First let me say that I lived in Europe for two years and have had quite a few amazing croissants...but nothing like this place. The chocolate almond croissant from Sub Rosa is the best one I've ever had..period. Also, the ham and cheese croissant and the tart was incredible. We heard about how fast they sell out so we ordered a few days ahead of our trip. I'd recommend doing the same if you want to guarantee you'll get what you want. Seriously, if you find yourself down here, plan to make a stop, you will not be disappointed.
Andrew Mays
It was a cold day last February when I got here early expecting to be in and out - instead there was a long line of locals- and a sign it was going to be all I hoped. That sour cherry and pistachio croissant thing is the stuff dreams are made of - will be placing a to-go order to take with me next time I drive north to visit family.
Visiting from out of town had a latte and a chocolate croissant that we ate in, and picked up some biscotti for home. There was a bit of a line out the door but the food and coffee and friendly faces were well worth the wait.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pastries, Pain Au Chocolat
D S
Among the finest bakeries in the world. Worth a trip regardless how far you're traveling from. The products here feature heirloom and ancient grains freshly milled and baked in an old school wood fired oven. For context there aren't any bakeries in the NYC area that are capable of achieving this rare feat. The result is a uniquely rich and wholesome flavor profile. With masterful hands also comes a crust and crumb that features long lasting satisfying textures that retain their composition for many days after purchase. Make sure to add a miller croissant to any order to ensure you are realizing the full experience. Coffee here also reflects the philosophy of their bread program collaborating with local roasters with defined expressions and honest sourcing, packaged into fine espresso based drinks!Dietary restrictions: Not gluten free yet because of their nature ancient grains have a place for the gluten intolerant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pastries, Blueberry, Pain Au Chocolat, Bakery, Kale and Feta Croissant, Chocolate Almond Croissant, Fig and Cheese Pastry, Salami and Cheese Croissant, Earl Grey Tea Cookie, Seasonal Savory Tart, Pain Aux Raisins
Clara S
I make the trip from NoVA once in a while just to eat here and the trip is worth it every time. Their mushroom and cheese and the regular croissants are my favorites.
I love this bakery. I lived in downtown Richmond for two years, I would come here all the time. These are the best croissants and viennoiseries I've had anywhere in the US or Europe. The flat bread is delicious too, as is the lamb börek, though the börek is slightly better in Berlin :) Sadly I moved away but I had the fortune to visit recently. I only had time to do one thing in Richmond and naturally it was to have a ham and cheese at Sub Rosa. Your work is amazing and inspiring, I wish you continued success and that others may enjoy your pastries for many years to come
Evrim and Bianca at Sub Rosa made our morning! I'm proposing to my girlfriend today and planned a day of cute surprises. I emailed the Sub Rosa team and they quickly followed up with an email and call to say they're happy to help. They reserved a table and put up a balloon/present I had brought the day before. And, of course, the pastries were all amazing (we had actually been the week before but were thrilled to come again and try something new). Thanks for being so accommodating, easy, and kind with this request!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
S K.
Extremely flakey and buttery pastries, good coffee, friendly staff. What more can one want from a bakery. There was a line when we arrived (11ish on a Sunday) but it moved quickly. I can see why this place is popular - if I lived in Richmond I'd make this a regular treat!
Jason G.
Amazing baked goods, great coffee, and friendly staff. There's a reason for that line on the weekends.
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pastries, Pain Au Chocolat, Bakery
Svenja Meyer
Approved by German bread enthusiast!!! Good bread is one on the things I miss the most since moving to the US from Germany and this place hits the spot!! Will be back probably every week lol the sesame rye is to die
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Bakery
erdal sahin
I take pride to be the first one waiting in the line before they open on the weekend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pastries, Bakery
J David Hillery
When anywhere near Richmond during Sub Rosa's hours you better pull up. But do expect a line when they open until close. This quaint bakery in Church Hill does things the old fashion way with a wood fired oven that makes all the difference in taste.My visit around 8 AM on a Sunday found a challenge to park and a line a block long. I knew I had arrived at the right place. They have been on a try list for a few years. With a flight in a few hours I was a bit nervous, but it all worked out as they are just 10-12 minutes from the airport.The building is an adorable two story with awnings. The neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city adding some charm. However not far is a lot of blight. I felt safe as I finally found my way to their front door after approximately 35 minutes. However you will make friends trust me.The counter of goodies is immediately as you walk in. The place is small but offers a few tables to enjoy your pastry and coffee, they also offer a few tables outside. The brick oven is the hero as employees work hard to pull off trays of bakery items to replenish the depleting cases. They have a policy of only 8 per customer. Larger orders call 48 hours in advance.I decided on a few items like a basic croissant, a chocolate croissant, a crumb cake and something with potatoes. I was eating in, but also taking a box out. So I informed them what was for here and also a cappuccino. It's pricey as the bill with 20% tip was just under $40. The service was friendly at the counter.I did chat with a staff who said their baking process begins by loading the oven with wood and firing around 2 PM for the next day. She jokingly said you would not want to be here it gets real smokey. The restroom in the back was clean.The pastries came out quickly on real plates with real metal utensils. Thank you! The cappuccino took much longer and was mistakenly put in a paper cup which was disappointing. Every single item was tried and magnificently tasty and fresh.I left very satisfied that I supported a local business as well as found such a gem of a bakery to recommend. The visit had one small hiccup that I will ignore for the purposes of their overall composite score of a full 5 stars.Sub Rosa has been in business for 13 years and has always had the same method of making all their bakery items. I will hopefully return this year.Parking: It’s all off street parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pastries
Usman Khan
I love bakeries, and I love a good croissant. Richmond has plenty of great options for croissants, but believe me when I say that Sub Rosa Bakery has the best croissants I've ever had in my life; specifically, the Miller's Wheat croissant. The Miller's Wheat croissant is not greasy at all, yet still has so much crispyness on the outside, and the perfect amount of chew on the inside. To this day, I just have not had a better plain croissant than this, anywhere in the US.With that said, the other options here are also super tasty. Fig & cheese croissant is a family favorite, and my wife and I always get two Pain Au Chocolates for both of us, which has plenty of chocolate without being overbearing.My wife also loves the cappuccino here and says it's the best she's ever had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pain Au Chocolat, Fig and Cheese Pastry, Plain Croissant
First let me say that I lived in Europe for two years and have had quite a few amazing croissants...but nothing like this place. The chocolate almond croissant from Sub Rosa is the best one I've ever had..period. Also, the ham and cheese croissant and the tart was incredible. We heard about how fast they sell out so we ordered a few days ahead of our trip. I'd recommend doing the same if you want to guarantee you'll get what you want. Seriously, if you find yourself down here, plan to make a stop, you will not be disappointed.
It was a cold day last February when I got here early expecting to be in and out - instead there was a long line of locals- and a sign it was going to be all I hoped. That sour cherry and pistachio croissant thing is the stuff dreams are made of - will be placing a to-go order to take with me next time I drive north to visit family.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Cherry & Pistachio Pastry, Pastries, Pain Au Chocolat
Visiting from out of town had a latte and a chocolate croissant that we ate in, and picked up some biscotti for home. There was a bit of a line out the door but the food and coffee and friendly faces were well worth the wait.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pastries, Pain Au Chocolat
Among the finest bakeries in the world. Worth a trip regardless how far you're traveling from. The products here feature heirloom and ancient grains freshly milled and baked in an old school wood fired oven. For context there aren't any bakeries in the NYC area that are capable of achieving this rare feat. The result is a uniquely rich and wholesome flavor profile. With masterful hands also comes a crust and crumb that features long lasting satisfying textures that retain their composition for many days after purchase. Make sure to add a miller croissant to any order to ensure you are realizing the full experience. Coffee here also reflects the philosophy of their bread program collaborating with local roasters with defined expressions and honest sourcing, packaged into fine espresso based drinks!Dietary restrictions: Not gluten free yet because of their nature ancient grains have a place for the gluten intolerant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pastries, Blueberry, Pain Au Chocolat, Bakery, Kale and Feta Croissant, Chocolate Almond Croissant, Fig and Cheese Pastry, Salami and Cheese Croissant, Earl Grey Tea Cookie, Seasonal Savory Tart, Pain Aux Raisins
I make the trip from NoVA once in a while just to eat here and the trip is worth it every time. Their mushroom and cheese and the regular croissants are my favorites.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pastries, Bakery, Plain Croissant
I love this bakery. I lived in downtown Richmond for two years, I would come here all the time. These are the best croissants and viennoiseries I've had anywhere in the US or Europe. The flat bread is delicious too, as is the lamb börek, though the börek is slightly better in Berlin :) Sadly I moved away but I had the fortune to visit recently. I only had time to do one thing in Richmond and naturally it was to have a ham and cheese at Sub Rosa. Your work is amazing and inspiring, I wish you continued success and that others may enjoy your pastries for many years to come
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sour Cherry & Pistachio Croissant, Plain Croissant, Pain Aux Raisins
Evrim and Bianca at Sub Rosa made our morning! I'm proposing to my girlfriend today and planned a day of cute surprises. I emailed the Sub Rosa team and they quickly followed up with an email and call to say they're happy to help. They reserved a table and put up a balloon/present I had brought the day before. And, of course, the pastries were all amazing (we had actually been the week before but were thrilled to come again and try something new). Thanks for being so accommodating, easy, and kind with this request!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Extremely flakey and buttery pastries, good coffee, friendly staff. What more can one want from a bakery. There was a line when we arrived (11ish on a Sunday) but it moved quickly. I can see why this place is popular - if I lived in Richmond I'd make this a regular treat!
Amazing baked goods, great coffee, and friendly staff. There's a reason for that line on the weekends.
It's just excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent espresso, great
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pastries, Pain Au Chocolat, Bakery
Approved by German bread enthusiast!!! Good bread is one on the things I miss the most since moving to the US from Germany and this place hits the spot!! Will be back probably every week lol the sesame rye is to die
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Bakery
I take pride to be the first one waiting in the line before they open on the weekend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pastries, Bakery
When anywhere near Richmond during Sub Rosa's hours you better pull up. But do expect a line when they open until close. This quaint bakery in Church Hill does things the old fashion way with a wood fired oven that makes all the difference in taste.My visit around 8 AM on a Sunday found a challenge to park and a line a block long. I knew I had arrived at the right place. They have been on a try list for a few years. With a flight in a few hours I was a bit nervous, but it all worked out as they are just 10-12 minutes from the airport.The building is an adorable two story with awnings. The neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city adding some charm. However not far is a lot of blight. I felt safe as I finally found my way to their front door after approximately 35 minutes. However you will make friends trust me.The counter of goodies is immediately as you walk in. The place is small but offers a few tables to enjoy your pastry and coffee, they also offer a few tables outside. The brick oven is the hero as employees work hard to pull off trays of bakery items to replenish the depleting cases. They have a policy of only 8 per customer. Larger orders call 48 hours in advance.I decided on a few items like a basic croissant, a chocolate croissant, a crumb cake and something with potatoes. I was eating in, but also taking a box out. So I informed them what was for here and also a cappuccino. It's pricey as the bill with 20% tip was just under $40. The service was friendly at the counter.I did chat with a staff who said their baking process begins by loading the oven with wood and firing around 2 PM for the next day. She jokingly said you would not want to be here it gets real smokey. The restroom in the back was clean.The pastries came out quickly on real plates with real metal utensils. Thank you! The cappuccino took much longer and was mistakenly put in a paper cup which was disappointing. Every single item was tried and magnificently tasty and fresh.I left very satisfied that I supported a local business as well as found such a gem of a bakery to recommend. The visit had one small hiccup that I will ignore for the purposes of their overall composite score of a full 5 stars.Sub Rosa has been in business for 13 years and has always had the same method of making all their bakery items. I will hopefully return this year.Parking: It’s all off street parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pastries
I love bakeries, and I love a good croissant. Richmond has plenty of great options for croissants, but believe me when I say that Sub Rosa Bakery has the best croissants I've ever had in my life; specifically, the Miller's Wheat croissant. The Miller's Wheat croissant is not greasy at all, yet still has so much crispyness on the outside, and the perfect amount of chew on the inside. To this day, I just have not had a better plain croissant than this, anywhere in the US.With that said, the other options here are also super tasty. Fig & cheese croissant is a family favorite, and my wife and I always get two Pain Au Chocolates for both of us, which has plenty of chocolate without being overbearing.My wife also loves the cappuccino here and says it's the best she's ever had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissants, Pain Au Chocolat, Fig and Cheese Pastry, Plain Croissant