Lou, The French On The Block

This place is so famous that I decided to go early in the morning. Thankfully, they offer online pickup, which made things more convenient. I had a sandwich and a tart, both of which were delicious. However, one inconvenience was that despite arriving early when there was no line and only a few customers, my sandwich took 25 minutes to come out. I noticed that people who arrived after me received their sandwiches first, so I went to ask about my order. It turned out they had prepared it but simply hadn’t served it. This didn’t leave a great impression in terms of service. That being said, the bread was absolutely fantastic. In the future, I think I’ll stick to ordering online for pickup rather than dining in.

French pastries and coffee. Only open on the weekends in the morning. The earlier you come, the better the selection. There is usually a line but it goes fast. My favorite is the chocolate croissant, my friend's favorite is the shortbread. High quality desserts with a full, buttery flavor and richness. Nice treat. I recommend it if you can come during the right hours. Not a lot of seating, just a few tables on the sidewalk. Best suited to go. Street parking, sometimes challenging.

So listen here...this is my favorite croissant/pastry place in all of LA, yes ALL of LA. The owner and all the employees are always kind, informative, and super cool. The food tastes fresh AF from the sandwiches, to the apple pastries, to flourless chocolate cakes, to the croissants, to the quiche....I'm consistently blown away. They're only open Fri-Sun which makes it such a special weekend treat. Thank you for the consistent vibes ✨️ If y'all want to experience magic, you must go!

OMG…so Happy to find this True Gem just a block from my hotel… I haven’t had such authentic French Patisserie treats since my sister owned her bakery on the border of Berkeley & Oakland up in NorCal… I LOVE this neighborhood vibe on Riverside in Burbank (just a 10 minute drive from Eldest Son’s home in NorthHollywood)…. I will return to this spot everytime I come to visit❣️🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

The coffee and pastry items are incredible. You must give this place a try. There are a few seats outside but can be really hot in the summer and under the sun.

September 2024: Stopped by for breakfast and ordered the chocolate almond croissant and a drip coffee ☕. The chocolate almond croissant was probably one of the best that I have eaten. Very flaky, tasty filling, and a generous portion overall 👍. Would definitely come back again for the pastries. Coffee was good. Surprised that they charged us seventy five cents for adding a little oat milk to my two coffees ☕. 🤔 Took a baguette home 🏠 and it was tasty. Will come back for some sandwiches next time!

A friend and I went for my birthday, and I will be making the hour-long trip a tradition. We ordered 6 different pastries and loved each one as much as the last. Lou and his staff are kind, friendly, and efficient. I can't wait to get back.

Stepping into Lou's bakery is like being transported back to my childhood in Paris. It's a feeling only those who've lived there would understand, like visiting a local boulangerie with the most incredible smells and textures. There's always a line, but it's worth the wait every single time. The chouquettes are an absolute dream, and the croissants are perfection, fluffy, crispy, light, with that perfect buttery flavor, but never greasy. The service is fantastic, super friendly, and always welcoming. When you order your coffee, they add a custom little drawing on it, which just adds to the charm! Lou, the owner, is incredibly nice and welcoming, making every visit a delight. This place is a true gem! If only he opens a spot in San Diego ;)

Ambiance: French Bakery Service: Efficient From addressing the line, to working on your order as you list it to the team, this busy bakery has their systems down. Also, the staff is really friendly and helpful. Line: Long but moves fast Don't be discouraged by the long line, it moves pretty quickly Food: Delicious I ordered their apricot tart and croissants and both were excellent. The croissant was extremely flaky and soft. The tart had a wonderfully soft apricot with a well baked crispy tart. If you're looking for French pasties, this is your spot. Seating: Very limited + outdoors This isn't the ideal bakery if you're looking for a sit-down cafe to grab a coffee with a friend as there are only a few tables available for sit down. Lou's is more of an order and go type of place. Parking: Street

Lou the French On The Block lives up to the hype with its delicious pastries and sandwiches. The baguette is so buttery you can tear and eat it straight from the bag, and the brie and avocado sandwich was so massive my daughter needed help finishing it. Their croissants are among the best in LA--especially the chocolate & almond--and the creamy éclair brought back nostalgic memories of Paris cafés. The almond tart stole the show, but the fruit and almond tartlettes were also standouts. You can't go wrong! Everything is delicious. The only bad decision is wanting everything. It might hit your wallet hard. Both the hot chocolate and chai latte were tasty, and the service was friendly, fast, and helpful. The ambiance is cozy with just a small counter space, and parking can be tricky, though the staff is great at keeping things moving. Note that they're only open weekends from 8am-2pm, so get there early to avoid the line (I waited about 20-30 minutes on a Saturday morning). Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic French pastries in the area! Note: Conveniently located close to the Burbank airport for those flying in and out of LA from Burbank. Loom out Porto's!

A Toluca Lake + LA + California GEM!!! I've seen croissant/pastry haters change their minds on the spot upon first bite here. I crave their chocolate croissants here daily but you can't go wrong. On top of the food quality, Lou and his team are lovely. Just good people that care about your experience. It's no wonder why this place is so loved. I'm a forever customer!

If I could give Lou the French on the Block 10 stars, I absolutely would! This charming little bakery, open only Friday through Sunday mornings (or until they sell out), is nothing short of AMAZING. Their fresh croissants and almond croissants are the best I've ever had--flaky, buttery perfection. Beyond the croissants, they offer an array of delicious treats like éclairs, tarts, sandwiches, and handcrafted lattes. Truly, everything you try here will be love at first bite. The outdoor seating is cozy, with a handful of tables, and while the line can vary from no wait to about 10 minutes, it's always worth it. My husband and I have made it our Friday morning tradition to enjoy croissants and coffee here, and it's easily one of the highlights of my week. Parking is street-only and can be tricky, but don't let that stop you from visiting this gem. It's a spot you'll never regret discovering!

Best croissant I've ever had!!! Their croissants taste soooooo good, flakey, and buttery. I dream about these croissants daily. Even better than the ones in Paris. Soooooo goood! I can't wait to go back. Theres street parking. Make sure to go when they open, so you can get your croissants warm.

A gem of a tiny bakery in the Burbank area. They had limited hours so when I was able to go there on a Friday morning, I took advantage. The place itself has all the French pastry classics like croissants, eclairs, and baguettes. I ate at a small table right out front and it almost had that sidewalk cafe vibe in Paris. Especially since most of the patrons at the time were actually speaking French around me. I got the eclair and the chocolate almond croissant. Super flaky and buttery and also delicious. The eclair had this flavor that was familiar to me and it brought me back to when my uncle used to make cream puffs. The flavor of and the consistency of the custard was almost exactly the same. My uncle is actually a retired pastry chef who went to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris! On a personal level, I really wanted to go to this place because of the name believe it or not. 20 years ago a few good friends and I went to France. One of the memorable meals was at a cafe in Nice. We walked in and the owner was sitting at a table, smoking a cigarette while reading a newspaper. When he saw us, he treated us like old friends. And his name was Lou, lol. The breakfast he cooked up was delicious. Anyway, not to take away from this spot. As this place has really delicious French pastries, and I can see why it's so popular.

Breakfast with friends at their place. It was a great excuse to try Lou French On The Block! I found street parking about a block away and saw the line and got very excited. The line was long and the adjacent tables were lively. Seemed like a great neighborhood hangout. The line moved quickly and before I knew it I was inside ordering. I picked up the following: Almond croissant (4/5) delicious, flaky buttery Chocolate croissant (3.5/5) light flaky, needs a bit more chocolate Choquette (5/5) light, buttery, sweet. A perfect bite Financier (4/5) buttery, dense, good flavor Lemon tart (3/5) pate sucre and a dollop of lemon curd. It was just ok All in all a solid bakery. The counter staff was friendly, helpful, and efficient. They automatically charged me a service fee which was a surprise. I don't mind paying extra but I like to be asked. Parking is what it is. There is ample street parking in the surrounding area. So no issue for me on a Sunday morning. LOCATION: 4/5 FOOD: 4/5 SERVICE: 4/5 VALUE: 4/5 AMBIANCE: 4/5 PET FRIENDLY: yes CLEANLINESS: 4/5 PARKING: 4/5

After sudden closing of my favorite French bakery in Pasadena I have been on the search for my almond croissant. Ran across this one on Yelp saying focusing on buttery croissant so I decided to give it a try. Their business hour is very limited, only open 8a-2:30p Friday to Sunday. Some review mention about store closing for about 2 weeks around Christmas time. The almond croissant wasn't what I was expecting, but it does have its own characteristic. The almond filling feels more like a smooth custard texture. The butter croissant is light and airy. There are a few tables and chairs that are set out on the sidewalk. No private parking lot, only street parking.

SPOILER ALERT: BEST CROISSANTS IN LA?! The store is very small but it has a cute outside sitting area with a few brass tables. The order is taken promptly and the goods served in a small box. The croissant was golden color, light and crunchy. The butter was not overwhelming and the inside quite airy. The pain au chocolat was just as delightful. The chouquettes ( tiny puff pastry ) were as good as it gets. Lou ( Laurent) the owner and his friend Lydia were sitting outside and we hit a nice and warm conversation. We will be back next week for sure.

After getting back from Paris, I was really craving some fresh bread and stumbled upon Lou the French on the Block. The croissant? Definitely solid--crispy, buttery, and just right. The almond one is highly recommended I like how it's not too sweet.. But the baguette? Eh, kind of underwhelming. It didn't have that satisfying crackle or chew I was hoping for. Overall, worth checking out for the croissants and sandwiches, but I'd skip the baguette.

I am a sucker for anything with almonds! I unfortunately came in too late and didn't get to try their almond croissant. However, I did try their almond pear tart, raspberry tart and a chocolate croissant. The tarts were both so delicious, they had a great balance and weren't overly sweet. The croissant was flaky and had a good ratio of chocolate. I will definitely stop by earlier next time to try their almond croissant.

There is always a line to get to Lou's but 100% it is ALWAYS worth it. Trust me. Can be a bit hard to find since it's a literal hole in the wall. Parking is terrible (street parking only) and there's only a few small tables outside to dine. Doesn't matter. Find free street parking blocks away if you need to and just look for the line of people. Everything is delicious but my favorites are the turkey sandwich and the almond tarte.

This place has become a must to visit every time we come down to LA. We had a late morning so this time we came around 11am. The line was very short and they had run out of most things by the time we arrived. The person in front of me got the last tartlet. They mainly had eclairs, one chocolate cream puff (which I snagged), plain croissants and chocolate croissants. I got 2 chocolate croissants, the last chocolate cream puff and an eclair. My SO had found parking and met up with me right after I ordered and he ended up ordering another 6 regular croissants, 4 chocolate croissants. Right when I was about to leave, they declared that chocolate almond croissants had just been baked so we came back to get another one of those. The chocolate almond croissant was a new one for us this visit and it was so flaky and rich. I could taste every bit of flavor and layer in each bite. All the croissants taste amazing and I am typically not a croissant person. The eclair was fresh and was only a little bit sweet, just how I like it. The chocolate cream puff again was delicious and lightly sweet. The regular croissants and chocolate croissants were so layery and buttery. mmm I think I had 6 pastries in one sitting. Anywho, come early in the morning to get the best selection, all their items are delicious though so any item is not going to be a mistake to order.

I came here as a rec from my friend and it definitely did not disappoint: - chocolate almond croissant apparently flies off the shelf and another customer in line said it was a surprise that it was still available late afternoon. This was phenomenal. - classic croissant and chocolate croissant- beautiful in all the layers, but extremely buttery and not as crispy or special in texture - almond tart? - was very subtle in almond flavor and you have to concentrate really hard to taste the natural almond flavor. Although it was really light, I really liked that they didn't use almond flavoring. - chocolate tart - one of the workers stated that it was chewy and fudgy, but it was definitely not at all chewy but VERY fudge I want to come back for some of their other savory items and/or sandwiches.

So far so good! I didn't get a chance to try one of their famous croissants and they ran out of bread for sandwiches by 1pm on a Friday afternoon BUT I did try one of their almond tarts which was soft and delicious. I also got an iced latte to complement the sweet buttery almond paste and YUM. I feel this review is incomplete until I try one of their croissants... so stay tuned!

Yup... their croissants are as good as the reviews say. Super flakey, airy, light, with rings of crispy goodness. But, I didn't drive to Burbank to just eat a croissant. There's very few tables/chairs and the patrons are not gracious enough to respect some kind of order... so, unless your timing and opportunistic side kicks in at the same time, you're not going to be able to sit and enjoy your food/drink. Otherwise, this is clearly a legit patisserie. Five stars just for the croissant.

Having just been in Paris 3 weeks ago, I've been craving French Bakery as they've been some of the best bakeries I've ever had. Luckily I saw Lou The French On The Block on Good Day LA recently and I knew I had to try it. Long story short, this bakery does not disappoint! The Almond croissant has a nice balance of slight crunch on the outside, a light flakiness inside, and almond flavor that's not just about adding sugar on top. The almond tart continues to the almond flavor not that's not overshadowed by too much sugar on top of a tart this is both thick but not hard and crumbles easily in your mouth. Just like the almond tart, the apple tart is also another tart done well with delicious, fresh apple slices baked into the lovely tart. The raspberry financier is probably the least distinctive but that's just because the rest leaves more of a delectable impression. Finally, my favorite of the group here is the eclair. Cool, creamy, delicious, but not heavy, this is a must to have. If you only had eclairs from supermarkets, you're in for a surprise. And it doesn't try to do too much or try to be too big and smothered with cream either. It's just bite-sized goodness in sweet delicious package. I'm looking forward to explore more!

Tiny place, but big taste! My crossisant was so flaky and buttery! The cream puff was full of rich chocolate cream, so delicious!

This place has been on my list for a while and it did not disappoint! My favorite croissant experience in LA so far. This place is in a busy area of Burbank but we were able to find street parking on a Sunday. The menu is simple and they have a lot of espresso drinks. We were there mid day Sunday and some things were already running out because this place is popular. There is no indoor seating but there are some table and chairs outside. We first got our pastries and coffee. They gave us our pastries in a to go box. They were so good... buttery and flakey! I haven't had that experience since my trip to Paris. You could tell they were very fresh. Perfect with the lattes we ordered... which also hit the spot! They made the sandwich fresh and brought it out to us. We went with the turkey sandwich based on worker recommendations and it was so good! The fresh bread to me was the star. The turkey and other ingredients were simple- yet high quality. Thank you to Lou and the staff for this amazing experience. Looking forward to coming back and trying more things on the menu!

Located on Riverside Dr in Toluca Lake in the same immediate area as several other restaurants and food purveyors. Street parking only. A few tables curbside. This review is just for the pain au chocolat ($4.50) because by the time we got there (mid-morning), they were all out of the almond croissants ($5.50) and the chocolat almond croissants ($6.00). That was really too bad as I luh me some almond croissants. We ordered 4 pain au chocolat and an apple tart ($4.00) to take home. The pain au chocolat was very good. Perfectly flaky and filled with delicious chocolate. It was quite up there as far as croissants go. The flakiness of the dough, the way it went with the chocolate. Butter. There was a line when we got there and it only increased as we waited to order. Once inside, it was a little hectic as the kitchen (feet from the register) was yelling out which sandwiches were 86'd, over and over again. It was a bit much IMO. The person that was taking the order kept having to pause and respond back his acknowledgement. Other than that, we liked our first time at Lou. If in the area again and early enough, we would like to try those almond croissants and see how they compare to Ariscault Bakery's version. I'm sure it's delicious. Early bird gets it... We weren't early enough this time. Also, those sandwiches ($13-$14)... gotta see how we like those between the choices of chicken, salmon, tuna, turkey and brie & avocado.

Back again to show Lou The French on The Block some love! But really, this is an urgent message to you all who have maybe been thinking about trying Lou's or haven't had the chance to drop in yet... The almond croissant will change your life. Go. Get. It. Now. No croissant will ever compare. Lou's is the REAL deal. You'll feel like you're at a Parisian Cafe as you dine at their little sidewalk bistro tables. There can be a line, but it always moves pretty quick. They have some sandwiches and other pastries available. Croissant flavors include plain, chocolate and almond. They also have great coffee! The community vibe here is strong. Such a great spot to grab a quick breakfast or even a box of croissants to take to the office and blow everyone's minds with the level of deliciousness. Lots of love for Lou's!

The wait was super long. BUT, we didn't mind. My granddaughter got to see one of her celebrity people and even took a picture with her. The place is super cute, the desserts are EXCELLENT! The prices are reasonable. Parking in a Sunday morning was a bit challenging, BUT we didn't mind. All in all - a good place, a good find... and do recommend to others.

Very quaint indeed and very good coffee, baked goods. The cashier was very happy and helpful with suggestions. It's on a busy street and easy parking. I would definitely stop by again. I noticed the table next to me had ordered the baguettes that looked really good will try them next time.

I didn't know about Lou until my sister took us here for quick grabs before our morning hike. To my surprise, I arrived at a very familiar location. I used to work across the street and it's been about 4 years since the last time I came back in the area. If I was still working at the same place, I'd literally be lining up for these croissants EVERY SINGLE FRIDAYS! The croissants are just WOW! So buttery, so flakey. I missed them already :0 I thought I'd have one before the hike but obviously it wasn't enough. So I went into the line again for more croissants, and the staff said "Welcome back" LOL. Definitely friendly service. The line maybe intimidating but it didn't take long at all. I was there at 9:30am on a Saturday. @tableformin

worth the long drive 40+ miles to taste the BEST of the BEST butter croissants, service is great, friendly. would give an extra STAR if possible !

You've got to try this place. Their quiche is unbelievably delicious. Their pastry's are amazing too. My favorite pastry is the lemon tartlet. You must try for yourself.

This place has ruined croissants for me forever! When first driving by, we saw a long line and almost turned back. Luckily, the Alfred's next door convinced us that with caffeine we could handle anything. So glad we decided to wait. The line went by very quickly, and the chocolate almond croissant was worth every minute. Crunchy on the outside, yet perfectly warm and gooey on the inside. Hard to describe in words how perfect it tasted in my mouth. 10/10 can't wait to go back, even considering going back today. Should've ordered more croissants for the road to be honest.

**A Sweet Escape in Toluca Lake** Tucked away in the charming neighborhood of Toluca Lake, this little gem of a French bakery feels like a direct trip to Paris with every bite. Picture yourself enjoying a golden, flaky croissant alongside a perfectly foamy café au lait, all in a cozy, intimate setting. The homemade pastries are light, just the right amount of sweet, and evoke the warmth of a small café in Montmartre. Whether you're indulging in a delicate croissant or a luscious fruit tart, every detail invites romance and a love for sweet indulgence. The perfect spot for a delightful and dreamy break!

Their Croissants are always fresh fat and crusty. Family and staff are always friendly even when you don't TIP. Only outside seating available. I have gone back 6 times so far. The son Lou is awesome.

Wow. Wow. Wow. This is my favorite bakery in all of Los Angeles! The food here is seriously better than my favorite patisserie in Paris. Worth the wait, if there is a line (it goes fast)! Literally anything you get at Lou's will be a hit! I'm not a huge fan of almond, but their almond croissant is my weakness! My only critique of this place is that they're not open every day so that I get a fresh pastry any day of the week! When you go, get enough the last you the week because it's worth having seconds of. They also still taste fresh and great after a few days (if they last that long)!

Came here as our first stop on a recent trip to L.A. Got here mid morning and was not too busy, but after sitting at one of their tables it really picked up. They have a good variety of bakes and some drinks. We got the chocolate almond croissant, the chocolate fondant, the eclair and the lemon tart. Yum the flakes on the croissant were amazing. The best part of eating the croissant was definitely the ends where it was the crispiest. The chocolate fondant was just chocolate fondant, dense and not too sweet. You get a large slice. The eclair was probably the best choux I have ever eaten. Still slightly crisp and a yummy filling. The lemon tart was not for me. It was a snowball amount of curd with a very nicely thin pastry case. I only took one bite. A very quaint space. Just enough space to display their bakes and shove in the 3 workers behind the counter. There are a few tables outside to sit. Mostly street parking, but felt there was a lot of options and there was a parking garage near by. I do not remember the pricing but I am sure it was all worthy it. Very decent spot if you're local.

Out of quiche one hour after they start serving it. You should make more if your product availability is a one hour window. Artelice Patisserie has better croissants.

Very cute on the outside, and small on the inside. I really wanted to try their almond croissant but would have had to of waited a half hour which was a bit disappointing after waiting in line for quite a while already. Nonetheless the chocolate almond croissant was good, it would have been perfect if it was just warmed up a bit. I had an iced latte as well which was alright, not sure I would get it again- but I will be back to try that almond croissant

The quality of these baked goods are unmatched. The croissants are light and flaky. This place is a must visit.

I have been wanting to try this place for the past few years, but every time I was nearby, it was either not open for the day (they only open Fri-Sun), or I would arrive after it closed. I finally had the opportunity to come here and try their pastries as I was not disappointed! There was a line when I arrived, but cleared after I made my purchase. I ordered nearly one of everything they offered and they were all phenomenal! Even the baguette was great - one of the best I've had! The chocolate almond croissant was my favorite, great chocolate with almond paste inside a crisp flaky croissant. I met the man himself, Lou, when he offered us a chair and made sure we were comfortable. So nice! I asked him why he only opened on the weekends and that he should open up more days, but he explained that he needed time to make the pastries during the week, and also have time to rest. I get it...work life balance. But man, if you can get here on the weekend, enjoy these yummy treats, it's worth the wait!

This local spot speaks for itself as the line to order was already forming a few minutes before it opened. I ordered a variety including croissants, almond croissants, eclairs, berry tarts, baguettes, profiteroles, and financiers. ALL were amazing! There were a few tables outside but it is a typical French bakery-order at the counter type place. Lou's presence was so friendly and approachable!

The very best! The baked goods and coffee are so good here I am thankful he is only open 3 days a week otherwise I would be in trouble. Lou is such a sweetheart it feels like home so special and so treasured! The line is worth it and it goes quick.

Stepping into Lou's bakery is like being transported back to my childhood in Paris. It's a feeling only those who've lived there would understand, like visiting a local boulangerie with the most incredible smells and textures. There's always a line, but it's worth the wait every single time. The chouquettes are an absolute dream, and the croissants are perfection, fluffy, crispy, light, with that perfect buttery flavor, but never greasy. The service is fantastic, super friendly, and always welcoming. When you order your coffee, they add a custom little drawing on it, which just adds to the charm! Lou, the owner, is incredibly nice and welcoming, making every visit a delight. This place is a true gem! If only he opens a spot in San Diego ;)

If you want authentic, high quality French pastries and coffee, look no further than Lou's! The bakery itself is fairly small, and there was a a line out the door (for good reason!) of customers eager to order their food and beverages. The staff was friendly and quick with taking and packaging orders, many of them speaking French amongst each other which is a good sign! The pain au chocolat was delicious - it's so hard to find a good pain au chocolat that doesn't skimp on the butter, and this is one of the best we've found in LA. I also got a mocha, which was perfect with my pastries. There's some outdoor seating, but this would be a great place to stop by to pick up some pastries to go!

We arrived at Lou's around 9:30am on a Friday morning, there was a line of maybe 5 people which wasn't too bad. There is tons of street parking around there so it's a cute and quiet neighborhood. The line moves pretty quickly! When we got to the front, they were sold out of a few things, but they still had over half the menu. We ordered two lattes, one hot and one iced, a mixed berry tart, a croissant, an apple tart and an almond tart and everything was delicious! They were soft where they should be and crispy or crunchy on just the right parts. There is minimal seating around, so it's nice to take to go! We will be back to try more things!!

Best of the best! I had the pleasure to try their croissant. I'm sold! I don't usually like croissants but I loved it at this place. The owner is super nice! Greetings, welcomes, and small conversations give this place a friendly vibe. People working in there are very attentive, smiling which makes this place a great place to lift your mood. Also had their coffee, their almond croissant (my fav), their baguette, and 2 of their sandwiches. So far, everything I tried was fantastic. Thank you!

You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. Eclair was my favorite. Light crisp outside with lush creamy filling. Chocolate croissant was the best I've ever had in Los Angeles. The line can be long but it moved fast. Well worth the wait.

Perpetual line, but it moves fast for baked goods a bit slower for food/sandwiches. The croissants are where it's at though The plain butter croissant legitimately rival those I've had in Paris. Perfectly laminated layers upon layers of shatteringly crisp, buttery flaky gorgeousness. This is not a dieters friend. This is your cheat day delight. The croissant is perfect. Almond chocolate croissant deflated in crispness by the time I tried it but the flavors were so lovely. Perfect almondy interior with a deep dark chocolately strip of chocolate inside. It was so nice Worth a trip for sure for some baked goods. The Brie and avocado/pesto sandwich on baguette was not worth a 40 min wait though. I would pass on those.

The quality here is still as exceptional as I remember from when Laurent catered my school events before opening this standalone location. It's such a nostalgic blast from the past, and I'm thrilled to see how the quality has only improved over the years, starting from an already high standard. Highly recommend this spot for anyone who loves amazing food and a dedication to excellence!

Easily my favorite bakery in LA!!! Being French, I feel like it's so hard to find good authentic French bakeries but Lou sets the bar soooooo high! No other bakeries have topped Lou's. The croissants are *chef's kiss*, they're flaky, buttery and taste delicious EVERY TIME! I also like their chocolate bread (pain au chocolat) and eclairs, though the eclairs are much sweeter so if you're into that, definitely give them a try! I really love how they are consistent with their pastries. There was never a time when I was disappointed. Now keep in mind they get very busy on the weekend, the wait can be long like 20 mins, especially if you order sandwiches (which by the way, are delicious too and worth it!!! I tried the chicken and turkey sandwiches and would highly recommend them). I think they run out of baguettes after 1pm or even sooner sometimes so if you want baguettes or sandwiches, definitely show up earlier. Even their drinks are so good, I always get their vanilla latte and once again, it tastes delicious e-ve-ry single time! Wanna know another thing I love about this place? The service! Every time we ordered sandwiches and the wait was long, they'd give us a heads up before finalizing our order in case we wanted to skip the sandwiches. One time, there was a mixup which resulted in us getting our sandwiches later than expected so to apologize for the wait, they offered us a croissant *_* You will also often see Lou, the chef and owner, walk around and say hi to his customers. He may even sit with them and chat for a few minutes. He seems to know a lot of people in the neighborhood and that's actually how it is in France. Bakeries are in every corner and we love our bakers! Anyway I know this is now a super long review but I only have amazing things to say about this place, their food, the chef and the staff. I just wish they'd open every day ^^

By far the best pain au chocolate I've ever had! The pastry was perfectly flaky and buttery. You could just see all the many layers of lamination once you bit into it. I also ordered a hot vanilla oatmilk latte to go alongside my pastry. This is my favorite bakery and will definitely come back the next time I'm in town. Do keep in mind though that they have limited business hours and a line does form outside this little bakery. So get here early! The line does move quickly and everyone working here is very friendly.

The house that croissant built. Flaky, a tinge of savory and an extremely satisfying croissant. No doubt about it. Except my last visit (underbaked, stretchy, it was a very discreetly resolved thing). The staff immediately addressed and all was well with the world right then and there. But I'm posting this review to provide a balanced outlook on the irrational exuberance about this place. Croissants by a Frenchman. It's like pizza by an Italian (yep, lookin at you Da Michele). As with both examples, very, very good: hardly the pinnacle.

Yep, thee BEST croissants in LA!!! I prefer the original over the almond croissant or pain au chocolat. Worth the wait!

It's 7:45 am and there's a line 30 people deep.. Two thirds the city is sleeping in and it's only die hard pastry lovers up this early. Is it worth waiting for? If you're in the area, the Valley and Northeast LA.. Yes! But there are a lot of great worthy croissants and pastries and various areas of LA. The line does move fast here. Front of the line is one customer at a time which honestly could be more efficient but hey, they want a line outside that comes with the curiosity of the hype. I get it. The croissants here are nice and flakey on the outside and soft and fluffy inside. Chocolate almond croissant is also solid with ample almond filling and strips of chocolate inside. Almond tart in a shortbread crust is filled with almond paste and covered in perfectly thin sliced roasted almonds are almond overload. Pretty good. The owner is seen outside with the patrons which is always a great thing watching the owner engage with customers. Overall, very good classic French pastries.