French Press Bakery & Cafe — Restaurant in Needham

I was really excited to try this bakery — the pastry display case is absolutely stunning and many items looked delicious.

Unfortunately, the overall experience didn’t live up to the presentation. The atmosphere felt a bit cold and unwelcoming. There wasn’t clear signage or guidance on where to order, and though several of us were visibly confused, none of the staff offered any help. I eventually had to ask and was told to go to the register.

A young man in the back stood out in a very positive way — he wore a studded necklace, possibly had pink or purple hair, and greeted us with a kind smile. He brought some much-needed warmth to the space.

However, the service at the register was disappointing. As I started placing my order, a previous customer interrupted with a question. Rather than acknowledging me or asking the other person to wait, the cashier immediately turned away and responded. When she turned back to me, she just stared, and I had to restart my order all over again. Then the same customer interrupted again — and once again, the cashier prioritized them without even a quick “sorry” or “one moment.” I had to begin my order a second time and the young lady at the cash register came across as dismissive and unprofessional.

When I later asked the barista if I could get a straw, I was told, “You don’t need one — it’s a sip cup.” I understand the design, but straws are my preference, and I found the tone a little condescending. A polite explanation would have been much more respectful.

We tried the Swiss & thyme scone, which sounded amazing, but it was unfortunately a little dry, but it was tasty, and several of the other pastries did look promising, and the fried chicken items advertised for Fridays looked especially tempting.

Overall, the bakery clearly puts effort into its aesthetic, but the service and customer experience need attention. A bit of warmth, clearer direction, and basic courtesy would go a long way. If you’re going, I’d recommend it more for takeout...

There’s a charming local coffee shop called French Press located in the heart of our town. This cozy spot is known for its welcoming atmosphere and delightful menu.

One of the highlights of French Press is its delectable assortment of pastries. You’ll find a daily selection of croissants, muffins, and scones These treats pair wonderfully with your beverage of choice, whether it’s a cappuccino or tea. But that’s not all. French Press is also popular for its savory offerings. Their quiches are a local favorite, with a variety of fillings from classic Lorraine to vegetarian options. They make for a satisfying and wholesome lunch.

What truly sets this café apart is its outdoor seating area. The quaint patio, shaded by umbrellas and surrounded by potted flowers, provides the perfect setting for a relaxing coffee break or brunch with friends. It’s an ideal spot to soak up some sunshine while sipping your latte and enjoying a flaky pastry or a slice of quiche.

French Press isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s a community gathering place. With its warm ambiance, delicious offerings, and inviting outdoor seating, it’s the go-to spot for locals and visitors alike to unwind and savor the simple...

French Press is a cafe serving breakfast foods and drinks located in the heart of Needham's town center.

We came on a cold winter day and were hoping to get some hot drinks to warm ourselves up after being out in the cold for a while. We came close to closing but the place was still pretty packed.

The staff were pretty friendly, a lot of orders were being made so they were a bit stretched thin but the drinks were made quite quickly and fast. It was a bit cramped inside, but they do have outdoor seating, which wasn't ideal due to the weather but was ok to sit at.

Unfortunately, on their main menu they didn't have hot chocolate, but as luck would have it, they did have hot chocolate on their seasonal menu, in a spicy hot chocolate variation. We decided to order off of their seasonal menu, and we weren't disappointed. Price was good for the drink, and the drinks were mixed well and had a good taste. The croissants and pastries were also quite large, which I wasn't expecting.

Overall, a great breakfast place to visit and get a quick thing to...