Sonoma County, California is known for its beautiful vineyards, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. As a local food critic and pastry enthusiast, I have had the pleasure of trying out numerous cafes in Sonoma County and have narrowed down the list to the top contenders for the best pastries in the area.
The Girl & The Fig
Located in the charming town of Sonoma, The Girl & The Fig is a must-visit for any pastry lover. This cafe offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and a delectable pastry. Their menu features a variety of French-inspired pastries, including croissants, pain au chocolat, and fruit tarts. What sets The Girl & The Fig apart from other cafes is their commitment to using locally sourced and organic ingredients.This not only ensures that their pastries are fresh and flavorful but also supports the local community. Their pastries are made in-house daily, so you can always count on them being fresh out of the oven.
Bird & The Bottle
If you're looking for a unique twist on traditional pastries, then Bird & The Bottle is the place to go. This cafe in Santa Rosa offers a fusion of American and Asian flavors, resulting in some of the most creative and delicious pastries you'll ever taste. Their menu changes seasonally, so you can always expect something new and exciting. One of their standout pastries is the miso butterscotch donut, which combines the sweetness of butterscotch with the savory umami flavor of miso.It may sound like an unusual combination, but trust me, it works. Other must-try pastries include the matcha green tea croissant and the black sesame cream puff.
Costeaux French Bakery
For over 90 years, Costeaux French Bakery has been a staple in Sonoma County. This cafe in Healdsburg is known for its traditional French pastries, made with high-quality ingredients and baked to perfection. Their croissants are buttery and flaky, and their fruit tarts are bursting with flavor. In addition to their classic pastries, Costeaux also offers a variety of gluten-free options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.Their bakery also has a charming outdoor patio where you can enjoy your pastry while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Revival Ice Cream
While not technically a cafe, Revival Ice Cream in Petaluma deserves a spot on this list for their incredible ice cream sandwiches. These aren't your average ice cream sandwiches though - they're made with freshly baked cookies and homemade ice cream, resulting in a heavenly combination. Their rotating menu features unique flavors such as lavender honey and strawberry balsamic, as well as classic favorites like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even create your own custom ice cream sandwich by choosing your cookie and ice cream flavors.Wild Flour Bread
If you're willing to venture off the beaten path, then Wild Flour Bread in Freestone is a must-visit for any pastry lover. This cafe is tucked away in the countryside and is known for its wood-fired bread and pastries.Their pastries are made with organic ingredients and are baked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a unique and delicious flavor. Their most popular pastry is the sticky bun, which is made with a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations. Other must-try pastries include the chocolate croissant and the seasonal fruit galette. And if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of their resident cat, who loves to lounge in the outdoor seating area.
Sebastopol Cookie Company
Last but certainly not least, we have Sebastopol Cookie Company, a cafe that specializes in - you guessed it - cookies. But these aren't your average cookies.They're oversized, chewy, and packed with flavor. And while cookies may not technically be considered pastries, these are too good to leave off the list. Their menu features a variety of unique flavors such as lemon lavender, chocolate chipotle, and oatmeal cranberry. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. And if you can't decide on just one flavor, you can always opt for their cookie flight, which allows you to sample four different cookies.
In Conclusion
Sonoma County is home to some of the best cafes in California, and these are just a few that stand out for their delicious pastries.Whether you're in the mood for a classic croissant or something more unique and adventurous, these cafes have got you covered. So next time you're in Sonoma County, be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at one of these top-notch cafes.
