Carla Maria
Love their croissant and salmon/spinach quiche! I have yet to try to lemon meringue tart but I’m pretty sure it’ll be yummy, too!!! It’s a small bakery but they have quality food!!! Ambiance is cozy and cashier was very pleasant!
… morePrinal R Patel
Ordered the Ham and Swiss croissant, chocolate almond croissant, palmier, and a latte — all excellent quality and beautifully made. Beyond the great pastries, I was happy to support this bakery because they stand for something meaningful and proudly support LGBT+ and Black lives.
… morejewel montes
Loved this cafe, I had a dark chocolate and pistachio croissant twist and a Carmel macaron prob the best croissant I’ve ever had. The coffee was great and it’s not a pretentious spot. It’s a very authentic place with ppl who like what they do. Can’t wait to visit again.
… moreJoan Lewis
This bakery was an amazing find on our recent trip to Carmel. The french pastries, sandwiches, and breads are DELICIOUS – as good as anything we’ve had in Paris, and the prices were very reasonable. We bought enough food for 2 for lunch for $30 (including a tip) and took it down Hwy 1 to have a picnic overlooking Bixby Bridge. Lafayette made a great day even better!
… moreMj Stearns – Your Local Santa Cruz Realtor
Lafayette Bakery is an absolute gem for anyone looking to enjoy a delightful coffee and pastry experience. I recently had the pleasure of trying their mini chocolate croissant, and it was, without a doubt, the best I’ve ever tasted! The flaky, buttery layers melted in my mouth, perfectly complemented by a rich mocha that was simply divine. Nestled in the charming Barnyard area, this quaint spot is a must-visit for your next neighborhood outing. Don’t miss the chance to treat yourself here!
… moreAmanda Hamblin
Ordered a vanilla macchiato, and it was honestly disgusting. It was almost entirely over-aerated foam, more like an extremely dry cappuccino than a macchiato. They also shorted me about an inch of milk, and the espresso tasted burnt, so bad I tossed it after two sips.
My husband ordered two pastries — an almond croissant and a blueberry brioche — and both were stale, like they’d been sitting out for days.
The photo shows the so-called “macchiato” just seconds after getting to the car. I should’ve gone back in for a refund, but the two female employees working that morning couldn’t have cared less.
Save your money and your time.
… moreOlga Lonska
Lafayette Bakery & Cafe is a charming spot with a cozy atmosphere and an incredible selection of freshly baked bread and pastries. Their coffee is delicious, and I love that they offer gluten-free pastry options as well. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, making every visit a pleasant experience. Plus, there’s plenty of parking, which is a huge bonus. Highly recommend stopping by for a treat!
… moreShelly G
Lafayette Bakery in The Barnyard shopping center is an absolute must-stop if you’re in Carmel Valley and craving a true French bakery experience. We visited in the morning and were instantly greeted by the heavenly scent of fresh-baked bread, buttery pastry, and espresso in the air.
We ordered a round of pastries and couldn’t stop smiling with every bite. The butter croissant was textbook perfect—golden, flaky layers with a tender, airy center that practically melted in our mouths. The ham and cheese croissant was equally delicious, with a gooey, savory filling wrapped in that same delicate pastry—comforting and indulgent without being heavy.
The standout for me, though, was the lemon-filled pastry. Bright, tangy, and smooth, the lemon curd filling was tucked inside the softest pastry shell and topped with just a dusting of powdered sugar. It struck the perfect balance between sweet and zesty.
We paired our pastries with lattes from the coffee bar, which serves rich, well-pulled espresso drinks that make a perfect match for anything in the pastry case. Sitting out on the patio surrounded by blooming flowers and happy customers felt like a little escape to a French village.
Whether you’re craving a buttery classic, something sweet and citrusy, or a savory breakfast bite, Lafayette hits every note. They also have a variety of sandwiches made to go. Don’t miss it if you’re in Carmel—you’ll be thinking about that croissant long after your visit. Grab some to go to!
… moreJunaid Khan
Great location and food. Nice place to visit
Service: …
… moreMorgoth
I was excited to try their almond croissant but what a disappointment. It was definitely overcooked and had a smudge of filling. 3 pastries for 17.50 is quite expensive for the quality.
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