Exploring Los Angeles’ vibrant culinary scene reveals a treasure trove of bakeries and patisseries, each offering unique and delightful croissant variations. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, indulging in these buttery, flaky pastries is a must. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots in LA for croissants that will satisfy any craving.
Lodge Bread
Location: 20929 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91364
Lodge Bread, with its three locations in Woodland Hills, Culver City, and Pico-Robertson, is a cornerstone of LA’s bakery scene. While their menu includes breakfast and lunch favorites, sandwiches, and a dazzling smoked fish plate, the croissants are a standout item not to be missed.
Lou, The French On The Block
Location: 4007 W Riverside Dr (at N Maple St), Burbank, CA 91505
Chef Laurent “Lou” Correa and his wife Karima own this charming patisserie in Burbank. The Parisian-born couple started at LA farmers markets before opening their bakery in Toluca Lake in 2016. Lou’s croissants, made with organic milk, eggs, and plenty of French butter, are a true delight.
Delight Pastry
Location: 39 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
Pastry chef and co-owner Lily Azar is known for producing some of SoCal’s most popular baked goods. Her spiral croissants, available in flavors like raspberry, ube-coconut, passionfruit, and matcha pistachio, are particularly sought after. The cafe also serves excellent coffee in a cozy setting.
CAR Artisan Chocolate Manufactory & Cafe
Location: 1009 E Colorado Blvd (Catalina), Pasadena, CA 91106
Chef Haris Car dedicated 10 months to perfecting his pain au chocolat, creating what many consider LA’s ultimate chocolate croissant. CAR’s best seller served warm with the perfect dough-to-chocolate ratio, is a must-try.
Fondry
Location: 4703 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90042
The founders of Kumquat Coffee and Loquat Coffee opened Fondry in Highland Park, specializing in croissants. The bakery offers 13 types, including plain, triple chocolate, ham and Gruyere, kouign amann, and a sweet flat version called keu-loong-gi in Korean. Despite the long lines, the croissants are worth the wait.
Friends & Family
Location: 5150 Hollywood Blvd (at Winona Blvd), Los Angeles, CA 90027
Friends & Family’s bright exterior is as inviting as their massive display case filled with 42 items, including Danish, scones, apple pies, and croissants. While the simple croissant is excellent, the ham and cheese version is equally satisfying.
Chaumont Café and Bakery
Location: 143 S Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Chaumont Bakery, with locations in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, follows pure French pastry traditions. Their flaky, buttery croissants are top sellers, making them a favorite among locals.
République
Location: 624 S LA Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Margarita Manzke’s croissants at République are a testament to her pastry skills. The impressive croissants draw half the city on weekends, so be sure to arrive early before they sell out.
Amandine Patisserie Cafe
Location: 3121 W Olympic Blvd (Harvard), Los Angeles, CA 90006
Since 2002, Amandine has been a staple in LA’s bakery scene. Their French pastries, including chocolate, almond, and ham and cheese croissants, remain some of the best in town.
Pitchoun
Location: 545 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
This family-owned bakery offers classic French-style baked goods. Co-owner Frederic Soulies’ almond croissants, dipped in housemade syrup and topped with almond slivers, are particularly dreamy and nutty.
Milo & Olive
Location: 2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Milo & Olive’s pastry case is a visual feast. Their standout croissant, with its airy interior and golden brown crust, is a must-try among the laminated pastries, cookies, and brioche on display.
Bread Lounge
Location: 700 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Bread Lounge in the Arts District may not be the first place that comes to mind for croissants, but it should be. This bakery, known for its laminated baked goods, offers a fantastic classic croissant, ham and cheese, and pain au chocolat.
Des Croissants Paris
Location: 8539 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Chef Samuel Manar’s Des Croissants Paris, which opened in 2023, offers meticulously baked croissants, paniers, and baguettes. His creations have been a favorite at Southern California’s farmers markets for years.
Petit Grain Boulangerie
Location: 1209 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90403
Petit Grain Boulangerie, Santa Monica’s newest bakery, has quickly gained a reputation for its croissants. Clémence de Lutz and Tony Hernandez focus on time-honored techniques and high-quality local ingredients.
Gjusta
Location: 320 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Gjusta in Venice continues to draw crowds with its four croissant options: chocolate, ham and cheese, baklava, and classic butter. Opened in 2014, the bakery remains a beloved spot for pastry lovers.
Tommy and Atticus
Location: 1700 Aviation Boulevard, Redondo Beach, California 90278
Garrett McPerry’s Tommy & Atticus bakery in Redondo Beach is named after his sourdough starters. McPerry uses Central Milling flour, French butter, and long fermentation to craft flaky, well-layered croissants that rival the best in LA.
Embark on a delightful croissant tour across Los Angeles and discover these bakeries’ unique and delectable offerings. Whether you prefer classic flavors or innovative twists, there’s a perfect croissant waiting for you in this diverse city.