A Taste of Paris in the Heart of Danville
Discovered Exceptional Pastries Away from Paris, Surprisingly in Danville, California
Step into the enchanting world of Maison Benoit, the French bakery that's turning heads in the Bay Area. Nestled in Danville, California, this pastry haven offers an unearthly experience that rivals the renowned boulangeries of the Left Bank.
The 925 isn't short of French-inspired bakeries, with established names like La Chátaigne in Lafayette and Brioche de Paris. Yet, it's the unassuming Maison Benoit that, despite its humble roots, has stolen the show, taking home the title of Best Croissant in the Bay Area after a hotly-contested competition in San Francisco.
I chose to visit the bakery one sunny morning, unaware of its recent accolades. Maison Benoit can be found at 402 Railroad Avenue, right in the hub of downtown Danville. The location boasts a small parking lot behind the building, and a larger municipal lot a few blocks away for your convenience.
Upon entering, you're greeted by a warm, inviting ambiance marked by a classy blue and gold color scheme. The space features tables, comfy leather chairs, and a shared communal bar table nestled beneath the window that's perfect for those working on laptops. Maison Benoit breaks away from Parisian boulangers, offering a more spacious and relaxed environment.
With its giant display cases brimming with an array of pastries, breads, and sweets, Maison Benoit showcases a diverse collection of classic French items. From dainty offerings like Tarte Fruits Rouges and Eclairs, to Viennaistries like croissants, chocolate croissants, and various brioches, there's something for everyone. For the heartier taste buds, the bakery offers Croque Monsieur, quiches, and baguette sandwiches.
The items are crafted in-house, with the kitchen visible adjacent to the ordering line, ensuring freshly-baked croissants cooling on large metal trays. Apart from the delectable pastries, Maison Benoit provides French products to take home, such as butters, spreads, and branded merch, boxes, and tea.
During my visit, I embarked on a gastronomic journey, sampling various items from different parts of the menu. The Pavlova, an impossibly flaky meringue cup filled with pastry cream and fruit, and topped with sweet meringue, was a celestial delight, confirming Maison Benoit's well-deserved status as the best French bakery in the Bay Area. The Frasier, featuring a thicker pastry cream (almost a custard) formed into a tower and filled with strawberries, topped with a tiny sliver of chocolate, was ornate and mouthwatering.
Keeping up with its award-winning croissants, the Pain Au Chocolat was an indulgent experience, with the croissant stuffed with not-too-sweet melted chocolate. The Chouette, little puff pastries coated in rough crystals of sugar and sold for $1 each, were not overly sweet and offered a far cry from American donuts.
Like all good French bakeries, Maison Benoit serves up exceptional coffee. I relished a cortado that was bold and velvety, as well as an almond milk latte that was creamy and delicious. The layout of Maison Benoit is thoughtfully designed, providing seating for laptop users and cozy spaces for catching up with friends, all while ensuring optimal convenience through a self-serve bar for utensils and water.
In conclusion, Maison Benoit is a must-visit destination for anyone who cherishes authentic French pastries. Its unassuming location in Danville conceals a world-class bakery that won't remain a hidden gem for long. Stop by and savor the exquisite taste of Paris before it's inundated by eager food enthusiasts eager to experience this culinary masterpiece.
For future food updates, be sure to join our free 925 News newsletter and stay connected with everything happening in Walnut Creek, Lamorinda, Danville, Concord, and the Tri-Valley.
- The variety of pastries, breads, and sweets at Maison Benoit align with the food-and-drink aspect of a lifestyle focused on home-and-garden, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes.
- With its stylish interior and offering French products to take home, Maison Benoit's lifestyle embrace extends beyond food, touching upon home decor and possibly even fashion, making it a true food-and-drink and home-and-garden haven.
