Le Panier

This was one of our favorite places in Pike Place. Although the line will wrap around the building, it moves fast so you won't wait for too long. We returned everyday for something new. The Jamon Mornay is a ham and emmental croissant with Mornay sauce that is divine. The Amandine is super popular and I can see why with that decadent creme. We grabbed a baguette for later on the day and at a cheese monger picked up a triple cream brie.

I only got the macarons, but I love them! I bought six flavors in total, and all of them are good. My favorite one is lemon. Their macarons are soft, unlike those hard ones. They're sweet, but not overly sweet. The store is cute, and if you're not in a hurry, there are many seats where you can sit down and enjoy your dessert!

The Almondine has a very rich almond flavor. The almond flakes and the sugar powder on top add more textures while are not too much to disrupt the taste and the aroma of the puff pastry itself. Nevertheless, most pastries sold in this store are cold. They have very few places for people to sit down and eat. A lot of reviews said their palmier is a must-try but to me it has no difference with the one you can get from your local bakery. The apricot preserve in their apricot croissant is too sweet to me (or maybe just right to those who have a sweet tooth)

Le Panier French bakery says it all. Everything is tres bien’(very good) looking and tasting. Breads are old world style and made in the French culinary tradition. Service is fast and friendly. Macaron’s have that good chew to them and flavors are natural. The showstopper for me was the almondine croissant. Sliced almonds on the outside, the filling tasted like fresh made marzipan. Rich, flaky, buttery goodness sent me back to the to time when I had these in Paris!

Best French bakery I've ever had. The eclairs were delicate and perfectly creamy without being too sweet or heavy. The fruit tart was amazing. I highly recommend it here if you are looking for an amazing breakfast. The prices were better than coming from SD. The coffee here is liked by locals as much better than the nearby original Starbucks with a much shorter line. Ordering was quick and easy. The line moves fast.