Rao's Bakery & Coffee Cafe

Rao’s is a beloved community staple off Cypresswood, and for good reason. With its welcoming ambience, cozy atmosphere, and bold coffee, it’s a local favorite that consistently draws me back. I usually come in focused on my morning coffee—especially their exclusive, robust 1941 Anniversary Blend—but their tempting pastry case makes discipline challenging, especially when I’m trying intermittent fasting. I’ll admit, their chocolate chip cookies are dangerously good—perfectly sweet, chewy, and irresistible. And truthfully, there are mornings when the enticing aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wins me over, ending my fast a bit prematurely. Worth it? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a reliable coffee spot, have a sweet tooth that refuses to be ignored, or just want an inviting place for your weekly gatherings, Rao’s Bakery, Coffee, and Cafe is absolutely worth visiting. Now, back to enjoying my coffee—it’s exactly the bold kick-start my morning needed.

Super cute coffee shop 🥰, feels like you’re in Europe and the atmosphere super cozy! . The desserts are super good ! And the coffee excellent. Also the decor is super nice ,I love it will definitely be coming back 😍

Love this little bistro! I prefer the "less sweet" items, so the Thumbprint cookie and the Sand Tart are my faves; but my hubby loves all the sugary goodness and peanut butter anything is his favorite. He also had the six layer cake/pie thingy. It was huge! And delicious! He also ordered a hand-crafted shake using three gelato flavors. It was so yummy! There are adorable decorations and gifts for purchase as well.

We lived in Beaumont for 20 years where Rao's started and we enjoyed this bakery so much over the years! Now we live in Atascocita not really close to this location but when we are in the area we ALWAYS stop for coffee and dessert! My husband's favorites are cinnamon rolls and apple turnover. Mine are the muffins and the thumbprint cookies. The people that work here are so friendly. It's what makes this place so great!

I read this place had a good key lime pie, so I took a drive to find out. I didn't know what to expect of this place. It was a delightful little cafe and the staff was friendly. I got a whole pie to go for $20 and it was a very good key lime pie, bit on the tart side but I enjoyed a slice when I got home. I definitely will go back and enjoy lunch or dessert with a coffee or some gelato here.

First time for us to come here. Service and atmosphere were great. The dessert were really tasty!

The atmosphere is extremely European with excellent tasting food. They make everything in house or in their own bakery. Very inexpensive compared to other areas. Staff was extremely helpful and friendly. Overall, this is the best bakery I’ve been to in Houston.

I got the strawberry cake for my son’s birthday and it was absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for being so kind and helpful!

Rao's is a beloved community staple off Cypresswood, and for good reason. With its welcoming ambience, cozy atmosphere, and bold coffee, it's a local favorite that consistently draws me back. I usually come in focused on my morning coffee--especially their exclusive, robust 1941 Anniversary Blend--but their tempting pastry case makes discipline challenging, especially when I'm trying intermittent fasting. I'll admit, their chocolate chip cookies are dangerously good--perfectly sweet, chewy, and irresistible. And truthfully, there are mornings when the enticing aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wins me over, ending my fast a bit prematurely. Worth it? Absolutely. If you're looking for a reliable coffee spot, have a sweet tooth that refuses to be ignored, or just want an inviting place for your weekly gatherings, Rao's Bakery, Coffee, and Cafe is absolutely worth visiting. Now, back to enjoying my coffee--it's exactly the bold kick-start my morning needed.

Better service today! Also ordered a cake for my birthday in September. My mom and I were craving a sandwich but didn't want to find a Jimmy John's so I suggested Rao's and glad we came. We've been coming here since I can remember. The ambiance is usually pretty friendly. If you're hungry or have a sweet tooth- this place covers it!

Super impressed with my visit to Rao's. I was greeted promptly as I walked in the door. I stopped mid track as I was blown away by the amount of goodness that slapped me in the face upon entering. I didn't want to leave. However staying would not be good either. I did not taste any of the lunch items however the dishes did look incredible. If they taste as good as they look, that's a win. I was here for THE CAKE! And the cake did not disappoint. There's so much to choose. If you're looking for cakes, pies petite fours or cheesecake, go here! I'll be back that's for sure.

Quick visit to Rao's for a late breakfast. Danya was my server. She greeted me when I came in and provided outstanding service. I ordered two breakfast wraps and a cinnamon roll. Service was great, with minimal delay. They have cakes, pies, cookies etc. Their pimento cheese is fantastic, and so are their coffee drinks. Restrooms are always clean, and they have outdoor seating if you prefer.

I had a great experience at this bakery. The service was great, my pecan cinnamon roll was amazing and my cappuccino was perfect. I'm visiting from Philadelphia and wanted to try some local spots. I'll definitely be returning.

Sticking to the baked goods next time. Perhaps an off day for them, or they just got clobbered by a lunch rush. The sit down area was dirty. A lot of patrons were coming in to snag pre ordered Kings Cakes that were taking up the back register and corner of the store. I opted to start with lunch a full chicken salad sandwich on a croissant with chips and fruit cup. Chicken salad was just ok. Them panini pressing the croissant with the innards just made it look pitiful. Perhaps that's my own misunderstanding; and the croissant was more of a finger bite size, not a full. Again maybe user confusion. The chips were bottom of the bag, I have kids there is no hiding when this happens someone always isn't happy to receive them. I got a piece of key lime pie to go and some strawberry macaroons for my daughter (2 for $5). I'm a pie snob and this missed the mark on my favorite. It was very dense.

The chicken salad at Rao's was fresh, clean and really good. However, I ordered the sugar cookies. I asked for them to give me individually wrapped cookies as I do not want them to stick together. They did not and the cookies were stacked on top each other and the frosting came off of some...melted on the back of others and the color was off. I think this is lazy of Rao's some pastries must be separate, individually wrapped or packed in a box different. This was lazy presentation and they need to change this because I for one could not give these unflavored bricks away. Wasted my money. Other than that, the I will continue to frequent Roa's because it is a nice place.

I have driven by this place many times but never tried it. Also didn't know it's a bakery where I could sit in, order something, and enjoy there. That was good to know. The place was nice, clean, and pretty spacious. I came for a breakfast meet up so thought the place was fitting for that. Food-wise, I'm a tea drinker so was pleasantly surprised by their tea offerings. See photo. Usually, I would order a baked good or two to try but am doing a sugar detox/healthy thing right now so I opted for something more in line with that. The choice I went with was a whole wheat wrap and asked them to just make it with eggs and chicken. That's a huge plus for me to get something with that much protein. It came with a tomato salsa and thought everything tasted great together. Overall I enjoyed my experience and would like to come back and try their baked goods when I can have sugar again.

Tasty desserts-from collies, Italian ice cream and cake, and a variety of brunch and lunch options. This time it was cake! Both were very good but the lemon was refreshing!

Very friendly staff, the most decadent looking pastries that can compete with the best . One of the best butter croissants I've had in sometime. Stop and try this place

There are no outlets for charging laptop/phones but has Wi-Fi & the chai gelato is GOATED

Our favorite pie here is Key Lime. It is so delightful! You can order by the slice if you are 't sure. We like to take it to our friends for parties, etc. The Chocolate silk is wonderful too!! We recently got a Cinnamon Mini King Cake. It was very sweet!! Would I buy another one??! Heck yeah! Coffee is good! Love the house blend!

I am not sure what has happened to this bakery, but we have been coming here since it opened and after the last three visits time to look elsewhere. Three times in the last two months I have stopped in mid-morning to pick up something and have ended up walking out without anything and each time for the very same reason. Quite simply, the service at the counter is so bad and so slow, compounded by the poor ordering flow, and other customers literally cutting in front of me in line I have walked out after waiting 10-15 minutes in line with nothing. The only person who moves with any urgency is the employee working the coffee station. A true shame because what they make is good, but between the inept service and the rudeness of other customers it is time to find another place.

Honestly an amazing spot. I just discovered this place on accident. I was looking for a quiet place to work before a meeting nearby and I was pleasantly surprised. The workers and the patrons are amazing. Everyone is so calm yet upbeat. The staff greeted me immediately and was so warm and welcoming. Sometimes you can catch one of them singing to herself while she makes coffee. If I didn't live so far away I would come everyday. The beautiful lady with an accent is honestly my favorite person now.

Coffee is Great, Food is good, atmosphere is Great, had an issue with a King Cake I called and they made me a fresh one that was Great. Front of the house could use some customer training maybe just short staffed. A solid 4 well worth a visit.

This place is unassuming on the outside but once you step inside it's really nice! Plenty of parking and decent amount of seating. So many pastries to choose from, the tiramisu was really good. I'd return to try more of their selection. I ordered a tea and while it was good, it was EXTREMELY hot and took forever to cool down, so I'd ask for some ice on the side next time maybe lol.

My go to spot for DoorDash dessert. I've been in a couple times and the service is always great. It's not my first pick for dessert but it's fine to satisfy a craving. I really like the baby cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, and apple turnovers.

This is a nice family bakery cafe! I love the gelato !!! the sandwiches and dessert are so delicious! I recommend the cheese cake and strawberry gelato

If you are looking for a nice quite place to enjoy a fresh pastry and delicious coffee look no further. Rao's Bakery has a great selection of homemade pastries, gelato, breakfast and lunch items. I normally order cakes from here for birthday's but never had the privilege of sitting down and enjoying a meal. Today I enjoyed a breakfast wrap with egg, bacon, and cheese on whole wheat tortilla. Was delicious but small. Will definitely come back to try more of there food, I do recommend if your in the area.

I've come to Rao's often to enjoy their delicious desserts. But I had no idea that they offered an opportunity to get children in the kitchen so they could make some of these tasty treats on their own! Last summer, I had seen signs for "Bake Camp" at Rao's. Didn't know what it was all about, and of course when I inquired, they were completely booked. This year, though, I planned ahead, which is what anyone wanting to take advantage of this great camp should do. I contacted Rao's in April regarding camps this summer. They had just opened up registration, so the choices were extensive. Wait too long, though, and you'll find out that camps fill up quickly, as there is limited enrollment and each day is devoted to a specific task and age group. --Camps are grouped by age: ages 5-8; ages 9-12. --Two choices of camps, with specific ones being offered on specific days: cookie camp or cake decorating camp. --Cake decorating is just that - fun with icing, decorating cakes and cupcakes. --Cookies are actually made by the camper. Start to finish (other than placing them in the oven for safety's sake). --Camp runs from 1 PM until 4:30 PM (sometimes a little after). --Cost of camp (2022) was $75. --Camper brings home the goods: boxes and boxes of decorated cakes/cupcakes (we took home 6 boxes!); one box of assorted cookies (several dozen in all). --All campers must have their hair pulled back and wear a hat and close-toed shoes. Aprons are recommended, but apparently optional since I saw many campers with no aprons (although my granddaughter came home with icing all over her apron, so it's probably a good idea to have one). What a great opportunity to get the kids in the kitchen. Both of my grandchildren had a lot of fun and they met several new friends while there. An excellent perk that Rao's offers. If your youngsters are looking for something fun to do during the summer, check out Rao's Bake Camp.

Great food, amazing ambience and the cafe has good personality. Service is pretty quick and a decent price. Around 15$ for a drink and sandwich with chips and soup.

Love this place! Try the layered strawberry (I don't know if they're shortcakes or Napoleons but you can't miss them!!!!

First visit to this establishment and received a warm welcome from half the staff when I walked through the door. A surplus of deserts ie cakes, cookies, pies, and even ice cream flooded the establishment. The staff was extremely helpful with their recommendations. I finally settled on the carrot cake, blueberry muffin, and gelato ice cream; red velvet and mint. I sampled the ice cream first and it was really good and the carrot cake was extremely moist; as cake should be and very delicious. A tad on the really sweet side but nonetheless very very good. My wife also enjoyed the blueberry muffin. Prices were also very reasonable. I'll definitely return to sample more desserts.

Pleasantly surprised at how wonderfully cozy and "bakery" this place really is. Table seating is ample, the cases are filled with beautiful cakes, pastries, cookies, and other desserts. Christmas treats are brimming in baskets, on shelves and counters, and the menu offers soups, sandwiches, and salads in addition to breakfast items. I had a chicken salad sandwich on a croissant, a mug of chicken noodle soup, and hot tea. Everything was absolutely delicious and satisfying. I left with 2 dozen iced Christmas cookies for my Christmas Eve dinner party dessert table. Service was welcoming and very friendly. I will definitely be back!

We came here for the first time a couple days ago, the atmosphere was cute and cozy. It was honestly the best croissant I have ever had..... If we didn't have to do errands after our trip here we would've loved to grab a bunch of their bakery items and sweets

My husband ordered a chocolate cake with chocolate icing from here. It was beautiful with fresh strawberries on top. The cake itself was so good and decadent. Not dry at all and super moist. If you like chocolate, then you need to order this cake. It was the smallest cake you can order, but it is a tall cake. I believe it has 3 layers!

If you're looking for a bakery, a real authentic bakery, with actual choices from everything from gelato, to macaroons, to puff pastries to decadent looking cakes and delicious coffee to wash it all down with, this is the place you need to be. I cannot say enough good things about this place. I've been here a few times and each time it's been for something sweet and a coffee. I've never considered myself as someone who likes sweets, normally I would rather have a bowl of mashed potatoes over a bowl of ice cream, but something about this place just reminds me of growing up in Chicago and hitting the bakery stores with my grandma and my aunt Liz, it just brings me back to that wonderful time and I can't help but indulging. Houston has a lot going for it, but bakeries was definitely not one of them in my opinion, that is until I found Rao's. Take it from an old Italian, this is where you want to go to impress anyone with an array of desserts or simply a coffee and a break out of the house. Take yourself to Rao's and enjoy your afternoon

Cinnamon rolls outstanding as is chocolate chip muffin! Excellent, friendly service every single time. Highly recommend

My husband would always get cannolis here many years ago. Fast forward to last weekend, we had gotten breakfast here. I wasn't really impressed. We had gotten cannolis to go and they are now store bought. Not made in house like we remember. We won't be returning as it was not the same as it was.

If you are in the Spring area and have that sweet tooth, pay yourself a visit to Rao's! My family always orders cakes for all occasions here, I picked up my mom's birthday cake this morning and it looks amazing! We also had to order some coffee- Pumpkin Carmella Latte (seasonal), and Carmella Frapp. The Pumpkin Carmella latte is good but sweet, strong pumpkin flavor if you're into that for this PSL season! They also have nice lunch options too and a variety of baked goods for the whole family to choose from. Customer service is great here, baristas and servers are patient and polite! Rao's Bakery is a quaint, community friendly, hidden gem!

Hit or miss most days. There is about a four month gap between cheese cake and chocolate silk pie. Both cheesecake and chocolate filling are both grainy. Over cooked? Their strawberry puff pastry heart is always delicious but that doesn't require heat. I guess if your going to buy deserts get the ones that do not require heat. Just disappointed that you expect to have smooth deserts from a bakery. I can make grainy deserts for cheap at home.

My literal favorite place to study; best chocolate chunk muffin, great panini's, excellent vibes.

I love this place they have good coffee and breakfast. I get all my birthday cakes here as well. The bakery items are so delicious!

I ordered a chocolate cake for my birthday. We were disappointed as the cake was half frosting! I like a little frosting with my cake, not a little cake with my frosting. We have been customers here since it opened. I have ordered 2- 3 cakes a year, and have never had this experience.

Always have liked this place but hardly get here as it's a distance from us. Sandwiches have been good, along with coffee & pastries. Like the atmosphere. Lots of seating. Outside seating is also available.

Just went to the store bec it says it closes at 9pm and guess what they are closed. Did not update store hours. What a waste of time and gas

We come here every year for the kings cake . And on the weekends for cappuccinos and croissants with bacon egg and cheese. We love this bakery. I also love how they sale decorations of the season it make the place look festive.

Just went into this place for the first time. Don't go here if on a diet. lol. They have the most delicious looking display of various breads and cakes. They have whole cakes and pies. But you can also get single servings which I think on cheat days if you can only buy one thing would be epic. Lol

A huge choices of pastry, dessert and latte as well as ice cream and birthday cake. Have place to sit and atmosphere is pretty nice and warm. Staffs are really well service. Highly recommended for anybody who wants a real chill thing to meet friend and study !

Stumbled upon this gem during a morning hunger and java craving episode, upon first glance from the outside it appeared to be a quaint restaurant so I was a bit confused at the sign Rao's Bakery. Once inside, I was greeted with an assortment of delightful aromas, confections, java and yeast surrounded by decor of Old World, Italian charm. I was so entranced that I could not decide what to order, but I went for the healthy option of a Banana Nut Muffin and a Cappuccino. The muffin head was the size of my palm and oh so delicate as it journeyed from plate to palate. Alas, I could only finish half, but that made the next morning breakfast a bit more special. Outside you are greeted with a refreshing water feature and if you choose to, there are two guys outside in black suits and sunglasses waiting to greet you!

I Love Rao's. It has been a favorite for many years. They are great for any occasion. I highly recommend them.

Came in to get some muffins and a frappe. Place is not that busy which is good. As I order Samantha took my order. I placed an order of two muffins, one cannoli and a frappe. Total of $13 and some cents, gave her $14 dlls She left the cashier and came back with a a box that contained one muffin and one cannoli. I thought maybe she only charge me for one muffins, but I couldn't tell because she didn't give me a receipt along with my change. Waited to see if she notice she only gave me one muffin and no change back. No, she totally ignore me, good thing there was another Cashier to help me out. I told her just order two muffins, she look at the cashier to see my order and indeed she charge me for two muffins. She had to get a side basket full of coins to get back my change. One thing I don't like about this place is dishonesty, and she didn't even care to apologize or look at me, she went on to do whatever she does nothing. I wonder is she has done this before. Kept people's change and not give you the right order. Or maybe she just thought I wouldn't speak up, LOL.. Never coming to this place again.

Let's start by me saying that I agree there is a lot of hype behind this restaurant. I believe that may have been why I stayed away from it for so long. I really hate to be let down. With that being said I really appreciate the customer service and the general ambiance of the restaurant or maybe I just haven't been out as much any more thanks to Covid, so any adulting feels fantastic. I purchased the Sicillian cheesecake and the keylime pie. Two of my three fellas share the same birthday, but that doesn't mean anyone should be sharing a cake/pie. I sure wouldn't! They were decorated beautifully and the woman helping me even brought them out to the car for me. That Sicilian cheesecake is heavier than she looks! The keylime pie unfortunately was a disappointment for me. It was much sweeter than I prefer. And I'd like the crust to hold together a bit more. The Sicilian made up for what the keylime was lacking though. I typically don't care for baked cheesecake or New York style cheesecake. (And thus enters the Sicilian, neither of those!) I love a creamy texture. This was UHH-mmaze-ing! If you are not into cheesecake they do sell their pies by the slice give it a try.

At a time when buying a cake can become extremely costly and doesn't always taste so good I can always count on Rao's. I've been getting cake for me and every "cake necessary" dinner I've been too. Never let me down and cakes always taste as I remember. Even after the flood the bakery/cafe is still running as efficiently and tasty as im used too! Customer for life!

Came here for dessert after eating a couple restaurants down. This place has a wonderful atmosphere and the staff was really nice but seemed a little disorganized when we were trying to get our desserts. The key lime pie was phenomenal, very tart and not too sweet. Their pineapple Gelato taste just like taking a bite into a fresh pineapple. Overall we would love to go back to try their lunch menu and more sweet treats!

The pastry is always great, the service is poor. On Saturday 04/ 13 I stopped by to buy some pastries for a meeting, the attendant was cleaning the counter. Using the same gloves she placed the turnovers and muffins in a box then used the gloved hand to wipe the jam on the box before handing it to me. The box was so sticky and dirty and she was smirking and acted like she didn't do anything wrong.

Came here around 8 on a Saturday. The place wasn't busy at all. We ordered bread pudding, cheesecake and caramel frapp. Everything was delicious. I recommend the place .

Rao's cheesecake made me a star! My dear niece celebrated her 50th birthday last weekend. I asked her son about her favorite kind of cake--cheesecake. My nephew said Rao's had the best. I called Rao's Bakery and was helped by the charming and very informative Joshua. I was calling from California, and wanted the cake to be really special and have it delivered. They did a wonderful job with delivery and making an awesome cake. I asked for Joshua's advice on the cake, and my family couldn't be happier. YOU MADE ME A HERO. I look forward to ordering a cake for my great-nephew's birthday.

Great food and nice setting. I have not been there too many times. It's not close to me, but it's worth going out of your way to try it out.