Mamadou's Artisan Bakery

Excellent basic French-style pastries. Heard about this hidden gem from a friend. The bakery itself felt unpolished. No décor, a little chaotic, but clearly more focused on baking than presentation. No intricate pastries here, just hearty loaves, croissants, danishes, and brioche. We picked up a few classics. Croissant – The texture was spot-on, airy yet structured, with a clean buttery flavor dominating. A hint of sweetness crept in, which wasn’t exactly to my taste, but I could see this being the perfect base for a simple egg sandwich. Chocolate Croissant – For me, the real test is always the distribution and amount of chocolate. Here, it was flawless. A soft mousse-like pocket of melted chocolate sat at the center, so even the smallest bite carried cocoa richness. Almond Croissant – Unfortunately, this one was just alright. Nothing stood out, and the almond mousse lacked that nutty depth. Danish – Much like the croissant, the texture was excellent. A little too plain though.

Wow! A hidden gem. I am on a12 month survey of bakeries in New England and here, in this humble hole in the wall on the cheatin' side of Winchester, I find the best croissant I've eaten in as long as i can recall... and that includes Europe. And, a baguette that can hold it's own against the best of them. Find these folks a financial backer so they can get that espresso maker going and leverage the enormous talent back on the kitchen with a storefront that does justice to the product. Bravo!

Very tasty bakery in Winchester. Among the best almond croissant in Boston. This was the final step in my question to find Boston’s best almond croissant. This was the 13th and last bakery. I had very high hopes, and travelled over 1 hour by train to get here. The bakery feels very cozy, and the staff is very nice. I took one almond croissant and one baguette. The baguette was delicious. Mine was slightly warm which makes a world of difference. Perfectly chewy, slightly crispy. I am French and I wouldn’t be disappointed to receive this baguette in Paris. Most important however, the almond croissant. It was very good. But was it the best I’ve tried? No. Strong points are the croissant itself which is slightly caramelised yet still quite moist inside. What prevents this croissant from being the best in Boston is the almond paste inside. It was good, but not great. I personally would have liked it to have a more roasted and caramelised flavour, with a pinch more salt. If that was the case, then Mamadou’s bakery would have won the challenge. Still a very delicious almond croissant, would definitely recommend if you’re not too far out.

Literally the best bakery I’ve ever been to. The owners are incredible people and they make an incredible croissant. There is nobody I'd rather give my money to, I love this place in a way that almost feels religious

A solid 4.1 which mean you should plan to visit if you’re in the neighborhood or close by. Managed to get the last choc croissant; buttery ; right amount of choc but lost few pts on airiness. Baguette; v good , different texture to most French baguettes I’ve purchased in MA but taste did not disappoint. Loved the no frills local vibe . Will definitely return but some of the reviews best in Boston and better than France … nope.

Best sourdough bread in MA! Def recommend. Coming back soon for their olive bread❤️‍🩹

I heard about this bakery two days ago and had to stop by to try a few things. I got some breads (a brioche loaf, an artisan sourdough bread, a baguette) and some viennoiseries (croissants and pains au chocolat) Everything was delicious. I got the chance to meet Mamadou, the owner and he is so kind and friendly. I will definitely come again. If you're ever in the area (Winchester, MA) stop by and treat yourself to some baked goods. They're made fresh daily and you can see the bakers working behind the counter. The aroma of freshly-made bread welcomes you when you walk in. I went, I ate, I loved. I will be back. I just found out that they recently opened a second bakery in Arlington, MA and I look forward to visiting it soon.

There are a handful of incredible, well-regarded bakeries in the Boston area. NONE of them match Mamadou's. Other patrons seem to especially love the croissants, but for me it's the baguettes. Just the perfect amount of crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. It's a 5 out of 5 just for the baked goods. And then when you meet the proprietor and his family, the rating is elevated to a 10 out of 5.... 😉

Almond croissant was out of this world!!! We just came back from Europe and this was even better.

Perfect buttery, flaky croissants, tasty baguettes with a robust selection of "artisan breads. The was one woman serving customers- very efficient and polite. The ambiance is a working bakery vs a coffee shop. In fact they do not sell coffee. There are a couple of seats and high tables. Most customers are local and come in to buy bread and leave. Baguettes and croissants seem to be the best sellers.

This review is for their Farmers market representative in Arlington. The young guy who works the stall is extremely rude with no customer service and a bad attitude. He's worse than teens that work summer jobs. He's always on his phone and isn't helpful or nice, many people turn away after seeing him not bother to get up while playing on his phone. God forbid you try to buy some products because you would be hassling him. The cookies are hit or miss too, some days they're good others they taste bland. I hope management finds a better worker to represent them.

My all-time favorite sport for breakfast pastries. While they are a little pricey, it is 100% worth it as they are delish and fresh. I go here almost every weekend now because it is hand down the best!

An unassuming and no frills bakery that got two thumbs up from the entire family. The baguette was excellent and our chocolate chip cookie and almond croissant was warm and delicious. Will come back again.

Best bread and croissants in the area -- hands down! Every single thing that Manadou bakes is phenomenal. There is nothing like eating a fresh and warm baguette or enjoying a flaky almond & chocolate croissant. It is unassuming on the outside, but you can taste the care that the team at Mamadou's takes in crafting their bread. I would give Mamadou's 10 stars if I could.

Probably the best plain croissant I have had in the Boston/Greater Boston area. Besides being flaky, the taste of butter also comes through well, which some places lack even if the croissant is flaky. The baguette was warm still when purchased at 10am on a weekend. An amazing baguette! Wish it were closer to Boston...

One of the best croissants I've ever had. I was able to try the plain croissant and the baguette as I got there at 11:30am. The croissants were so buttery, and flaky, and soft on the inside. They just sold out of their chocolate croissants when I got there. There were several parking street spots and it was not too busy when I arrived. Staff was pleasant and quick. The place was small but clean inside with one table to sit at. I'll be back and get there early next time.

Best croissant I've ever had! We went at around 10 AM and waited in a small line. Staff was kind and very quick! We got one croissant, one chocolate croissant, and a loaf of sourdough bread. Both croissants were amazing- so buttery and crispy at the same time, just melts in your mouth! The sourdough loaf was so good, we can't wait to make sandwiches with it this afternoon. We can't wait to go back!

No fuss kind of place get in get out, must try the croissants some of the best around! I never regret stopping in after work.

Excellent breads and pastries. My brother found this gem by taking a walk and there it was. What a find!

Delicious classic pastries and excellent bread (got the pecan raisin). Really delicious. Definitely worth a detour.

The french bread is perfect... the perfect crunch, perfect chew. Since I've had this bread the only other place I will have french bread is in France and I'm not going there anytime soon.

The croissants here are AMAZING. I picked a few up on Sunday morning around 11 am and while they weren't warm, they were super buttery and crisp. They are perfect if you pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. They only allow one person/pair of customers in at a time but there wasn't a long wait when we got there. Note that they have a $10 credit card minimum!

We were looking at bakeries and came across this one. There are two locations, Winchester and Arlington. This Winchester locations looks like their baking headquarters but sadly there wasn't much left to buy after 1PM (sold out). There was a steady stream of customers going in and out of the bakery. It also looks like their Arlington location has more selection so I'd like to check it out at an earlier time before things get sold out! Butter Croissant -Flaky outside but not hard -Soft inside, chewy -Buttery, not super greasy Cookie -Hard outside -Soft inside supersingly! -Not overly sweet but still delicious No parking just on the sidestreet. I'm always on the lookout for great French bakery with great croissants and this is by far the Best one so far in Massachusetts I've tried. They are comparable to the ones in Paris.

I stopped in here as my next spot to try Boston's best baked goods. Mamadou's welcomed me with open arms and smiles as well as the best smells ever. With Covid protocols only one family is allowed in at a time while purchasing. The line went by quickly and was worth the wait. I was glad I was there early, I purchased almond croissants, chocolate croissants and a sesame semolina (best find for sure). Everything was delicious and I cannot wait to be back!

The only place in Middlesex county to get a genuinely good French baguette and croissant!

Great bread and rolls Not easy to park but worth the trip. Some breakfast breads but wonderful food all around

Hidden gems!! It was recommended by quite a few people so I decided to give it a try. The line was about 15 min when I visited on a Saturday Morning. I was so nervous when I took the first bite of the croissant Fortunately, it did not disappoint me. The rich, crisp and buttery taste hit the spot and truly resembles what you'll find in France!! Baguette and brioche loaf sold out when I got there. There is more in the oven but wait is about 20-30 min. Highly recommend getting there early if you can. As pictured, Hours has changed they now only open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 9-3PM at this location in Winchester. Bon appetite!

best croissant, I can not eat form other places after I ate the mamadou. These days it usually open at the weekends and Wednesday but if you are late you will not find much stuff to get

Good bread, but I've noticed a big increase in prices The bread is very good But $8 dollars a loaf is pretty steep Also it looks like the loafs have gotten even smaller

My boss first told me about this place. I've worked and lived in the area for over 15 years but never went in until this year--didn't even know about it. I first went there to sample some desserts as we were planning my son's Bar Mitzvah. I got the mini chocolate truffle bomb, brought it back to work and shared bites with my co-workers. I heard a lot of superlatives--everybody liked it. We ended up getting too much dessert for the Bar Mitzvah--a half-sheet each of chocolate brownies, lemon burst bars, caramel brownie squares and chocolate chip cookie squares. If you need a dessert fit for a crowd of 20-40 people, this is a good place to find. If you're Kosher, you'll have to save it for after the milchig or pareve meals.

Croissants are delicious, highly recommend! Fresh baked bread, so good. I'll definitely be back.

This is some of the best baked bread you will have. They may not always have the items you are looking for depending on demand and when you get there but their food is worth it.

The best breads around, and the pastries and cookies they've added are fantastic too. There's a good reason that the line often stretches out onto the sidewalk.

Everything is excellent. Well worth going out of one's way for. Note that this is a bakery, not a cafe.

I'm slowly working my way through the menu here. Both the breads I've tried have had gorgeous crusts and springy crumb. The croissants are flaky and buttery. Someday I'll get here early enough to for the brioche.

Walked in at 9 am to delight of fresh bread smells. Warm chocolate croissants were great, oatmeal cookies and Asiago sourdough bread will have us coming back! If it's open, stop in and treat yourself.

Excellent baked goods, quick service, small shop. This is a buttery croissant worth waking up early to taste.

Absolute GEM. Found this hidden gem in Winchester on my daily travels in the area. Very unassuming humble exterior and interior but absolutely AMAZING croissant. The BEST croissant I have ever found. I also tried a brioche bun which was equally amazing. I am so happy to have found this absolutely FANTASTIC bakery. I can't wait to share this place with frienda and family. *UPDATE* just ate the Italian loaf I picked up this morning for dinner tonight. It was AMAZING! I sensed a hint of corn meal in it. Delicious. So flavorful and I couldn't stop sniffing it's awesome aroma. What an absolute hidden gem this place turned out to be. My new favorite bakery for all my bread needs.

The best bread and pastries in town, hands down. Great customer service too. We go every week for their delicious almond crossaints and brioche.

We were in the area, read the Yelp reviews and had to check it out. The bread is awesome - I'm so glad we did. The store front itself is nothing to look at, but the inside is airy and clean. There isn't anywhere to sit and eat, and there's no fancy coffee. But what there is, is delicious bread and baked goods. There isn't a wide selection- the day we were there they had plain baguettes, 3-4 types of bread (including cranberry and fennel. Unusual, but very delicious!) and 2 types of pastries. We were feeding a crowd, so took one of everything. Nothing disappointed. Well, the only thing that disappointed me was that I hadn't bought more to eat later! Give it a try - it's worth the trip.

OMG, the cheddar and Asiago cheese bread! And the olive bread, too. This place is amaaazing!!!!! I have never eaten better bread in my life. (Unfortunately, I have to travel a little to get it, but it's so worth it.) Try this place, you won't be sorry.

Quite simply the best baguettes in the Boston area and better than many I found in Paris. The viennoiserie are top notch as well.

Just amazing bread--plus on weekends croissants, brioche, challah occasionally. The only downside is they close at 3 p.m. and aren't open in the beginning of the week. It's just down the street from my house, and my son drops by to buy bread for a snack, it's that good.

Absolutely best bread outside of France. Baguette and diff croissants are my favorite. Get there early to get them fresh and warm! Sometimes they smell so delicious, it doesn't make it home before fully consumed.

Mamadou's brioche loaf is delicate and super tasty ... the taste of eggs and rich butter without the density ... a feathery and light, melt in your mouth goodness ... so easy to eat and one can't stop eating it. You don't need anything else although in the picture is an Austrian apricot jam from Staud in the Wachau valley, which is famous for apricots and everything apricot. That is another story but we're talking about Mamadou's brioche loaf here ... SO.DARN.GOOD. Thank you, Mamadou, for baking such wonderful breads and pastries!

My family can't live without Mamadou's bread. We travel to buy fresh bread at least 3 times a week. The sourdough has just the right tang and crust. If you are lucky enough to get a warm one it won't make it home unless you live within 3 blocks. I am NOT a bread person; I pass on it almost always! But this bread is not like other bread. It is worth the drive. Remember to buy extra because you will need it. And other bread will never taste the same. Oh, I almost forgot! Everyone is so friendly and warm. Even if they are out of what you came for, you will leave with a smile on your face and wanting to come back tomorrow.

Hands down best croissant I have ever consumed. This is *the* local business to support!

You haven't heard of this place yet, have you? Or maybe you were at your friends house for dinner and you had this totally awesome bread and you went "WOWIE! Where'd you get THIS?! It's like a party in my mouth and they're serving bread from heaven!" Well, either way, you've found it. This place is a gem in the rough. Hasn't been here long. It's a bread bakery through-and-through. Bread-ery? Is that what you'd call a bakery that only serves bread? Either way you won't find sweets or garbage here. Best bread of your life. The place needs work - and by that I mean the space they bought for this operation used to be a mechanic's shop. This was ages ago. It's been vacant for years. But now that it's a bakery, they need nicer windows to showcase their work. They did repaint the place - it's this bright orange now. Go get some bread here. Then YOU can be the cool kid name-dropping this place at your next shindig.

I don't know a better place for bread in the area and this bakery is surprisingly unknown. The location is in a residential part of town outside of the town center. Taking the extra effort in finding this bakery will yield something amazing. It's very spartan inside the bakery, but the bright sun bounces off the white walls, lending itself to a warm and simple decor. The cranberry pecan is the absolutely fantastic, contending as the best bread I've had in Boston. It's got the characteristics of fresh, thoughtfully-made bread: crispy, yet not burnt on the outside; while being soft and chewy on the inside. There are a ton of pecans and dried cranberries, so you're not skimped on that. At $6, it's a little pricey, but definitely worth the money, especially compared to other local bakeries. I tried the raisin pecan as well, and it's really good too. I think I'll give the slight edge to the cranberry, but you can't lose with this offering either. The raisin is also crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. When I was there on a Saturday, the bakery informed me that they no longer sell raisin cinnamon. :-(

Exceptional French bread making by Mamadou. Any of the breads are excellent, but the butter croissants are phenomenal, and (when they have it) you have to try their rosemary/cranberry bread. There's a reason why there is a line outside their Winchester location every weekend morning when they open.

I heard about this bakery yesterday and had to stop by to try a few things. I got some breads (a brioche loaf, an artisan sourdough bread, a baguette) and some viennoiseries (croissants and pains au chocolat) Everything was delicious. I got the chance to meet Mamadou, the owner and he is so kind and friendly. I will definitely come again. If you're ever in the area (Winchester, MA) stop by and treat yourself to some baked goods. They're made fresh daily and you can see the bakers working behind the counter. The aroma of freshly-made bread welcomes you when you walk in. I went, I ate, I loved. I will be back. I just found out that they recently opened a second bakery in Arlington, MA and I look forward to visiting it soon.

All other bread is now inferior. I've had the plain croissants, chocolate croissants, and almond croissants - all are amazing! I've also tried the dinner rolls and a loaf of bread that had cranberries and walnuts. Everything exceeded my expectations. The gentleman who owns the bakery is also very friendly and seems genuinely happy to be baking. I wish this business all the best!

Is this place shut down permanently? Have tried to buy bread several times over the past months and there's always an ambiguous "closed" sign on the door. Seems like a weird way to run a business by leaving regular customers hanging with no estimate of when it might reopen.

The bakery is unreliable. They were inside making bread, but the doors were locked. I'm disappointed that this bakery didn't open on time. The sign on the door said open at 9 am, but it was 9:05 and we were waiting outside in the bad weather. What bakery can't be open by 9??? I ended up going to Tous Les Jours. It opened on time.

Excellent bakery for French and Italian bread. Overpriced but still worth it from time to time.

I don't usually eat or even crave bread. That seems to have changed a month ago when I tried a croissant from here. Every time I think about it, I have to go the next day to buy one from here. I'm afraid all croissants not from here will be inferior now. Have yet to try their loaves, but they smell extra good in the morning! Owner already remembers me and has always been friendly.

Today we visited Mamadou's at their new Boston Public Market location. We don't live near their Winchester store so it was our first time. Now, it's no secret that Boston is not the croissant capital of the world... Many attempts, even at otherwise respectable bakeries, fall far below international standards. Having said that, Mamadou's almond croissants are really great! They don't look exactly like most others ( e.g. Athans, another excellent local exception), but they certainly match up to the best I've had in Europe. A bit pricey? Maybe. But worth it! We also bought a wheat bread that is exceptionally moist & flavorful. Can't go wrong there either.