boy this place must really be good and guess what it was & was worth the wait & the hype ! My favorite was the almond croissant I also ordered a chai , I will be making my way back to try other items they have to offer .

Amelie's was recommended to me by another foodie. She has really good taste so I knew she'd point…read moreme in the most delicious direction! I needed a Cafe that was close to hotel and Convention Center. Amelie's was between the two spots so it worked out perfectly! They have the best hours to grab a matcha before the conference and a lattes afterwards. Pastries are delicious and so are the egg sandwiches. The best part is the fun artsy decor! Every space is thoughtful planned out. Service was really good. The customers were friendly and stopped to talk. My kind of place. I later found out that many of the other foodies have been here and it's one of their favorite places to!

Review for Amélie's French Bakery & Café…read more As a transplant from the West Coast--specifically San Francisco, where high-quality bakeries and true French pâtisseries are plentiful--I was genuinely excited to try Amélie's after moving to Charlotte. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing, and after giving it more than one chance, it's simply not a place I plan to return to. The concept feels more like a themed destination than a serious bakery. The interior is whimsical and eye-catching, with decorative elements like a faux Eiffel Tower, which clearly appeals to visitors looking for a fun atmosphere. However, if you've spent time in authentic French cafés or bistros, you know the real charm is understated elegance--wood, mirrors, tile, and craftsmanship. This felt more theatrical than authentic. Where it fell short for me was the food. For a place calling itself a French bakery and pâtisserie, the absence of classic laminated pastries was surprising. I was expecting staples like Napoleons, kouign-amann, or beautifully executed croissants. What I found instead were pastries that looked average and lacked the refinement and technique you'd expect from a true pâtisserie. On my visits, I tried: * A leek soup that was supposed to be cream-based but tasted thin and under-seasoned--more like warm vegetable water than a properly developed soup. * A baguette sandwich with fig, Brie, and apple that sounded promising but was poorly executed. The bread was overly hard, and the balance of ingredients felt off, making the sandwich less enjoyable than expected. I gave Amélie's two chances, hoping the second visit would change my impression. It didn't. To be fair, the café clearly has a loyal following and works well as a social or casual gathering spot. But if you're specifically looking for high-quality French pastries or refined bakery craftsmanship, there are stronger options in the Charlotte area. Personally, I'd recommend: * Renaissance Patisserie for more traditional European-style pastries * Paris Baguette at Rea Farms for consistency and better execution * Or trusted local favorites closer to home Bottom line: Fun atmosphere, but the food didn't meet expectations for a French bakery. After multiple visits, it's a pass for me.

I loved the experience of this place. It was quaint and loved the ambiance of it all. We stopped…read morethrough after dinner up the street and I got a few treats to enjoy back at the hotel. I ordered the Biscoff cheesecake, a lemon bar, pecan and keylime tart....all delightful by the way. Definitely will come back the next time in town....you have to stop in if you are in the neighborhood!

Review for Amélie's French Bakery & Café…read more As a transplant from the West Coast--specifically San Francisco, where high-quality bakeries and true French pâtisseries are plentiful--I was genuinely excited to try Amélie's after moving to Charlotte. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing, and after giving it more than one chance, it's simply not a place I plan to return to. The concept feels more like a themed destination than a serious bakery. The interior is whimsical and eye-catching, with decorative elements like a faux Eiffel Tower, which clearly appeals to visitors looking for a fun atmosphere. However, if you've spent time in authentic French cafés or bistros, you know the real charm is understated elegance--wood, mirrors, tile, and craftsmanship. This felt more theatrical than authentic. Where it fell short for me was the food. For a place calling itself a French bakery and pâtisserie, the absence of classic laminated pastries was surprising. I was expecting staples like Napoleons, kouign-amann, or beautifully executed croissants. What I found instead were pastries that looked average and lacked the refinement and technique you'd expect from a true pâtisserie. On my visits, I tried: * A leek soup that was supposed to be cream-based but tasted thin and under-seasoned--more like warm vegetable water than a properly developed soup. * A baguette sandwich with fig, Brie, and apple that sounded promising but was poorly executed. The bread was overly hard, and the balance of ingredients felt off, making the sandwich less enjoyable than expected. I gave Amélie's two chances, hoping the second visit would change my impression. It didn't. To be fair, the café clearly has a loyal following and works well as a social or casual gathering spot. But if you're specifically looking for high-quality French pastries or refined bakery craftsmanship, there are stronger options in the Charlotte area. Personally, I'd recommend: * Renaissance Patisserie for more traditional European-style pastries * Paris Baguette at Rea Farms for consistency and better execution * Or trusted local favorites closer to home Bottom line: Fun atmosphere, but the food didn't meet expectations for a French bakery. After multiple visits, it's a pass for me.