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Pain au chocolat at bakeries

Made for those who seek out the specific, flaky texture of a high-quality chocolate-filled pastry and the reliable craft of a dedicated bakery.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pâtisserie Rotha image 1
Pâtisserie Rotha image 2
Pâtisserie Rotha image 3

Small shop with no seating offers handcrafted French pastries that sell out quickly, drawing a line before opening. Atmosphere recalls Paris with flaky, buttery croissants considered among the best in the Bay Area. Early arrival is necessary due to limited supply and fast sell-out.

Flaky pastry wraps a smooth chocolate filling that balances richness without overwhelming. Both the butter croissant and pain au chocolat stand out for their texture and flavor.

Quality stands out with great texture and consistent excellence. Staff show kindness and respect, and lines move faster than at other well-known spots.

People are saying

"These French pastries are buttery, flaky, and simply melt in your mouth."

"The bakery's croissants are buttery, flaky, and melt in your mouth."

"The staff's kindness made the pain au chocolat feel extra special."

Good to know

1

Arrive by 8:30 AM to get the best selection before they sell out.

2

They are open Thursday to Sunday and often sell out by 10:30 AM.

3

Lines form 20 minutes before opening, so plan accordingly.

02
Lou, The French On The Block image 1

Order counter opens to a small, cozy space with sidewalk seating and a large covered patio. Casual, warm atmosphere buzzes with a regular following and lines that stretch outside. Authentic Parisian bakery vibe fills the air with rich smells and textures.

Buttery and crispy with a perfect flaky exterior, the pain au chocolat here stands out for its soft interior and rich lamination. It captures the essence of a French café, making it a top choice for viennoiserie lovers.

Smells and textures evoke a local boulangerie with authentic French treats. Almond croissants offer a perfect balance of crunch, flakiness, and almond flavor. Limited hours create a special atmosphere with lines worth the wait.

People are saying

"I found the croissants here to be the best in LA."

"This chocolate croissant is flaky, buttery, and the best I've ever had."

"I've had dozens, but this pain au chocolat is the best."

Good to know

1

Lou, The French On The Block is only open Friday to Sunday from 8am to 3pm.

2

You need to arrive early to avoid long lines for pastries.

3

Online ordering is available for pickup, making it more convenient.

03
Parfait Paris image 1

Cozy bakery with authentic French specialties and colorful food vitrines creates a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Seating is ample, including indoor and outdoor patio options suitable for families. Quiet and calm vibe suits studying or relaxed brunches.

Delicate layers and a rich, buttery flavor define the pain au chocolat here. It stands out alongside other excellent pastries and sandwiches.

Offers an authentic French bakery experience with delicate layers and rich, buttery flavor in pastries like pain au chocolat.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent and delicious."

"This French bakery has authentic pain au chocolat and delicious pastries."

"The Pain Au Chocolat has delicate layers and a rich, buttery flavor."

Good to know

1

The prices are quite high, with a croissant costing $10 with nuts on top.

2

The macaroons cost $35 for 12 pieces.

3

The Dubai chocolate croissant costs $11.

04
Relic Bakery & Kitchen image 1

Modern bakery with cozy booths and an open-air feel featuring fire pits on a small patio. Atmosphere stays chill and welcoming with friendly, attentive staff. Regularly changing menu offers a mix of innovative flavors alongside perfected classics.

Double pain au chocolat stands out with its super flaky crust and rich chocolate inside. It is crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside, offering a satisfying texture and flavor.

Bakery treats come with ever-changing flavors and a sharp, intentional feel from the moment you enter. This spot offers a unique bakery experience unlike others in the area.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be creative, beautiful, and always delicious."

"The pain au chocolat here is so flaky and buttery."

"The pastries here are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Pre-ordering is recommended to ensure you get your desired pastries.

2

The bakery is takeout only with no seating available.

3

Expect long lines on weekends; arrive early for the best selection.

05
Des Croissants Paris image 1

Bright, cozy bakery with authentic Parisian vibe and French cafe jazz playing softly. Warm atmosphere filled with the aroma of butter croissants and a small boutique selling unique French goods at the back. Offers top-tier French pastries that rank among the best in the area.

Flakey texture defines the pain au chocolat here, making it stand out. It pairs well with the butter croissants and delivers a consistently delicious taste.

Fresh, authentic French pastries stand out here, with croissants that rival those in Paris. The bakery offers a cozy atmosphere and friendly service that feels like stepping into a spot in France.

People are saying

"The pastries here are buttery, flaky, and taste like they're from Paris-re from Paris."

"The croissants here are flaky, buttery, and among the best I've had."

"I found the pain au chocolat here to be among the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The bakery isn’t open often, so check their schedule before visiting.

2

You have to pay on the street for parking, which can be challenging.

3

Reservations are required for pre-orders, with a 48-hour notice needed.

06
Moulin image 1
Bakery

Small bakery with quiet sunny patio and outdoor seating creates a local café vibe. Atmosphere feels bustling yet cozy, with a view of the bakery and flour mill adding charm. Pastries and breads stand out for exceptional quality and taste.

Buttery and light with exquisite layers, the pain au chocolat has a crispy outside and an airy inside. It pairs well with fresh, delicious coffee.

Pastries and breads here match the quality of those in Paris and France. Operated by a passionate husband and wife team, the bakery offers exceptional baked goods that stand out in Napa and beyond.

People are saying

"I found the pastries to be delicious and perfectly flaky."

"This bakery's pastries are rich, fresh, and thoughtfully crafted."

"The Pain Au Chocolat is buttery, light, and airy."

Good to know

1

The entrance is through a little alley next to Fidelity Title to the rear.

2

Seating is very limited, especially during busy hours.

3

Moulin offers generous outdoor seating in a quiet alley.

07
La Farine Boulangerie Patisserie image 1

French-inspired bakery offers rustic bread and fruit tarts with creamy custard and fresh fruit. The space is cozy with no seating, focusing on quick grab-and-go service. It draws a crowded crowd during peak hours and features affordable prices compared to other bakeries.

Pain au chocolat features high quality chocolate wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry. The chocolatine term reflects its regional name, highlighting its classic French style.

French delicacies and fresh pastries stand out here. Prices stay affordable while quality remains high.

People are saying

"Bianca was so kind to my daughter when she asked about the bread."

"I found the bakery items to be delicious and fresh."

"The pain au chocolat here is amazing, with a hint of orange zest."

Good to know

1

There are no seats available, only to-go options.

2

There is free 60-minute parking in the Safeway parking lot across the street.

3

The bakery does get crowded during peak hours.

08
Artisanal Goods by CAR image 1

Small bakery with comfortable seating and large windows creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Space fills quickly, making it bustling and loud during busy times. Both indoor and outdoor seating offer a stylish, modern vibe suited for casual visits or working with Wi-Fi access.

Flaky layers and rich chocolate define the pain au chocolat here. It ranks among the best chocolate croissants in the area with a well-balanced buttery taste.

Croissants here are flaky and filled with warm chocolate that fills the entire interior, not just a small bar. The bakery has a relaxed, modern atmosphere and the smell inside is strong and inviting.

People are saying

"This croissant is incredibly buttery and flaky."

"The croissants at this bakery are flaky, fresh, and totally worth the wait."

"I thought the pain au chocolat was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.

2

They often sell out of chocolate croissants and pastries by afternoon.

3

Expect to wait up to 40 minutes during peak times.

09
Petitgrain Boulangerie image 1

Small artisan bakery with an open kitchen showcases authentic French pastries and rustic decor. Warm, cozy atmosphere fills the space with intoxicating smells and a joyous, welcoming vibe. Lines form quickly for exceptional croissants that rival those in Paris.

Warm chocolate filling inside flaky, buttery pastry creates a spiritual experience. The pain au chocolat is consistently divine and often available before selling out.

Croissants here have exceptional flakiness that rivals Paris bakeries. The bakery offers amazing pastries like chocolate croissants and quiche, all made with great care and skill.

People are saying

"I thought the pastries here were outstanding and not overly sweet."

"I found the best croissant I've ever tasted here."

"I found the pain au chocolat to be the best I ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially during weekends and mornings.

2

The croissants sell out quickly, so arrive early.

3

There are no tables available; it's primarily a grab-and-go bakery.

10
Marla SR Bakery and Cafe image 1

Bakery and cafe combines cozy indoor seating with a charming outdoor patio that welcomes dogs. Atmosphere feels light-filled and relaxed, decorated with modern furniture and fresh flowers. Regulars enjoy a friendly vibe and a steady flow of people throughout the day.

Rich, buttery layers define the pain au chocolat here. It offers a flaky texture with a satisfying chocolate center.

Offers delicious bakery items with a cute cafe setting that also serves great coffee along with beer and wine.

People are saying

"I found the bread and pastries to be incredible."

"I found the baked goods here to be delicious and world class."

"Their pain au chocolat was the best ever and very buttery."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a lot at the back of the cafe.

2

Expect high prices for items, with sandwiches starting around $20.

3

The cafe can get busy on Saturday mornings, so plan accordingly.

11
Parachute Bakery image 1

Bakery offers a sleek minimalist design with buttery warm colors and pastry displays on concrete pedestals. Atmosphere feels cozy and casual but crowded, with limited seating and close tables that create noise. The vibe suits quick stops rather than lingering visits.

Flaky pastry with a sugary coating shapes the Pain au Chocolat, offering a balanced dark chocolate flavor and a buttery finish. The crust stays airy and not greasy, often served a little warm.

Pastries here are fresh, creative, and beautifully made with high-quality flavor combinations. The bakery offers a nice selection of baked goods that stand out despite limited seating.

People are saying

"This pastry has beautiful lamination and a nice buttery finish."

"This bakery's pastries are fresh and delicious."

"The Pain Au Chocolat's lamination is beautiful and perfectly baked."

Good to know

1

Parachute Bakery closes by 4 PM, and pastries often sell out by noon.

2

Expect long lines during lunch hours; arrive early to avoid disappointment.

3

There is a limit of four pastries per person due to store policy.

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