This bakery has the best Napoleons I have ever had anywhere! I have had my pick of New York…read morebakeries after living my entire life on Long Island and Villani's is the best I have ever had. They are open on Sundays which is hard to find in NC. They are friendly and accommodating. My son asked for napoleons as his birthday cake, so the lovely lady wrote on it for me which I appreciated very much. I always say I wish they were closer, but I probably would be in weekly if they were. Nice spot in Plaza Midwood so I don't mind coming here. Great Italian bakery.

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.

Every-time me and my husband go we are just overwhelmed with the wild selection of things, not only…read morethat everything we have gotten has been absolutely so yummy and fresh. The staff there is also very friendly! 100/10 recommend

We wanted to love this place - first for the location (what a great people watching spot and with…read moreplenty of parking)! Next, we wanted to love the actual goods of offer - beautiful presentation and a huge variety of do-it-yourself pick and choose tray style self service! Lastly we wanted to love the checkout service - it seemed ready to get people moving along! Most of these things held the weight we wanted and anticipated, short of the location and parking. The goods - we sampled a Yuzu tart (tasted like soap?!) and mango croissant (a bit of soapiness in this one too, oddly) a chocolate explosion croissant (best of what we tried and chocolate was evenly distributed) and one each of the pretzel shaped pastries (ok but nothing exciting and tasted bland). Again- skilled presentation and mastery of baked goods form...these all looked great and tasted...just ok. There were three staff members at the counter and two seemingly were distracted while one gent running the register was taking care of the 5-6 people deep line. Only as the line approached the cafe area and door did the other two staff start taking customers at the other register. There are probably several options here to delight palates if you take the time to sample all the items and perhaps we simply picked poorly during our visit.

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.

I really enjoyed the decor and atmosphere. It can be described as light-hearted French…read more I stopped by for breakfast and takeout pastries. I ordered the "customer favorite": egg-sausage-cheese biscuit (not at all French I'll admit). It was quite nice with a light fresh biscuit cheddar and better than average sausage patty. I took away a classic croissant, chocolate croissant and fresh fruit tart. All of these were excellent. I definitely recommend.

Amelie's has such great reviews, so I was pretty disappointed that it didn't live up to the hype!…read moreThe pastries were worse than average, and the service was lacking/employees seemed like they did not want to be there. However, the ambiance is very nice and decorative, making it a nice space to hang out with friends (or by yourself!). All that being said, I wouldn't come back as I heard the drinks are just okay as well. I heard their macarons might be better? What we tried, best to worst: - Chocolate petit gateaux (4/5): This was the best we tried. It was rich and yummy! Don't think I'd come back for it, but it was a decent chocolate cake. - Tiramisu torte (2/5): Was not a good tiramisu... it felt too watery and just wasn't right/your standard good tiramisu. - Lavender lemon entremet (1/5): Tasted like soap, could barely finish.

Vincente is chef's kiss - I really love this place and think its the best pastry shop in clt. I…read moreusually am in for breakfast and early enough to snag an almond croissant or chocolate almond but stopped in later today to finally try an empanada. Went with the beef and it was awesome! Its a huge empanada, so different from the other empanada spots in the area and also so cheap. Would 100% recommend and am excited to try the chicken one and curry one in the future Staff is super friendly and takes the time to discuss the pastries with you if you have questions. Saw them making some of the items for the next day and was in awe

As a San Francisco Bay Area foodie who recently relocated to Charlotte, I keep a running list of…read morebakeries to explore--especially anywhere that might carry a proper kouign-amann (that glorious Breton pastry that is basically my kryptonite). That search led me to Vicente in South End, and I'm happy to say it absolutely earned its spot on my list. The kouign-amann here was slightly lighter and a bit less dense and buttery than the ones I remember from the Bay Area, but it still hit all the right notes--caramelized edges, flaky layers, and just enough indulgence to satisfy the craving. When you find one in Charlotte, you take note. I also ordered a frangipane (marzipan) croissant, which is always one of my go-to pastries when it's done well. This one delivered--rich, nutty, and comforting without being overly sweet. I'm not much of a chocolate pastry person, so I tend to gravitate toward custard- or almond-filled items, and this bakery clearly understands how to execute those classics. The space itself is beautiful--clean glass storefront, modern aesthetic, and a welcoming feel from the moment you walk in. It's attached to a large apartment complex with underground parking, which makes it surprisingly easy to access. Very walkable, very convenient, and refreshingly low-stress compared to some of the trendier spots. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the prices felt reasonable for the quality. One small wish: I'd love to see a late-day pastry special or a loyalty program. I'm the kind of regular who will absolutely show up more often if there's an incentive--and let's be honest, pastries are hard to resist when there's a little nudge. I'll definitely be back, especially if they start experimenting with more creative flavors. A kouign-amann with poached fruit--nectarine, mango, or passionfruit--would have me running back through the door. And candidly, I'm grateful Charlotte's pastry scene is still growing. It means there's room for bakeries like this to shine and keep raising the bar. As someone who loves good food, I'm always rooting for local bakers and artisans to succeed. Bottom line: A beautiful neighborhood bakery with solid execution, friendly service, and a kouign-amann worth the trip. I'll be back--and I'm keeping an eye on that pastry case.

Really great, local café that I will absolutely be adding to my regular coffee shop + bakery…read morerotation. Plentiful parking out front. Good amount of seating inside (mostly 2-seaters; one larger table reserved for bigger groups). Helpful and friendly staff who were amazing with my little one. You have to try a slice of the basque cheesecake. The plain slice (with no whipped cream or fruit topping) is not overly sweet and the perfect amount of "burnt" & creamy. We also tried the madeleines, which - as the café's name suggests - were on point. And the garlic bagel is a garlic + cream cheese lover's dream. The iced dalgona latte was such a treat. Sweet with a creamy foam and topped with crunchy cookies - very well balanced and delightful to drink. The prices reflect the care and high quality of the products. Come support this amazing local spot and enjoy their unique, thoughtful offerings!

I brought my daughter to Littl Madeleine's for breakfast, and we had a really nice experience. I…read morehad the most beautiful lavender blue matcha, and my daughter enjoyed the honey passion fruit ade. She got their garlic bagel--the only type of bagel they offer - and it was generously stuffed with delicious, aromatic garlic. She enjoyed it! The café is decorated charmingly, with little Madeleine cookie designs stamped throughout the space. They have a small section with some gift items for sale. They also sell Madeleine cookies, of course, though we didn't get any. The service was given with genuine smiles. The prices were normal - not a deal but not over-the-top. We enjoyed our breakfast and will happily come back!

I still can't pronounce the name of this place, but that hasn't stopped me from eating what might…read morebe the best croissant money can buy. The garlic and cheese croissant at Tous Les Jours in South End is ridiculous in the best way possible. It's like a pizza shop decided to get into the breakfast business and accidentally invented a croissant. Crispy, buttery, cheesy, garlicky... basically everything you didn't know you needed in a pastry. It's delicious, borderline life-changing, and absolutely worth stopping in for. Everyone should eat one at least once.

Tous Les Jours is a small bakery located on a very busy street, and the biggest challenge here is…read moredefinitely parking. There's almost nowhere to park nearby, so if you're stopping in, be prepared for a quick visit and keep an eye out for the meter maid. Inside, the setup is simple and self-serve with pastries, coffee, and blended drinks. I went in specifically hoping to find cronuts or cruffins, but they don't carry anything like that. Most of the selection leaned toward classic pastries and cream-filled donuts. Everything looked fresh and tasted fine, but the variety felt fairly basic. In my opinion, it doesn't quite reach the same level as Paris Baguette when it comes to selection. Insider tip: Skip the weekends. It gets extremely crowded and parking is already challenging. Weekdays are a much better time to stop by. Overall, it's a decent place to grab a quick coffee and pastry if you're nearby, but probably not a destination bakery.

Authentic French Patisserie. Superb coffee. Small comfortable dining area awash with natural light…read more Desserts delicious and artistically beautiful but limited. I had the lemon tart ($10) and a Coffee Americana ($4). Nice place for a dessert splurge. Very friendly service.

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.

The food was quite good, I loved the tart cakes. Especially the Lemon Raspberry. The place also is…read morereally gorgeous and has a good welcoming vibe. I will say the workers did not seem like they wanted to work here, and were a little rude when we were trying to order. But other than that, this place is cute!

What a unique experience. Love the french theme, Napolean paintings, Eiffel Tower selfie-bait. All…read moreamazing. Had the cinnamon roll, and the cream dripped all over fabulously. The almond croissant was perfect. Mini pecan bites super tasty. Iced latte was perfect. I can see why this comes up on places to visit in Charlotte, it was the highlight of our trip!

A friendly and inviting encounter with the owner/Chef. He…read morecould tell it was my first time and helped me by making some recommendations off of what I like. I decided on the French Carmella, which he said was his best seller and a slice of Citron cake, which he said was his favorite. They both were amazing... the Citron cake practically melts in your mouth while sending you to heaven. Packed with subtle lemon flavors bursting on your palette. It was amazing!! I will definitely be back to try more of these authentic French pastries.

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.