Criminal Baking Company — Restaurant in Santa Rosa

Anyone who's been gluten-free for awhile can probably attest to the anxiety around finding a quality, reasonably priced, gluten-free bakery (GF) when they move to a new area. Of course there are plenty of commercially distributed GF baked goods to be found at WF and most other gourmet grocery stores throughout NorCal, but, they don't compare to fresh baked product. A year ago I moved to West Sonoma County and thus began my latest search for said bakery. I'm a Bay Area native which had some of the first GF bakeries in the country, and have explored quite a few domestic and international GF bakeries over ten years or so of traveling since I became GF. So, it is not hyperbole when I exclaim, Criminals' baked goods offering to be the the most tasty I've had to date. The management has clearly found an elusive original flour recipe, superior to stuff made from the ubiquitous Bob's Mills, etc. pre-packaged flours, you find in many GF bakeries and cafes. In particular the sugar and baking soda content which tend to be excessive (used as a mask?) in most GF offerings are refreshingly moderate in Criminals' recipe. And, the highly creative and successful range and combination of ingredients and flavors including nuts, berries and herbs, are original and superior to any other GF baked goods I've had to date. Keep it up, Criminal (yes there are some things worth breaking the law for)!!! And thanks for introducing me to a charming West End neighborhood for...

Sadly, I have to put a star in order to write this review. I would put a .5 for the minimal effort if possible.

I ordered a pie from this bakery for my mothers birthday a little while back. It was atrocious. Every aspect of it, and a complete disappointment/waste of money.

Anyone knows what a good apple pie should be. Flaky crust, well spiced, moist and cooked apples, and (if a Dutch Apple Pie) a proper streusel topping.

The pie that was received had a soggy bottom (need to par bake the crust maybe?) and crumbly/grainy crust (didn't bind like normal AP flour, is it gluten free? I asked for regular crust btw). The apples were undercooked and were dry with just a minor taste of cinnamon (butter and sugar solve this FYI. Saving $ on the filling?). The worst part, the "Crumb Top", had the texture and taste like crushed graham crackers and butter. A 10 second Google search can find a basic streusel topping that would suffice over the current option.

I don't know if they buy Google reviews or what but the only Criminal aspect of this bakery is selling knock off apple pies and charging people for it. Half of this pie was eaten grudgingly as the pie was the only option, and the other half went into the trash, along with the money paid for this "pie". Don't buy it. Google a basic recipe and make it yourself.

Re-Google your recipes, re-watch Youtube videos of how to make pie crust because what I bought was...

There aren’t any independent bakeries in Sonoma County like Criminal Baking Company - the daily variety is amazing, particularly when they go out of their way to make not just passable but GREAT treats for both gluten free and vegan diets on the regular. I’ve been a fan of their bacon apple cheddar scone from the beginning and they pretty much always have them. I do not even resent the weight I’ve gained. 😜 But that’s totally on me, because they also have a wide variety of healthy and delicious bowls and sandos to choose from. Their coffee drinks are top notch, too. Staff is friendly. Don’t expect a McDonald’s like experience. There are new things all the time, and the place is often hoppin’. Happily there is a park right across the street for a picnic on pretty days (and a dog park for doggie-watching!), or they’re happy to take on an order to go that you’ve phoned ahead. But the best, BEST things I’ve had from Criminal are their special occasion/holiday cakes and pies. I officiated a wedding once where they got the cake from Criminal, and it totally upstaged me (luckily not the bride - but almost! 😂). This is a small business worth supporting, and head baker/owner Dawn Zaft is a superstar and a kind...