Belle Bakery Cafe — Restaurant in Los Angeles

You know how - when you happen accidentally on a place and - in the moment - you really feel happy you discovered it...?

You REALLY want that feeling to last. And you want that feeling to continue even after you've left it... with the idea that it might moving forward be a 'go to' for ... whatever it is they provide or sell?

Yeah. I do too! And I REALLY wanted to love this place. It has a sweet story behind it: father and son buy a failing, quaint cafe in The Valley, in a popular part of Sherman Oaks, and the son is a baker - so he bakes fresh pastries and breads... and the father more or less runs the business.

I happened upon it as I was leaving my pharmacy (Essentials - terrific Pharmacy!!) and the muffin place next to it was already closed...

I spotted the the aforementioned father - GRIGOR - starting to close up shop, and asked if it was okay if I bought a croissant or something (it was 4 pm and I hadn't yet had a chance to grab lunch). He kindly allowed me in, and I purchased a scone and an iced latte. That came to approximately $14+ - more or less the insane pricing we've all become somewhat accustomed to.

As we were chatting, and he shared his story, I wanted to thank Grigor for sharing his lovely story and for staying open a bit longer - and I spotted a Veggie Sandwich on their menu board which read like a great sandwich. So, I ordered that, too. That came to 16$ as well. So, all in, for essentially a sandwich, a small scone, and a medium latte - I've spent over 30$!

Hmmm. The scone was tasty. The Iced Latte was good - coffee was flavorful - but the drink was gone in approx 8 sips. (LOTS of ice. SMALL medium sized cup).

And the sandwich...sadly very disappointing. Bread was light, but a bit flavorless (I had thought it might have a bit more sourdough or other flavor. It was more or less white bread, but better quality). I've included a photo of half of it - you can see it's SMALL (and my hands are small!) Just basically one slice of swiss cheese, a bit of avocado (it had, maybe, 2-3 small slices!), bit of lettuce, 2 tomato slices, and some olive tapenade.

It was done in about 9 bites. REALLY disappointing. Not filling, not all that flavorful, and over $16.

I totally get it - businesses are all struggling with the tariffs, the economy, and it's becoming impossible to feel like you're getting a good value ANYwhere. But I couldn't help wondering - what if they just knocked 2 $ off so at least it felt like SOMEwhat of a fair deal. It's not gourmet - it's fresh, it's fine, and the place is very sweet and pleasant to walk in to... but at 30$ for not even a real meal... just not worth it.

But I wish this lovely family every good thing, and maybe as they grow and continue to gain experience, some of the pricing will either level out to a fair match to the quantity/quality - or the quality will improve where you feel like the splurge is worth it.

I will note: the muffins had sold out that day - so perhaps that's their real focus. The menu reflects pricey - but maybe those are worth...

First time visit today at the recommendation of a friend. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Talked to Chef Tony and his mom—they took over this spot a couple years ago and reimagined it. We tried a bit of everything—pastrami sandwich (added egg and avocado) which was maybe the best pastrami sandwich I’ve had (and I’ve had, honestly, too many), mocha bun (great as-is, but dipped in their coffee…next level), danish, raisin cinnamon roll (almost sold out so I jumped) and chocolate croissant (the French style with the thin chocolate for flavor)….everything was 10/10, no notes. They explained that they make everything from scratch, and it shows. I’d say the pastries lean toward the buttery sugary flavors, but perfectly balanced IMO. Oh, and the coffee was great—didn’t need to add anything. Staff was knowledgeable and pleasant. Already told my parents I’m taking them here next time they come to visit. Definitely in an area with a lot of competition, so my rec is to give them a try and choose for yourself. They weren’t packed while I was there late morning, but a regular flow of people coming in, picking up, and going, so I think they’ve got a lot of regulars the same way they now have me. I don’t post much for this kind of thing, but they deserve it. Hoping over time they expand (Glendale, maybe?!?). Thanks for the great meal, Tony!

PS I ordered more food than usual, but you can get out of here with a reasonable priced meal less than I marked, or a whole catered event—a lot of options based on your expense needs….thought I...

When I find a bit of French culture, and pastry is French culture, I salivate with joy. To be honest, my wife has loved BELLE BAKERY CAFE for years. She pulled me along to sample the goodness.

I ordered their French roll. It is about a third of the length of a baguette, from which you can tell everything about a French bakery. The crust must be crisp. Inside, the nooks and crannies, must be soft and rich. Not the airy stuff, called a roll, that is served in many sandwich shops.

Magnifique! This roll is a real, hand made French bread. The crust is firm. Biting into it creates a pleasant crackle. The rich, soft center offers the complex flavors of a freshly baked baguette.

The Belle also bakes beautiful pastries and several varieties of bread, which are beautifully displayed. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

The "Cafe" in their name includes both sandwiches and short order cooking. The coffee is rich and flavorful without a hint of bitterness. I love the veggie sandwich, stuffed with thinly sliced vegetables and kissed with gentle spicy mustard, on a still warm French roll.

Belle has limited seating inside, a few tables just outside the entrance, and a comfortable patio for dining. You ordered from the counter inside, and carry your meal to your table. Except for the patio, which has a few low steps, the bakery is wheelchair accessible, and that includes the gender neutral bathroom.

Parking is free in front of the eatery and in the lot East (left) of the building. Handicap spaces...