Marla SR Bakery and Cafe — Restaurant in Santa Rosa

I rarely do reviews but this was a major disappointment (my 2nd time here)....I ordered the $17 rubenesque sandwich - description from Instagram post: The Reubenesque Housemade & Smoked Pastrami, Sauerkraut & Onions 999 Island Dressing Melted Gruyere All on our Sandwich Rye. My sandwich today: (pastrami, maybe cheese, maybe sauerkraut, can't say bc it is NOT on their website menu now. Just a toasted piece of dark rye the staff took I think from a bag of bread on the shelf. 2 small thin slices of 1/2 carrot and 2 sad califlower florets on the plate. The pastrami was thick slices and half fat (I pulled off the fat pieces) and saved them on the plate.

When finished, I showed the staff person how much fat and their response was "That is the way the meat comes to us." Hmmm Instagram says "housemade and smoked" pastrami.

Most places fat trim large pieces from cooked meat. No apology - they just threw the plate and fat remains into the bus tub. IF I worked there, I would at least take a pic for the owner.

10 mins later we were still at our table and the same staff came over and said, "We hope you will give us another try. Next time if the food isn't good, bring it to us before you finish it." I replied, "I was trying to eat it by pulling the fat pieces out." No offer of anything to compensate (a cookie, a coupon etc.) for "another try."

30 mins later, the feeling of too much salt in my mouth! Oversalted maybe by Marla or the "place that brings the...

I came to Marla's opening day and picked up some squash and caramelized onion quiche and a crebble, which is like croissant dough shaped into a muffin bun and sweetened up more than a croissant. The quiche was delightful, but the star of the show was the crebble. Usually a sweet pastry is just that: sweet, but this pastry showcased something unexpected: the dough. This pastry was deep and rich and the exact right amounts of sweet and salty. Somehow the pastry dough managed to capture the SMELL of freshly baked buns into its core flavor. Plus with a perfect texture, I can't say I've had anything like this. This place instantly skyrocketed up to my number 1 pastry place and cafe.

The cafe is unassuming and somewhat hidden if you don't seek it out, but it's tastefully decorated with plenty of cute casual seating areas, fresh flowers, and a general comfortable relaxed atmosphere. Nothing was pretentious or overly trend-seeking. The staff was kind and the food was delicious and timely. I wish I could give them points for music tastes, but Google doesn't have a category for that.

What to expect: Euro-size cafe with seating for 1-6 people Bagels, quiches, sandwiches, pastries, freshly baked bread loaves, and coffee/espresso Parking lot in back When the line is short, you can grab a coffee and pastry/sandwich/loaf in a minute or two Inside and outside seating, they allowed...

Food is ok. Not mind blowing. But what is mind blowing are the prices.

The coffee is pricey, too. Just adding a shot of espresso to a drink is $2.50!! And some of the most expensive pastries I’ve seen around Sonoma County.

Even their bagels and (especially) the mark ups for add ons are insane! (See pic below of menu)

If you’re looking for good pastries that are worth the price, go to Quail and Condor in Healdsburg.

I’m disappointed. I’d love to support this place more but I have trouble paying these prices for their food. $20 for a smoked turkey sandwich…just down the street at Grossman’s you can get a wonderful big house smoked turkey sandwich for less. AMAZING bagels and bagel sandwiches for cheaper at Grossman’s, too

Not trying to hate on the place, but come on. In today’s economy you’re trying to charge these prices for simple food good? No thanks.

The trick to this place is to come to their pop ups. Good food and usually good bang for your buck.

I’ll be back when their prices are more reasonable, or their serving sizes are more appropriate...