Ladurée

If macarons is your addiction, then Ladurée is your holy land as the pastries, cookie, and coffee seem to be menu fillers. There are plenty macaron shops now compared to a decade ago as more craft patissiers seem to have demystified the science of macarons over the years. From my perspective, a premium quality macaron embodies exceptional flavor, texture, and a proper external layer of crisp. Ladurée's macarons score high marks on texture and crispy layer but the flavor could stand out a little more with less sugar. At $4 per macaron, it's expensive and that's without the additional cost for the packaging so make sure you love macarons if you decide to stop by.

Exquisite macarons, surprisingly delicious chocolates, and very fine pastry treats that will greatly enhance one's day! I love indulging on some excellent macarons or other treats as I walk along Bethesda Row and enjoy the nice outdoors! The interior is really beautiful and they are always very kind to me

Spoke with the owner prior to a Saturday evening closing regarding what I’d like to pick up for gifts Sunday morning. I placed my order for two boxes of six macaroons and two pastry bars online. At pickup all 12 macaroons from the two sets of six were in one box together and the pastry bars were not boxed correctly. I explained these were gifts and everything needed the boxes as ordered online but they said they were out of stock and could not box them as ordered for pick up. The person called the owner on speakerphone in front of me and other customers and spoke in French before the owner yelled at me I was wrong and he and I had never spoken the prior day. I was mortified and literally just wanted my correct order which cost me $80. I left in tears apologizing to the other customers for the disruption. Needless to say I did not leave with my order correct. This was highly disappointing as I originally visited one of their Paris locations and had a great experience. I would never return here or recommend this location.

This recently opened store in downtown Bethesda is part of the La Durée French pâtisserie with branches in Georgetown and DC. La Durée origins go back to mid 19th C. Paris, but in the last 10-15 years it has expanded throughout the world. The store specializes in macarons, but it also has many other exquisite pastry confections, which can be had to go, or consumed in premise, at its dainty marble tables. The employees are friendly and warm, and there is always someone with whom you can practice your French. The store is small, but it does no feel that way due to its pastel decor and colorful murals.

We only had the macarons, which were not worth the price. Macarons are supposed to be light and fluffy and these tasted like the cookies were stale and the filling was overly sweet. At basically $4/ cookie, I expected more of a true French macaron.

This is what I got when I visited the store to get a Holiday gift. I understand that we do not “buy” the paper bags as they are free with purchase, I think many people make purchase at Laduree, especially as a gift, because of the packaging and the experience, as much as they get it for the taste. The store did not have any box in the original Laduree pastel hue (green, pink, etc) other than one green box. It had holiday themed boxes, but I wanted to get something from the original color palette, so I had just one box choice. This, i could understand. However, after i made a purchase, the employee just put the box in that doggy bag - No explanation whatsoever. I asked for a bag with handle and the employee told me the only handled bag they have is one thats about 3 feet wide.. i seriously wanted to cancel my purchase because I would rather gift chocolate or other sweets from different brands where I can get “normal” packaging. I can’t believe the employee was not apologetic at all about their situation and did not even say a word- an apology or explanation- when he put the box in the doggy bag. I really wanted to cancel my purchase (i had not yet made the payment, so technically I could have just walked out) and I think it is a legitimate reason to change my mind, but I only made the purchase because I felt bad the employee spent his time packing the box. Very disappointing experience.

As you know Laduree is originally from Paris, France. They have multiple locations in the US too. This branch in Bethesda is really small. Well decorated and cozy but compare to Paris or new york locations is lacking so much! Still delicious which you will enjoy their pastries.

Delicious as expected! As Bethesdan residents, we had been walking past the “open soon” sign for months and it finally is. The chocolate eclair is to die for with delicate creams and the passion fruit tart was a delight. House blend iced tea is perfect to quench your thirst on a scorching afternoon. Lovely little afternoon tea place in a gorgeous town.

Macarons 10/10 Hot chocolate was the best ever. Not exaggerating. Not too sweet Ambiance is cute

Did you know that the original macaron was invented in the first Ladurée patisserie shop in Paris in 1862? It was actually the great grand cousin of the owner that invented it. While I was tempted by these silver dollar-sized beauties of varying alluring colors, I couldn't keep my eyes of their Passion Fruit tart. I thought the tag must've been wrong since it was covered in raspberries, but when I looked closely at the description, it mentioned that it had a passionfruit crème filling. I gave in to temptation, but there was no evil. Maybe 1000 calories, but who's counting. It was worth every one thousand pennies! I deserved it. I'm a great dog mamma. I also purchased the salted chocolate chip cookie for my tea another day and a croissant for breakfast tomorrow. I will not shy away from Ladurée any longer. Au revoir until another day.

The beautiful storefront stopped me in my tracks. I looked in the window and saw a variety of enticing baked goods. So, of course I had to go in. They had macarons, croissants, cookies, and a mini baked creations. It was really hard to decide on what to order? I ended up with a chocolate croissant and a strawberry Madeline. The inside of the bakery is as beautifully designed as the window display. It would be a really nice place to meet a friend for a beverage and a sweet. Service was great. A special shout out to the young woman behind the counter. I am so sorry, I do not know her name. By accident, I left my credit card there and didn't realize it. When, I figured out where I Iost my card, I called and she held onto it for me, until I could get back to there. She was so sweet and so honest. Thank you! Now, to the baked goods. The croissant was buttery and light and flaky. But, it did not have enough chocolate. There was a small amount in the center, but it really needed more. The strawberry Madeline was worthy of a gold medal. It was sweet, but not too sweet. The cookie/cake melted in your mouth. The strawberry was amazing and delicious. I just savored every bite. I would go back, just for that pastry. It is a little pricey,but you are in Bethesda. My two pastries were a little over $10 dollars. I did enjoy them. So, beautiful bakery, helpful and honest employees, delicious baked goods....I will definitely be back.

Stopped by today to get some macarons. I've been looking forward to coming here for over a year. The staff did not seem friendly at all. There were only a few flavors available. The macarons were dry and old looking. They were piled on top of each other. They were out of stock on the seasonal favors and only had the original flavors. The other pastries in the display case had cracks. I don't understand the poor quality here. The place is tiny with no seating. Not really appealing to me especially considering the "high end price tag." I'm not really sure if I would be back.

Really disappointed that apparently- they no longer serve "light fair", "tea party" patisseries like they used to ON ALL LOCATIONS!?! After the epic fail of the Georgetown location we thought we'd give the Bethesda location a try since I've been there a few times before and I know I saw snacks! But to our dismay again - just macarons, euginies, chocolates, and jam only now. And same thing - the Yelp photos on Google weren't arranged in order of date either so that didn't help again. So if you want to have a mommy-daughter tea+finger sandwiches date like we wanted to do for the birthday: this is no longer the place for that. At least for us. We went across the street to the real French bistro and spent the 100$ there instead. [The macarons are still good, the euginies are good, but we have a lot of that around here already. What set this place apart initially was the highly traditional French interiors and decoration on top of the food and snacks. This location was more of a café setting and not a parlor room like the one in Georgetown. Now this is all just meh. So disappointed. We didn't even bother anymore. But don't take my word for it - the 10yo said "mommy, that was not worth all this effort." Yikes. And I spent about 100$ in the Georgetown location for a dozen macarons, half dozen euginies, a water and a drink.] This place used to be so lovely. I'm not even gonna bother posting the pics of this place from last year. What happened Ladurée? Seriously!

5.13.23 This bakery has been on my list of places to try and today I can finally check it off. They are located in Bethesda Row. There is a parking garage conveniently located close by. There is limited seating inside, but they do have a few tables out front. Love the decor, which was posh, elegant, and had a Parisian cafe vibe. They have macarons, which they are known for. Their pastry selection is limited. I was expecting it to be more extensive. They sell iced and hot drinks including coffee and teas and other pre-packaged treats. Normally my go-to pastry is chocolate, but I decided to be adventurous today and went for the Millefeuille Vanilla and later decided to get a chocolate croissant. I also got my hubby a Vanilla Flan. I enjoyed both my pastries, but it wasn't mind-blowing. I can't believe I ate both pastries in one sitting. My hubby said the croissant was huge. My hubby raved about his flan. He said it was creamy and wasn't too sweet, which he prefers. My hubby is definitely a fan and would get the flan again if the bakery was accessible to us. I would try the Eclair and Fraisier next time.

This shop is a part of Ladurée USA, which is a part of Patisserie E. Ladurée, a French maker of high-end pastries and candies, founded in 1862. They are known for creating all of the decadent pastries in the 2006 movie, Marie Antoinette, which starred Kirsten Dunst and was directed by Sophia Coppola. There are 14 Ladurée shops in the USA. We have two, located in Georgetown and Bethesda. This shop is exquisitely decorated and tiny. The shop in Georgetown is much larger. I first found out from my friend, Joy, that they were here. I found that they had two of Pierre Hermé's creations, Isaphan and Plaisir Sucre. Pierre Hermé is a renowned French pastry chef who used to work for Ladurée in Paris. I took my wife to get the 2 pastries along with their world renowned macarons. We found another great pastry. Here's what we bought. 1) Macarons The macarons had cookies that were light and crispy with soft and moist interiors that were slightly spongy. The flavors were balanced and moderate in strength in all our macarons. We tried 3 flavors. A. Rose Two almond macaron cookies filled with rose petal smooth cream. It had rose aroma and flavor from rosewater. Rosewater is made by simmering rose petals in distilled water. The flavor is a Pierre Hermé original. I love it! Try it, you won't regret it or forget it. B. Raspberry Two almond macaron cookies filled with raspberry jam. It had a beautiful balance of raspberry flavor, sweetness, and tartness. C. Orange Blossom Two almond macaron cookies filled with orange blossom smooth cream. The filling had white chocolate and orange blossom water. Orange blossom water is made with distilled water and essence oil of orange blossom. It had a moderate orange flavor that was slightly citrusy. The orange flavor was complemented with a perfect amount of sweet white chocolate. It was a match made in heaven! FYI, a macaron is actually a cookie made with meringue and almond flour. The pastry we call a macaron today was created in 1930 by pastry chef Pierre Desfontaines. He put chocolate ganache filling between two macarons, and it was called Gerbet, Paris Macaron, or Double Macaron. Before then, macarons were single cookies with no cream or filling. Today, a macaron is a pastry made with 2 macaron cookies and filling. Strange. Some people mistakenly call a macaron, a macaroon. A macaroon is a single cookie made with meringue and shredded coconut. It is denser, much chewier, much easier to make, and looks completely different. 2) Vanilla Flan It had caramelized Tahitian vanilla flan in a thin buttery pastry crust. The flan was a rich and creamy custard with moderate flavors of vanilla, egg yolk, milk, and sugar. It had a very thin caramelized layer on top. It was superbly delicious! If you love custard, then this is a must buy! 3) Plaisir Sucre It had a dacquoise biscuit made with milk chocolate, hazelnuts, and pralines topped with milk chocolate ganache, milk chocolate Chantilly cream, and a thin sheet of milk chocolate. Chantilly cream is whipped cream. Traditionally, it is made with extra sugar and the addition of vanilla bean paste. It wasn't made that way in this pastry. This pastry is a milk chocolate lover's dream. It had smooth, luscious flavors of milk chocolate paired with sweet roasted nut flavors in the dacquoise. A lovely and decadent pastry. My photos look terrible because the pastry was handled poorly before taking photos. Plaisir Sucre means sweet pleasure in French. It sure was! 4) Ispahan It had 2 rose flavored macaron shells, rose petal and lychee cream, fresh raspberries, and lychees with a rose petal on top. The macaron shells were a perfect example in texture. Light and crispy exterior with a soft and slightly chewy interior that had delicate flavors of rose and almond with a touch of sweetness. The filling had raspberries that were fresh, slightly sweet and slightly tart. There were a few pieces of lychee fruit in the center along with a dollop of sweet cream that tasted of rose and lychee syrup. This was a pastry masterpiece with a unique blend of flavors. It wasn't cheap, but quality never is. The service was polite, responsive, and attentive. The shop was tiny with only 4 tables and 8 chairs. It had elegant decor and it was very clean. There were no restrooms for customers. There is parking on the street and at Bethesda Elm Street garage. We plan to return for things they ran out of, like rose latte, certain macarons, and other pastries. They should be on your bucket list. I highly recommend a visit!

I just love French macarons! And Laduree has the best! Would definitely recommend! I only go for the macarons so I can't comment on anything else. The service was great and the shop is beautiful!

Absolutely loved this place! Stopped by on a Saturday for some treats and coffee. To my surprise they had a variety of French pastries to choose from and the service was amazing! They were super friendly. The inside decor is so cute and colorful.

Cute shop, friendly service, my macarons were delish- on par with the brand. I had the strawberry candy flavor, marie antoinette, rose, and the cassis. ALL were tasty with a perfect texture.. Laduree really does have the BEST macarons ever.

Definitively featuring the finest French macarons in the world, Laduree has no rival! Their flavors are varied and are of perfection! If you love macarons, they will impress and wow you for sure! They also offer some nice chocolate collections and other delectable desserts that are to be enjoyed too!

A small gem in busy Bethesda. Wonderful treats in a cozy, quiet, truly Parisian atmosphere. The espresso (Latte) is perfect, probably best enjoyed at one of the small tables rather than to go. The macarons are to die for. Best of all was a small chocolate cake (see insert picture) The servers are polite and helpful; even an attempt at a word or two in French will evoke a welcoming smile.

This recently opened store in downtown Bethesda is part of the La Durée French pâtisserie with branches in Georgetown and DC. La Durée origins go back to mid 19th C. Paris, but in the last 10-15 years it has expanded throughout the world. The store specializes in macarons, but it also has many other exquisite pastry confections, which can be had to go, or consumed in premise, at its dainty marble tables. The employees are friendly and warm, and there is always someone with whom you can practice your French. The store is small, but it does no feel that way due to its pastel decor and colorful murals.

Small space that has a couple of tables to enjoy your food and drink. Much smaller than the Georgetown location. We ordered a vanilla and raspberry macaron and the gentleman serving us threw in a free blackcurrant violet. He was extremely nice. I wanted to try their ice cream but I didn't wanna ruin my appetite for dinner. Next time. I've had Ladurée plenty of times before, even in Paris. Their macarons are definitely better than most. Crumbly on the outside, but chewy on the inside. They delivered and met expectations.

So happy there's a Laduree in downtown Bethesda. My favorite to get there is of course the macarons but the rose croissants is pretty damn good and not all locations carry them. If you're having a sweet tooth, I would recommend this place to satisfy it after dinner bc this place doesn't carry savory dishes. A tip to have chewy macarons is to refrigerate them for a few hours and let sit room temp for a minute or two and you'll get the chewiest bite. Bon appetite!

Terrible service and dessert. Two guys at counter spoke French and were super rude, so at least the place was authentic. Unfortunately the food was not authentic and sub par for French desserts

Laduree is a French Maison that specializes in Macarons and also has other exquisite pastries and sweets. To name a few; Croissants, chocolates and cookies. Enjoy your sweet delight on the spot on the chic dainty marble tables, at one of the outdoor tables or take it to go. The service is great and the staff is welcoming and patient as you browse the plethora of macarons and other sweets to choose from. The store is tiny yet vibrant; full of colorful pastel decor. The macarons are absolutely delicious. Each bite has a lite subtle flavor that gives the perfect amount of sweetness to your palate. Give yourself a Parisian treat and visit Laduree's.

Their macarons are absolutely delicious!! I am absolutely obsessed with them. We have tried macarons at various bakeries throughout the area, and these are my favorite. They are so flavorful, light and airy. They also make EXCELLENT gifts! I buy a 12 pack for my coworkers or friends as a thank you gift or for birthdays. They package the macarons really nicely, and everyone loves them! Of note, they are expensive, but I think it's worth it given the quality of the macaron. They also have a bunch of baked goods. I've never tried them yet, but they are beautiful!

Great service and the macaroons are delicious. The ambiance is beautiful and which is actually what drew me in.

I had to try their macarons. They are so good! I love the unique flavor selection. I also tried their croissants and they are so light and flakey.

Their desserts are so delicious, you really can't go wrong. The peanut butter and hazelnut/raspberry ones are wonderful, and their chocolate eclairs with gold foil are probably the best eclairs I've ever had. They melt in your mouth! And the cassis macaron is a personal favorite. They do it right just like in Paris. A bit pricey but worth it.

"Ladurée Paris" wonder if the owner went once in Paris to see how a Ladurée is from the store to the customer service. In this one, you come in, not even a "hello" or "hi" or even a "welcome to Ladurée". And also barely a "thank you and good bye" I think they should review the hiring of people or doing a way better training to how to take care of a client like they do in Paris. It is Alarming to see this. We bought "raspberry" macaroons today and it was not the normal one. Not sure what is wrong with them but it was not good and for the price it is bad.

The staff was very nice and understanding. Customer service was miles above the Georgetown store, which has famously unfriendly and unwelcoming management and staff. If you're in the DC area, this is definitely the better location.