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May 12, 2021
The city’s 10 most underrated pastries
Here’s what you shouldn’t pass over, according to bakery owners
If you’ve got a favorite bakery, you’ve likely also got a favorite pastry there. We all know and love macarons and croissants, but what are we missing out on? We asked pastry chefs and bakery owners to share their best but most under-appreciated pastries. The resulting list ranges from a classic chocolate chip cookie to European delicacies, and even a childhood favorite: cosmic brownies.
Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe, NoDa
The bakery: A French-inspired bakery that serves a range of pastries, café fare, and espresso
Most underrated pastry: Éclairs
Chocolatier Barrucand, Concord
The bakery: A husband-and-wife owned bakery specializing in artisan chocolates and classic French baked goods
Most underrated pastry: The dacquoise, a biscuit-based dessert with almond and hazelnut.
Copain, SouthPark
The bakery: A gourmet grocery store offering cheese, breads, charcuterie, and dessert
Most underrated pastry: Chocolate chip cookie
Manolo’s Bakery, East Charlotte
The bakery: A family-owned shop for sweet and savory Latin American baked goods.
Most underrated pastry: Moonshine fruitcake
Renaissance Pâtisserie, SouthPark
The bakery: Specialty bakery crafting customized cakes for all occasions, plus cookies, eclairs & other sweets
Most underrated pastry: Kouign-amann, a French laminated dough pastry
Suárez Bakery, Montford Park
The bakery: A Cuban bakery specializing in donuts, pastries and desserts
Most underrated pastry: Guava pastelito, a Cuban puff pastry
Sunflour Baking Co., Dilworth
The bakery: A locally owned and operated bakery and café with three locations
Most underrated pastry: Carrot cake scones
Villani’s Bakery, Plaza Midwood
The bakery: A popular grab-and-go bakery specializing in authentic Italian pastries
Most underrated pastry: Olive oil cake
Virtuoso Breadworks, Waxhaw
The bakery: An up-and-coming artisanal bread maker selling naturally leavened, fermented breads, croissants, and breakfast pastries
Most underrated pastry: Cosmic brownies
Wentworth & Fenn, Camp North End
The bakery: A gourmet bakery that specializes in custom cakes baked from scratch
Most underrated pastry: Lemon-kumquat tarte