"Renaissance Patisserie, helmed by French chef Sylvain Rivet, began selling his tried-and-true French pastries at farmers markets around Charlotte, and then to a take-out-only spot, before opening this charming cafe in SouthPark in 2018 with an expanded daytime menu. While the breezy front patio tucked between shops is dotted with sidewalk tables and leisurely visitors, the inside is a compact space with a plethora of bright macarons, buttery croissants, and an amaretto mousse gateau with peaches for a bit of local flair. Among a scattering of more American-leaning cake pops, Renaissance Patisserie’s roots in French pastries are the stars and staff favorites, like the kouign amann, a supple-centered pastry from Brittany, France, combining butter, sugar, and flour, begging to be dipped in espresso." - Kayleigh Ruller
