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ZipPicks Awards
Best French in Downtown LA
Best Vegan Restaurants in Downtown LA
Master Critic Review
Bakers Bench
8.3
French Laundry-trained pastry chef Jennifer Yee runs a fully vegan bakery where Michelin-level lamination meets Japanese pantry staples like furikake, black sesame, and yuzu — the kind of technique that earned a top-22 national bakery nod from the New York Times. Tucked in a quiet Chinatown courtyard off Alpine Street, it draws pastry purists who come specifically for the croissant program and leave wondering how none of it contains butter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Furikake Croissant, Egg Roll Croissant, Seasonal Fruit Danish
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: French Laundry-trained pastry chef Jennifer Yee applies Michelin-level lamination technique to 100% vegan croissants and danishes with Japanese flavor influences — named a top-22 bakery in the nation by the New York Times.
Who should go: Pastry lovers who won't believe these are fully vegan
When to visit: Arrive at 8am opening; popular items sell out mid-morning
What to order: Lead with the Furikake Croissant, add a seasonal fruit danish, and grab a Black Sesame Cookie for later — portions are individual so order one of each that catches your eye
Insider tip: The flower garden courtyard behind the bakery has shaded seating most people walk right past
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hidden courtyard off Alpine St—look for the narrow driveway marked '1021 Alpine St'; street parking on Alpine and surrounding blocks, no dedicated lot
Noise level: Quiet—outdoor courtyard tucked away from street noise, relaxed garden setting
Weekday lunch: Arrive right at 8am open—popular items sell out by early afternoon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Entire menu is plant-based—croissants, cookies, danishes all vegetarian
Vegan options: Dedicated vegan bakery—all pastries are vegan (note: honey used in frangipane)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime date than a romantic evening — this is a counter-service vegan bakery open only until 3pm. The shared courtyard tucked between historic Craftsman bungalows is genuinely charming, with dappled sunlight and a serene garden setting that invites easy conversation. Noise level is low, and the hidden-gem factor scores points. Grab croissants and coffee and enjoy the courtyard together — it's relaxed and unpretentious, ideal for a getting-to-know-you morning date rather than a candlelit dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations needed or accepted. This is walk-in, counter-service only. The catch: popular items (especially the croissants) sell out fast, sometimes by mid-morning on busy days. Arrive close to the 8am opening for the full selection. Courtyard seating is first-come-first-served and shared among several businesses in the complex, but reviewers report finding seats without issue. Open Thursday through Monday only — closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, in a low-key way. No dedicated kids menu or high chairs, but the casual counter-service format and open-air courtyard make it naturally easy with children. Kids can pick out a brownie or cookie at the counter, and the relaxed outdoor setting means no one will fuss over noise. Best for a quick treat stop rather than a full family meal — most visits last around 10 minutes. The space is wheelchair-accessible with gender-neutral restrooms.
Is it good for groups? Manageable for small groups of 4-6 who can grab pastries at the counter and claim courtyard tables together. Larger groups of 8+ will have trouble coordinating seating — the bakery itself is tiny (half of a converted 1908 Craftsman house), and the courtyard is shared with neighboring businesses. No private dining or large table options. For a casual friend hangout over pastries and coffee it works fine, but this isn't a group-dining destination.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — the shared courtyard is actually the primary seating area and the main draw. It's a charming garden space nestled between converted historic bungalows from the 1890s-1920s, described as a peaceful retreat hidden from the street. Plenty of tables available. Not covered or heated based on available information, but this is Los Angeles and the bakery closes at 3pm, so weather is rarely an issue. The courtyard has a serene, tucked-away feel that reviewers consistently highlight.
Best For
Better for: Grabbing exceptional vegan croissants and hanging in a hidden courtyard garden with coffee from neighboring Heavy Water
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal or evening hours—counter-service bakery that closes at 3pm weekdays, 4pm weekends
Hours
Monday8am - 3pm
Tuesday8am - 3pm
Wednesday8am - 3pm
Thursday8am - 3pm
Friday8am - 3pm
Saturday8am - 4pm
Sunday8am - 4pm