Emma's Bakery and Cafe — Restaurant in Salinas

We were driving through Salinas, CA, and noticed Emma’s Bakery and Cafe signage in the shopping plaza we stopped in. I have a longstanding love affair with pastries and baked goods especially if they're authentically fresh made from local bakeries not franchises. So even though we were on a time schedule, I made time to check out this place. So glad I did. Delicious baked items.

Right when I walked in, I was greeted by a young woman that had the best smile and attitude. She was super helpful. I chatted her up a bit and found out they opened in 2021 and it's a family business. The recipes are family recipes. Luv that! Also I had to ask about the prices, there are no prices marked for the baked goods. The case had cookies, cream pies (whole and slices), croissants, muffins, scones, cream puffs, eclairs, mini fruit tarts, cheesecake (whole and slices), and danishes. They all were just so gorgeous. Sitting so pretty in the case.

We bought a carrot cake muffin, slice of banana cream pie, a Grandpa David's peanut butter cookie, and a chocolate chip cookie. The cashier packaged everything carefully and provided napkins and forks. The muffins were big, fat and hefty sized. The carrot cake muffin was moist but not so much that it fell apart. So darn good. The frosting was heavenly, not too sweet and just the prefect consistency. I devoured that right away in the car. While I was inhaling the muffin, Hubs scarfed down the banana cream pie slice. The cookies were nice "biggish" size. These cookies were moist, which I prefer over crisp crunchy ones. Grandma Dave's PB was one of the best PB cookies I've ever had.

They are also have breakfast menu and lunch menu (burgers, sandwiches, and salads). The place is very small with few two person tables, it’s more of...

In town for three days and had breakfast here twice. You could drop this shop on the streets of Brugges and not miss a beat. Everything is delicious. I'm not embarrassed to say I just walked out with a tres leches cakes, an eclair, a strawberry almond croissant (amazing), a poppy seed muffin, and a banana split croissant for just my daughter and me. No way we'll finish it all, but I wanted to taste everything. On top of how delicious everything is, the staff is attentive and kind. I'd give 10...

Omg. Had I known that my Cheese Danish was going to be a whole other level of delicious, I would have bought a couple! I was passing through the area and wanted Starbucks (cause it keeps me awake while driving) and I ran in to the little bakery Nextdoor. Everything looked really good but you never really know ..but It’s REALLY good! I still have an almond croissant and a savory scone which I shall save for tomorrow but if they’re anything like the danish, I’m in for a treat! A gem in a...