Crispian Bakery

I saw an article that listed Crispian as among «the best croissants in East Bay» so of course I hightailed it over here
Specialty croissant was incredible– flake, tossed almonds, Nutella inside.
Brought Macarons, olive oil cake, cookies to a friend who later called & demanded to know how & where to get more.
Fresh & tasty. Coffee is fantastic (but we wish they had soy or some other non diary option). Service is informative & friendly even when we have lots of questions,
It’s pricey sure– but u get the value of a great product. I prefer that over a huge cheap but crappy pastry.
The granola is amazing too.

if you love wonderfully, delish bread and pastries this is the place to go but wonderfully delish means pricey too. remember, you get what you pay for. place is nice and clean, beth’s staff are friendly and helpful. if you want something special, talk to beth about it and
you will be amazed on what she can whip for you.

Since this bakery opened my diet has been reduced to one mainly consisting of bread and cake. It’s so good, I have no need for eating anything else. Of course, I have my personal favourites. The sesame bread is excellent although the timing of its purchase is critical — too early (pre 7.30) it may not quite be baked yet, or later (after 10) it may be sold out. You have been warned. My fall back in case of no sesame is their baguette dough shaped in a torpedo shape. Additionally, they will allow me to special order their baguette dough baked in a compact tin shape which I love for its denseness, it makes great toast. I buy a couple at a time and then slice and freeze them for perpetual toast supplies.
From the cake section, my favourite is the double caramel cream puff, with a caramel cream inside and a cracking shiny hard caramel outside, on top. The eclairs are pretty good too. I am also a fan of their almond croissant which are extremely rich and buttery and therefore wicked in a good way. A mention must also go to their sugar pies, although I don’t recommend filling your cake hole with them whilst driving as you might get sticky sugar-​pie sugar-​sauce all over your steering wheel. My last pick of the very sweet bunch would have to be the Craqueline, a brioche with hints of citrus and a lovely crunchy sugar topping. I think they may only do those at weekends.
One time they were selling a wonderful apple and blackberry jelly which I vote for the return of too.

Love your French Onion Soup Bread.
Super moist.
Super airy.
And the melted caramelized onions and melted cheese gives it such a meaty flavor!
You are my new favorite bread shop in Alameda. No need to go to SF anymore.

Came here on a Saturday afternoon. Street parking as well as a free parking lot in back accessable from Buena Vista Ave. I walked in and the first thing I noticed was the comparatively small selection of breads and pastries available. Everything was very pricey and seemed very unique. In particular, the breads were very unusual. However, I was just looking for a loaf of bread of some type and there was nothing there that simple. I ended up getting a extremely tasty fruit tart and a disappointing chocolate croissant. The croissant was good, but the chocolate inside wasn’t melted at all. Basically a croissant with a small chocolate bar inside.
Maybe I came too late in the day to see all of their selections. Excellent service. Seating to sip their coffee and have a pastry.

We bought a few goodies for a bday lunch today, and simply AMAZING. Our friend mentioned it was good, but truly surpassed all expectations in both taste and aesthetic. I am so impressed and worth every penny as prices are higher, similar to Miette, Tartine or La Boulange.
I got their 6″ passion fruit chocolate mousse cake $ 25 (heavenly) pb&j macaroon $ 2 each (outstanding and now my favorite macaron ever) and Mallowmores $ 1 each (I didn’t try it but also got rave reviews from everyone who did. House made marshmallows on top of a cookie & covered in chocolate I think). The flavors were all very balanced, along with the textures… really perfect!
The service was also another really great aspect of this new little bakery, genuine, kind and warm which fits in well with our small community.
Love this bakery and places Alameda in a whole new playing field of good eats… yay for us! Thanks Crispian, we are already planing our next visit.

The ham and cheese croissant is amazing. The staff were very friendly, and the space was really nice. I could sit at the window and stare at people all day!

A mistake made me a huge fan of this bakery…
I went to pick up a surprise birthday cake for my boyfriend at the designated time — just before closing. When I ordered it a few days before Christmas, they also had received about 45 Christmas buche de noel cakes that day — but when I went in a few hours before the surprise party, my order had been lost. I told them not to worry, as I can only imagine how stressful making all Christmas orders must have been. I would go to Safeway and get a pre-​made cake.
But… the owner was devastated, and his wife/​chef equally as upset. It was closing time on Sunday afternoon, 2 days after Christmas, and the chef insisted on coming in and making the special orange chiffon cake.
Not only did she do this in just a couple of hours, they delivered it to my home!
They went above and beyond the call of duty, and I was so impressed with their customer service and professionalism. Not to mention that the cake was divine! My friends were all impressed, and my boyfriend thrilled with the delicious orange chiffon cake!
I am a total fan of this very special bakery, and highly recommend them. Their breads and dessert are of the highest quality, and the husband and wife team who own it are awesome!
Thank you Crispian Bakery for coming to Alameda!

Always a special treat to stop here:
*intimate, warm service
*excellent almond milk lattes
*wheat free options
*seasonal sweets
*extraordinary breads
*croissants that are still perfect the next day
*cookies that make you cry
*showstopper hostess gift
Mature bakery, still speaks to all age groups, the littles enjoy the spicy choco and ginger cookies.
Don’t ever leave us.

I finally tried out Crispian Bakery in Alameda a block from the Marketplace where another bakery is. There is plenty of street parking nearby.
Lots of stuff looked good and I didn’t study what to get before going so was overwhelmed with too many choices.
The 2 things I got were Really Good!
Chocolate chip cookie $ 1 — small size, chewy, and full of chocolate chip! Recommended.
Ginger cookie $ 1.25 — small size, had lots of candied ginger inside. I liked it.
Next time I need to go early to get Sugar Pie — missed it by 1 person.
Sticky Bun $ 4.25 — looked good, I should have got it.
Olive Bread — will have to buy a loaf to try it.
Recommended. I will be back. Can charge it and no minimum amount. One unisex bathroom to use.

Honestly, they should just go ahead and rename this place «Crispian-​d Absolutely, Mouth-​Watering Delicious Bakery Bliss!»
Crispian not only offers the BEST and most unique pastries in town (fact), but also pours one of my favorite coffees in the entire Bay Area (opinion). The craftsmanship and artistry of the head chefs is clear in each and every offering here, as the pastries simply taste of love and affection while the bread’s honesty and taste speak for itself. This is seriously as good as it gets, and I feel so honored to have it so close to home. I’d give them 6 stars if I could.
As for ambiance and environment, Crispian’s understated, clean simplicity attracts my eyes and provides me with coziness and comfort from the outside world – what more could I ask for? Service is friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. 5 stars.
Now to address the negative reviews I spotted here–
To the man who doesn’t understand that all half&halfs in each and every café in America should be kept at a certain temperature by Health Code regulations: They’re just following the law, and even if they weren’t, do you have a very hard time asking for something? It’s a little vindictive, in my opinion, to negate them down to 2 stars simply because you had to ask them for cream… in which they were able to give to you.
To the woman who complained that the ham&cheese croissant was too unique, too perfectly crisped on the outside with a soft, savory inside and that the decadent aroma embraced everything including man and fellow pastry around it… I have no words for you – there’s a McDonalds down the street for your egg mcmuffin though!
Now to sum up and end on a high note, this place is incredible. I can’t wait to become a regular who’s known by his name and for his loyalty to this world-​class business. Congratulations, Crispian, you’re a real star.

Amazing baked goods, amazing coffee, but no 5 stars because they don’t have cream for their coffee. Why no cream??? Or half and half? Either would do. My husband and I have both asked why they don’t have it and it seems to be a mystery. As soon as you get half and half or cream this will be 5 stars. And seriously that ham and cheese rolled croissant thing is the BOMB. Also the granola. That shit is amazing. It’s no wonder they have trouble keeping up with the demand.

A true 5+ star business. I consider myself lucky that a bakery of this quality opened so close to home. The head chefs have been available to describe the items in detail which makes choosing from the wide variety of treats much easier. The almond crossiant is my favorite offering a variety of subtle flavorers which reflect the bakery’s personal style. The prices are reasonable for the quality and care put into each offering.
Be prepared to have your expectations of bakery good raised to a higher level. Try at least four different things over several visits to get a full measure of the high quality.

The bakery is beautiful and very clean, and the staff seem very happy to see you (although they appear to be pretty awkward when communicating with customers). I was so excited to learn that there was a ham and cheese croissant on the menu even though they were not out to be viewed.
So I ordered two ham and cheese and one plain, all which were put together in one box. Once I got home and opened the box I saw that they were very far from traditional (covered in herbs on top). I was happy to give it a try but found myself very disappointed pretty quickly. The herbs on top were just way too much, making the croissant incredibly salty and inedible and as a result had to be tossed. Also, because it was boxed with the plain croissant that had to be thrown out as well since in just the ten minute drive home the plain tasted exactly like the herbs too.
I believe they have the right ideas on how to make their pastries different and unique, I just feel that they need to work on their execution a bit more. Their pastries are extremely high priced, and that was basically money thrown away on my end.

I felt compelled to write a review.
I’ve been about five times and today at 7am I got a baguette, banana bread, and sticky bun. Nothing short of transporting me to sitting on the side of the Seine eating some of the great things in life.
It makes me think of Du Pain et des Idées, the way they distinctively create a deep dark crust… which is where the flavor is… it’s different. The crackle of breaking into that crust… amazing.
Yes it’s a bit more expensive, but quality comes at a price.

Excellent items. Picked up 3 things on my first visit, the Olive Oil Cake, Raspberry filled brioche and the Ham & Cheese Croissant. Everything was excellent, and I believe I’ve found my new favorite Ham & Cheese Pastry in all of the Bay Area. With its fennel notes and herbs, it adds a great twist and depth to this version. Definitely looking forward to future visits next time I’m in Alameda.

We’ve been here a few times now. Gotten the ham and cheese croissant, the specialty croissant, butter croissant, olive oil cake, filled brioche, ginger cookie, brown butter cookie, and coffee.
Pastries are good. Sometimes they seem a little over browned, although not burnt. The ham and cheese croissant is not exactly a traditional croissant as it seems to be multigrain. The specialty croissant has too much going on. It has sliced almonds on top, implying visually that there might be marzipan or some almond paste in the middle. The staff happily tells you that the middle is strawberry and chocolate. Strawberries, chocolate, and almonds all together are a bit overwhelming for a little 4×4 pastry square. It’s not bad, but it’s also not French, although I guess you could say any croissant is «French inspired.» The olive oil cake is serviceable.
The coffee is good, although there is no half and half provided at the coffee station. That seems cheap or inattentive. I noticed that I’m not the only person noting the lack of half and half, however.
The cookies are the best deal. They are reasonably priced and very good.
This is a good bakery.

TL;DR: Every product tried is delicious! While pricier than the average bakery, the superior product is worth the cost. If you’re looking for a special baked treat for yourself or others, this is the place to visit.
I’ve always been suspicious of fancy sounding bakeries. In fact, the more expensive the item was, the bigger my bias grew. $ 1 for a cookie… pffft! Then I tried Crispian Bakery and realized how narrow minded I’ve been. Every single baked good I’ve tried tastes amazing. My husband and I have made visiting Crispian Bakery every Friday and trying a different item our new weekly ritual. The baked goods (croissants) and desserts (cookies, cakes, and eclairs) are always fresh and light with a unique twist that makes it memorable. My favorite so far are the hot chocolate cookies — a deep rich chocolate flavor that is not too sweet with a surprisingly pleasant lingering spicy note at the end. The store has a clean and modern feel. The staff is friendly and knowledgable about the products. Alameda is lucky to have Crispian Bakery open in our area! They bring a higher level of sophistication and our little island is all the better for it.

Arsicault Bakery is still looking for bread oven. I could not wait any longer. I had a vision to execute. I wanted charcuterie for dinner. Had an half hour break between meetings and discovered this place. Bought baguette, they only had three left at 1 PM. Shuttled it to the city. Assembled what I thought to be a very average dinner: cheese, soft and hard; meats, spanish; wine, red; figs and blue berries; marcona almonds. Crispian baguette. Dessert: spicy chocolate cookies, also Crispian.
Excellent dinner. Companion said. So good that I got a text message next day to thank me for the deliciousness. I think it’s because it was a very warm evening in the city. And baked goods from Alameda seemed exotic. All the way from across the bay.
Seeing I did so well, I think I will be carrying a basket of Crispian goodies soon again, this time headed to my Russian River retreat.

Time: 9:47am/65°F partly sunny
Purpose: A new up and coming place down the street is in the works. I stop by for brief meet up. Before hitting freeway back to office a scan on Unilocal reveals .06 mi away didn’t know about a permanent location for CB.
Ambiance: Located on Park Street next door to Alameda Island Brewery. Place is average size with a bare bone feeling, but not plain looking. The unfinished cement floor may be culprit here. Feels some what cozy with grayish painted walls and modern tables/​chairs. Frame picture adds a contemporary look. There’s only three tables that sits two each and three counter top facing Park street. Counter itself sit in center with rolling bakery rack besides it. Glass cover box acts as sneeze glass with wooden tray planks. Ipad, business cards, cash box finishing it off. Behind counter your standard basic shop equipment/​supply set up espresso machine, grinders, menu board, sink, prep counter. Utensil station with the self help fixings. High ceiling with adjustable gallery flood lights along with cord hung lights. No entertainment of any kind very quiet only sounds from passing motorist.
Staff: One girl could be owner sisters wasn’t sure, I only know Beth from previous run ins at public marlet. Friendly and engaging, I ask questions other girl wasn’t sure or in doubt, Beth was close by to fill gap. I was never left alone from time of entrance to time of ordering. They thank me as I went about my day.
Cleanliness: Grade A, impeccable with nothing to say. Since they’ve open five days ago, its still consider new. See through vinyl bag with zipper for rack was use. This tells they’ve pass the food handler safety course.
Eats/​Drinks: Large drip $ 2.50 Mr Espresso was alright as their coffee carry a unique taste like fruity berry. It was hot and strong certainly smooth with each sip. I didn’t add suagr or cream to test coffee for full flavor taste. Slice of banana nut bread $ 3 was very fresh. You can taste ripen bananas use and quarter pieces of walnuts embedded. So fresh that it breaks apart whenever I lift up. To resolved this, I went ahead place it back on paper bag and slide to edge of bag. From there, it meets my mouth with pleasure bite after bite.
Main Features: Sticky buns with pecan $ 5.50, financiers, focaccia.
Products/​Services: See picture menu for full list. French onion soup bread, sesame bread, baguette. Cakes custom orders only, online ordering. Coffee by Mr Espresso/​tea coming soon. Find them on FB, Instagram, Twitter.
Punch Lines: Baked daily, modest price, better than your average, pleasing flavors, seats are minimal, drool-​worthy, small batch, french-​american inspired, limited beverage choice, personable staff, laid back, calm vibe, well-​prepared, zippy service, can’t go wrong, casual and good, unpretentious, satisfactory, kept its standards, family run.
Tradeoffs: Paying a little more for daily baked goods and knowing who’s behind it, versus process production made not knowing source of ingredients.
Final Thoughts: Crispian makes their goods in small batches. Don’t get discouraged thinking they might not carry what you want. It just open and they’re all trying to get use to daily operations. Limited goods seen on site doesn’t mean theres not much. This is mainly because they chose to make small batches by trade standards. Every now and then, I can run in grab something to go before hitting the freeway.