ICI Macarons & Cafe — Restaurant in Philadelphia

2023 update: I was for some reason not giving the macarons enough praise before. No, these are some of the best macarons in the world (texturally, flavor, and they’re not stupid sweet like so many lesser bakers peddle).

I’m reminded every time I get a macaron or croissant anywhere else how good we have it that ICI is nearby. If I had to choose a few favorites: dark chocolate, matcha, raspberry, cassis & fig, orange blossom, earl grey, yuzu

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Bury me with Ici pastries.

They should've put more seating area in the front, perhaps made the bar a bit less obtrusive. As it is, it's fine - nice space to work in the back. The coffee is good. Cappuccinos even better. But the real star here is the pastry chef.

These are incredible world class pastries. The kouign amann is impeccable. The matcha cruffins are to die for. The ham and cheese croissant is delicate and bold at once. But the PBJ croissant is a true star, and the ABC ain't so far behind.

Their macarons are also nice, but unless you're in the mood for them definitely get a few kouign Amanns to share and ask them to box them up rather than bag em.

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Edit: so they’ve not allowed indoor seating for a while now, and the pastry and macaron selection hasn’t changed in over a year. They’re more popular than ever so the lines are longer, and they’re only open two ish days a week which has made it harder to indulge casually. All of these are very negative for me - but the pastry is still top notch and I still recommend them to all people visiting Philly. I just so wish Ici were the innovative and fresh place it used to be. Maybe reduce some of the less selling pastries and macarons, and start experimenting again? OR, bigger space in old city, hire additional bakers, and start thinking beyond the current lineup? Either way - I do wish there were at least seasonal options. A pumpkin spice macaron would’ve been...

This place has the best pastries, macarons, and lavender lemonade that I’ve ever had in my life. We come every so often and buy all that we can for our family of 5 to enjoy. The Kouign Amanns are INSANE, any one that you choose will be delectable. The Cruffins are delicious, and the macarons are made with both intricacy AND love. Their lavender lemonade is what got me obsessed with learning how to make it myself because it’s amazing, and I can’t say enough good things about this place. Their croissants are also delicious and the best ever but I don’t get them as much because I’m obsessed with everything else. If you haven’t been, please go. I wish I had more pictures but we ate everything but the macarons immediately because we are saving them to eat while we watch “our show” lol. If you haven’t been, trust me, you need to try this all immediately. I have nothing bad to say and have never had anything that wasn’t top tier here.

Update 2025: they have now moved to a beautiful new location nearby, which I love for them. Everything is still amazing, nothing changed just because they moved. It’s all exquisite and...

I’ve never been this satisfied with a pastry shop the way I did today in this one of a kind location I rarely rate any place with four stars but in here they earned theirs Except for the lady who served me She made sure to give the worst looking croissants she had in her display so I had to ask her to change em for me with a better looking ones Croissant done right in every aspect Baked right, flaky, crunchy, buttery, flavorful with the right amount of everything So freaking tasty and I can’t get enough of it And the kouigan aman is by far the best I’ve had in all the east coast. And the macaron were light and melts in your mouth and not so sweet, even better then those big names in France This place is really a discovery and hidden gem that I will visit every time I’m around or about Keep up the good work One thing if you call ahead to ask if they can keep anything aside for you in case they sell out, they...