Went here twice during our weekend stay in Monterey. The pastries are unforgettable. My husband loved the quiches and I fell in love with the lemon tart. Service was quick despite the huge rush/lines. But that's well-deserved business! Good seating outdoors as well. Will be a place to return to whenever I'm back in the area.

Little embarrassed to admit, We went 4 times within 1 wk or am I bragging? On our Quest for the Best Bakery in each town we stop in, Lafayette Bakery in Carmel Highlands is def the best in the area. On our first trip, we tried the Guava Star pastry (my description not the actual name) and the Strawberry Macha Croissant. WOW the flake, the flavor of everything was on point. The Lavender cookies were esp delightful. The Lavender scent was delicate and the flavor was balanced. As engineers, we felt it was vital to try different pastries over several days. Thus 4visits across 7 days. On our last day in Carmel, after successful multiple forays to Lafayette, we bought 6 different individual cakes & tarts to share with family at home. Everyone raved about the varied flavors. It is impressive that the bakers are so skilled in so many different doughs. On the different days some offerings were the same, others new. Clearly we need more return visits to learn, and try, the full extent of their offering. Staff was helpful and efficient. Everyone there was in a good mood, Staff & Customers, always a good sign. Not knowing what to chose, as we waited in line, others were more than happy to id their favorites to us. Def a friendly crowd. The Barnyard is a lovely area to walk around. Plenty of parking available. Every piece we tried besides tasting amazing, was a piece of art. There is plenty more to try includ Savory offerings. Lafayette is a real treat not to be missed. I am positive I might have messed up some of the names, and possibly Raspberry v Strawberry. Clearly we need to go back and try everything again!

This place was highly rated, so thought to give it a try. They were closing within the next couple hours, and so much of their food was gone. I'd love to have more options, but I assume that means they're popular and sell out fast. Can't complain - I did arrive later in the day anyway. I was pleasantly surprised by the cheap prices and the delicious food! I got a mini item, but it was flavorful and decently filling for its size. It was about $4! I love the area it's in. Absolutely adorable. Would recommend and will likely be returning.

After emerging from an unplugged camping trip at Big Sur, I was craving some sweets and needed coffee for a long drive back home. I'm so glad I stopped here. This cafe made me want to quit my job, move to Carmel, and become a regular here. There was a short line which moved relatively quickly, and the service was kind and attentive. I asked the cashier working for recommendations on something savory and something sweet, and she took time to explain her personal favorites as well as popular options! I ended up picking a mini prosciutto sandwich, chocolate croissant, kouign amann, & a latte. Everything I had was so tasty! The croissant and kouign amann were not too sweet, and both had lovely texture. The mini prosciutto sandwich was small but seemed to be perfect size to me! Also, there's plenty of indoor/outdoor seating options. And huge plus for their restroom which is located outside and is well ventilated!

While visiting Carmel, I I went on Yelp in search of a good bakery. I noticed Lafayette bakery and Café was highly rated and decided to give it a try. Lafayette bakery is tucked away in a shopping center away from the tourist section of Carmel. The bakery was very quaint and appeared to be full of regulars. There was an assortment of baked goods including pastries, sandwiches and quiches to name a few. I ordered the New Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Cake and a Napoleon. The Chocolate cake was not overly sweet and was spongy. There was a nice light cherry flavor and the cream on top was almost mousse like. I really enjoyed it! The napoleon was what you would expect it to be and the ratio of cream to pastry was perfect. I would recommend and will definitely come back when in Carmel.

Legit French pastries in Carmel! The owners immigrated from France a decade ago and have been gracing Carmel with their authentic recipes. Like any well-respected bakery, arriving early ensures your pick of the litter. We didn't get there at the crack of dawn, but even with a long line they had a wide assortment of goodies to choose from. And with a line out the door, the staff were as friendly as could be. The most difficult decision is choosing if you're going the sweet, savory, classic, or sandwich route. They have A LOT to choose from here, it might give you a headache trying to decide! We ordered a traditional croissant, pain au chocolat, apple fritter, and a lunch inspired sandwich on a croissant that my wife was craving. Everything we tried was exceptional. The croissant itself was flaky, buttery and I was completely covered in crumbs which tells you how good it is. The pain au chocolat was one of the best I've ever had. It transported me back to Paris. An apple fritter is a family favorite, and though this one had a unique twist to it, I completely devoured this in a mere matter of seconds! Five freakin' stars for Lafayette Bakery. Outstanding French pastries!

What's the best bakery in Carmel? Lafayette Bakery & Cafe. Not only were all of the pastries delicious, but the people that come to this bakery are my kind of people. Everyone was a friend, no one was a stranger. We counted four or five "regulars" who came with their newspapers in hand. I left wanting to become a regular so bad. We shared the Salmon Roll, Blueberry Brioche, and the Chocolate Pistachio Croissant. My owner critique? Was not ordering one of everything to try. I would honestly go back to Carmel time and time again just to make my way through that patisserie display case.

The chocolate pistachio swirl is so good! I've had the ones in Paris and the one here tasted better! Will also recommend the mocha as well. Came here on a Tuesday morning and the place was busy. The line could be slow since there are too many pastries to choose from but it's worth the wait. There are only a few tables and seats so it's more of a grab and go place unless an open table is available.

Was so good, went by twice while in Carmel for a wedding. Saturday. got there by 9am, display cases appeared fully stocked of everything. Sunday, got there by 10am, a few items were sold out. We got what we wanted, but still! The mocha actually had a rich chocolate flavor (compared to bucks) Love how they carry mini pastries which are the perfect size to share and taste and try variety!!!! Well priced, cheaper than SF.

This place is cute! The employee taking our order was very nice. Unfortunately they were sold out of almond croissants, *cries* but the pastries we did get were very good! The chocolate gaga has custard and chocolate chips inside. Not overly sweet but definitely tasty. The mini croissant was awesome! Flaky and light yet buttery and delicious.