Local cafe chain serving breakfast, sandwiches, pot pies, macarons & more in a relaxed atmosphere.
Dahi Chaves
Love coming here, even though it’s far from where I live. They have the BEST French macarons in town and the most incredible Gruyère croissants. The macarons come in two sizes, and we always go for the big ones, every flavor is rich, decadent, and delicious in every bite. And the croissants truly make you feel like you’re in Paris.
Whenever our family wants to indulge, this is our first choice. The service has always been great.
My only complaint? They’re closed Monday through Wednesday (just kidding!).
See you soon!
… moreAmanda
Short & Sweet: Exceptional food (breakfast & baked goods), quick and friendly service, on-point decor and comfortable dining.
Storytime: We’re on vacation and found this place via Google with the thought of grabbing a quick coffee and something baked. Then saw the menu and switched to dining in. So glad we did. The food was perfect – and I don’t use that word lightly – both the Big Breakfast & the Quiche. I am *not* a breakfast person and I want to come back just to have this again.
I also grabbed a sweet treats box (pre-boxed assortment of baked goods). Didn’t indulge in that until later in the day… big mistake. I wanted to go back for more of the macarons, but it was 1:55 and they closed at 2 pm. I truly believe they’re the best I’ve ever had. The rest of the cookies were very good, but those were top notch.
Location saved, just in case I’m ever in Phoenix again.
… moreJoel Contreras
I’ve been coming to Essence for years, lovingly. Today I had a bad experience that I felt obligated to share and I am open to the side I might be incorrect. I am older though and come from a different world I guess. I ordered food with a coffee and when asked for milk I said yes do you have almond milk and was told yes. I then tipped and got my receipt and saw I was charged $1.20 for the almond milk. I went to the counter and politely said, if you charge an extra $1.20 for almond milk you should tell that to the customer. The employee looked at me like I was crazy and said that every place charges extra for almond milk. I asked for a manager and waited about ten minutes and nobody came. I had to get back in line and wait and ask for a manager and when the manager came out she mocked me as well stating that it’s on the menu. I asked her to show me where on the menu it says this and she looked and realized it was not up there. So she said I don’t make the prices I don’t know what you want me to do. So I said, you should put it on the menu or tell your employees to mention the extra fee. She chuckled at me and said everyone charges extra for specialty milk. I said, so you could charge me $30 extra for milk technically and there’s nothing I could do about it? She laughed and said yes exactly. I then asked for her name (Antonia) and said that she and her employee both should have simply offered an apology rather than to mock me and said I am sorry but I have to leave them a bad review. I said this was just terrible. I feel bad because up until today this was one of my favorite places to eat. I felt nickel and dimed. But maybe times have changed and I am Karen. I know it’s only 1.20. It’s the principal to me.
… moreRon Williamson
I’ve been a fan ever since they were located in Tempe. The prices are a bit high, but it’s totally worth it. You know the saying, “You get what you pay for.” And if you want the BEST pastries around, this is where you’ll get them.
Trust me. Or don’t, I’m sure that every review here is just as good as mine. This place is the real deal.
Go there, try it, you’ll see.
Oh yeah. Awesome breakfast too.
… morecarter kabot
Trying some new bakeries and breakfast spots around Arcadia and stopped by Essence for a bite this past week.
I ordered the Egg Sandwich and thought it was delicious. The bun was so soft and eggs were cooked perfectly. The French Scrambled Eggs went well with the baguette, which also came with a jam that was to die for. I could eat this breakfast every day! The coffee and pastry didn’t disappoint either!
… moreAmber Godina
Best croissant in Arizona! I absolutely loved everything that I tried! Wonderful chef couple and legit scratch made pastry! There is nothing like this in Arizona in my opinion. if you haven’t had the chance to try this place it is the best croissant I’ve had since Paris. Go!
… moreDae Pak
The 5 stars is based on their croissants. Which is unparalleled for miles. Perfect lamination. I don’t have to go all the way to Chaconne to get good pastry which is great. I had what I think it a key lime eclair? The choux was just okay, kind of limp and tented/collapsed when bit into. Maybe it wasn’t an eclair? Unsure. The cream was deliciously tart.
Iced Americano tasted strongly like plastic for some reason. Didn’t go past a few sips.
… moreEddy G
Essence Bakery is probably one of the most lovely experiences I’ve had in all my travels. The food was great, pastries were unique flavor combos, and probably the most endearing thing about the visit was the owner and head pastry chef.
She was so warm and welcoming. Me and my girlfriend had a lovely conversation with her while we waited, and she was so genuinely invested in our (and every other guest’s) experience.
I can’t recommend this place enough. Well worth a road trip to come here.
… moreAustin Graff
What makes a great bakery? Pastries or experience? Or both? Before visiting Essence, I’d say excellent pastries. After breakfast, I say it’s both, because Essence’s service was lacking.
Standing in line on a November Saturday around 9 a.m., the queue went out the door. However, after looking inside, the line wasn’t very deep. The line was moving at a sluggish rate due to staff. Even with two people at the register, each order took awhile.
Once we finally ordered, the person behind the register seemed rushed. We order brioche French toast, quiche and granola to stay. She left and came back with a bag of dry granola even though it was clear we wanted the granola to eat in restaurant.
Once we sat down, it took 40+ minutes for us to get our food. Once we did, it was disappointing. The French toast was soggy and not tasty. I literally thought they ran out of bread so went to the store to get Wonderbread. It was nothing special- not worth the wait.
The redeeming factors were my wife me granola. She enjoyed it as did my daughter with her quiche.
… moreK HW
Baked goods were incredible! Breakfast sandwich melted in my mouth. The Brioche was so good!
Coffee was adequate, not my favorite but not terrible.
… more