Chez Michel

My husband and I worked with Michel and team for our wedding cake. We had a fantastic experience. We were able to communicate via email and scheduled a call with Michel to discuss options/what we were looking for. My MIL and I went to visit in person and had a long sit down with Michel. He was very personable and made us feel comfortable. We taste tested 3 different flavors of cakes and ended up picking all 3. We were able to get a smaller wedding cake and 1/2 sheet cakes for serving. Every flavor was absolutely delicious. Our favors were take-home desserts, and the cakes were taken immediately! I didn't get a chance to have a slice of my favorite flavor before it was gone and ended up going back to Michel's before leaving Cape May to buy another small cake just to be able to have a few slices! (Pictured below). The cake was decorated beautifully and was exactly as I had imagined it to be! I would highly recommend Chez Michel for any of your confectionery needs!

Beautiful bakery with lots of selection. The croissant sandwiches are filled with high-quality ingredients. Delicious mozzarella, pesto, and tomatoes complimented perfectly with flaky yet firm croissants to lock in the ingredients. The Ham & Cheese contains what seemed like a tavern ham. It was accompanied by a mild yet somewhat sharp cheese. Overall, an excellent start of the morning.

Darn, I really wanted to like the croissants; however, they were doughy with no flaky layers. And the almond croissant's filling was liquid versus an almond paste (i.e. marzipan), which is my preference. Maybe a not-so-great baking day? Other than that, all the other pastries looked beautiful and the staff were friendly and helpful.

Best bakery I ever ❤️ try. Their cake is another world . I can't even explain how good are theirs pastry, their cake is soft delicious. Firts time we do our order was for my daughter birthday, we came back to bought another for my wedding anniversary . A strawberry cake 🍰 really delicious. So far this has been best bakery I ever try .

Great authentic French bakery. Everything they make is great. Huge fan of their butter buns and when they have butter cake, buy it. Fantastic best cake ever. Highly recommended from breakfast bites , cakes , bread and so much more.

AMAZING croissants, cronish and baked goods. Have been going for the last several years. Aileen who used to work the counter was so kind and pleasant. Stopped in a few times this week as well as a family member of mine and new short, old, brunette lady has been very curt with us all. Hope they find someone else who can brighten up the service.

Was looking for a gluten free pastry and this place did not disappoint. Chez Michel had the best gf chocolate cupcake and brownie. Will be back the next time I’m in Cape May!

I bought quite a few things from this little gem close by the sea. The almond croissants are filled with oozing light sugary almond curd, sandwiched between a traditional croissant, topped with more almond curd and almond slices. It was my favorite of all of the pastries in my opinion. The danishes were of many variety. I bought blueberry and cherry, but there were more. Apricot puffs. Fruit pastries a-plenty! They were all so delicious. I wish I could travel two hours away just to get more. The elephant ears were big and flaky, just how everyone loves them! Irish soda bread for the season! But the star of it all was the chocolate cake that I bought for my birthday. As I made my way in, early morning, I had hoped and prayed that they would have made a chocolate cake that day so I can bring home to my family. I wish I had a picture and I will try to see if I have one, but it was a gorgeous thing! My kids will only eat ice cream cake, but they gobbled down every single crumb and asked for seconds. The cake was perfect and the icing was my favorite part. It is a light buttercream frosting, which I can only describe as a better-cream consistency, but most certain they made Every bit of it in that kitchen from scratch. I absolutely adored this place and I do highly recommend!

I'm always on the hunt for a good bakery, especially when traveling. That being said, when I was making plans to spend a couple of days in Cape May, I searched bakeries in the area to see if any stood out. There are several, but the one that really caught my attention was Chez Michel. Besides Italian, French bakeries are some of my favorites - and since the reviews looked great, I made plans to check it out. Chez Michel is located in West Cape May amongst a small strip of other businesses. Even though the bakery is only ~4 years old, Michel Gras has been in Cape May since 1984 and previously owned another French bakery in the area. I arrived mid-morning - it wasn't too crowded but it was also raining hard so that may have curbed the crowds. The bakery itself has a pretty typical layout - a large open area for customers and a line of display cases that house the goods. I also noticed a selection of coffee products and souvenirs for purchase off to the side. They have a good selection - I noticed tarts, cakes, cookies, and an expansive selection of quiche. I wanted to get a good sense of the bakes so I got a few things: broccoli and cheese quiche, bacon and cream cheese tart, linzer tart, cherry and cheese danish, elephant ears, and walnut sticky bun (don't worry, I shared). Everything was delicious - I could tell they were high quality, it really showed in all of the bakes. My favorite was definitely the walnut sticky bun - that walnut topping almost tasted like candy and the bun itself was soft and flavorful. Other standouts for me were the quiche, linzer tart, and elephant ears - some of the best I've had. Service was good - I was taken care of promptly and all of my bakes were packed meticulously. Overall, Chez Michel is a yes - it may not be on the main drag, but the bakes are high quality so it's well worth a visit. I would definitely return the next time I find myself in Cape May.

I arrived here around 8:30 and the line was already long, started at the end of the store. However, it moved fastest, so don't be intimidated. All of the pastries looked very inviting. The croissants were big. They also had several kinds of quiche. Definitely recommend this bakery. It closes on Tuesday and Wednesday

The cake for decoration is good the flavor was really good but the price$60 for a 7imch cake is a bit higher .I can see $60 on a butter pound 10 inch Other than price chez is the place the caters tonorth cape may or wildwood by website . Prices should not be over $45 for pound cake anywhere...

Food and service are awesome!!! Yummy breakfast pastries and desserts abound. Yummy bread too if you get there early enough!

Such a gem in west Cape May! We tried a bunch of stuff and enjoyed most of it. I'm not a big quiche fan but we tried three different quiches and they were all fantastic! Also loved the cream puff! The almond croissant and sticky bun were good but not over the top amazing. Nice staff and a good selection!

Best bakery ever! Their almond croissants are to die for. We go at least once every weekend we are at the shore.

Nothing better than places like Chez Michel. Locally owned, outrageously good and unique. I had the walnut cinnamon bun two mornings in a row after a very long early morning walk on the beach (I call them just cinnamon rolls. Some people call them sticky buns). I purchased for my wife an almond croissant, an almond puff and a blueberry muffin. She enjoyed all of them. They also make these small, little, thin cookies that they sell by the pound. I am a chocolate chip cookie freak, but I think the almond cookies were even better. Too bad it is 2800 miles away from my home. I really liked this play

Meandered over today. Staff are brutal as per a previous comment. Lovely current buns. However, the lemon tarts were magnificent to look at but tasted synthetic. Certainly no fresh lemons used. The pie crust was wonderful. Average

Chez Michel is an amazing little bakery with many fresh offerings. I was most excited for the ham and cheese croissant but ended up with coming out with so much more! Always a solid choice if you're looking for fresh baked goods.

This a great gem in West Cape May! Delicious almond croissants, sticky buns, and more! Hate to post this, as selfishly I don't want to have to wait for more! Seriously, this is a talented baker!

Been a couple times. The pastries are good, but I can always do without the ego. The young woman who helped us on our first visit was REALLY impressed with herself and the fastidious processes they employ here. Why brag? Just do you, gurl. If it's that hard and fastidious then bake something easier; I'm sure it will still taste good enough for droves of tourists. You're at the beach, just be happy! I see other reviews contending their Frenchness. I'm a Francophile, I was (was) a French major in college, been there a bunch... I couldn't care less if it's authentic or not. Just make it taste good and bring it in at a reasonable price. I find it hard to replicate Euro recipes without ALL the same ingredients used on the Continent, including their fresh perishables (butter, eggs, milk, etc), which you'll never get here. Plus, baking equipment isn't ever the same, etc. So it seems useless to try to make it exactly as they do abroad. Just my two cents about the pomp and fuss with ego going on here. Again, it's decent product. Prices are a bit steep, but eh, it's on the island so comes with the overhead. Just would taste so much better without the heaping side of narcissism.

Wow. Every item we bought today, our first time stopping here, was amazing. The cinnamon roll was so light and fluffy, I didn't even get a picture. The icing was delicious and sweet but not overpowering. The fruit tart was perfection- as were the mini chocolate chip cookies (sold by the quarter pound). The eclairs was also great so says my partner. We're going back again tomorrow.

Another lovely new find for us this year on our Cape May vacation. I tried the chocolate chip cookies, financiers and chocolate mousse. All delicious. Cute space. Good parking. I'm sure we will return on a future trip!

Delicious cake!!! Homemade , top notch cakes. So happy there is an option to buy a nice birthday cake in Cape May. There are no other options besides going to Acme for a cake. Strawberry shortcake was excellent l

Great pastries and desserts. Plenty of options and flavors. Sweet and savory options and a couple gluten free options as well. They also have cakes and cookies. You can get pieces of quiche.

The pastries are delicious but not always open when stated. Was in on a Sunday, asked if they would be open Thursday, said yes but when I got there they were closed. Not happy. Was counting on something special for Thursday afternoon. Pat Brady 11/30/23

It was just regular bakery experience. Prices were very good, but cake was not out of ordinary. It was decent, but have I had better cakes? Definitely yes. Also, if you need to order a cake, you have to a week in advance!

I've known the owner for so many years but the reveiw is on his baking, and if it's not the best you've ever had please tell me better ? When in philly I go to termanies alot Michael is as good as any you won't be disappointed actually you'll be wowed! Yum!

I have had pastries, cheese cake and birthday cake from here. All very good. But the service is always brutal. The employees there are always so incredibly rude. I went to pick up a cake that I had ordered a week prior and they acted like I had 17 heads. They also asked for a name and number for the order and never called when it was complete and they also don't answer the phone.

Huge disappointment after going out of our way to go here given how the pastry chef markets himself and the bakery. Not authentic at all. The pastries are tasty so I get the good reviews, but it's selling itself (and the chef) as an authentic French bakery which it is not. They are very Americanized versions, much more doughy. The chocolate croissant was like a bagel with chocolate in the middle with nothing flaky or buttery about it. Tasty if that's what you're expecting but NOT a French pain chocolat.

Great little French bakery located in West Cape May. This bakery literally has something for everyone, from bear claws to cake and fruit tarts galore. Staff are friendly and helpful, and most importantly willing to take their time to explain each pastry. On Saturday they were giving samples of their elephant ears which were delicious, nice and crispy with a buttery pastry with sugar. We ordered a small selection, and brought home to enjoy. I didn't like the piece of vanilla cake, I thought the icing was too greasy and the bear claws didn't have much flavor. The apple/strawberry cobbler was delicious. I'm excited to return and try other items, including a fruit tart and carrot cake. Give them a try!

Chez Michel has the best cakes in Cape May! We ordered a vanilla cake with chocolate mousse icing and raspberry filling. It was beautifully decorated and beyond our expectations. The filling was at least a half inch thick between the layers. We ordered via email, received confirmation within an hour and picked up the cake with no issues at all. It is delicious and our only negative is sorrow that Chez is not open all year round!

Amazing. We went to Madison's yesterday and the cake was dry and overpriced. Today we tried here and excellent. There was a line at the door before it even opened. I can see why now. You must go here. Love it!

Every time we are in cape May we stop in for donuts. Other offerings are excellent also (croissant, cinnamon roll, quiche, etc.). A+

First time trying out this wonderful hidden gem in Cape May- during season be prepared to wait in a long line! Plenty of options like quiches and traditional French pastries. The butter cake bun was amazing! Knocked off a star for service- not friendly at all, maybe just a bad day

Super friendly french trained chef owns this spot off the beaten track in West Cape May. Delicious pastries and sticky buns will keep us coming back. Much higher quality than West End. Enjoy supporting small local businesses.

Very good vanilla eclair and pink pig cookie! The strawberry shortcake looked amazing! Damn you quarantine 15!!!

So happy I found this place, I had a last minute party that I needed a beautifully done cake for and I struck gold. Emily was so sweet to deal with and gave me exactly what I wanted, which wasn't a simple cake it had lots of piping (which made it all the more beautiful). Not only was it a masterpiece but it tasted amazing, not too sweet like most bakeries. Would absolutely recommend.

There are a few places that I think are "gems" in Cape May. This is one of them - you would go inside and think it's your typical bakery - especially in a beach town, you probably don't expect it to be what it is. They have true French pastries - croissants that are probably the best I have had outside of France. Certainly better than almost all NYC ones that I've had at "legit" patisseries. Amazing bakery - get the typical croissant - butter, flaky and perfect.

Butter buns! Not only those rare gems, but cinnamon buns, frosted cinnamon buns, & sticky buns. Not just croissants, but almond, chocolate, raspberry jam & other kinds of croissants! Cookies that include cat's tounges, merengue, angel wings and others that are so French! Bread was not ready at opening, so I returned at 10:00 to grab some great loaves. Perfection.

What a pleasure to work with. They made my husband's 50th birthday cake (their chocolate cake is amazing!) and delivered it over to Strip Steak House for me. Jill was wonderful and took care of everything ! So appreciative!!

Always love going to Chez Michel for super fresh pastries in the morning! Their Key Lime Pie is TO DIE FOR!!!! Their sticky buns are also very good!

Only positive things about this place! Super friendly service that helped me pick out the perfect items even for my picky family. The price is well worth it for the quality of the product they have. Everything is so fresh and moist. I just got back from vacation and I'm still craving their croissants.

I purchased a croissant and a baguette on a recent Sunday morning. Both were stale and the baguette was no better than I could get at the Acme. Very disappointing.

Best chocolate croissant I've ever had. My only regret is not having tried this place sooner! I'm already looking forward to my next croissant there!

Best chocolate croissant I have had in years. Husband enjoyed his cinnamon roll. We went back three times in the two days we visited cape May. So many delicious options!

This place is sooo good. Do yourself a favor and get the almond croissant. Best I've ever had. Also, their chocolate mousse is to die for!

Celebrated our 40th anniversary with a cake from Chez Michel. It was wonderful, as usual. We shop here often, absolutely the best croissants (and everything else) you've ever had, except maybe in France . This is the first time we ordered a cake. Chocolate with raspberry filling. At many bakeries you often taste the overwhelming sugar content. Not at Chez Michel. You taste the actual flavor, the rich, deep chocolate and the fruitiness of the raspberry. Perfect. Exactly what we expected After a rough dinner at Congress Hall, this cake along with our friends and family helped us get everything back on track. And the drinks helped, too . Thanks Chez Michel, you never disappoint!!

Formerly on the Washington St. mall as La patisserie Michel Gras has opened on Park Blvd West Cape May with the same wonderful pastry. His real speciality though are the incredible wedding cakes.

Chez Michel is the best bakery in South Jersey. They have delicious French baked goods for American tastes. The staff are friendly, too. Try the financier or palmier with a cup of tea or coffee.

Stopped in just to browse. Michel came out with a tray of fresh chocolate chip cookies and gave everyone in the store one. Maybe the best cookie I have ever had. Melted in my mouth. We bought Linzer cookie, small apple pie and a butter cookie. All absolutely incredible. We will be back.

So happy that Michel is still baking!! Almond croissants and butter buns are not to be missed!

It's amazing at how clean and professional this bakery is even during the pandemic! Masks required and only three customers were allowed in the store at a time during my visit. Plexiglass dividers and ropes helped ensure everyone remained properly spaced while browsing. Friendly and helpful staff, the counter attendant recommended me some fresh French pastries and they were all excellent! Croissant was buttery and fluffy. With a nice crispy outside. Their macarons were also excellent!! 5/5

Stopped in for a quick bite, service was friendly and the quiche is absolutely stellar. They have a good selection of pastries and a nice quaint little table where you can sit and enjoy your food. Will definitely be coming back!

Terrific quiches and desserts (lemon custards and apple tartes). Simple and delicious like it should be. Thank you

The worst thing about this business is that it isn't open 7 days a week which almost prompted me to extend my stay in Cape May just so I could try more delicious treats. If you love yourself go for the sticky bun or cherry cheese danish, if you really love yourself get the almond chocolate croissant. Amazing.

So glad they are now open despite this corona virus. Irish Soda Bread is better than most Irish bakeries. Yum. They have a new pastry for lent. Its a round dome pastry with a white frosted X on top. It was delicious and i wish it was available all year. So glad CM has this bakery. Everything is amazing. See ya next Sunday!

I am compelled to write what I believe is a fair review based on many purchases throughout the summer of 2019. I have purchased sticky buns, butter buns, cakes, brownies, pastries and cookies. The sticky buns for the most part are excellent. A few times they were on the dry side. The gluten free lemon cake can be very good but the problem is they leave stale cakes on the shelf and when you purchase a cake, you don't know what you are going to bite into. Too many times I purchased stale cakes from this bakery because it's a shame when the products are fresh they are excellent.

There's no chefs that know how to bring out the flavors of EVERY fruit like Chef Michel. We have been fans since his opening, and come back time and time again. Our family goes nuts over the fruit tart - though we love everything in the place.