Have been coming here since they opened and they have been a 4 or 5 star place. But from the last 3 or 4 times I've been there, it has been inconsistent and usually not great. More on that later. What is more problematic is that their croissants have been getting smaller and their prices have been going higher. Not usually a problem as long as the product is stellar. 2 plain croissants and a ham and cheese croissant went for 12.50. The 2 plain were 3.50 each and the ham and cheese 5.50. Sorry i don't have a photo but imagine that the ham and cheese was smaller than the plain. The napoleons in the case were certainly thinner - at least from what I recall. The tarts there had fruit that looked ... less than stellar, we'll say. Now, in terms of the food quality. I could swear that the plain croissants were day old. They were a little on the hard side and dense. Chewy. The ham and cheese was the same way except it had ham and cheese. Today was not a one time. A earlier visit it happened and we thought it was just a fluke. We tried it again a couple of weeks later and it was great again. That's why I say this is about the consistency. But, the last 2 times we went, it was that cold, hard, dense plain croissant. I hate to say this but I think I'm going to have to take a break from this place and hope they go back to the old. Also, the same dude was there so don't think this is a matter of a new baker. I'm even struggling a little bit to give it 3 stars - was debating between 2 and 3.
Akshar Gupta
The staff displayed unnecessary and uncalled for rudeness. I order a cake for pickup. I was told I can pick up anytime after 12. When I went there at 1. The shop was closed with sign that they will return at 3. Who I went at 3.30 and asked if the shop is always closed between 1 to 3, the person got annoyed and said he had an appointment between 9.30 to 3 and kept repeating he had put a sign. No apology at any point . At payment, he said they only take cash which I was not told while placing the order or when I called them saying I am coming to pick up. More importantly, he acted as if it’s my fault for not having cash on me. I walked out of the shop.Food quality and taste are irrelevant if the staff is unecessarily rude and unapologetic.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Ximena R.
Went to this little bakery this past Saturday, my first time, and it was everything I was told it was (friends who live in the area recommended I make a stop there on my way home) The service was quick, and the young lady who helped me with my order was not only sweet but polite. I ordered a plain croissant and a cappuccino. The croissant was super flaky and buttery . The cappuccino was delicious and hit the spot, especially since it was cold and snowy out. To take home, I ordered some chocolate and plain croissants (also delicious) and the piece de resistance was the King Cake!!! Out of this world! My family loved everything and that cake did not last long! The 20 mile trip was worth it and I would gladly go back again!
Gwenaelle Du-Thumm
One of the best frangipane Galette des Rois I’ve had! Being from France I can say it was very authentic. Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laura L
I’ve been coming here for years. The shop is tiny but the pastries are amazing. It’s a MUST visit for your stop in Princeton. I love the tarts and always get a different kind, all of them delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fruit Tart
Annika World
Delicious croissants probably the best in the region. come early because sometimes they are all sold. croissant flavors change daily. the baker is passionate about his work and the service is great. cash only. limited parking. today i had almond croissant and coconut toast. amazing quality especially for the price point. croissant was buttery flaky and flavorful while the coconut toast was custardy and delicious. both were not to sweet, perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jo ANN McManimon
The absolute best Pastry Chef in Princeton. I served these delicious pastries in my younger years and purchased cakes for Birthdays & Special occasions. Edwige & The Little Chef Pastry Shop are simply “The Best”!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant, Raspberry Croissants, Chocolate Cake, Pain Au Chocolat, Fruit Tart, Christmas Chocolates
Guillaume Rico
Pouchon is by far the best pastry chef in that area. His pastries are not only crafted with love but as well with exceptional skills.
Kseniya K.
Only tried the croissants, so this review is purely on that. Wish I could give the custom made cakes a try, to salvage my opinion of this fabled Chef's pastry skills. Unfortunately, will not be returning to this establishment. The pastry selection is very limited (two pastry options besides croissants), so you're choosing from whatever the chef had the desire & energy to make recently.For $4, the croissant you get will be the most underwhelming piece of pastry you've had. Dense and thick as a brick, not airy, as a croissant should be. The dough lacked that porous quality particular to croissants. The chocolate croissant barely had any chocolate--literally just four chocolate chips melted inside a mount of dough. Those chocolate chips also tasted off. The raspberry croissant was marginally better. But it also had barely any filling. All dense, thick dough.
Andrew Siegel
If you're wondering about the hot and cold reviews here on this little pastry shop tucked away on a side street in Princeton, here's the deal with Little Chef: These are some of the best pastries, and certainly croissants, you will have in the area. Yes, the NY Times said they were some of the best in the country.The owner's passion is baking fantastic pastries. They are buttery and delicious. That said, his passion is not hospitality. He is a very nice gentleman who happens to always be courteous to me. But you can tell he's there to bake, not entertain or make friends. That's the truth.As for reviews mentioning odd hours, that can also be true. The shop opens at 9:30am... Most days. Sometimes, if he thinks he needs more time to make the morning pastries properly, it'll be 9:35am. Maybe 9:40. You will wait outside while he preps and that's the way it is here. Additionally, he may close early when he's out of items. I've seen him close when he needs to leave the shop for something (he's a one-man show). It's not consistent with the posted hours, but it's the way he does it. He makes a set number of things per day. If you come at noon and there's one croissant left, that's what you get... He has already started prepping for the next day. He may even have the door locked and the "closed" sign up, even though it's before posted closing time, because he's on to his work for tomorrow. If you want the best of this shop, it's best to join the line with others at 9:30am to get the freshest items, or come soon after, but don't be surprised if the selection is limited.This is all to say, sure there are quirks about this place and the owner / baker will never wow you with his hospitality, but if you are looking for pastries and can pick them up around 9:30am in Princeton, you won't find any better.
I arrived around 11 am on Wednesday, there were 3 pastries left and the shop was so dirty that I wondered if it was under construction or still open? But apparently it was open. Maybe I didn't arrive at the right time!
Danny Mcguiness
One of the best French pastry shops in Princeton, the chef there does amazing work and all made from scratch, open prep area, they have great pastries and croissants, I go every week and get lucky to get his croissants!
Ivanna Peteliuk
Ignored us as we stood at the door when he was inside working. Never came up to unlock.
Always H.
I have been patronizing The Little Chef Pastry Shop on special occasions for many years, despite the owner's less than gracious demeanor. I have always focused more on the quality and excellence of his craft rather than his terrible attitude. Now his attitude has not only rubbed off on his team, but the service is flat out non sensical. I arrived at 9 AM on Mother's Day to ensure I didn't miss out on his almond croissants - which are his speciality and one of my family's favorites. I was the third person in line and waited patiently for 40 minutes until he decided to open (10 minutes late). When it was my turn, I placed my order with a young gal at the counter, which included 2 almond croissants plus 3 other items. She told me they were still in the oven and that I would have to wait. I had no problem doing so but she then told me I couldn't pay for them but that I would have to go outside to the end of the line and wait again until it was my turn. The line was halfway down the block at that point which I pointed out to her and she said it didn't matter because they don't "hold" items. I told her that I was not asking her to hold any items, I just wanted to ensure that I could get the 2 almond croissants without the risk of them being gone by the time I waited in the long line. She repeated that they don't hold items and proceeded to roll her eyes. I then asked her why I am being penalized when I got here early and waited for 40 minutes. It simply doesn't make sense. Then the chef/owner himself came over, started yelling and flailing his arms in the air and said "this is how we work." I said "I know how you work, I've been coming here for years." Frustrated beyond necessary, I took the other items and went on my way. I just don't understand why someone running a customer facing business would go out of his way to be so grumpy, rude and rigid. And shame on him for hiring people with the same rude attitude that he has!
Bill A.
Man, these really are the best croissants ever. They're crispy on the outside, but flakey and buttery inside, with many little layers. I still haven't had a better croissant than the ones here - even in France.The Little Chef is a bakery on Tulane Street, a narrow street off Nassau. The owner worked at La Boulange, a French bakery in New York, before opening this shop. The shop has been written up in the New York Times and Serious Eats.In addition to the croissants, he makes specialty French pastries like Mont Blanc's, bûches de noël, Saint-Honoré pastries.
Have been coming here since they opened and they have been a 4 or 5 star place. But from the last 3 or 4 times I've been there, it has been inconsistent and usually not great. More on that later. What is more problematic is that their croissants have been getting smaller and their prices have been going higher. Not usually a problem as long as the product is stellar. 2 plain croissants and a ham and cheese croissant went for 12.50. The 2 plain were 3.50 each and the ham and cheese 5.50. Sorry i don't have a photo but imagine that the ham and cheese was smaller than the plain. The napoleons in the case were certainly thinner - at least from what I recall. The tarts there had fruit that looked ... less than stellar, we'll say. Now, in terms of the food quality. I could swear that the plain croissants were day old. They were a little on the hard side and dense. Chewy. The ham and cheese was the same way except it had ham and cheese. Today was not a one time. A earlier visit it happened and we thought it was just a fluke. We tried it again a couple of weeks later and it was great again. That's why I say this is about the consistency. But, the last 2 times we went, it was that cold, hard, dense plain croissant. I hate to say this but I think I'm going to have to take a break from this place and hope they go back to the old. Also, the same dude was there so don't think this is a matter of a new baker. I'm even struggling a little bit to give it 3 stars - was debating between 2 and 3.
The staff displayed unnecessary and uncalled for rudeness. I order a cake for pickup. I was told I can pick up anytime after 12. When I went there at 1. The shop was closed with sign that they will return at 3. Who I went at 3.30 and asked if the shop is always closed between 1 to 3, the person got annoyed and said he had an appointment between 9.30 to 3 and kept repeating he had put a sign. No apology at any point . At payment, he said they only take cash which I was not told while placing the order or when I called them saying I am coming to pick up. More importantly, he acted as if it’s my fault for not having cash on me. I walked out of the shop.Food quality and taste are irrelevant if the staff is unecessarily rude and unapologetic.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Went to this little bakery this past Saturday, my first time, and it was everything I was told it was (friends who live in the area recommended I make a stop there on my way home) The service was quick, and the young lady who helped me with my order was not only sweet but polite. I ordered a plain croissant and a cappuccino. The croissant was super flaky and buttery . The cappuccino was delicious and hit the spot, especially since it was cold and snowy out. To take home, I ordered some chocolate and plain croissants (also delicious) and the piece de resistance was the King Cake!!! Out of this world! My family loved everything and that cake did not last long! The 20 mile trip was worth it and I would gladly go back again!
One of the best frangipane Galette des Rois I’ve had! Being from France I can say it was very authentic. Highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve been coming here for years. The shop is tiny but the pastries are amazing. It’s a MUST visit for your stop in Princeton. I love the tarts and always get a different kind, all of them delicious.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fruit Tart
Delicious croissants probably the best in the region. come early because sometimes they are all sold. croissant flavors change daily. the baker is passionate about his work and the service is great. cash only. limited parking. today i had almond croissant and coconut toast. amazing quality especially for the price point. croissant was buttery flaky and flavorful while the coconut toast was custardy and delicious. both were not to sweet, perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The absolute best Pastry Chef in Princeton. I served these delicious pastries in my younger years and purchased cakes for Birthdays & Special occasions. Edwige & The Little Chef Pastry Shop are simply “The Best”!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant, Raspberry Croissants, Chocolate Cake, Pain Au Chocolat, Fruit Tart, Christmas Chocolates
Pouchon is by far the best pastry chef in that area. His pastries are not only crafted with love but as well with exceptional skills.
Only tried the croissants, so this review is purely on that. Wish I could give the custom made cakes a try, to salvage my opinion of this fabled Chef's pastry skills. Unfortunately, will not be returning to this establishment. The pastry selection is very limited (two pastry options besides croissants), so you're choosing from whatever the chef had the desire & energy to make recently.For $4, the croissant you get will be the most underwhelming piece of pastry you've had. Dense and thick as a brick, not airy, as a croissant should be. The dough lacked that porous quality particular to croissants. The chocolate croissant barely had any chocolate--literally just four chocolate chips melted inside a mount of dough. Those chocolate chips also tasted off. The raspberry croissant was marginally better. But it also had barely any filling. All dense, thick dough.
If you're wondering about the hot and cold reviews here on this little pastry shop tucked away on a side street in Princeton, here's the deal with Little Chef: These are some of the best pastries, and certainly croissants, you will have in the area. Yes, the NY Times said they were some of the best in the country.The owner's passion is baking fantastic pastries. They are buttery and delicious. That said, his passion is not hospitality. He is a very nice gentleman who happens to always be courteous to me. But you can tell he's there to bake, not entertain or make friends. That's the truth.As for reviews mentioning odd hours, that can also be true. The shop opens at 9:30am... Most days. Sometimes, if he thinks he needs more time to make the morning pastries properly, it'll be 9:35am. Maybe 9:40. You will wait outside while he preps and that's the way it is here. Additionally, he may close early when he's out of items. I've seen him close when he needs to leave the shop for something (he's a one-man show). It's not consistent with the posted hours, but it's the way he does it. He makes a set number of things per day. If you come at noon and there's one croissant left, that's what you get... He has already started prepping for the next day. He may even have the door locked and the "closed" sign up, even though it's before posted closing time, because he's on to his work for tomorrow. If you want the best of this shop, it's best to join the line with others at 9:30am to get the freshest items, or come soon after, but don't be surprised if the selection is limited.This is all to say, sure there are quirks about this place and the owner / baker will never wow you with his hospitality, but if you are looking for pastries and can pick them up around 9:30am in Princeton, you won't find any better.
Restaurantji Recommends
I arrived around 11 am on Wednesday, there were 3 pastries left and the shop was so dirty that I wondered if it was under construction or still open? But apparently it was open. Maybe I didn't arrive at the right time!
One of the best French pastry shops in Princeton, the chef there does amazing work and all made from scratch, open prep area, they have great pastries and croissants, I go every week and get lucky to get his croissants!
Ignored us as we stood at the door when he was inside working. Never came up to unlock.
I have been patronizing The Little Chef Pastry Shop on special occasions for many years, despite the owner's less than gracious demeanor. I have always focused more on the quality and excellence of his craft rather than his terrible attitude. Now his attitude has not only rubbed off on his team, but the service is flat out non sensical. I arrived at 9 AM on Mother's Day to ensure I didn't miss out on his almond croissants - which are his speciality and one of my family's favorites. I was the third person in line and waited patiently for 40 minutes until he decided to open (10 minutes late). When it was my turn, I placed my order with a young gal at the counter, which included 2 almond croissants plus 3 other items. She told me they were still in the oven and that I would have to wait. I had no problem doing so but she then told me I couldn't pay for them but that I would have to go outside to the end of the line and wait again until it was my turn. The line was halfway down the block at that point which I pointed out to her and she said it didn't matter because they don't "hold" items. I told her that I was not asking her to hold any items, I just wanted to ensure that I could get the 2 almond croissants without the risk of them being gone by the time I waited in the long line. She repeated that they don't hold items and proceeded to roll her eyes. I then asked her why I am being penalized when I got here early and waited for 40 minutes. It simply doesn't make sense. Then the chef/owner himself came over, started yelling and flailing his arms in the air and said "this is how we work." I said "I know how you work, I've been coming here for years." Frustrated beyond necessary, I took the other items and went on my way. I just don't understand why someone running a customer facing business would go out of his way to be so grumpy, rude and rigid. And shame on him for hiring people with the same rude attitude that he has!
Man, these really are the best croissants ever. They're crispy on the outside, but flakey and buttery inside, with many little layers. I still haven't had a better croissant than the ones here - even in France.The Little Chef is a bakery on Tulane Street, a narrow street off Nassau. The owner worked at La Boulange, a French bakery in New York, before opening this shop. The shop has been written up in the New York Times and Serious Eats.In addition to the croissants, he makes specialty French pastries like Mont Blanc's, bûches de noël, Saint-Honoré pastries.