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Patisserie by Simone
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Patisserie by Simone
8.0
Small, woman-owned bakery turning out French-leaning pastries plus malasadas on select days. A more polished take on sweets with limited runs that reward early arrivals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Malasadas, Vanilla-Glazed Donut, Seasonal Filled Donut
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: French pastry craft with occasional malasadas and limited-batch donuts.
Who should go: Pastry fans seeking elevated sweets
When to visit: Arrive at opening on weekends for best selection
What to order: Malasadas; vanilla-glazed ring; seasonal filled donut
Insider tip: Follow social for drop times—special flavors often sell out by noon.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Pacific Avenue and nearby side streets is generally available; mornings are easiest, but midday can fill up fast.
Dress code: Casual—most visitors stop in wearing everyday clothes or weekend brunch attire.
Noise level: Low—quiet café environment suitable for conversation or solo coffee time.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closes before dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though popular pastry releases can draw short morning lines.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most pastries and donuts are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—may offer a vegan pastry or donut occasionally, but not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Some items are marked gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible due to shared prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—ideal for a relaxed morning or afternoon date where you can share pastries and coffee in a cozy, charming space.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only, with a few small tables available; arrive early for best seating during weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids are welcome, and the space works well for families grabbing treats, though seating is limited for larger groups.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for those seeking artisan pastries and refined sweets over classic donut-shop fare.
Skip if: You’re looking for inexpensive grab-and-go donuts or a full café menu—this is more boutique bakery than breakfast stop.
Patisserie by Simone
8.2
Small French pâtisserie known for butter-rich viennoiserie, seasonal fruit tarts, and weekend malasadas. It’s a takeout-forward spot with friendly counter service and a rotating case that rewards early arrivals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter croissant, Seasonal fruit tart, Malasadas
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: French-trained pastry with rotating tarts and weekend malasadas.
Who should go: Croissant and tart obsessives
When to visit: Weekend mornings right at open for full case
What to order: Butter croissant; lemon tart; malasadas
Insider tip: Pre-order boxes for holidays to avoid sellouts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along First Street and nearby residential blocks; easiest before 10am on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most customers stop in during morning errands or farmers market runs.
Noise level: Low—conversation-friendly since most guests grab and go.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—bakery closes by mid-afternoon.
Weekday lunch: Light morning line for pastries; 5–10 minute wait max around 9am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most pastries and tarts are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Limited—occasional dairy-free fruit tarts or breads, but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Occasional almond-based cakes or macarons; no dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-key morning date—grab coffee and pastries to share, then stroll downtown. Not a sit-down or evening option.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s limited indoor seating and no reservations needed, but most visitors take their order to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—children love the sweet case, and staff are friendly, though space is tight for strollers during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: Authentic French-style viennoiserie and tarts rival anything in the Tri-Valley, especially for morning pastry lovers.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full café meal or extended seating—this is a pastry-focused, takeout-oriented bakery.
Patisserie by Simone
7.8
Small, French-focused pâtisserie turning out butter-rich viennoiserie, seasonal tarts, and custom cakes near downtown. It’s the go-to for morning croissants, sweet treats, and takeaway pastry boxes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter croissant, Seasonal fruit tart, Opera cake
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Handmade French pastries and cakes with a neighborhood bakery feel.
Who should go: Pastry lovers and weekend pastry-box hunters
When to visit: Mornings—croissants sell out by midday
What to order: Butter croissant; fruit tart; opera slice
Insider tip: Pre-order boxes for holidays and pick up early to beat lines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available along First Street and nearby side streets; free public lots within a two-block walk.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; comfortable daytime wear is typical.
Noise level: Quiet—small space with light chatter and background music.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime bakery with early closing hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; service is quick except for special orders or large pastry box pickups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most pastries and desserts are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—some fruit tarts or custom orders can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Limited selection—occasional gluten-free cakes or macarons, but not a dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re meeting for coffee or a light morning treat—it’s relaxed, bright, and charming for a casual get-to-know-you spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter service with a few café tables; no reservations needed but seating is first come, first served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids love the display case and pastries, though space is limited for strollers during busy hours.
Best For
Better for: Authentic French-style croissants and tarts that taste like they came straight from Paris; ideal for take-home pastry boxes or gifts.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full brunch or savory breakfast menu—this is a bakery, not a sit-down café.