0 Followers
La Chouquette
Master Critic Review
La Chouquette
8.4
La Chouquette is a French-owned bakery-café on the Melrose Arts District stretch of 90046, known for meticulous viennoiseries, layered cakes, and its signature Mazou dessert. Regulars come for croissants, canelés, and seasonal tarts that feel straight out of Paris, enjoyed at a few cozy tables or taken to-go for nearby gallery walks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mazou signature cake, Butter croissant, Seasonal fruit tartlet
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: French-run patisserie focused on precise viennoiseries and elegant cakes.
Who should go: Pastry lovers seeking Paris-level croissants and tarts.
When to visit: Mornings or early afternoons before favorites sell out.
What to order: Mazou cake, classic butter croissant, rotating seasonal tart.
Insider tip: Pre-order whole cakes or multiple Mazous ahead for weekends and holidays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Melrose and nearby side streets; metered spots turn over fairly often in the mornings but tighten after midday. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and daytime-appropriate; athleisure, jeans, and gallery-walk attire all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small space with espresso-bar activity but still easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime bakery with no dinner rush.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak pastry runs; usually no wait for grab-and-go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—most pastries, tarts, and breads are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—traditional French pastries rely on butter and eggs; expect only 1–2 occasional vegan-friendly items.
Gluten-free options: A few rotating flourless cakes or macarons may qualify, but options are limited and not produced in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—ideal for a low-pressure pastry or coffee date with cozy seating and arts-district charm, especially if you want something casual and brief.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come, first-served, and turnover is quick. Arrive earlier on weekends for the best pastry selection.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick visits—kids who enjoy pastries will be happy, though space is small and not ideal for strollers or long stays.
Best For
Better for: High-precision French viennoiseries and elegant, giftable pastries that feel authentically Parisian—great for pastry purists and aesthetic dessert hunters.
Skip if: You want a full café menu, extensive seating, or vegan/gluten-free variety—nearby brunch spots or larger bakeries may be better fits.