Praliné
203 Belmont St, Belmont, MA
Crema's Take
“This intimate French-inspired café transports you to a Parisian side street with genuinely excellent pastries—think kouign amanns that actually live up to the hype and croissants featuring imported French flour—paired with thoughtful specialty drinks like lavender lavender lavender that feel both humble and unique rather than precious. It's the kind of slow sit spot where regulars linger over their coffee and the pastry case presents a genuinely difficult choice, and while prices reflect the care taken in execution, most visitors find the experience worth it.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Was better before. Now crazy prices and weird ideas like putting a hard chocolate layer on top on the pastry, such that you can't take a piece without crushing everything into mush. And if you try to remove the hard layer, it removes the soft shiny layer. So disappointing...
This place is the best! They import the flour from France and I can eat every single thing I want. The lavender flavor they use is amazing and my slow day go to. So yummy. Also the ham and cheese croissant is tops. I bring the croissants to people who I really like.
Each visit has made me truly fall in love with this tiny little spot that ports you back to the side streets of France. I don’t find it pretentious; rather, I find it humble and unique in the way it serves up phenomenal pastries that tickle every single corner of your palate. From the croissants, the turnovers, to the delectable desserts or macarons, not one detail is spared in the intricate process of making each item stand out. They sure make the French proud (as some of the patrons openly brag about this being closest to “home”). The friendliness that they greet you as you enter to the simple smiles and gestures accommodating any and every possible question you may have is truly what seals the deal for this spot. As I sit and slowly put away whatever pastry I decided to indulge in the moment, sipping on my cafe au lait, I get to watch as different locals enter and go, chatting up a storm with each other like long lost loves, before disappearing in delight with full bags in hand. Can’t wait to be back. Definitely now a weekend staple.
Its tough, nigh impossible for a kouign amann to be this good! They even look like a kouign amann. (I'm looking at you Tatte) Finely executed array of patisseries on display make difficult decisions more gloriously painful. Coffee with delicate flavors from drip - an achievement well appreciated. Service impeccably kind and generous. Only two stools to sit, but somehow fits the feel. Fine, French. Fantastic.
All the reviews speak for themselves—this place is amazing! Great food, great service, and, you guessed it, a great vibe. Following recommendations from the server, we tried the raspberry croissant, plain croissant, tea, and cappuccino (not pictured)—all made to perfection. The croissants were light and fluffy with a crisp outside. The shop’s side seating is quiet and cozy, and they also sell a variety of imported packaged food. Looking forward to trying their macarons next time.
Crema Reviews
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