Nicole's Market & Cafe

I only have good things to say about this place. I mean, think about it, it's a totally French place place that's not in France. It represents in the legit fashion; I've had French friends and whatnot enjoy coming there cuz it reminds them of home. Is it perfect? Well, no. It is a bit expensive but you can't deny that they don't serve you substandard fair and that doesn't mean nothing. I enjoy eating inside for the dark cozy feel it has. It truly represents something; do you want some french cheese or some other type of French stuff? They usually have it- are they polite? Well, yes. Can you get alcohol there? Well, yes you can. What is there not to like but please, don't go mobbing there; don't spoil a nice place.

I liked it! A French Cafe with indoor and outdoor dining, plus a Gourmet market with all sorts of cheeses & pastries. We tried the Croque Monsieur Sandwich: French ham, Gruyere cheese, Bechamel and nutmeg on a baguette. Open faced ham & cheese Sandwich.

Being from Germany/France, I am sooo happy to have this place around for baked goods!!! Cozy place to sit inside or outside. My favorite is the passion fruit cake.

Great environment, coffee and perfect pasties. Super friendly people.... a bit pricey, but they have a good specialty cheese market with some flavors uniquely their own. A little cheese and wine, and Nicole's makes a simple life quite special. South Pasadena Museum is right next door. The neighborhood is a wonderful place to stroll and explore nearby the flavors of old California after you've enjoyed a leisurely cup of perfect coffee and pastry.

Come hungry…..Leave hungry. Portion control alert! When you pay $14 for a sandwich and leave starving something isn’t right. Check out the photo - caprese sandwich has four minuscule mozzarella balls and some pretty unripe tomatoes. Service anemic and rude and other reviews seem to agree - this place is a rip off and Nicole is spinning in her urn somewhere in disgust.

Cute market, but they seriously need to reevaluate their portion. The slices of ham & gruyere in my Ham & Gruyere sandwich were thinner than air. I left starving. Nice vibe otherwise

Yummy salads, croissants, coffee, omelets and more. Always friendly staff. I love sitting in the patio and enjoying anything on the menu.

Nice place to have some wine and cheese but food is very over priced and pretty mid. I had the salmon omelette and my friend had the prosciutto sandwich, both were just okay. The pastries are good, I like the croissants and the flourless chocolate cake. The pear cardamom tart had a really thick crust like a pie, not my favorite. Coffee is good. Market has a good variety. The service sucks, the wait staff are nice but if you sit outside, they'll bring you your food and then never to be seen again.

It's the first place I go while I'm at the Farmers Market in South Pasadena. I love their pastries especially the Croissant Bread Pudding. Amazing!! I'm so sorry to hear that it is closing. I'm heading there one more time before it does. I'm going to miss that Cafe. Thank You for your service.

I'm back with an appetite for some delectable delights, something for which Nicole's is known. I've taken the liberty of taking photographs of the dessert display. Each week, I struggle on which to pick because they are all so scrumptious. The menu is off the chain and don't tell anybody I mentioned this but the Sangria is to die for. My heart still sinks knowing that this quaint cafe is scheduled to close its doors at the end of the year.

Lovely ambience and delicious food. I enjoyed sitting outside and pretending that I was in Paris. The selection of food and drinks added to the sense of being in Europe.You will be missed!

Located off the beaten path, Nicole's is a hidden gem that is a favorite amongst the locals. I rarely drive down this street, so when I passed by I made a mental note to come back and check it out. This small family-owned Market & Café is reminiscent of the charming bistros you'd find in France. Once inside you'll notice that one half is a café and the other a marketplace featuring gourmet food and pantry items including cheeses, spices, pantry staples, wine, champagne, gifts, and frozen pastries such as croissants that you can bake at home. They offer a nice variety, so you can curate your own picnic basket for the Hollywood Bowl, the park, or the beach. This is a great spot to meet up with friends for breakfast, lunch, or just share a charcuterie platter and a bottle of wine. You order at the counter, and they bring your food/beverage to you. During my visit Theresa assisted me and she was darling. The desserts & pastries in the case all looked tempting and I wanted one of each. However, the beauty of the Chocolate Mousse caught my eye. It came in a lovely edible marbled chocolate cup shaped like a Tulip and was topped with white chocolate pearls. The mousse was decadently delightful - rich in flavor, creamy, and silky smooth on the tongue. This is a chocolate lovers dream come true. I'll be back to try the lemon tart and other pastries and to also pick up some frozen croissants to bake at home. *Great spot to visit after the South Pasadena Farmer's Market on Thursday. *Located next to the Gold Line Mission Stop. *Residential street parking.

What a nice little market cafe. Everything was exceptional. The service, the staff and the food. Upon going to the restroom, there was a sign that said this cafe will close at the end of the month. I will definitely come back a few more times before they close. Mushroom soup was so delicious, as well as the quiche Lorraine. Parking is on the street

It's a cute little store. You order inside and they give you a number. You can sit inside or outside. They will bring your food to you and clear the plates away. The food is basic which is why I give it 3 stars. I got a salami sandwich with a side mixed salad. Side salad was warm when it came out. Salami sandwich was very basic and mostly bread. It was ok but I wouldn't come back here again.

Located in South Pasadena, Nicole's is a French bistro and market stocked with a variety of French specialties and gourmet foods. The local gem has ample seating inside and out, shelves filled with an assortment of imported French goods and pantry items, a menu brimming with French cafe staples, and various desserts on display. After discussing the different desserts with the pastry chef, I ordered the croissant bread pudding, pecan tart, and blueberry raspberry struesal. The desserts were all rich and decadent - a little on the pricey side ($7.50 per pastry), but well worth it. ****************** My Ratings: 1 Star: Terrible; just thinking about it makes me angry. 2 Stars: Wasn't a fan so Not likely to return. 3 Stars: Meh. Average. Might return if others drag me. 4 Stars: Yum! Likely to return. 5 Stars: Amazing! Would plan my day around it.

Great service and quality of food from Nicole's. I ordered a Smoked Salmon Sandwich and a 1903 Craftsman Lager. The bread was nicely toasted and not soggy. It had a crispy texture but was soft on the bite. The Salmon was nicely smoked and had a great flavor. Highly Recommend. The goat cheese was wonderfully flavored combined with the capers and spread made for a delicious and wonderful sandwich. I also ordered a 1903 Craftsman Lager from the Craftsman brewery here in Pasadena. It was tasty and delicious. There is outdoor seating and indoor seating. The restaurant is clean and nice touches from France. I highly recommend coming here for lunch. Note, they do close at 3 except for the Farmers Market nights on Thursdays, which they close at 5. You won't be disappointed.

Portions are small and everything is expensive. However, I love the casual and inviting vibe and loved looking at all the goods. There was one employee in particular who was just lovely and warm to all the customers. That always makes for a great experience. Would love to go back for a casual lunch soon.

Proud to say I'm a regular. My partner and I enjoy the half sandwich and half soup special for lunch, and we look forward to coming here on the weekends! A big fan of their Prosciutto Pecorino Sandwich. While it's buttery, it's not greasy. As for the soup du jour....that's worth trying. From Butternut squash to potato leek, it's a pleasant surprise to see what's the soup of the day. I see other reviews saying the portions are small relative to the price, but I think it's fair. You won't be stuffed and sleepy after the meal, but you definitely won't be hungry either. The menu items seem fresh and light and even the desserts are delectable small bites. I like their crème brûlée. Not a fan of the pear dessert...it's an acquired taste but one day they served a very guilt-free chocolate mousse dessert shaped like an egg that was very fun to eat! There's ample seating inside and outside. It's especially nice to sit outside when the weather's sunny! I love watching folks biking or walking their dogs nearby. Sometimes an occasional peacock wanders into South Pasadena too. You order at the counter, grab a number to bring to your seat. People here are friendly. And the market has great frozen croissants you can bake at home. This cafe feels like a fixture of this neighborhood and I always love coming back!

We met up with a friend for lunch at Nicole's. There's a nice offering of salads and sandwiches which was great for lunch. Seating is either indoor and outdoor and the staff were really nice. We sat outdoor because the weather was beautiful and it feels like a Parisian cafe. There's a small market inside if you want some European specialty items. This place if worth the try if you want to slow thing a down and enjoy lunch like a Parisian!

Two stars for the food and value Five for the ambiance/location and the store The sandwiches are good but not great, and exceptionally over-priced. Tomato and Brie sandwich had good bread, ok Brie and flavorless tomatoes. Portion is small, and it is $16.50. Croque Monsieur is the same, it's good but not great and way too much. Side salad which is $4 is just a cup of moderately fresh greens from a ReadyPac. They to have some salads like the Nicoise which are worth it, but most of the food is not. They should either keep it as is, and give you more, or up the quality/interest of the fare. The store is a better value, with some items that are hard to find elsewhere and fair prices. Also the flavored lemonades and the coffees are quite good and well priced. If you want a coffee and some sweet, this is a nice place to come and you will not be disappointed. You can also enjoy a little stroll around the small shop. But if you are looking to eat lunch, you'll be disappointed and poor.

Cute market and restaurant in South Pasadena. I stopped by while I was shopping at the Farmers Market. They have imported items, gift items, spices, freshly baked goods,some selection of cheeses and charcuterie. A nice wine selection and coffee as well. Lots of outdoor and indoor seating. I thought about ordering something and sitting outdoors to have a short break from shopping but I didn't succeed. Three times I tried to get the attention of the two employees working behind the register with no luck. So I just left without ordering and tasting anything. Will give them a try next time I'm at the market and update my review.

What a lovely little escape from L.A. I mean it's not France but it sure is a nice little place that definitely has the right feeling of pulling off the road and grabbing some lunch and groceries.

It's the end of an era and I am sad. We lost Nicole and now we are losing Nicole's retail end of the business at the end of this year. My family has been following Nicole and her shop since the days she was located on Allen. The South Pas shop and cafe has been a go-to for me and many of my friends. I'll miss all of it, especially the lovely sidewalk ambiance. Sigh. I wish the family very well. Thank you for staying as long as you could. Au revoir.

Charming market and cafe' in a charming part of town. Grab a fresh sandwich or a cappuccino and sit outside and watch the people go about their morning. The market sells fresh baked goods, fresh made forced delights you can take home with you and of course a variety of wine and cheese. All delivered with a smile.

Very authentic looking and tasting !! Kiddos had sandwiches, I had an omelette and it did not disappoint. You order your food and get a number. The lovely lady at the register was kind and offered suggestions! They have cheese and wine available for sale like a little Parisian market , and hey had these beautiful baskets I will def be back again for brunch and a basket. There's seating inside and out

The Earl of Sandwich must be turning in his grave. When you're trying to lose weight, you might start by eating less. If that's the case....this is the place for you. Controlling portions is crucial for the owners of this restaurant as it has a considerable impact on their profits. Here...the customer comes last. The sandwiches here are anorexic. At $13 for the ham and cheese, you would expect an appropriate portion of food. What you get is a tribute to Nilsson's hit "One": 1 leaf of lettuce 1 obscenely thin slice of cheese 1shaved slice of ham 1 small squirt of mustard See photos, don't take my word. This is the worst sandwich I have ever had. The ham and cheese were so thin you can see thru them. While obesity is prevalent in all demographics, and oversized portions are seen in all types of restaurants, this place will take your money and starve you. It's easy to confuse serving sizes with portion sizes. They are sometimes used interchangeably. Nicole....listen carefully: The cost per portion derived from the main ingredient of a menu item usually represents the greatest part of the cost of preparing the item....in this case Ham and Cheese. Product portioning affects your guests' experience, food quality, and how many return guests you get to keep. For many of us, a sandwich was the first meal we learned to make for ourselves. It is, after all, one of the most versatile, simple, and universally beloved foods we know, with countless variations to satisfy every palate, dietary restriction, and time of day....except here. Put the profits aside and train your chef. Anyone can slap stuff between two slices of bread and call it a sandwich.....but you need stuff. The food cost for my ham and cheese could not have exceeded $1. Shame on Nicole's for serving sample sizes and charging for entrees.

Nicole's? What do you want me to say about it? I mean, it's a French style bistro in the heart of South Pasadena; that actually says quite a bit right there. It's like a little piece of Paris when you walk inside, dark but friendly. The menu is simple but representing French cuisine and I guess to a certain extent, the culture. I haven't had a bad dish there yet although I'm not much for white bread. Their omelets are tasty. Now an omelette costs about 16 bucks, so if this is not your cup of tea then don't come here. There's a nice outdoor area where one can eat, with umbrellas shading. Oh there's also beer and other alcoholic inducements if one is amenable; after all, this is a French place, yeah?

Bastille Day celebration was a lot of fun. Always great pastries and friendly service.

Came here to get the butter! It is so good ! Looking around in the store and the hand cream got my attention and bought one which helps my extremely dry skins!! It is moisturizing my hands very much!!!

Amazing place ! Food and service!! I am coming every month and this time I decided to share it ! Plus they have a great selection of French imported goods , tablelinens, flate-ware , I love it ! See you guys next month :)

The service was good! BUT, The food was 100% inedible. My partner ordered the Crepe, the egg on top was raw. The pastry was soggy, and lacked anything remarkable about it. it was simply a sponge to soak up the raw egg. the filling also didn't taste like much whatsoever, and for $17, the best thing about the dish shouldn't be the lettuce with balsamic vinegar on it. I got the tomato basil quiche. It was flat, greasy, and had the texture of raw tofu with only the taste of grease. I never complain, i eat GARBAGE but this was $17 of greasy garbage so i'm gonna complain. the soup was made from the waters of the pacific; the soup was over salty and somehow grainy? Management has changed within the last 2 years, i really hope they fix it up. Love you guys!!

Every item here uses the freshest quality ingredients. Our salmon salad and salami sandwich was ready before we were even finished looking around. Clean tables and great service. A must go to in south Pasadena

Love this place. I'm a Francophile and I feel they get the vibe right. Food and pastries are delicious and the staff is wonderful. Bonus is the little market with authentic hard to find treats and ingredients. Hello saucisson sec! Hours can be a little tricky to navigate at times but with regular frequency I've figured it out. This place is a really special gem in S Pas.

Came in on Sunday, we ordered the salmon sandwich and the ham and cheese sandwich with a side of Greek salad and a mushroom soup. Both sandwiches were great and the Greek salad too, the mushroom soup needed a bit more flavor as we assumed it was a cream base soup but on the bright side it was light. We had some of the bread pudding from the pastry section and let me tell you it was so good I definitely recommend you give it a try. They have some tables out in the front for outdoor dining or indoors too. The market section was a bit small with a few items but would definitely check out the cheese next time. The staff was very kind and welcoming.

The owner is the sweetest! Had the salmon and the creme bruelee. Omg the salmon was perfect! THE BREAD TASTED FRESH OUT THE OVEN! The owner waited until I was done with my sandwich to bring me the brueee! Perfect in every sense!

I can deal with the overpriced food and the tiny portions (I mean tiny) Oh well... But the staff (not the owners) I can't deal with the staff!! They are lazy, glued to their phones, having a good old time behind the counter, rude and incompetent. The service is bad bad. If you want to feel like you are bothering, go there for lunch

Like most places I've been to or have frequented in the past I don't always get the time to post about them or actually just forget about it considering I've been to so many places. But, this is one of the hidden of all hidden gems in the whole Pasadena area. Every time I used to go to the farmers market I'd have to stop in here to grab a drink or a snack or just something because it's that kind of place that sucks you in with their vibe. I hope once all this crap is over I'll be able to grab a nice bottle of bubbly or wine, food and sit outside on their quaint patio area with some friends and enjoy all the wonderful people who walk by and frequent such a marvelous place. Hang in there guys, I love you and all you do!

Stopped by for a light snack and shared a Croque Monsieur. Very flavorful open faced ham and cheese sandwich. High quality ham and cheeses! Service was friendly and helpful, letting us know that this was a smaller portion upon ordering and that the larger "madame" version was available. Nice casual lunch place, or for a quick snack.

Gave them one star, but they shouldn't receive any stars. I didn't even stay. We walked in, couldn't find anyone to help us, followed a waitress out the door, I said, "excuse"me, and she replied, "give me a second", I proceeded to then ask, "do we sit ourselves?" She didn't look at us, and said, " you can sit wherever you want. It's first come first serve." she said this, as she waved her hands and walked away, didn't even crack a smile. She looked like she was having a miserable evening . This happened yesterday during the farmer's market night. She was a Young girl with black hair.

My favorite favorite place to eat in South Pasadena and maybe in LA. I have never had a bad meal. I love to sit outside, relax in the sun and watch the Gold Line roll by. So totally French, I feel like I am in Paris. Friendly, nice staff, and lots of free parking nearby. If you like pate, have a pate sandwich and thank me.

Very disappointed in my last visit. Used to love this spot. Today the Salmon Quiche had no salmon, the Crape was more like a thin quesadilla, the grilled cheese sandwich had a minuscule sliver of cheese in it, the asparagus soup was bland and watery (like a cheap canned soup). Total for two 60$ for nothing of value. Well, I guess the croissant and the lemonade was okay... What happened to this place?

A French Cafe with indoor and outdoor dining, plus a Gourmet market with all sorts of cheeses & pastries. We tried the Croque Monsieur Sandwich: French ham, Gruyere cheese, Bechamel and nutmeg on a baguette. Open faced ham & cheese Sandwich.

Second time here today, both times we had omelettes, ham and cheese, and salmon with goat cheese, we also got a carrot soup, and Greek salad! We've fallen in love with this quaint small French cafe . I need to plan a time to have some cremant rose and a cheese plate. Portions are very substantial, service is warm and welcoming, and low key jazz and AC is the best.

Stopped in for breakfast and ordered the salmon omelette and cafe au lait. Breakfast was superb!!! They have an extensive selection of frozen pastries you can enjoy at home as well. Great breakfast spot in South Pasadena!

Adorable! Passed by one evening and came back the next day to pick up a to-do order. Lots of options with the cheeses, olives, etc. The owner was there, not a friendly person. I was the only person, literally, in there. No smile, smirk, hello...Nothing. She then knocked over a trolley and broke loads of items. The workers came out quickly to clean up and she wasn't even apologetic. Her response was "who positioned it this way"...It was out of the way and she was the one who was moving it around. Very bizarre lady. The lady who helped me was SO friendly and helpful. She smiled a lot and helped me choose some olives and cheeses. We won't be back though. The owners attitude towards me and her employees was very off putting.

This place is so awesome. Had some great carrot soup and a fantastic pear tart last time. Great food and friendly staff too

Today I visit Nicole's, a quaint French Cafe in South Pasadena. I have been coming here for many many years. Food has always been good until today. My friend and I ordered the Croque Monsieur, and it was probably the worst meal we have ever had.3 pieces of banquet with a slice of ham, cheese, and too much nutmeg. It was so overpowering that it made me ill. Before I ordered, I picked out two cheeses and a bag of paella rice. I ordered my 14.00 meal and I was surprised it didn't come with a side salad. It looked very plain. Then I got two watered-downed lemonades, 4 tiny bite side pies, all for the price of $70. Your quality has gone down and your prices are ridiculous. As a fellow European, I can not recommend your restaurant.

Nicole's Market & Cafe is a great place to have lunch in South Pasadena. I had driven by this cute restaurant in the past, but couldn't remember the name or street. It took me awhile to find it months later, but I was really happy I did. Food: 5/5 Stars We both ordered the soup and salad combo. The soup was a creamy broccoli and it was delicious. The spinach salad was delicious too. It had candied pecans and goat cheese. I love that they have wine too, so we both got a glass. The flour less chocolate cake and latte hit the spot for dessert. Parking: 3/5 Stars Street parking only. Service: 4/5 Stars You order at the counter and they bring you your food. It becomes a pain when you want to order dessert if there is a long line. Ambiance: 4/5 Stars I recommend going on a nice day and sitting outside.

Local favorite for delicious coffee and pastries. Have never tried salads or lunch items. But the quaint location and seating areas are perfect for quiet conversation with friends.

We used to love this France Cafe. Unfortunately I decided to stop going. The food is good but portion is too small, also pricey.

Literally the worst service, EVER! I ordered a sandwich that was on their actual menu and it literally took 40minutes to make. The guy told me they had to slice the meat. Shouldn't you have everything prepped that you offer on you menu? This was my first time here. Such a bad impression. I won't be coming back here again, that's for sure.

Great location , great food and fantastic ambiance. So bday brunch always fun. Nice market selections of wine and cheeses.

Oh why did I wait so long to try you?! Why? This place was ah-mazing! I ordered the Brie and tomato on baguette, pate sandwich, broccoli soup, creme brûlée, and a chocolate cup. I could have ordered some more but shyness got ahold of me. I don't want the nice lady to think that I'm such a glutton. The total came to $35.00 for everything. A bit pricey at $11 for a sandwich but it's well worth it. You deserve to treat yourself once in a while. I inhaled the Brie and tomato baguette ($11) like there's no tomorrow. No pics since I was starving. How does such a simple creation taste oh so good?! Quality ingredients will do that. I'm a sucker for soups so I'm not even going there since I am completely biased to any liquified meals. I am sort of a lazy chewer. Haha. I tried a piece of each dessert and it was yummy! For $4.25 each, it was so worth it! I think I might just go back for dinner before they close and pick up some more deliciousness. The service was great. Friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. Again, I can't believe it took me this long to come here. Parking was street but there is always ample parking so no need to worry.

The pear tart (bourdaloue). No need to try anything else. That will keep you going back for more. Nicole's is an absolutely under-rated cafe with excellent pastries. They have a variety of tarts, muffins, pies and other baked goods, all fresh and tasty. Nothing is loaded with sugar. During the weekend brunch hours they keep reloading their baskets of croissants and pains au chocolat as they come out of the oven. Their other pastries go fast too, so everything is fresh. They have daily specials. I really like their omelette, my favorite being the one with smoked salmon. I have tried a couple of their sandwiches and a couple of other dishes as well, and they were all good. The market section has two aisles where you can find all sorts of imported goods like cheese, jams and preserves, oil, fish, honey, flour, etc. You can find tart shells of different shapes. They carry a selection of wines as well. There are seats both inside and outside. The outside tables are quite pleasant as this is a nice and quiet neighborhood. You occasionally hear the sounds from the nearby metro station and from the local parrots every now and then which creates a nice atmosphere. I look forward to my next pear tart :-)

My wife and I love this place! I always find the food well prepared and tasty. Their sliced French ham is one reason we visit their deli, and the cheese selection is wonderful. Even though Nicole has passed on, the shop is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy their food and drink.

Wanted to try this French Café But was disappointed. Food was also mediocre! Our sandwiches were chard and burnt. Expected much more but unfortunately was not pleased! Staff behind the counter were not very professional and felt like teenagers just playing on their phones! Thought I would have a better experience, but unfortunately will not be back.

Stopping by on Sunday with my wife and not having been here for about five years, memories of past multiple visits came back in waves. Asking Nicole about 7 years ago if she had Mont Cabrer cheese in stock, and after looking on the shelf she said no, but she kindly said if you can wait 20 minutes I can get it from the storage facility nearby. And she did bring me this very hard to come by cheese. I was here multiple times over a period of 18 years for their French wines, cheese, products, and sit down lunches. Nicole Grandjean owned the market, restaurant, and warehouse. While always very busy she made time for you, but don't take too much of it. Today, Sunday, we had a bottle of chilled Sancerre ( Domaine de la Villaudiere Sancerre Blanc) from the Loire located in the wine cooler, packaged Brillat Savarin cheese, a baguette, a pecan tort, and a mocha coffee. Sitting under the patio umbrellas I was in France again, if not at Nicole's about 5 years ago. The wine was phenomenal, the cheese a luscious triple cream which we spread on a perfectly baked baguette. Service was kind and helpful. The restaurant/market is located in a quaint area with free street parking. When I asked about Nicole, we were told the very said news that Nicole passed away in May. We didn't know. Our sympathy and condolences are with her family. Her son continues the business. https://southpasadenan.com/nicoles-founder-passes-away-au-revoir-to-a-french-gourmet-master/ ,