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Creme De La Crepe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Creme De La Crepe
8.4
Established French bistro since 2003 serving authentic buckwheat and sweet crepes with outdoor Parisian-style seating. The menu extends beyond crepes to include French onion soup, eggs benedict variations, and pasta carbonara, with genuine French cafe ambiance that transports diners to the streets of Paris.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Cake Benedict, Nordique Crepe with Smoked Salmon, French Onion Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Over 20 years serving authentic French crepes with Parisian outdoor seating
Who should go: Francophiles and crepe enthusiasts seeking genuine French cafe experience
When to visit: Weekday mornings for peaceful outdoor seating with laptop work
What to order: Crab cake benedict, Nordique salmon crepe, strawberry Nutella dessert crepe
Insider tip: Homemade strawberry jam served with bread is exceptional and shouldn't be skipped
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding blocks, metered during business hours. Small public lot on Linden Ave (2 blocks), $2/hour. Arrive early on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice tops work perfectly. It's a relaxed French bistro, not formal dining.
Noise level: Pleasantly quiet - ideal for conversation. Outdoor seating especially peaceful on weekday mornings.
Weekend wait: 20-35 minutes for walk-ins Friday-Saturday evenings, reservations recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-ins welcome. Outdoor tables fill by noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent options - multiple savory buckwheat crepes with cheese, mushrooms, spinach. Also pasta and salads.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - can customize savory crepes without cheese/eggs. Best to call ahead for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - traditional buckwheat crepes contain wheat. They can accommodate with salads and some egg dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect first date spot. Romantic Parisian ambiance without being stuffy, moderate prices allow conversation to flow naturally, and outdoor seating provides relaxed setting. Go for weekday dinner or weekend brunch.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday breakfast and lunch - absolutely, walk right in. Weekend brunch (9am-2pm) - expect 20-30 minute waits or make a reservation. Weeknight dinners usually fine, but Friday/Saturday book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially for brunch. Sweet crepes appeal to kids, relaxed atmosphere accommodates families, and outdoor seating gives children space. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through a meal.
Can I work here on my laptop? Absolutely during weekday mornings and early afternoons. Outdoor tables provide perfect laptop-friendly setting with good natural light. Just be mindful during weekend brunch rush when tables turn.
Do they take groups? Yes, but call ahead for parties of 6+. They can arrange outdoor tables together. Groups work better at lunch or early dinner rather than peak brunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Authentic French cafe experience with genuine Parisian ambiance - this beats generic brunch spots for atmosphere and buckwheat crepe quality. Better for leisurely meals and laptop work than busier brunch chains. More intimate and charming than hotel brunches.
Skip if: You want modern fusion brunch, large portions, or Instagram-trendy presentations. If you're gluten-free or vegan with limited flexibility. If you're in a rush - service is deliberately paced French-style. For boozy brunch parties, louder spots might suit better.
Creme De La Crepe
8.2
Since 2003, this family-run creperie has brought authentic Brittany-style crepes to Downtown Long Beach with both sweet and savory buckwheat options. The all-day menu expands beyond crepes to include French classics like croque monsieur, boeuf bourguignon, and crêpes suzette.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Sausage Buckwheat Crepe, Crêpes Suzette, Croque Monsieur
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Gluten-free buckwheat crepes with authentic French cafe atmosphere since 2003
Who should go: Families, brunch lovers, anyone craving authentic French crepes
When to visit: Breakfast through dinner, outdoor seating in pleasant weather
What to order: Savory buckwheat crepes, crêpes suzette, pasta carbonara
Insider tip: Buckwheat crepe batter is naturally gluten-free for dietary needs
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Pine Ave and nearby blocks, metered during business hours. Small public lot on 4th Street within 2 blocks. Moderate difficulty on weekends.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine, relaxed neighborhood cafe vibe
Noise level: Low to moderate - intimate cafe setting ideal for conversation
Weekend wait: 15-30 min wait typical Friday/Saturday evenings, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive selection of vegetarian sweet and savory crepes, plus pasta and salad options
Vegan options: Limited - a few savory crepe options possible with modifications, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - buckwheat crepes are naturally gluten-free, though kitchen is not dedicated GF facility
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice - intimate without being stuffy, moderately priced, outdoor seating option creates romantic atmosphere. Conversation-friendly noise level and shareable crepes work well for getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday breakfast and lunch, yes - walk-ins usually fine. Weekend brunch and Friday/Saturday dinner, expect 15-30 min wait. They don't take reservations for parties under 6, so arrive early or off-peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - sweet crepes appeal to children, relaxed atmosphere welcomes families, outdoor seating gives kids space. High chairs available. Popular with local families for weekend brunch.
Best For
Better for: Authentic French crepes at accessible prices, gluten-free dining without compromise, relaxed all-day dining from breakfast through dinner, family-friendly French cuisine without the formality
Skip if: You want fine dining ambiance or white tablecloth service, need guaranteed quick seating on weekend mornings, want modern fusion or creative takes rather than traditional French preparations