Lafayette Bakery & Cafe — Restaurant in Monterey

Came in here around 9AM today, expecting great pastries and even better service, per the reviews. I was wrong. I had read older reviews of this place indicating that service was bad: if you read David Widerhorn’s review from 9 months ago, he explains the staff were condescending.

I definitely can agree, after my experience here at Lafayette. I was served by a tall woman, similar to the one David had been served by. Initially, she seemed friendly and willing to help with other customers, but when I was served, she took on a totally different mindset. She was extremely passive aggressive when I had asked for simple requests such as price of the various items. It seemed that she did not to work today.

I find it ironic that this experience is not unique to only me: I saw another individual, from the younger ages, being berated in a similar manner, from the same lady. The third time is a charm, as they say, as once again, I saw a family being treated similarly by the same woman. I agree with David’s review that for some odd reason, younger folks like me are treated badly. Meanwhile, an older couple who was served right after me was treated kindly by the same lady!

It was relieving to find that something from this cafe was good— the pastries were great, but the experience I had gone through prior soured my visit here.

This message to the establishment is on behalf of many of the younger customers who had gone through similar visits like mine: fix your employees’ attitude, please. Let’s not make this unwelcoming...

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...

Best Lemon Macaron I Have Ever Had; very tasty raspberry drizzle brioche and a quite decent quiche.

But the staff...oi.

My husband ordered a heated quiche, and then after waiting 10+ minutes, discovered they had just set it off on a side counter when it was "ready" & did not let us know (we were seated 3 feet from the register/main ordering counter). When my husband finally asked where his order was, the staff was annoyed & said that it had been called out; then were then even more annoyed when he politely requested it please be "reheated" (it was completely cold, and frankly, they should have offered). The attitude left alot to be desired. Considering we could hear Everything else they were saying the entire time, it was odd we missed the announcement that the order was ready. Particularly since we were hungry and Waiting specifically for it.

Yes the Macaron was amazing, perfect in my opinion, and left me wanting More--yet I'll be trying other bakeries before coming back to this one. The staff shouldn't resent meeting their customers' most basic requests. In Customer Service, it is literally all about the Customer's Service. Customers are the source of income. Their business is where those employee paychecks come from. The employees need to fully understand that.

Sadly, we had already left a tip when ordering. A presumption...