Bakery • $
“What a wonderful surprise! I needed gluten free bakery goods, and Lolita Artisanal bakery came through with many choices. The Argentinian Alfjores were a huge hit, as was the amazing gluten free coconut macaroons. Definitely check this cafe out!“
“I would highly recommend the black sesame with coconut filling birthday cake. It is so yummy and not sweet. Great and friendly customer service. I have ordered the same birthday cake two months in a row. This will be my Go To place for getting birthday cakes. Please support our local restaurants.“
“My friend and I stumbled upon Shekoh Confections purely by chance, while we were strolling the streets of Palo Alto during a business trip from Florida. We found the shop to be inviting and staff very friendly and informative. The delicacies were superb - we tasted a couple and decided to purchase three boxes - mine were meant to be gifts for family members. Unfortunately, a day after the purchase I had an accident and ended up in a LA hospital - and gave the chocolates away to my incredible nurses who took such good care of me. The nurses raved about the treats and I shared the shop's information with them. I look forward to ordering the chocolates (and the beautiful chocolate shoes) online - and hope that they can be delivered to Florida.“
“I've been a patron of Romolo’s for quite some time now. Their cannolis are some of the best in the entire Bay Area, even surpassing some I've tried in Italy. The key aspect is that they prepare your order in front of you, which sets their establishment apart as one of the best. Unlike most places that have their cannolis pre-filled and waiting for customers, at Romolo’s, the shell never gets soggy. On your first bite, you experience a satisfying crunch, which is crucial. The ricotta filling, if you opt for the classic, is light, airy, and creamy, just as it should be.“
“Very friendly staff that gave delicious recommendations and gave me a rundown on Turkish coffee for my first time! I'm a huge coffee guy and the Turkish coffee here was pretty good, pastries were great though! There's relatively limited seating but it's also great for some grab and go bites! Will definitely come here again to this semi-hidden gem :)“
“If y’all don’t know about Ada’s, y’all should — because they got one of the BEST coffees around town. They are locally sourced and get the most organic beans, and make the BEST pastries. And best of all, they are a 501(c)3 non-profit social enterprise running in the heart of Palo Alto. I work at Cubberley not far from Ada’s, so I have been coming by often and supporting.A big shout out goes to Kathleen, the owner and founder of Ada’s Cafe — she’s absolutely humble and very caring at every customer. She goes above and beyond in support of not only the neurodivergent community, but also for the communities in need in Palo Alto.I ordered a 16oz latte with whole milk on a Friday — and they honestly served it with SO much love and so much belonging. It truly felt like I was at home, but 10x better. The beans had flavor, and the whole milk wasn’t overly saturated. I also appreciated how much love and consideration they put in the croissant sandwich as well, because the ingredients were fresh and not too sweet or too salty at all.It is located next to the Palo Alto Library, and they do close early at 4pm. There is limited indoor seating, but there is a variety of things you can choose from. I would definitely recommend supporting a local business like Ada’s and having your bestie brunch dates here too.Vegetarian options: They have some things you can ask for vegetarian! In fact, most things are vegetarian :)Dietary restrictions: They have different kind of non-dairy options you can choose from! :DParking: Because we’re sharing a parking lot with the Palo Alto Library, there are times where you’re not able to find parking right away. However do not fret, because they usually clear away after a while.Kid-friendliness: Very kid-friendly - most of the kids from Challenger or nearby kids from the surrounding neighborhood come to get an ice cream scone from Ada’s! No wonder that’s why they were this profit-driven — and they’re still running despite the inflation — they get TONS of business from the kids everyday!Wheelchair accessibility: It is wheelchair accessible! Very wheelchair friendly — and they accommodate very openly about who sits there and stuff.“
“I visited this amazing biscotti place. Their biscottis and cannolis were awesome and really good!! The owner was super kind and friendly. I think he is proud of his art. They became one of my favourite bakeries ☺️ I am lucky to have this nice place:) The best biscottis and cannolis I’ve ever tried!!!!“
“Antoine's Cookie Shop is hands down one of the best cookie destinations in the Bay Area! From the moment you arrive, you'll likely encounter a line - but trust me, it's absolutely worth the wait. I've tried numerous flavors here, and each one has left me thoroughly impressed. However, there's something truly special about their original chocolate chip. It's incredibly buttery, bursting with flavor, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. One bite and you'll understand why people keep coming back for more. Now, let's talk about the price. Yes, cookies here can add up, but let me tell you, the taste is simply unbeatable. You're not just paying for a cookie; you're investing in a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. The workers here are quick, efficient, and always ready with a warm smile, ensuring that your visit is as pleasant as can be. Despite its smaller size, the shop is cozy and inviting, with the added bonus of a microwave to warm up those delectable treats - because who can resist a warm, gooey cookie? In conclusion, if you're a cookie enthusiast seeking an unforgettable indulgence, look no further than Antoine's Cookie Shop. With exceptional flavors, efficient service, and a cozy atmosphere, it's a true gem in the heart of the Bay Area.“
“This cafe is like going to your favorite aunt or grandmas house who is really good at cooking and baking. There is a menu but it seems more like they make what they want and sell what they have - feels very quaint and homemade Tonkatsu sandwich - big pork cutlet with a squishy bun and a generous portion of finely shredded cabbage. Yummy and crispy, pork was a touch dry. Matcha cornet was delicious, great flavor w the cream and nice soft cornet Melon pan - did not get much melon fragrance and felt a bit dry/stale, but great crisp sugar top. There's some chocolate inside the bread which I did not expect.“
“I LOVE these cookies. I’ve never liked cookies because they are always “fake” tasting, too hard, no flavor etc. However, when I stumbled upon Sara’s a year ago, I’ve been hooked! To whoever said they were “crunchy” and “lacked flavor” you’re completely wrong. The reason I like her cookies is because they are soft and chewy and melt in your mouth. It’s the only cookie I’ve ever enjoyed and all of them are amazing. They last days after you get them too, without getting hard or stale. 10/10“
“I wanted a special birthday cake for my wife and told Monica the general idea. She turned my idea into made a beautiful cake (I supplied the edible maj jong tiles) that was so delicious. The cake was a big hit with all our guests. She was very easy to work with and I highly recommend her!“
“Amazing bakery and cafe with superb pastries and amazing food . High quality baklava and very affordable . Ambiance is amazing !! Great tea place to invite and meet friends .Ramadan hours are great and staff and owners are very welcoming and friendly !!Dietary restrictions: They have vegetarian and all kinds of food .Wheelchair accessibility: It’s very easily available and handicapped table is very much there .“
“The cutest little dessert shop in Los Altos. Has the best cake and very yummy drinks. There is no longer any indoor seating but plenty of outdoor seating with shades. My favorite is the strawberry and cream cake and it is by far the best one I've ever had. Service is quick and just a grab and go kind of place where you pick up your cake and find a place to sit down. Since the seating is outdoors on a Main Street there is the ambiance of cars and people walking by.“
“Solid. Just solid, really good (and substantially sized) baked goods. ? I got their breakfast bar, their pork and shrimp Mondo, their chicken and shiktake mushroom Mondo, and a chocolate chip cookie and their lox Sammie. FYI, it’s set up like a pop-up bakery stall - didn’t see much sit down options. (I’ll update with pictures and more details if I have time.)“
“Crumbl Gourmet Cookies is a true indulgence for cookie lovers! The variety of flavors they offer is impressive, and each cookie is a little piece of heaven. The texture is consistently perfect--soft on the inside and delightfully crunchy on the outside. Every visit is a delightful surprise with their rotating weekly menu, ensuring there's always something new to try. The packaging is not only charming but keeps the cookies fresh. Crumbl has mastered the art of making cookies an experience, and I can't get enough of their delectable treats!“
“I’ve been gluten free for 15 years, and it has been rough. But I have made the most of it by searching for gluten free treats everywhere I go. I’ve had gluten free pastries in dozens of cities including London, Florence, Madrid, Sacramento, Lahaina, and Austin. Other than the now shuttered Helmut Newcake in Paris, Sweet Diplomacy is my favorite of all time (and only 20 minutes away!). If you have tried baking gluten free you know pastry (choux, puff, flakey) is really hard to do. This place gets pastry and cakes as close to wheat flour as it gets. I enjoy all of the offerings but I’m most impressed by the pastry. The cream puffs OMG. And today I tried the tiramisu for the first time (it knocked my socks off).The coffee is excellent, and I love their cupcake varieties and cookies but my stomach is only so big.I personally do not reach for the vegan offerings but this is because I don’t need to (give me butter!!). If you have restrictions they have nut free and vegan options.I’m super impressed by this, especially knowing the difficulty of GF baking.Dietary restrictions: 100% Gluten free. Vegan options. Nut free options.“
“I’ve ordered 3 cakes from here in the span of a month. I was so impressed with the 6in mango cake I decided to get more for a coworker birthday and going away cake.The cakes are beautiful and delicious. They’re pretty standard cake prices ($30+) I call or email ahead of time to order. The fruit cake doesn’t seem to be available all the time, but it’s totally worth. I didn’t get a pic of the tiramisu :(I’ll be looking forward to getting more cakes in the future! The other pastries from here are good, too!“
“Fantastic latte prepared and served up by the owner. Loved the laid back vibe of the place. Life slowed down when I went in. I was not rushed to order, the owner was not rushed in preparing my coffee, and I took time to indulge in every amazing sip amongst other laid back patrons.Also, great downtown location. I was visiting, but I wish I lived in San Mateo so I could frequent this place regularly. If you find yourself there don't miss it. If you are commuting through, jump off the train and walk over. Definitely worth it!“
“I recently visited the one in San Francisco and fell in love with the choices of deserts they had. When I finally tried the strawberry shortcake and wedding cookies they did not disappoint. They were so good I took the drive to their other location and they had so many more options. I am going to assume it's because I hit up do SF location before closing. Anyway, best cookies ever. They stayed fresh an entire week. The cake was one of the best cakes I have ever tried. Strawberries were fresh, it was so moist, and just enough sweetness. If you haven't tried them, it's a must!“
“"Hello everyone! ? I'm excited to share my personal experience with Gery and her delightful cakes and desserts. From her infectious joy to her warm smile, every interaction with her is a delight! Gery goes above and beyond to ensure she meets your needs and desires. Her Maracuya cheesecake has quickly become a household favorite for my family—it strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, and the syrup is simply irresistible! If you're in search of a charming, family-owned business, Gery is the one to support!""Hello everyone! ? I am excited to share my personal experience with Gery and his delicious cakes and desserts. From her infectious joy to her warm smile, every interaction with her is a pleasure! Gery strives to meet your needs and desires. Their passion fruit cake has quickly become my family's favorite! It has the perfect balance of sweetness, and the syrup is simply irresistible! If you are looking for a lovely family business, Gery is the one to support!”“
“i dont eat dessert often. but every product here ，its size is perfect for sweet guilty. highly recommend pumpkin basque cheese cake，japanese pumpkin mixed so well with cheese and bought a fine hint flavor when melting in mouth. if possible i could eat it everyday！“
“I love the vibes of this quaint, very French cafe - it just feels so authentic. Service is quick despite being fairly busy and the wide menu means you can always get something that you're craving. The food itself is pretty good but not particularly outstanding - for example, the croque madame sort of just fell apart from the softness of the bread and the wetness of the bechamel. However, the pastries look good and seem affordable - they're next on my list to try when I return!“
“Can’t say thank you enough to the team at Lavender ‘n Cream, they made an amazing vegan cake for my girlfriend’s birthday. They really knocked it out of the park, she’s saving one of the little candy mushrooms because it’s “too cute”. Thank you again!“
“So excited to come back here after 3 years. Their cheesecake is fluffy and light and delicious. However, their highlight is the matcha with cheese foam! It's strong, dark, bold, and earthy! This is the only location that I know serving matcha and green tea. I even ordered a matcha drink without ice so I can save it in the fridge for my caffeine fix in the next morning. Other locations need to be consistent and serve these drinks as well. Original cheese tart is legit!!! The shell is crispy without being crumbly after the first bite, and it has subtle sweetness. The filling is generous, creamy, light, and perfectly sweet! It pairs perfectly well with my half sweet matcha drink.“
“Delicious cheesecake and lovely store! Unique sour cream layer which balances out the cheesecake layer perfectly. So so good. Don't just take it from me, multiple local high-end restaurants serve Namesake Cheesecake, so obviously this is the real deal! The store is a great place to buy gifts for others (and to treat yourself!) - beautiful alpaca shawls and blankets, olive oil, jewelry from local artisans. Cherith the owner is the sweetest most welcoming and friendly person. Support local business! This one is a total gem. Check the hours before you stop in. Easy street parking around the corner on the south side of College Ave.“
“I always enjoy popping into this bakery for their empanadas or other baked goods. Yesterday, they had a ham, egg, and spinach pastry which was delicious. Their smoothies and juices are also great, and interacting with the staff always puts a smile on my face.“
Bakery • $
“What a terrific lunch spot - great variety of delicious foods, fantastic prices, and water front seating. It’s frankly unbeatable and the staff were so kind and courteous to us. We got pizza and hide ceasar salads either two drinks for $25!!!!Dietary restrictions: Health conscious eaters welcomedKid-friendliness: Great high chairs and stimulating location by the water“
“FANTASTIC, solid baked goods.Portions/sizes of every baked item are generous & fillings are hearty - even the vegan ones too!Got the chicken, pork + shrimp, & mushroom + tofu mandos - which are like if a pizza had a baby with a baozi or dumpling (hearty dumpling/Bao meat or veggie filling wrapped & baked in pizza like dough), Nutella challah, cinnamon raisin swirls, chocolate chip + nut + apricot cookies, & trying out the peanut butter raisin cookie.I should also help clarify: the tofu+ mushroom mando also has kale!! Or maybe it’s swisschard - but either way, this is like a trifecta for me coz it conveniently bundles 3 food groups (protein, carb, + veggie) in a nice hand-held lunch portion for me.Plus everything here tastes SO good!But a couple of tips- they have a location in Menlo Park near the train station as a pop-up stand that opens & closes earlier than this brick & mortar site but usually seems to have more items.However, I think I personally prefer this site more coz:1) here u can get ur baked goods toasted (tastes sooo good heated up vs room temp in my opinion)2) parking is free here in the parking lot vs free parking in Menlo Park seems more limited3) actually this is the most important one for me since I tend to have a more sensitive stomach - this Los Altos Little Sky Branch takes food storage conditions seriously & properly, which I’m very grateful for. They follow the local food codes carefully & store their surplus mandos in the fridge/cooler & rotate out their mandos on display periodically. I confess I was a bit disheartened when I went to the Menlo Park location today & learned + saw all dozens of the mandos (including the shrimp + pork ones) were sitting outside from Sunday opening time/8 am - 12:50 pm, which I found odd since the 1st time I went to the Menlo Park location, they also regularly rotated out display Mondos & kept the rest in a cooler. Needless to say, since I love Little Sky Bakery’s stuff enough to buy in bulk & freeze (I discovered just about everything can be stored in the freezer for a long shelf life) - I didn’t feel it would be safe to buy the Menlo Park location’s meat-filled baked goods or at least the ones w/ seafood left out for that long to eat or freeze a bulk down to eat later … so I drove the extra miles to their Los Altos location (which had less mandos available) & bought as many mondos left as I could since I felt more reassured knowing they followed strict food storage temperature conditions & codes. The Los Altos location associates there are also super lovely & kind - knowing of my sensitive gut condition, they know my preferences & will usually pull the chilled mandos for me over the room temp ones whenever possible.“
Japanese • $$
“We recently wandered into this Japanese specialty treat store at the Palo Alto Shopping Center. I bought a small box of white peach mochi to try. At $19, it is pricey for the quantity. However, they are delicious, soft, sweet, delicate, and flavorful; easily the best mochi/manju type snack I have ever tasted! So, if you want a special treat, it is hard to best these!“
“When I used to work in RWC I ate at their original location just outside of downtown. They've opened a second locale in Menlo and has been quietly opened for a year and I hadnt realized it. Especially because it is in the same strip mall as one of my fave Mexican places, El Fogon, which strangely had an Atherton Mom and her teenage daughter going to. this would never happen pre covid. Speaking of when they opened apparently most folks wanted the original location which is more Panaderia than Restaurant back then to have a bar. So they built this one with a nice bar and now post covid the demand for a bar isnt as strong. I hope that changes because I think their food is quite good. Also this locale brings in the bakery products from the other location so it is a small case. I had a conversation with a server a while back at a sushi restaurant of all places and found out they were from Guatemala. We got to talking about where all the Guatemlan food was and they said El Pollo Campero was basically the only one around. So when I told them about the original location of Guatemalteca we googled it and this one showed up. So during my errands I met a friend here for a meal. We had to go for the stuff we'd never heard of and that paid dividends. The Hilachas is a beef stew that texturally like ropa vieja with the protein being beef being in a thick gravy like stew of tomato and other aromatics. This was served with a salad, pureed black beans and rice. The churrasco was grilled beef similar to carne asada but spiced differently. it had similar components to the Hilachas but also came with a chili and some crema. We also got a Gutemalan Tamal of pork to share and they included the last of their Gutemalan style chile relleno which is smaller but amazingly tasty. The bonus here are the hand made tortillas! Food was a big win and since you're surrounded in a neighborhood of great Mexican food, Id stick to the Gutemalan fare to broaden your horizons. THe brother and sister which run this locale speak really good ENglish but they still helped me practice my Spanish which was nice. A great new add to the neighborhood and now it's going to be hard because I have to choose this or EL Fogon in the same block“
“Try the croque madame! It makes for a delicious and decadent lunch and comes with a good side salad. They also have a tasty cheesecake. The coffee/drinks are just OK for me and the hot chocolate was disappointing - definitely skip. Good almond croissant and chocolate croissants as well. Service is friendly although tables are not cleaned in a timely manner. This is a nice spot to have in Redwood City and has potential to be great with improved beverages/cleanliness.“
“BethAnn did an excellent job for the cake for our daughter's wedding at Mountain Terrace in Woodside! The cake was in a naked cake style with lemon pucker up flavor. It was just the way the groom and bride requested it! BethAnn was easy to work with and accommodated their schedule for the tasting as they lived out of the state. We would recommend Studio Cake for your wedding!“
“What's with the bad reviews? This place is a family owned store and bakery. Their bread is authentic Mexican bread and all of it is so yummy!! I recommend going very early if you want fresh bread. Mostly anyone who knows this place knows that you have to get here before 8am. If you don't, the selection is slim!This is a highly sought after Mexican bread bakery so if you can't wake up early to get your bread, just go to Chavez during the day lolAnyway, this place is my favorite! This entire back was $13. A steal in my opinion!“
“This place is fantastic for having coffee with bread the only thing I didn't like was that they didn't let me go into the bathroom the bad thing is that I had already been driving for 3 hours because I'm not from that place and well that service is very bad I bought the bread the chocolate and left Let's find a place to go to the bathroom next time, give the people a chance. You don't know where it's from, since in that city a lot of people come from far away to work.“
“A nice ambience with solid food, easy parking, good service and overall a great dinner. We have done the dinner and wine pairing events in the beautiful courtyard with a tree full of twinkling lights, tonight we celebrated my birthday and were treated to a delicious slice of chocolate cake. We shared the gem salad which came in a nice big salad bowl, enjoyed the lamb shank Easter special, salmon and burger. Along with cocktails and wine. Recommend for any occasion.“