Janet’s Cafe & Bakery — Restaurant in Richmond

Genuinely delicious pastries-- flakey, buttery crusts, the comforting depth and tang of the sourdough- yum. The sort of bakery I'm already becoming a regular at, as I've already returned again and again. While I've developed some favorites (the almond croissants!), everything I've tried thus far has been amazing and I'm sure I'll run into that perpetual problem of trying to decide between an established favorite and a newer offering. Also their chai lattes have been excellent. Staff and owners are friendly, hospitable, and clearly passionate.

To the earlier reviewer who provided a one star review- OF COURSE they sold out of pastries during the opening week- this bakery has been eagerly anticipated across the city, and they've lived up to the hype! What a silly criticism. As an aside, Sub Rosa, another beloved bakery in our city, routinely sells out of pastries during normal weekends- this is just a reflection of how much people like what they're doing. If you want to get in on the deliciousness at Janets, get there earlier! You won't be...

Could not be happier to have this exceptional restaurant and bakery so close to home. I plan to work my way through the entire menu one day, but so far everything I’ve tried has been a 10/10 - the focaccia, chocolate chip cookies (🫠), Donna sandwich, and breakfast sandwich are all incredible. The menu is thoughtful with special touches (like house-made hot sauce and pickled onions), and the space is as cozy as can be for a brand-new building. I love the burgundy and white tile floor, comfy brown booths, vintage salt & pepper shakers, and glass pendants.

The only downside (and the only thing keeping me from going even more often) is the ever-present line, but that just goes to show how good this place is and how lucky we are to have it in the neighborhood. I’m not even a big bread person, but I’ve been converted. Fully expect to gain 5–10 pounds here so maybe the line is actually a blessing...

Staff was very nice.

Coffee was low quality. They bought a really nice la marzocco machine, but weren’t cleaning the steam wands or shot glasses.

Only two loaves of bread and one cookie left at 10:20am on a Saturday. If you’re going to be a bakery, you need to bake things. Owner appears to have posted to other reviews about being unwilling to overbake, that’s a mistake since it will train customers you’re not an option when they want to buy baked goods.

Ambience is bad for both coffee and lunch. Need some sound panels to dampen reverb in the space.

Really nice looking kitchen, would be nice to see some hot items made to order with the bread.

Maybe they’ll get it together in a few months. I hope they can make it, a bakery here...