croissant does not taste like parisian croissants at all. I'm not sure about the positive reviews, but it's definitely not parisian.
(2)
Yael G.
I've been going here for years -- it's one of my favorite tucked away spots in palo alto to sit with a book enjoy a panini (Alina is my favorite) and an iced latte at one of the cute tables outside. They use fresh, high quality ingredients in their dishes, and their panini bread is impossibly crunchy and soft at the same time. mmm. I'm also not normally a huge fan of sweets or pastries, but it's awesome that they give you a complimentary delicious tiny pastry with a lunch order. Staff is very friendly too.
(4)
Dj M.
Best mini chocolate Eclair... with chocolate creme filling!!!
(4)
Kiesha R.
Maybe I did not order correctly, but I thought it was just average. I have been to far better French cafes/bakeries, I'm afraid. I ordered a panini with cheese and a variety of greens - not sure what it was called - Fresco, maybe? The bread was nice and fresh, but the sandwich really had no discernible flavor. My chai latte was good, but not unlike any I have had at places like Boulange in SF. The service was friendly and quick - and there is ample seating. It's a comfortable place to grab a quick lunch, read a book, etc. But I wouldn't necessarily return for a great meal. Many of the pastries did look tempting, though, so I'll have to give those a shot! Regarding Jun K.'s comment about wailing babies and high chairs...respectfully, having a baby does not relegate you to Denny's. Families want to eat well, too! So relax, it's not Gary Danko.
(3)
Joyce H.
I just really like Douce France, not really for the decor or the ambiance, but for the AMAZING fruit tarts and pastries. The almond croissants, the lemon tarts...everything is so good. We ordered a whole bunch of sandwiches for lunch, prosciutto and cheese, ham and cheese, mozarella and pesto. Everything was delicious. Don't leave Palo Alto without trying the desserts at this spot!
(5)
Nikki S.
I ordered a crepe and enjoyed the ambiance, it would be a great place to bring a book, study or enjoy conversation. As far as the food goes-- the specifics of their menu are too detailed to fit on the large chalk boards, so read their handheld menu. It was great for my crepe craving, and the ingredients used were top notch. It is a bit offset from the main street so it can take some doing to find. I'd eat here again.
(4)
Ceci L.
Came here for lunch and glad that I was able to find a table to sit down since it is quite popular and there was a lot of people there when I got there at around 11:45am. Ordered a savory crepe and a coffee. Both were really good and tasty. The portion is generous and the ambiance is european relaxing style with both outdoor and indoor seating. A great meet up place with my girlfriends. Will definitely come back and try out more items on their menu.
(5)
Cecilia Z.
Walked past by this place and saw many patrons sitting and enjoying the lovely weather so decided to stop by! I got the chai latte and it taste soo smooth and smooth ! Excellent, to say the least!
(4)
Bill S.
This place beats out the other (more expensive) breakfast spots in Town and Country Village. Limited menu but high quality.
(4)
bhavya k.
Its a great place to have breakfast.
(3)
Allison L.
This restaurant is a must if you enjoy french food or would like a nice treat on a pretty Saturday morning :). Service is great, food is fresh, thoughtfully made, and mostly reasonably priced. Sometimes busy on a Saturday morning, but plenty of optons to take with you to-go!
(5)
Angie I.
I wish I had known about this restaurant when I lived by it! This restaurant is tucked in the crowded Town and Country shopping center where it is difficult to find parking. The restaurant itself, although very busy, didn't feel loud or overcrowded. The tables were small and the chairs were comfortable. My friends and I tried an array of sandwiches and breakfast foods. We were all pleased with our decisions (except for the friend that ordered a sweet breakfast with a sweet drink and ended up on a sugar high!). The croissants were very good and tasted fresh! A child at the table next to us knocked a plate of the table that held a croissant. The staff quickly came with a new croissant for the family and cleaned up the mess. They were very friendly!
(4)
Robert C.
Great food for solid prices and everyone was super nice. Their tarts/pastries were amazing! I was having a terrible morning, but even I had to smile as I nommed on the deliciousness that I was presented here. I ordered the french toast plate for breakfast and my girlfriend bought some of their fruit tarts. Simply amazing. Will come back again!
(5)
Matt V.
C'est magnifique! Douce France is a French cafe located in Palo Alto's Town and Country. They truly do commit to the idea, and the entire cafe features simple decor quite reminiscent of a Parisian cafe, right down to the small circular tables, and the woven chairs characteristic of Parisian cafes. Service is very friendly; you order at the cash register, and everybody I've ever encountered here has been incredibly pleasant and easy to interact with. Food comes out very quickly, and the staff brings it straight to your table. Everything is very good here, although my favorite combination is the "Le Fromagere" crepe paired with the chai tea latte. The Le Fromagere, which is a combination of goat cheese, Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, basil, and parsley, has an amazing flavor to it. The spices complement the cheese so well, and everything is so savory and tasty. Their chai tea latte is definitely one of the best chai teas I've had. Spiced to perfection, and balanced very well with the milk to produce a wonderful flavor. Really, everything about Douce France is just wonderful. It's been one of my standbys since I discovered it as a student at Stanford, and it will continue to be a place I routinely go to and enjoy. C'est si bon!
(5)
Anee S.
Edible but not happy about it. Eggs were overcooked (both the Benedict & scramble), forgot my tart, then pastry cream was overworked so too thick in the tart (like beating whip cream too much & it becomes butter). So disappointing. Seems like a bunch of kids from high school across the street, French people who want to congregate in their native tongue, & employees from the shopping center. Why such a high Yelp rating is beyond me. :( You'll have a better meal in the center walking a few feet to Mayfield's.
(2)
Mary-Anne C.
Stopped in here because it was around the way from Rinconada park and I was on my way to another BBQ in Hayward. I got a fruit tart and it was a real hit at the BBQ. Fresh fruit, not to sweet and just right. I was even tempted to grab a mini one on my way out. I noticed that there were people that came here that actually spoke French....that was kinda cool. I don't really hear that much when I walk into a French bakery! Makes it even more authentic ;)
(5)
Timbo T.
The service is exactly like a cafe in France. This means that half the time the employees are too busy talking with each other to take your order or pay attention to such trivial things like making coffee or putting a croissant on a plate.
(3)
Joyce H.
There are several other cafes and bakeries in the area, but Douce France has features which set it apart. Location is one of these factors. The cafe is at a more peripheral position in the square - allowing a relaxed "pace" as you enjoy brunch with a friend (or zone out by yourself). Their selling point is obviously that they are more distinctly "French" than other cafes, and I think they stick pretty well to that. Their food isn't remarkable, but for the prices and the number of options - yes... maybe. What I appreciate most about this bakery is simply that it's refined, cozy, and casual. It has a "sigh of relief" pleasantness to it. Sure, the crepes are nice- the pastries are nice - (and the sandwiches are overpriced), but come for the cafe experience. Douce France does it well.
(3)
Bryce G.
Came on here on a whim. Compared to Starbucks, the baked goods are much higher quality, the coffee is smoother-drinking and less expensive, and the music was light euro jazz/house -- very refreshing. On the negative side, the staff seemed a little tired/less personable than they could have been, and although it's well located in the Town & Country shopping center, its country French atmosphere is looking just a bit dated. Overall very solid though. Judging on the quality of the food & drinks alone it's basically 5 stars... and they serve beer & wine!
(4)
Ilana C.
French toast was so good! good size too and comes with fresh fruit. Very good chocolate croissant also! Coffee was good, nothing too amazing. Great place overall for brunch!
(5)
Beethoven C.
Perhaps we were unlucky with our selection of sweets but the pastries we got were just too sweet. Couple them with our hot chocolate which was again too sweet and we got a sugar overload for our troubles. Given the positive reviews here, we definitely will come back to give this place a second sample. Brunch perhaps?
(3)
Anisha G.
I met a friend her for breakfast. I know I got a cappuccino with my meal, and a croissant to go...but I don't remember what I got to eat there. I want to say a ham and cheese croissant, and I probably liked it. Whatever, the place was cute and clean. This place has a nice fan base. We saw people of all types and ages, and then huge groups of parents and children came in post-soccer games. I thought their food was fresh, and the staff was really friendly.
(4)
Suany W.
The sandwich is pretty much the greatest invention ever. A hodgepodge of random crap encased between two pieces of bread? Genius! It's appropriate for any time of the day; you can eat it sitting down, while on the go, alone, with friends, while receiving...the possibilities are endless! Personally, I prefer to panini-it-up while riding the Cleveland Steamer, but would settle for Douce France's outdoor tables if my first choice were unavailable. The panini menu here is limited but all of the selections sound delicious. While I loved the freshness and perfectly crunchy bread on my mozzarella, tomato and basil sammy, I didn't love how the cheese wasn't heated through. I didn't try my peon's panini (yes, I gave him permission to eat on this rare occasion) with prosciutto, mixed greens and mozzarella, but he seemed to like it despite the acknowledgment that it was a bit too leafy. Each of the sammies came with a tiny bite-size fruit tart. It would have been perfect if they came with a small side salad too, 'cause tossing salad while eating a sandwich might be the next best thing to rocking on the Cleveland Steamer.
(4)
Jenn G.
In search of a brunch location on a Sunday morning, bf an I stumbled upon Douce France on Yelp. I really wanted to fall in love with this place. I wanted this to be THE brunch spot for us going forward. However, I felt disappointed. Price: First of all, prices are super high. We got baguette sandwiches and it was about $8 per sandwich. All that was in there was ham and cheese! They were good, but definitely not worth the price. We also got a sweet crepe to share. After 2 sandwiches, a crepe, and a cup of latte, the bill was upwards of $40+. it seems a bit ridiculous. Service: I would be okay with the price if it meant excellent service. Unfortunately, this is one of those order your food in a line and seat yourself type of place. As far as service goes, the only thing they did was bring the food to our table. The line to order food was super long. They take orders, put stuff in oven, then ring the customer up. It would have been more efficient if they had a separate line for those ordering to go in bulk. Lots of people were ordering dozens of baked goods. Things would have been faster if there was a separate line for that. I'm not sure that I would come back here. I love all things French but I am also a realist. With lots of creperies in the area as competition, I can get so much more for my money elsewhere.
(2)
Cryszilla G.
This place is awesome. It's a nice little French cafe that will make you feel you're in europe. Almost every week I stop by here before going home from work. Pastries are mostly good. Crepes ahhh just good. And the croissant?!! So buttery and good. Prices are cheap too... I mean I'd rather spend my bucks here than Going to peets coffee nearby douce France. You get a high quality food and good coffee... I was just here earlier. Today I had the La Tatin crepe (apples, cinnamon, honey) and I pair it with a very well presented cappuccino... It really made me smile... People who works here are super friendly and fast. I love the tables with some French words on it. Small round tables like in Europe cafes. Really for the reasonable price? It isn't bad at all! Douce France you will always be in my list.
(4)
Salina M.
I've only come here for breakfast foods, but the food's so tasty. My favorites are the almond tea cakes. They're small, but very good. A supervisor brought in the ham and cheese croissants. They're now my new favorites. I kept sneaking into the break room to get another half... and another half. The spinach quiche is also good, but it is really stuffed with a lot more spinach then I'm use to in a quiche. Anyway, this place is a real treat!
(4)
qirk z.
Their Parisian sandwiches are good! Fresh bread, good price. The triple chocolate mousse layered cake was yum. The chocolate opera cake was yum. They're located near Scott's Seafood, plenty of shared parking with other stores in the complex.
(4)
Sam L.
The customer service at Douce France is by far the stand-out part of my experience. I have always been greeted and helped by the most honest, generous, and polite people behind the counter. Last time I found myself at CVS in Town & Country after work, I stopped by Douce France to treat myself to a little dinner to go. I got a nice, simple Fresco baguette sandwich, which turned out to be delicious and surprisingly filling for such a small sandwich. I also got two macarons (1 coffee, 1 pistaschio) as an extra treat. When I got home and opened up the cute little sandwich bag, I found an extra macaron awaiting me! What a treat. The macarons are quite good here -- I believe they are the best you can get right around Stanford & Palo Alto if you aren't willing to trek out to Redwood City or SF. The one drawback: no salted caramel (at least not when I was there). The other flavors I tried were both to die for though, and the texture was right on the money.
(4)
Lea F.
Whenever I can't decide what to eat for lunch, I always end up gravitating towards this place. Not only are their sandwiches absolutely delicious (bread is crispy, vegetables taste fresh, just the right amount of dressing) but they always come with a small sweet treat too! If that's not convincing enough, their service is really friendly and the portions are well worth it. But I agree with what others have said that parking in this area can be tough and the lunch lines tend to go out the door. Can't blame them though, it really is worth the rush!
(4)
Carol H.
Good croissants and nice friendly cafe experience.
(4)
Grace C.
The desserts here are a good deal. My favorite is the strawberry shortcake - there are sliced almonds on it, which adds that extra touch that most other bakeries don't have. However, the strawberry shortcake looks bigger than it actually is, because there is a LOT of whipped cream/frosting on it. Still delicious though, just slightly deceptive. The sandwiches and crepes are only OK - kind of overpriced, considering the lack of "wow" factor. The sandwich didn't have very much meat, and the crepe (savory chicken) was kind of dry and bland. I wouldn't come here for a meal, only for dessert.
(3)
Alice J.
I love this little cafe. It serves sandwiches, sweet and savory crepes, quiche, and baked goods. There's a full coffee bar and a beautiful display of desserts like fruit tarts, cream puffs, and opera cake. I especially love the decor and layout which reminds me of being in an actual parisian cafe. There are large vintage posters on the wall and cute little colorful tables with woven chairs. A great place for lunch or afternoon break for some good coffee and dessert.
(4)
Spencer Z.
Came here looking for a baguette like you get in France. Was sorely disappointed. The bread was dull, but relatively even worse when you consider it's supposed to be a French specialty bakery/cafe. The baguettes over at the nearby La Baguette are much closer to what you find in France, but the bread at Feel Good Bakery in Alameda is even more spot on. I also wanted to try the pain aux raisins here, since it was the only place I could find my better half's favorite pastry that was made without cinnamon (again... like in France). Well, it was good that it didn't have cinnamon, but it wasn't all that great either; no custard creme lining, and somewhat dinky.
(2)
Sam G.
Food is overpriced and also terrible. $9 for a "side salad" which is little (nothing) more than a bowl of lettuce. You've got to be kidding me. Frequent misplaced orders. Otherwise courteous staff. Bread is stale.
(1)
Stephanie A.
Lovely little place with vast variety of pastries, wonderful craps, good coffee, and some healthy choices. It is my favorite place for breakfast or brunch in this area because I can sit outside indulging in sweet decadence. When I am in a healthy state of mind (or in deep guilt) I take their great fruit and yogurt cups. it is not only looking good while beautifully packed in a ceramic elegant cup, but it is also fresh and flavorful. Prices are surprisingly modest. The guys behind the counter are always extremely nice, and patient even if the line behind you is long and you ask many question or you decide to change your mind and your order a minute after they rang you at the cashier. I took one star away because the contraction near by disturb the melody and make parking difficult.
(4)
Diana C.
A bit overpriced, but what isn't in Palo Alto Town and Country? I really like the quaint look of the place, and all the pastries looked delicious. I went in wanting something savory for brunch, but I came out of there with a cafe au lait, a chocolate croissant, and a cinnamon twist. I just couldn't resist them. I fully intended to save the cinnamon twist for later, but I ended up eating both pastries. What a pig - oink, oink. :P They were marvelously fresh and paired well with the cafe au lait. I'd come back here when I'm in the mood for a lazy weekend morning breakfast/brunch. If I were closer, I'd even consider this for a routine breakfast stop on my way to work. Ah, it makes me nostalgic about my Paris trip from a couple of years ago! :)
(4)
Surge C.
Even though this place is known for their crepes and paninis, I opted for an almond croissant and caprese baguette. The almond croissant was pretty good- light and flaky, with a bit of sweetness. However, I would not crave the croissant from Douce. The caprese baguette was alright. I wasn't crazy about it because it tasted like any regular baguette sandwich. Maybe I will try some of their more popular items next time.
(3)
A. H.
A disappointment on every level. When I first walked in to this place, I thought I had finally found a friendly casual breakfast place where I could relax, read the paper, celebrate the beginning of a new day with a little crusty roll and a hot delicious beverage. NOPE. And, for the record, I am easy to please!!! I love breakfast, and I was in a great mood when I walked in. Let me summarize the experience: Rude, unfriendly staff. Tepid tea. Sub-par bread. Untoasted toast. Runny, undercooked eggs. Really uncomfortable seats. Dirty tables. I had to get up and ask for silverware. Tea pot fell apart and landed in my cup. ***Skip this place, and try Califia or Peets around the corner.*** For those of you that want the details: First off, the guy behind the counter was rude when I asked (politely) if they served eggs. I found a little table, bussed the pile of dirty, food-encrusted dishes, and sat down on the booth bench. The table came up to my chin. Now, I am not a petite woman, so this was a bit surprising. I then got up, and sat in the chair, so that I could eat off the table. Now, the height was right, but the chair seat was falling apart, so that one of the edges was trying to work itself into my tush. OK, I thought, whatever, you aren't Goldilocks, just ignore it, and have some tea. So, I pour myself some tea from the awkward, dribbling-everywhere tea pot, and it surprisingly light. The water was tepid. TEPID! I was then distracted by the man bringing my eggs. The food looked okay, and I wanted to eat it, but he had neglected to bring silverware. I had to get up (again) and ask for it. The man behind the counter laughed (rather sneeringly) when I (politely, with a smile) requested utensils. So, finally, sitting down, at last, I began to eat, only to discover that the eggs were COLD and UNDERCOOKED, and the toast was not even toasted. I sighed, and went to pour myself some (tepid) tea, when the metal lid fell off the awkward pot and into my cup. Surprised, I sat staring at this for a moment. Then I got up from the uncomfortable chair, and left.
(2)
Serena S.
Amazing espresso (Lavazza of course) but the coffee takes a distant second to the tasty, buttery pastries. Favorites are the croissants (all types), Madelines, and my #1-brioche loaf. It is really close to a high school so beware of crowds in morning, lunch and right after school is out. People are friendly and atmosphere is cozy. A must try unique place that attracts regulars all the time!
(5)
Audrey L.
Their warm panini are so tasty for lunch, I can forgive those baguettes for tearing up the roof of my mouth every time. Special bonus dessert - one perfect little bite of a mini fruit tart - what a sweet touch. I've special-ordered their full size fruit tarts for many birthday parties and dinners; they're always the first dessert to disappear.
(4)
Jackie L.
Turkey Croissant Sandwich + Chocolate Croissant.. and then another Chocolate Croissant, all in one sitting.. *sigh* Considering there's a high probability I'm allergic to gluten, this was definitely not the smartest lunch.. but it sure was one of the tastiest.
(4)
Xue H.
Wow, the chocolate croissant was amazing! One of the best croissants I've had. It was soft, flakey, awesome, and warm. The melted chocolate on it was great too. I'd definitely come back for it again. I also got the turkey parisian sandwich, toasted. It was delish :) their macarons are also the best I've had in the area so far--not overly sweet like I keep finding... they are legit.
(5)
Mike G.
Douce France ("douce" means "sweet") is an authentic Parisian style cafe that embodies true French style baking along with its quintessential French atmosphere. From the little wooden chairs and tiny cast iron and ceramic tables to the refrigerator cases to the food itself this place feels french right away. The breads, especially when fresh, are phenomenal! It's the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch. The sandwiches and pastries are very delicious. All sandwiches come with free bite sized dessert (different each day for the most part). The prices are reasonable. The service is so so - hit or miss depending on the person or day you are there. Most of the staff are young Mexicans and while they work hard there isn't a very friendly social vibe. I highly recommend the Misto chicken sandwich for lunch! Bon appetite!
(5)
Himani A.
Just scarfed down the Chocolate Croissant from Douce France. HOLY MOLY! That was delicious.
(5)
Adam V.
Best chocolate croissant I have ever had. Screw that, it's one of the best things I've ever eaten. Life altering experience. Flaky, buttery, chocolatey, a magical combination. I've never gotten anything else here because it is so good. I'm sure everything is top quality.
(5)
Sam W.
Delicious! The perfect place for pastries. The cream puff was excellent.
(5)
Joyce Y.
Loved their crepes, sweet or savory! Chai tea was a bit disappointing though, too sweet for me...
(4)
Christina W.
Such a great cream puff! The French woman working was really nice. I would return.
(5)
Sunny W.
Yeah...my rating hasn't changed after a visit just for their dessert/pastry section. I'm sticking with "Meh. I've experienced better" I'm perplexed as to why this place is busy. Is it possible I had 2 out of 2 off days??? I went for a regular drop coffee, chocolate croissant, and a slice of the strawberry sponge cake. *Starbucks has better drip COFFEE and I don't like Starbucks' drip coffee. It literally tasted like half of my cup was diluted with hot water. UCK. *CHOCOLATE croissant is the only thing I can give them props for and would reorder again --but even then, I have had better chocolate croissants. *STRAWBERRY sponge cake had a whipped cream frosting ratio of 1 to 1. So if you like a lot of whipped cream, you'll like this. It reminds me of Asian style strawberry cakes except it fails in comparison. There weren't any sliced strawberries in between the cake/frosting layers so each bite tasted only of whipped cream (which isn't sweetened at all...just heavy cream) since the sponge cakes don't have a lot of flavor to it. I wouldn't get it again.
(2)
Linda D.
I yelped this place and was super excited to try the desserts here, but I was somewhat disappointed. First off, it was my first time going to this shopping center and on a Sunday afternoon it sure was crazy and packed. Then when I go inside bakery, the man behind the counter is a little weird. My friend didn't know what she was ordering so she said "the triangle custard thing with strawberries" and he looked at her very stern saying "you mean a tart." Then I asked him what kind of cake something was and he said it was a strawberry shortcake. Like my bad there's no labels, can't ask? Geez. We ordered two chai teas and he made a lame joke saying "don't fight over it because it's the same." like yea nice try after you made us feel dumb about what we were ordering. Plus there was no need to fight over it because they weren't even that good! They were warm and not hot - like it was a pretty chilly day and we sat outside it wouldv'e been nice if the teas were hot. Anywho my strawberry shortcake was ok. I liked the whip cream part. The cake itself was a little dry. The strawberries a bit tart. I only had a few bites and i didn't want to eat anymore. The tart was good. Best thing I tried there The eclair was ok. It's chocolate filled. But I don't know what crackin with the chocolate on top? It's very hard so it's like ur biting into hard Chocolate with a flaky like dough with chocolate creme- I don't know the consistency is off. I wouldn't come here again, especially since the parking lot is crazy and the servers aren't that friendly.
(3)
Gadi C.
Lovely? Check. Parisian ambiance? Check. Chocolate drizzle? Check. Crispy crepe? Check. Espresso vigorous? Check. Not expensive? Check. Perfect little magazine to read with espresso and chocolate banana strawberry crepe? Check. All in all, check check check check chceck. That is, I mean, star star star star star.
(5)
Jennifer W.
Honey knows that I like to take my time getting up in the morning. Yes, at times, he makes me breakfast, but this time...What does he do? Surprises me with takeout breakfast from Douce France and picks me up a coffee even though he doesn't really drink it. That's wonderful! The tomato and ham sandwich with eggs over easy on top accompanied with salad. Absolutely divine! There's more...he surprises me with French macaroons since I have been talking about it. I am grateful and it is absolutely yummy. I need to come and visit this place! :)
(5)
Kim N.
I have a love for French pastries, bakeries, and cafe shops, and I absolutely loved this one...thanks to Yelp! It might have been the simple light lunch of a Croque Monsieur of ham and cheese with mayonnaise and dijon and a side salad, or the petite bottle of Orangina, or simply lounging outside undisturbed in one of the tables for two hours catching up with a good friend! I was hesitant to order the Croque Monsieur since I don't like dijon, but was glad that the taste was really subtle. The place was packed during lunch hours, but we had no trouble finding an open table. Service was minimal as you order at the counter, although they do bring the food directly to your table. And they were all really friendly and would cleared our table as we still sat there and chit chatted away. I didn't get to try any of the pastries, but I would definitely return and check out the heart-shaped jam cookie tart that I spotted in the glassed display.
(5)
Gita R.
I really like their pastries and I have to try the sandwiches soon! All the chocolate cakes are AWESOME! Don't think about the calorie, just try the different chocolate cakes and mousse, also the cream puff cake with caramel is very good too!
(5)
Colleen S.
Definitely my go to place whenever I'm in town. I used to come here all the time when I went to school across the street, the pastries are amazing and are just the thing for a quick snack. The service is pretty good, usually pretty friendly or at least polite. My favorites definitely have to be the apple danish and the scones! The danish is always very fresh and flavorful, and the scones are filling and not too heavy. If I had one complaint it would be the extremely long lines that can form during lunchtime, and that the seating is very cramped.
(4)
Ailin K.
I am so happy to find this place. The macaroons are the best I had since Paris. The cookie crunch and cream is the closest I will get to the macaroons in Paris. Also order the ham cheese crepe .... banana nutella crepe...and cafe latte. All very yummy.
(4)
Sylvi R.
The quality is consistently superb. I have been coming here for years, sometimes we get chocolate croissants to go for at home to freeze and indulge on a Sunday morning. The service is always fast and friendly. Love the Chai! But I also love the paninis. Often crowded at lunch time though, because of hungry students from the neighboring school.
(5)
A J.
Like many Yelpers who have shared reviews, we came here on a Groupon at around 11:00am on a Sunday (Jan 23/2011). It was PACKED! Luckily we had our infant son with us and that always demands empathy from people :-) so we found seating quickly. I deducted one star though because it isn't a very welcoming atmosphere on a Sunday when you want to have a relaxing bunchy meal. I say this because I counted at least 10-12 laptops. Some less considerate souls were working and not eating which is bad for business because some people walked in and left when they realized there was no place to sit. Also, some people don't want to sit next to people running spreadsheets on a Sunday afternoon. The Alina Panini was excellent. 5 stars for that. The goat cheese was super savoury. We also had a crepe that I am forgetting the exact name of. I think it was Bitteque? Anyway, also excellent and 5 stars. The coffee was a disappointment so I would give it 3/5 stars. The service was 5 stars. We will be back.
(4)
John R.
a 3.5 really. Indifferent service and better than average croissants.
(3)
Kenji Y.
Workers are very friendly. I just got a lot of desert for my mother's birthday and I literally stalled for like 10 minutes trying to decide which ones to get and the worker waited for me patiently. I asked them to write a message on a cookie, but they came out with something different. They wrote it on a flat chocolate which looked a lot better. Thanks guys!
(5)
Empty C.
Don't patronize this business. Rude and arrogant. They would not let me order food to go after they had closed the register even though the restaurant was still open and full of customers. Guess business is good and they don't need our money.
(1)
Hazel H.
I love this place. The coffee is great, the tartes and croissants and egg sandwiches are really good, and the atmosphere is as "not Starbucks" as you can get. And that's a good thing. I really believe in patronizing local businesses when possible, and Douce France is a great example of why: the quality of service is very high, and the feeling you get as a customer is that the owner is looking over the entire experience. My only ask would be for them to encourage laptop users to not overstay their welcome or hog tables, but again, this issue is not nearly as severe as one would encounter at at Starbucks.
(5)
John F.
Good food, friendly efficient service, good prices.
(3)
Greg G.
You know this little plaza looks like it could be full of hidden gems. So I parked here the other day and wandered into this place. I didn't find a gem. It was so so I guess. I got the grilled ham and cheese ciabatta which was a special I guess. It was good, but I wouldn't call it special. mean I would rather go to cafe borrone if I was going to have this. It was simple first off and it didn't have that much flavor. I will be honest, the best part of the meal was the little tart at the end that was a prepacked muffin. Oh well will search for more gems. Don't get me wrong, wasn't bad but I have had better deals for 6 bucks.
(3)
Mandy R.
Ham and cheese crossiant 2 stars. Ham was very rought and tough to chew. Plus: not greesy. I also ordered brocceli soup, 1 star. NO flavor at all. However the bread that came with it was good and made my soup a little more flavorful. If I ever go again it would be for the crepes, the savory crepes in particular. They looked very taskty and I figure how could you go wrong? However, I will not be expecting the same as san francisco's.
(2)
Kate S.
their panninis are pretty delicious and their desserts are definitely to die for---try the apricot croissants. Used to frequent this place when I lived in stanford, they were always great and fast
(4)
Sandy K.
Fantastic place! Casual atmosphere, great variety of food (sandwiches, soups, salad, pastries, etc). You can stop here for a quick bite or have a complete meal.
(5)
Andrew N.
My coworker brought in some leftover chocolate cake from this bakery -- BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE OF MY LIFE. Yes - I did need to use all capital letters!
(5)
T N.
I would've never gone to this bakery if it wasn't for Groupon. I had purchased a Groupon that got me $10 worth of pastries for $5 and I'm so glad I did! I chose to purchase this deal because I happened to be going to Stanford Mall with my cousins the following week and thought to give it a try since it was in the area. Based on my GPS I was suppose to go past the Town and Country Village where it's located. That threw me for a bit of a loop but I was able to finally find it towards the back of the Village. The inside of the bakery was very cozy and not too small and yet not too big. I was greeted by an employee with a European accent and it made it seem all the more real. Yes, I'm one of those fools that feel it to be more real if the people working there look and sound like they're from the cuisine's origins. I purchased a chocolate dipped chocolate pastry, apple, almond, and raisin. The first three I ate that day. The raisin I left for another day. The chocolate pastry was so delicious. it had a nice buttery and flaky crust and I loved the fact that half of it was dipped in chocolate! Once getting past the dipped portion you might feel a little sad but don't be because you'll be met with chocolate INSIDE of the pastry. I gleefully continued eating the chocolate pastry taking in the wonderful sweetness of the chocolate. The almond pastry was a bit small for me and it did not have the strong almond taste that I always like. The apple pastry was a nice size and had a light and sweet apple compote inside. I very much enjoyed that pastry as well. As for the raisin pastry? Poor thing was left forgotten in the fridge for 3 days before decided to eat it. As is my experience with pastries I expected it to be crusty and unfit to eat so I immediately nuked it for 30 seconds. I have to say that the 3 day old pastry was still quite delicious! Maybe if I hadn't heated it up it wouldn't have tasted so good but that's neither here nor there. The reason for the 4 stars is because I haven't tried their sandwiches, crepes, or desserts. Until then my rating will remain at a 4. I will definitely visit this bakery again if I'm ever in the neighborhood!
(4)
Connie M.
I am so grateful for my co-worker treating me to lunch here after she and I spent the morning shlepping heavy boxes to our office's storage unit. I absolutely loved it - reminded me of my trip to France in high school ten years ago. Holy crap I'm getting old. I was relieved when we walked in, because I am currently reading Gesine Bullock-Prado's book "My Life From Scratch" which contains some of her pastry recipes and describes what her bakery is like, and I've been trying to find a similar place (even though her origins are from Germany and this is French, but let's overlook that) that not only specializes in pastries, but offers delicious hot food and beverages as well. If you're in the same boat, head over to Douce France. Tucked away in the depths of Town & Country, this place screams French cafe, just take a look at the tables and pastry case. I was originally going to order a sandwich, but at the last minute got a mushroom quiche that was perfect in size. Light and savory, it filled me up just right...no wonder the French are in awesome shape. Had a bite-sized fruit tart - I think it was key lime - that tasted delicious. Service was delightfully pleasant, and they bring your food to your table after they've made or warmed it up for you. Douce France is so great, I just wanna hug it.
(5)
Vidhya T.
The location is great but the breakfast food is terrible! We had not one but two kinds- the Florentine omelet and '2 eggs done your style'(scrambled in our case). Both were overcooked( a big NO, NO considering the place is French). The omelet had filthy smelling mushroom and soggy spinach and the scrambled eggs had the worst texture. Only saving grace was the latte- which by the way was not extra hot even though we requested.
(1)
Aubrey O.
Oh, damn. Walked in here looking for baked goods after the Trader Joe's nearby left me disappointed. Nothing against TJ's - it's probably my fault anyway for eating nothing but Joe-Joe's during the week (month). My initial impression left me a bit underwhelmed. Again, probably my fault since I have pretty lofty expectations when it comes to dessert cases (and sadly, not much else). Their selection seemed a little sparse, while I was expecting a spread fit for a king or at the very least Rob Reiner. But I wanted to give it a chance, so I scanned and still wasn't compelled to try anything. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a beautiful collection of reddish-brown hues peeking out of a croissant. It was bacon. I didn't care if a family of rats were taking residence inside the flaky, buttery layers - if they were rooming with bacon, I was on board. In my best I-just-saw-boobs-for-the-first-time-teenager voice, I ordered "the thing with bacon in it" along with a chocolate croissant and a cheese croissant. Then I scurried outside to eat them all in my car. It's not that the interior wasn't welcoming - it was. I just need a more private setting when I fellate my baked goods. Everything was incredible. I'm really pretty rigid when it comes to what makes a good croissant. Not in a "I've been to Paris so I think I would know" way just a "I have electric chemistry with butter" way. For me, they need to be flaky, dense and slightly doughy on the inside. The croissants at Douce France definitely fulfill these requirements. And yeah, I ate three croissants in one sitting. But that's so not the point.
(4)
Jay-Tee L.
When I first walked by Douce France, being Palo Alto & French cafe/bakery and all, I immediately expected mediocre service, mediocre food and not so good value. Therefore, didn't really bother trying the place. Until today, when we were pretty much starving after an extended appointment in Town & Country, we decided to give it a try. Bottomline: Wow, definitely one of the best cafes for food in Palo Alto/Town & Country. Would come back to just to have lunch at Douce France! We are unexpectedly delighted. We ordered: (1) Ham & Cheese crepe (La Parisian) (2) Misto Sandwich - Grilled chicken panini on ciabatta bread (3) Nutella Crepe (4) Iced tea - this came out to $30 for two people including tip. We liked: (1) Both the crepes were excellent! The crepe is definitely the best I have had in this part of the Bay Area in a long time (My fav is still Ti Couz in the city) - the crepe was thin and not "doughy". In fact, I think this is much better than Bistro Maxine. We also liked that the Nutella crepes came as three mini crepes, which was great for sharing. (2) The panini was also great - the bread was toasted to perfection and the content was a good combination of various things without being too overwhelming (i.e., not so much stuff in it that it falls apart when you want to hold it). It definitely reminded me of good paninis in Europe. (3) Services - I have very low expectations for services in PA establishments in general but Douce France was really delightful. Our order taker/server was attentive, patient and generally thoughtful and pleasant. She even offered to bring extra silverware without our asking when she gave us our crepes! What would make it a 5 star experience: Better seating - it was a bit cramped and crowded so it was hard to manage all the plates and drinks on one table (for two people). The chairs were also pretty small so we ended up putting our baby car seat on the floor which was not pleasant (for the baby) :)
(4)
Shani P.
The cafe has been around for probably 30 years, so they must be doing something right! Delicious sandwiches and pastries. Great spot for a casual breakfast on the weekend. Espresso drinks are also very good. You really can't go wrong. Pricing is also very reasonable. I really like their madeleines, which have an almond/whole wheat base which I have never seen anywhere else. We were there today and were helped mostly by Cecilio. He was so attentive and really went out of his way to make our experience a great one. He is definitely a standout on the Douce France staff.
(4)
lowell r.
Customer Service: they're really really nice. Friendly service. Food: We were hoping to have Parisian croissants but they were far from being French. Tried both the butter and chocolate croissants. They're heavy and dense. The French do it light, crispy flakey on the outside, soft on the inside. Perhaps they are considered good by American standards. As for the quiche, they're bland. Very under seasoned. Overall, the food was underwhelming. We left disappointed.
(2)
Michèle S.
This is my new favorite breakfast spot in the area. Their crêpes are the real french deal and sooo good, I ordered the Tartin with apples and it was perfect (not too sweet and not dry at all even though I ordered it without the whipped cream). I am not a croissant person but after all the good reviews about the chocolate croissant I had to try it. And it was very delicious, you have to try it too. You have to order at the counter and there was no line on a Sunday. We had the perfect table outside and the food was served super quick. I definitely go back and maybe try a savory crêpes?
(5)
Sean C.
Fine French pastries, some a little too sweet and less tart than they should be, but fine and elaborate concoctions nonetheless. I tried a little bit of everything on a large order, much puff and mousse with all that. Yet I have more than a little amour for the Coffee Creme Eclair than anything else. And I had scrumptiously flaky croissants for next morning's breakfast. My only question: Why isn't there an Amelie soundtrack when I enter? #likereally
(4)
Shell S.
I've been using DF for work presentation lunches and overall it's been a good experience. The chicken Sandwich is always a hit and my clients love the mini fruit tarts.
(4)
Davina B.
Quick and light brunch Perfect small bakery to drop by if you need a quick bite! It's seems very popular and crowded around noon, so if you're with a friend try grabbing a seat while you order. The Croque Madam and the Ham and cheese crepe were really great! The only thing that freaked me out was the self serve water. The guy just refilled it and there were weird white things floating in it.
(4)
Diana L.
Tried the croissant breakfast sandwich. Croissant was dry and bread like not the flakiness and buttery goodness I was expecting. Eggs and ham were dry and overall it was such a disappointment. The SF airport serves a much tastier croissant breakfast sandwich which isn't saying much about Douce France.
(1)
Tina S.
We have dined here a number of times both for breakfast and lunch. There is seating inside and also patio seating. The desserts here are very good. In addition, there are good breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Its one of our favorite places to dine in the Town and Country Shopping Center. It is popular, so be aware that the order line can sometimes be lengthy (especially during the week when people from Stanford and the local neighborhoods come for lunch).
(4)
Alice H.
Even though the crepe were a bit pricey & not extremely filling, I quite enjoyed both my savory & sweet crepes here :) I got the smoked salmon crepe, which was delicious & came with some salad. And the chocolate banana crepe was the perfect way to end off the meal, in addition to trying some of the other sweet pastries there. This place is also within walking distance of the university campus, which is nice if you're visiting Stanford & you're hungry & don't have a car!!!
(5)
Geetha K.
On a Sunday afternoon after strolling at a nearby park we were in mood for some coffee and cake. We had to do some grocery shopping so we decided to park in town and country village to walk around and see what picked our interest. We first went to Mayfield that was overflowing with customers and a long wait and we checked in yelp to see if there were other bakeries around. The name popped DouceFrance, from the sound of it I thought wow I'm going to be stumbled by the options. As we went inside the bakery there was no line some patrons were enjoying their tea outside. The bakery looked empty like it had been raided by dessert bandit. Literally there were only three options but since the people working there were so sweet we din't feel like walking away without a purchase. Between two of us we shared a hot chocolate and a vanilla cream puff pastry. Both were o-k. I'd rather choose strawberry shortcake from their display next time if at all i go back. They had nice display of blueberry and raspberry fruit tarts and next time may be i'll try those. Love the service and people that work here.
(3)
Richard Y.
Wow....a French cafe that can't make croissants. Had the ham and cheese. They were hard, dry (not flaky at all like they should be). People, some of us have been to France, so if you really really want to call yourself a French bistro/cafe, play French pop music you have to be able to make a great croissant. Even the crappiest corner shops in Paris make great ones. The dough reminded me of the canned dough is Safeways that one attempts to make flaky. La Boulange in Burlingame makes great croissants in case you need an example to to follow. Won't be back folks. Latte was ok - that why it's 2 stars and not 1
(2)
Kathy Q.
First time here today and overall great experience but a little pricey for the portion. My whale and I shared: Regular croissant: yummy but better if toasted! Mushroom quiche: the crust is super light and flaky! Buckwheat prosciutto crepe: decent; it was light on the filling and crispier than most crepes I've had Eggs Benedict: OMG the lightest eggs Benedict I've everrrr had. The bread literally melted and hollandaise sauce is not super heavy! This made the 4 stars for me hahahha
(4)
Derek L.
Well that was rather a disaster! Came here for coffee with my mom for a second go round, having really enjoyed the affogato I got here last time. I highly recommended this place, amongst several coffee options in Town and Country, and they failed to deliver. How embarrassing! My cafe au lait tasted more like an Americano - coffee and water - instead of coffee with milk. And my mom complained that her latte tasted way too milky and she was right. I could barely taste any espresso in her latte. I don't know if I'll be back. I think next time I'll stick with a safe bet like Peets. Sigh...two stars for the memories of that affogato.
(2)
Jessica Y.
We had takeout from Douce France and everyone enjoyed their food! I had the Smoked Salmon Panini on Ciabatta. The ratio of salmon to bread and cream cheese was very reasonable. My panini also came with a small side of greens. Everyone had a macaron included their meal except me, but I definitely want to come here in person sometime to try their other sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.
(4)
Bebe F.
Visited for the first time yesterday & this review is based on their Chocolate Eclair & Napoleon alone. The pastry cream in the eclair was quite bland, the pate a choux soggy & the chocolate on top was too thick. Their Napoleon was a tad better but I'd definitely go elsewhere for my French desserts. Based on 2 disappointing pastries, I wouldn't return.
(2)
Mark L.
We came here accidentally. We were told there is a great croissant place in Town & Country mall, and we thought this is it. (Turned out it was Mayfield) First bite told me this was the wrong place. The croissant was stiffed and firmed. Let alone compared to Voyageur in Los Altos, it's not even nearly as good as Alexander on Castro or Satura in Los Altos. Major disappointment. French onion soup is always baked, theirs weren't. Another disappointment. The latte was so bad, no flavor, not hot enough, the stream milk was done poorly. I seldom gave one star, giving the benefit of the doubt on things I haven't tried that may be good but I doubt I'll ever waste my time here.
(2)
Elaine Y.
After being shocked by Gott's prices, a quick walk around the mall brought me to Douce France - so thank you Gott's, for being obscenely expensive. Douce France is a quaint little cafe serving up coffee, sandwiches, and crepes. It's a bright interior that played French music and had some pretty rad Moulin Rouge art. I ordered the brie & pear sandwich which was flat out delicious. The baguette was toasted to perfection, and the brie was deliciously creamy offset nicely by the thinly sliced, crisp pear. My family also seemed to enjoy their choices - parents shared a sandwich and my brother ordered a crepe. We also shared a slice of king's cake which was perfectly flakey and yummy. Excellent almond flavor! Lunch total came out to $25 - what a steal for 2 utterly delictable sandwiches, a crepe, and a slice of pastry! Needless to say, I will certainly be back if I ever end up in the neighborhood!
(5)
Kristie C.
Dined in this time -- Wouldn't really recommend coming with high expectations for service. A bit pricey for mediocre food and poor service. Savory buckwheat crepe with egg, spinach and mushroom. Nothing out of the ordinary. The waiter was so certain he handed me the right order, when he did not in fact get it right. My friend and I ordered similar crepes, but she got one with blue cheese which I really dislike...
(3)
Gloria M.
Can I just say that their pastries are so darn good!!!! I love how they are so easily accessible and plenty of tables to sit outside and enjoy the weather !! They also make great lattes and other specialty drinks. Would definately come back
(4)
Brooke R.
**review is for catering only** Panini's always seem to go over well at the office. I guess that's because they're so hard to mess up. We had a few different baguette sandwiches, one non-baguette (I'm guessing this was our gluten free alternative? the card didn't specify, maybe it was just a different bread for the sake of being different). I had the chicken (misto), the prosciutto (angelo), and the turkey. The chicken was rubbery so I didn't finish that one, the prosciutto was fabulous, and the turkey was just ok. It tasted very fresh but the turkey didn't go well with the baguette. They use quality ingredients, that mozzarella on the prosciutto sandwich kept me craving for more. They brought two salads, I only had the spinach with the champagne vinaigrette. It was very delicious looking, sprinkled with walnuts and goat cheese, but that champagne vinaigrette was incredibly salty. They also brought mini tarts, I held back and only had one, it was great, as all tarts seem to be.
(4)
Vikee L.
Love to go there for breakfast / brunch. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. Great for warm mornings. It does get busy so stick with small groups. Love their smoked salmon crepe and Croque Madame. I want to try their almond croissant then i'll know if I love this cafe or not.
(4)
Emily Y.
So good, but very inconsistent with to go orders. I order a crepe a few times a week, and sometimes they give me one and sometime they give me three. When they give me one small crepe for $7.50, it's not worth it.
(3)
Diane B.
I didn't have much time before my appointment and now that my favorite cheap and fast option at Town and Country shopping center seems to have morphed into a Jamba Juice, I opted for Douce. It's clear this is meant to be mostly a patisserie, but I'm reviewing it for the lunch salad I got. It was something they called a shrimp nicoise. It was pretty quick and reasonably priced, but I would not get it again, I'm afraid. It consisted of mixed greens. You know the kind that you can buy premixed, hard boiled eggs, about 3 ounces of bay shrimp, and some green olives stuffed with pimento. Well this might be because I'm in a bit of a bad mood tonight, but let me count the sins first. 1. The mixed greens hadn't been picked through to remove any wilted/rotten leaves. Although there weren't a lot of them, this is a pet peeve of mine. If you must buy a prewashed mix, at least remove the yellowed or decomposing leaves. 2. Even for $9 I think there should be more than 1/3 of a cup of the questionable ingredient known as "bay shrimp" 3. Stuffed green olive!!! Come on. It's not that hard to at least get kalamata olives which more closely resemble the nicoise olive which should have been there. 4. Two tiny slices of baguette, which could have at least made me yearn for one of the bakery items, were dried out (cut way too far in advance of serving) and flavorless. Okay, that's the rant. The dressing was tasty, in the right proportion and well tossed. The bus boy was incredibly diligent. If I had a job opening, I would hire him! Food: 21/40 Service: 17/20 Atm/Intang: 16/20 Value:(is it a good value if it doesn't cost much, but it doesn't taste that good?) 14/20 Overall: 68
(2)
Alice Y.
This place was pretty packed when I went late afternoon on a Sunday which surprised me. I got the prosciutto crepe, chicken sandwich, and iced latte. The iced latte was a little too watered down for my liking. The chicken sandwich was too dry and the bread was a little too hard. The blueberry tart that came with it was great - had the perfect sweet inside and crunchy outside. The crepe though was very good and lived up to the hype! I would only recommend it. The mozzarella was nicely melted into the veggies and meat while the wheat skin wasn't over cooked. For their environment it is loud like a coffee shop and they have adorable French themed tables。
(3)
Schelly Y.
Yummy breakfast and pastries! We tried some breakfast crepes and enjoyed eating it in this cute and cozy place. There are quite a few indoor tables and some outdoor as well. Nice ambiance and good service. The pastry selection makes you drool. It was quite busy on a Saturday morning but turnover was fast and it wasn't too hard getting a table.
(4)
Phil W.
Coffee is great and selection looks tempting Marking down as the place is filthy and had to clean the tables myself. I am Welsh so moving the odd crumb is not to abhorrent to me. However was pretty bad. Had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and ingredients were very fresh but the only grilled bit was the bread Great location so I might risk one more time but not holding my breath
(2)
Pritam K.
I've tried the croissants, raisin roll and brioche. All of them were just not good. Thick, chewy, dense, dry and very much like bread instead of a flakey pastry. The service was fast and the place looks nice and clean.
(2)
Christina L.
For a yelp 4-star bakery, I was underwhelmed. The place is plastered with World Cup flags and has quaint Parisian cafe tables and chairs. The atmosphere is quiet and air-conditioned. Indoor and outdoor seating, with plentiful plaza parking. The food and service, though, were subpar. The single server behind the counter was cashier, barista, order-filler, and telephone secretary. He was moving at a leisurely pace, which made for a moderately lengthy wait while he served two other customers. Time enough to notice the little fly buzzing around the croissants in the display case. I suppose if you want to experience Parisian service, this would be it. The other two servers were busy bussing tables, but eventually one came by to assist. She was friendly and fairly speedy. Nevertheless, I am hesitant to return. The macarons are about a silver dollar in size and come in mini cupcake muffin liners. The cashier's bare fingers definitely come in contact with the macarons as he/she maneuvers them into a paper bag for takeout. Not good, and a little concerning. * My cup of chicken veggie soup was 3/5 full when I opened the takeout container at home. Understanding that soup to-go is a messy business, I still think a restaurant should serve a full serving of soup. Or they could downsize the cup altogether. Also, where was the chicken? It was merely a cup of tasty broth and 1/4 cup of soft vegetables, served with a slice of sourdough baguette. *If you like your macarons slightly underbaked and very chewy, this is your bakery. Flavors are subtle, and the level of sweetness varies for each flavor. Vanilla was overly so while the lemon was perfect. Come early in the day, though. They sell out mid-late afternoon. I was looking forward to finding another hidden Palo Alto gem. This was not it.
(3)
Mira S.
They make decent cappuccinos, pastries are just Ok, had much better (based on key lime, mixed berry tarts, napoleon). Smoked salmon sandwich was good without the honey dressing which makes this sandwich too sweet. Ham and egg breakfast sandwich on croissant was delicious. Ham and cheese sandwich on baguette wasn't very good. Considering bad reviews of the nearby breakfast places, I say Douce is better choice.
(3)
Leslie L.
4 stars because - such a cute shop that satisfies both sweet and savory tastes - eggs Benedict was good - nothing fancy but used this light bread that made it just right - chicken mango salad with grapes!? Sold! - Big Bang for your buck, friend got a whole salad with half a sandwich and could barely finish it all The place was also decorated in celebration of the World Cup. The pastries looked delicious (I will try next time) and... another designerd moment but the menu was readable even from a far distance! There was also a paper menu available. It's so important for the user experience to be able to read menus... So many restaurants lack that. Good job Douce France! Would definitely come back!
(4)
Max G.
Ambience: 5 - authentic Parisian vibe Service: 5 - they moved a table inside for us since it was chilly. Food came out quick, and they offered to refill water often, even though it's just a casual place. Food: 4 - Mushroom quiche: 4 - La Brettone Crepe: 5 - Fries: 4. Pretty tasty, and when they were crispy they were 5s. But consistency was inconsistent. Tasty mustard sauce and ketchup on the side too. - La Savanne Crepe: 5
(4)
buttercup r.
The brie and pear panini was completely dry and barely warm. If you're not going to include a spread on the bread, the cheese needs to be melted enough to make it a pleasant eating experience. Instead I had dry bread with some cheese and pear in the middle. Overpriced for the amount and quality. The cashier was very nice, but the man who brought our food did not even smile back at me.
(2)
Farrah N.
My new favorite creperie! 10 stars! This place is amazing. The coffee is amazing. The cake is amazing. The macarons are amazing. But most of all, the savory and sweet crepes are amazing and completely bring me back to the Paris trip I took last year. These aren't the fully stuffed Crepevine-esque American crepes but the classic French crepes with simple high-quality ingredients that really hit the spot. I highly recommend "La Bretonne" for the savory crepe and "La Savanne" with bananas AND strawberries and ice cream for the dessert crepe. You won't be disappointed. Seating can get a little limited but this is the perfect place to stop for brunch/lunch or a quick afternoon tea. When I went, seemed like most of their staff was newbie and getting trained. Service wasn't the best, but they tried really hard and were quick to respond and correct their actions.
Located right near Stanford and an up and coming plaza. Douce France is a cute creperie. They offer a variety of savory and sweet crepes, pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. I was more interested in their crepes but they do offer crazy out there crepes, very simplistic ones. My boyfriend and I got a Ham and Cheese one and a Spinach and Prosciutto one. After digging through our meal which came with the crepe and a small salad, I was happy but not impressed. I also left still feeling hungry. I'm a petite Asian girl, I should not leave any restaurant feeling this way.This place is pretty good but not anything special. Good food, not amazing food. Good to try once but not a second time.
(3)
Allen C.
When I first walked in, I was greeted by a display of beautiful fruit pastries. I liked the setting here. Even during busy lunch time, I didn't feel cramped at all. There were a lot of seats. Workers were helpful and courteous. Ham and cheese on ciabatta was nicely toasted. It's cute they threw in a macaron. For dessert, I chose La Suzette. It was sweet and lovely. Their printed menu said there was Grand Marnier in it but I couldn't taste any. Later, I checked the online menu and it only mentioned sugar, lemon juice, and whipped cream. I wanted to try the raspberry and blueberry tarts but I was stuffed. Next time for sure.
(4)
Thu M.
Way cute, super cute! I loved the setup, felt like I was walking into a little French shop. Food was mediocre (had the Croquet Monsieur and the Eggs Benedict), but maybe I had just chosen mediocre menu items. Had the strawberry cake. Boo and I were fighting each other for the 3 pieces of actual strawberry and I gave up on the creme halfway through. It was light, but too overwhelming and not enough balance with the teeny amount of cake that was there. Macarons were good too, nothing special. I guess if you want a nice eclectic French brunch, come here. Got a nice variety of deserts for you to choose from. If I ever return, I'd just try their baguettes, toasted with butter, and a cappuccino to sip. Now that's what I call a French breakfast :)
(4)
Siobhan F.
Had walked by Douce France many many times at Town & Country but never had a reason to eat there. Stopped in to grab a quick brunch before a Stanford basketball game and was pleased to find an awesome menu! I ordered a cappuccino and croque madame, the bf ordered their croissant breakfast sandwich and our friend ordered a chicken panini. We were all really pleased with our meals. The food came out fast and hot and was very satisfactory. I loved that each plate came with it's own side. The breakfast sandwich came with fresh fruit, my croque madame a simple mixed green salad and the panini a teeny tiny pastry. The brioche used for the croque madame was out of this world soft, and the flavors were excellent and something I have craved since my high school French teacher made me my first croque madame. If i'm ever in the area for a quick bite again, Douce France will easily be on my list of to visit spots!
(4)
Jacob D.
Je t'aime Douce France! I have been going to Douce France since I was a toddler. I love the mille feuille, it's not too sweet and the layers are not soggy and so many places really mess them up. I always come for a double cappuccino and a croissant, especially when they are fresh out of the oven and still warm. The staff is very friendly and I always talk to them about soccer which is a plus.
I'm a student at Palo Alto High School and I frequently go to Douce France during lunch time to grab something to eat. But, after my terrible experience today, I won't be as eager to go anymore. Firstly, I went up to order and asked "Can I please get a bowl of the French Onion Soup?" the responce I recieved was simple "I don't know. Can you?" Once I recieved this reponse I was ultimatly thrown back. Who talks like that to a frequent loyal customer? I was tempted to just walk out then not giving them my service, but I was hungry so I stayed. The employee further made me repeat myself and say "May I" instead of "Can I". After that experience I wasn't so happy Douce France, but I sat down at a table and ate my soup with three other classmates. Secondly, I was in a group of four so we decided to put two two-person tables together so we could all fit comfortably. And later the same employee came up to the table and said "I'm going to need to take one of these tables for another customer." After he said this I was so set back that I just left the resturant entirely. It's very disapponinting that one of my favorite Town & Country resturants would be so disrespectful to the students of Paly High; espicially because as a student body we give them lots of business during our lunch hours. So I suggest that the Douce France employees rethink how they treat their student customers because we provide so much business for them.
(1)
Diana G.
My 3 year old daughter and 2 year old son had been asking for a chocolate cake for few weeks now and today was their lucky day. I decided to try this place and to satisfy our cravings for sweets. We got chocolate mousse cake and a chocolate croissant, cappuccino and ice water for the kids. The cake was delicious and not too sweet. The butter croissant was 10 times better than the ones you usually get at Starbucks. We loved it there and will be back soon.
(4)
Olwen R.
The Bree and apple is yummy! But far too expensive for what you get. The crepe was also very good.
(4)
Debbie T.
Nothing impressive in the show cases. The mocha macaron fell short, not much flavor. The peanut butter cookie was delicious. 3 stars cuz the server was very nice and efficient. My iced coffee was fine. Not sure if I would come back.
(3)
Aneta H.
I visited this place multiple times. Great crepes and pastries. Delicious latte. My husband swears their French toasts are one of the best he's had. It gets pretty full and outdoor space is limited, but the ambiance is just right. Food always comes out fast and the wait staff is friendly.
(5)
Yun C.
Dear Douce France, OMG!!!!!!! what did you do to me???!!! I think I'm now addicted... I was hungry this morning and I was in Town & Country Village. I didn't even know it was open at 9AM since most of the restaurants were still closed until I spotted several people seating outside zipping coffee and eating pastries. I was pleasantly surprised to see some breakfast offerings on their chalk board as I entered the cafe/bakery. I thought they would only sell pastries, bagels and coffee. I opted for their crespeau (fried egg, they said it was an omelett..but it was not as soft and moist like omelett, topped with sauteed spinach and mushroom and goat cheese). It came with a side of country style potatoes and a little piece of bread. I also got the yogurt with fresh fruits and a cup of (large) latte. Verdict: YUMMMMM!!!! The portion was not large but it was "enough" for breakfast. The potatoes were not oily and actually the whole plate wasn't oily at all. It was delicious. The yogurt & fruits were very refreshing, the fruits were fresh..I appreciate this!!! Latte was good, not too strong, but enough to wake me up this morning :) Total was $18 and some change....."ok, not cheap" I also bought 5 pieces of chocolate eclair, an eclair like cream puff and a small (individual size) cheesecake. I just had an eclair, WOW!!! buttery, not too sweet, rich and delicious! The size was just perfect to indulge sweets without feeling extremely guilty. yumm!!! $15 for all the sweets, very reasonable!!!!!!! I think I'll be a regular now, oh dear!
(5)
S W.
This place comes close to Paris, albeit none of the good. Croissant had barely a pinch of almond paste. Espresso was overroasted and bitter. My experience left me disappointed, and mystified by the 4 star ratings. So, i ended up going to the other bakery in T&C to buy some bread.
(2)
Gloria E.
A fun cafe. Cappuccino was great. But French onion soup was not the real thing. It was just a thin broth and a few cheese strings thrown in. Hubby had a croque monsieur which was very dry. So was his chocolate croissant which looked better than it tasted. My plain croissant was good On a more positive note, the people who work there were friendly as nd it had a good atmosphere. But, Disappointing food.
(3)
Geri W.
Very nice restaurant... The vegetarian and omnivore parties were all well satisfied, and the staff were easygoing with accommodations for alterations of the dishes. Service was reasonably prompt even on a busy Saturday, and the creeps were yummy.
(5)
Cindy W.
Slightly disappointed since expectations were high for DF. Got a croissant for the baby and the French toast ($7.95) for me plus a chai latte ($3.35). Nothing to boast about. It was food. But the display of desserts was pretty.
(3)
Lyn C.
Cute little atmosphere that is open in the morning for breakfast. Service was quick and polite, and there is a small little menu to pick from. We grabbed some pastries, eggs, and coffee. I wouldn't recommend this place for anything special, but it's an average little shop that get's the job done.
(3)
Vince B.
Really enjoyed our lunch here at Cafe Douce France. If this comfortable shop were in Honolulu I would invite my Yelp lunch buddy Val Y to come and have lunch here. I don't know if he likes French Bakery style food but I sure do. This Cafe is in a Palo Alto shopping center is right next to the Stanford campus and there are several other small restaurants to choose from. Plus, there is a Trader Joe's in the same center. Lots of parking available. yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… We were leisurely checking out the restaurants when I spotted a chocolate dipped sweet pastry ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… ) in the glass cabinet. Within about 60 seconds we all agreed that this was the place and I had that pastry in my hands and a sandwich ordered. Food: Daughter had a Ham on Croissant Sandwich and loved it. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… ) She also had a chocolate latte coffee drink in a glass cup. Of course, I got the Grilled Veggie Panini Sandwich on french bread. This came with a Macaron which was a nice touch that I wasn't expecting. yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… That along with the pastry made me very very happy. Ambience: Very casual with indoor and out door seating. People reading the newspaper. People talking. Easy to believe you were sitting in a bakery in France. Best Thing: This shop is small but they have many great pastries to choose from. I could eat one of those chocolate dipped pastries every day of my life, but, I would also like to try all of their other items. yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… Next time I'm in the area I know where I'm having lunch!!
(4)
Janet O.
When it was time for a "lunch catch up" with Teresa P. We decided to meet here. Douce is located in the Town and Country square. It looked busy when we walked up to the location for lunch at 1 something. I gravitated towards their Spinach Quiche I spied on the display. It's an additional $1+ for a side of salad. I requested my quiche zapped. Teresa P decided to order a Turkey sandwich. It was decent. Crunchy toasted baguette. Personally I had better but it wasn't bad at all. My lunch was good. Portion wise don't expect a huge quiche. It's a size that's perfect for lunch-lightweight. I would love for them to season their quiche a bit more. It tasted a but too bland for me. I love the open space design of this place. We chose to sit outside. It's very popular on a warm day. But If you end up inside you will still feel connected to the outside courtesy of the glass walls. Service is awesome from the smiling friendly staff. Just for that alone this place deserves a repeat business!
(3)
Steve L.
Croissant review. Bought a plain croissant, chocolate croissant, and almond croissant. When you opened them up, there were 3-4 layers of dense sheets of barely cook-ed through dough. Not quite the layers I was looking for. Frustrating and disappointing.
(1)
Jeffery H.
Really nice atmosphere. Nice outdoor seating and great food. My favorite is the French Toast (best ever), they normally stop serving breakfast at noon, but if ask they can make an exception. I always get the French Toast and usually at about 3pm.
(5)
Alexandra S.
Best crêpes and coffee in the Palo Alto area! Super friendly staff and great environment to spend some time with friends, read, or even work!
(5)
Scott F.
The mini cream puff is meh: the puff is stale, and the filling is just plain whipped cream: yelp.com/biz_photos/douc… I tried the ham quiche: yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… meh. very average. not worth the calories. Their Chai Tea latte is as addictive as crack. That's because they use David Rio Chai Tea latte mix. So, yes, it's great ... but it's just a mix, and nothing special.
(3)
Rachel C.
quiche for breakfast. yummy! still the same as when I would come here for breakfast 5 years ago when I went to PALY. good to know some things still haven't changed. I took a chance and drove into the plaza before work one morning and literally almost cried with happiness when I saw it was still there. Diverse breakfast choices from pastries to baked goods to hot cooked food like eggs and cute little dessert tarts. Vanilla latte and ham& cheese quiche = a good morning for me.
(4)
Shanna N.
5 stars for the croissants& croissant sandwiches! The best croissant I've had since the bakery in ÃŽle saint louis in paris!
(5)
Mona W.
Love the coffee - they put their lattes in a beer cup which is cute. The food is a hit or miss...but you can never go wrong with their pastries or fruit tarts!!! :)
(4)
Shubhi T.
We ordered crepes, french toast, omelettes for the table. Everything was good, crepes were ok. The freshly squeezed OJ gets this place more brownie points. The ambiance was quite casual, the pastries look very good, but did not try them.
(3)
Erica S.
After a stroll at Stanford Shopping Center, I came here for an afternoon snack. I had heard about this place through a friend and wanted to give it a try. It was a Sunday afternoon, but they didn't have a whole lot of items in their display cases so it was a little disappointing to see. Prices were not cheap either. We ordered a cappuccino, fruit tart, and a chocolate croissant to share. The fruit tart was yummy with fresh blueberries, strawberry, and raspberries. Better than the Cocola bakeries in SJ. Loved the cream in the tart. MMMmmmm. The chocolate croissant was light and fluffy. Can't compare to the Tartine Bakery ones, but it was still very good. Unlike most places, they also partially dip them in chocolate, but I liked that it wasn't overly sweet at all. On a sunny day, it's nice to sit outside although the view of the parking lot is not a great sight. Friendly staff. Clean environment. Hope to try some other goodies next time.
(4)
Karen r.
Good solid option for lunch. I like the panini, which comes with a free tiny little tart (that's what she said). My issue is with the name of this restaurant. I mean, come on. Am I the only person who thinks that this place should come up with a different name? It's like 1 letter away from a different word, one that no one should think about when contemplating food.
(4)
Liana J.
Good crepes. Forgot what we got but it was a bit uneven. Overall a good experience. We also had a strawberry shortcake...too much cream. Will probably try the croissants next time
(3)
Brent T.
I struggle with this 3 star review...I almost went 2 stars because of the manner of service here, but my girlfriend thought the food was good (once she got the right order). In my opinion, the food was fine. I had a La Parisienne crepe which was okay. Good but nothing to write home about. My gf had the smoked salmon crepe w/buckwheat flour. She really liked hers and said it was "better than average". The service was our issue here. I had to take a step back and think rationally, and following is my honest assessment. To start, when our waitress brought our food, she brought out my crepe, and a smoked salmon sandwich on wheat for my gf. When I ordered, I definitely said "smoked salmon crepe on buckwheat flour". I can absolutely understand how the guy taking my order might've heard "smoked salmon on wheat". The mistake made was not the issue. Our waitress asked "so you want the salmon crepe?" My gf said yes and our waitress took it back. Moments later, the guy who took the order from me at the counter came by and said to me, "You said you wanted the smoked salmon sandwich on wheat." I replied calmly, "No, I said smoked salmon crepe on buckwheat". He then just turned around and left. Again, I can understand the mistake and don't hold that against them. How they deal with the mistake is what irritated me. I am not a firm believer in "the customer is always right", but I do believe that the customer knows what they ordered and what they said, if that's not necessarily what was heard. Nonetheless, since the food was okay or good, I gave 3 stars, which I feel is a bit generous. It's a nice little place and I would probably come back, but a little less excited to do so after the service experience.
(3)
Michelle Y.
Amazing Almond Torte and Fruit Tart! Very reasonably priced. Wonderful lunch selections with dessert options on the side. I love to order the fruit tart or almond torte here when there is a birthday or celebratory event at my work. It's healthier than the super chocolate cake options out there.
(4)
Victoria M.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Palo Alto (scratch that, the entire Bay Area). Why? Because I've somehow become addicted to their banana nutella crepes. Whenever I go out for breakfast/brunch at any restaurant, my item of choice is nearly always a banana nutella crepe. Most times, I think, "yeah, this crepe is pretty good, but I could make one just as good at home." And you know, I kind of feel like buying a crepe was a waste of money... That is *not* the case at Douce France. Every time I eat a crepe at Douce France, I am reminded that I cannot make a crepe that good. I don't know what they do, but I've ordered crepes there like 10 times so far, and I've thoroughly enjoyed them each time. I am also a huge fan of their other pastries, too. And the service is also great-- although I hope the servers don't recognize me, because I am starting to feel a little guilty about how frequently I order crepes there...
(5)
T. C.
The ambiance and liveliness of this place is awesome. Service is also very good. But the croissant was horrible - was not fresh, felt and tasted like day old, dry, and hard. I tried to bake the croissant to possibly make it softer but that didn't help. The cheese pastry was similar freshness. I'm quite surprised that this place has a lot of traffic, which would be a good indicator that the pastry would be fresh. Quite disappointed was hoping for a good croissant.
(2)
Jared P.
I had my first lunch from Douce France today. I'm pretty much a salad fanatic during lunch time. I was in La Belle next door doing my weekly Vitamin B shots so I asked their receptionist where to go. She referred me to Douce France for a good salad. The nicoise salad was alright. Nothing really exceptional about it. I think next time I'll try a sandwich. There wasn't very much shrimp on the salad which for a $10 salad you would expect a bit more. It was maybe 1/6th a cup of shrimp. The service was prompt which exceeded my expectations as they were very busy. If I do go back it won't be for salad but for their really tasty looking pastries and sandwiches.
(3)
Naper I.
Lovely cafe. The food is very fresh and beautifully presented. We will be back again!
(5)
Adrianna V.
Was my $10 sandwhich worth the price? Ehh maybe not but the cafe experience and complimentary raspberry tart was a nice touch. Tables are small and space is limited but the employees will rearrange tables and chairs to accommodate groups the best they can. I'll probably be back to try something different because while the quality was great it was nothing amazing.
(3)
Anastasia K.
We just came back from Douce France. We got 3 cheese-quiches and an onion soup. The quiches were very STALE. Inedible! The onion soup had a lot of bread and very little soup. Not a good lunch experience.
(1)
P. C.
There's a rule that you can eat as much of your birthday cake as you wish and the calories don't count against you, right?! That's good because I can't stop eating my dark chocolate mousse cake. Seriously cannot stop. I'm literally sitting at my desk with a spoon and the cake box, eating the last part of the cake right now. *whispers "help me"*
(4)
Sarah T.
this review is only for macarons have to say that their macrons are pretty cheap but definitely not among the best that i had. actually it is below average!
(2)
Ashley K.
By far, the best chocolate croissant I've ever had! And trust me, I've tried a lot. They tend to be dry, or only a little bit of chocolate in the very middle. This one....I dream about! The texture and taste is similar to challah..chewey and rich. The outside is flaky. Best part, it satisfies the chocolate cravings in two ways. One, plenty of chocolate on the inside AND two, 1/2 of the croissant is dipped in chocolate. YUM. Great place to sit and people watch with a coffee and book on a Sunday morning too.
(5)
Julia C.
That nagging burnt stench is gone, hip hip hooray! I recall how nauseous it'd make any dine in experience. Croissants are also more amazing than I remember. Thicker center texture with the right combination of denseness while still being classified fluffy. Menu has grown as well, way more extensive in meal options and side pastries.
(4)
Edward W.
Came here for dinner, a little before closing. I ordered the La Bretonne, which is no longer on their new menu, but they still allow you to order it if you ask for it. It comes with ham, swiss cheese, tomatoes, and two eggs over easy made with buckwheat. Buckwheat crepe was excellent and everything tasted freshly made even though they were closing soon. I also received a fruit tart with my savory crepe, which was a nice little bonus. Not sure if this is normal or because they had extra, but I'll take it! The crepe was a little pricey at $10, but the quality was well worth it .
(4)
Kim B.
Review is strictly for their catering service - I've never eaten in but I love their catering service. Such yummy options for sandwiches (the bread they use is so tasty) and salads. Plus: with large catering orders they throw in complimentary dessert tarts! Reasonable pricing & dependable service.
(4)
Joy K.
I think the reason why I am so fond of this place is because I grew up going there since I was a teenager. It's the whole allure of being "independent", driving your mom's car to go to a quaint cafe with your friend and being able to sit down and feel like a grown up (not that I'm close to one yet). I mean even still I think their food is pretty good! I like their sandwiches and especially their chocolate croissant. I mean c'mon, CHOCOLATE. They also have a nice variety of little cakes and tarts that are delicious and fun to treat yo' self :)
(4)
Kim N.
Im not sure I get the popularity of the place. Perhaps Palo Alto is dying for French food culture? Pastries are decent, however if you're a big eater or really hungry, you maybe underwhelmed by the portions. The housewives of the area flock to this like gangbusters so be warned of the "Oh the economy is so bad we may have to sell our yacht" talk.
(3)
Lincoln L.
Grabbed a fruit tart here for a friend's birthday. Twenty-five dollars for a good-sized tart with a ton of fresh fruit. But the quality of the tart comes from the custard and the shell, and both were solid. The custard was sweet and a little bit tart (boy, that word is showing up a lot), but not in a way that complements, rather than overwhelms the fruit. Arranged wonderfully as well too!
(4)
Jess C.
Above average food, expensive, and overhyped. I tried all the popular items, from the chai tea, to the macarons, chocolate croissant, and misto baguette. None of them were amazing, except the croissant but only because it was heated up. I would give Douce France a second shot for their breakfast croissant or croque madame, but overall I felt it was overpriced and the food was pretty average.
(3)
Grecia N.
Yum yum yum! They have the best crepes in all Palo Alto not only are they tasty they're also fresh and have a great variety of them. My favorite of course are the berry crepes. I usually treat myself every Friday to one of these delicious crepes after a long week. Is just wish they had a weekly theme or discount on them sometimes.
(5)
Cindy K.
This review is for their quiches and pastries. We had these lovely bakes goods served at our meeting today. I had the spinach quiche, almond croissant, and cinnamon swirl with raisins. YUM! The quiches were still slightly warm, could've been warmer. Very delicious, although I fet like I need some more salt on my quiche. The pastries were very good. Fresh and crispy baked. I think I would like to actually stop buy here to get the full experience.
(4)
Derek S.
Found this place on Yelp and it's tucked away in analley in the Town and Country center. Ordered a Croque Monsieur which essentially is a toasted ham sandwich with cheese on top of the toast and a side of greens. The salad was very fresh and the vinaigrette was light. The sandwich was very fresh and tasty!!! Ordered the Strawberry shortcake and it was okay. There was more whip cream than strawberry though. The portion was also huge! The chocolate croissant was okay. Service was friendly by the staff! :)
(5)
Adrienne M.
Like many others, my boyfriend and I got the Groupon to this place. We came here today for brunch to use it. We intended to just pick up a bunch of pastries, but they didn't have a huge selection and some of the hot sandwiches sounded good, so we decided on an angelo (proscuitto and arugula) for him and a buffarella (buffalo mozzarella, tomato, basil) for me, as well as a chocolate croissant to share. The guy who was taking the orders rudely held the Groupon in my face and said in a really loud voice "NOT GOOD FOR LUNCH FOOD" (which it does say on it). When I responded that I didn't realize and we'd rethink our order, he said he would do it just this once but said with a sneer "don't ever do it again!" It was nice of him to take it for lunch when he didn't have to, but honestly, he was kind of a jerk about it. I thought the people at the counter also seemed super impatient that we didn't know what we wanted -- sorry we've never been before!! So, no points for service. The chocolate croissant was fantastic but not cheap ($2.50). The pastry itself was good but not great, but I loved the chocolate sauce (its more like a sauce than a bar) inside, and the fact that it was dipped in chocolate. Our sandwiches were pretty mediocre for the price ($8-9 for a small sandwich with no sides, except a bite-sized fruit tart). I swear the mozzarella on my sandwich wasn't buffalo mozzarella. It really tasted like normal, cow mozzarella to me, and didn't seem super fresh. I've had much, much better mozzarella elsewhere. It wasn't bad but it was nothing exceptional, and a small portion for the price I thought. My bf felt similarly about his sandwich. Bottom line: Fun to try, no burning desire to come back, and if I did I would stick to the pastries!
(3)
Ava K.
Loved their sandwich, macaroons, cakes everything!
(5)
Lanee J.
I had a terrible experience here last week. I placed a big order for pick up and when I arrived at my event realized that half of the order was missing. I called and spoke with a less than apologetic employee who said there was nothing they could do. When I returned the next day I spent fifteen minutes waiting around before finally getting a refund for the missing order. Barely an apology and no offer to make up for it in any way. I was disappointed. I realize that this was an oversight and can happen from time to time but they didn't seem to care at all and didn't even give an apology. Fail.
(1)
Ashley M.
I used to come here all the time during high school (especially when skipping class) so it holds a special place in my heart. I'm an enormous fan of their lemon tarts and the general ambiance of the place when it's not crazy crowded. Staff is always lovely. Their pastries are great, but get there in the morning before the student rush.
Good sandwiches and salad. Lots of different french baked goods. Their crepes look good too. Tried their croque monsieur in brioche bread and it was very good. Will definitely come back and try their crepes.
(4)
Leslie H.
Maybe I should have tried the croque madame or one of their paninis, but I have to say, I wasn't much impressed with their regular butter croissant. It came with a side of really cold and hard butter and jam. It was flaky enough, but definitely not the best croissant I've ever tasted. I guess I expected more from a supposedly French bakery. Their various mini fruit tarts looked divine though. Prices are a bit on the high side, but what else would you expect in the heart of Palo Alto? I might come back to try some of their other offerings, but for now, I'd say you can get a better croissant at many other bakeries. Seating is very crowded, reminiscent of a Parisienne cafe. The tables are small and close together. And it can be difficult to hear your companion because of all of the other conversations taking place nearby.
(3)
Sherry P.
Discovery: Fruit tarts. I used to rely on Whole Foods for fruit tarts.. but it don't compare. The difference in the crust and the cream is definitely noticeable. Maybe the fruits are somewhat on par, but overall, Douce wins. Now my official go-to for fruit tarts :) Their paninis are also solid - do it with their baguette; and same goes for their croque madame - try it with their beignet, never had such fluffy, yolked out bread before. Great breakfast/brunch spot, I WILL BE BACK.
(4)
Loic C.
I am big fan of theirs! I am French, so going there for Sunday brunch is a great way to enjoy homy food without having to travel. The people are super nice, always smiling, courteous, and clearly loving what they do. I usually get 1) double espresso, 2) chocolate croissant (which they dip in melted chocolate, a very successful US-variant on the traditional French "pain au chocolat"), and a 3) croque-madame. I have never been let down. My girlfriend is a fan of their onion soup, which is very tasty.
(4)
Audra M.
This place is nice. I really enjoyed my iced chai tea latte. It was the best I have had. The macarons were tasty as well. I might have given it another star if the customer service was a little better. The guy, I believe he is French, was kind of short, but he did help me. Honestly I would go back for the chai latte. My friend also ordered a quiche and it was very good. I would def. go back for the pastries and drinks.
(4)
Sherrie H.
Je voudrais un croissant. To me there is nothing like a buttery flaky viennoiserie bread roll named for its well known crescent shape. I am a giant sucker for a great croissants and hearing the origins of Douce France I was surprised to the lack of quality in this French staple. I will however give props for the mouth watering La Suzette crepe. Douce France is tucked in the back corner of the charming Town & Country Village and is owned by two friends from Alsace, France who desired to bring the community-feeling of a French cafe to Palo Alto. They delivered in the atmosphere of the cafe with alfresco seating, but lack in the quality of their secretly kept grand-mother's recipes. IMO, Mayfield Bakery (also in Town & Country) is hands down the best choice for pastries in Palo Alto. Hit Douce France for coffee, crepes, or possibly a Croc Madame.
(3)
William L.
Douce France is the best bakery in town, period. Besides tasty croissants and fresh baguettes, their cakes are always sensational. I live in the neighborhood, and I have visited Douce France many times. I have never been disappointed. On a weekend morning, what could possibly beat sitting outside in the sun, sipping a cup of fresh coffee, nibbling on a perfect croissant, and reading the Saturday Wall Street Journal?! This is in fact one of my favorite weekend activities. Also, it wouldn't hurt to know Steve Jobs used to frequent stores in the Town and Country Plaza...
(5)
Aubrey C.
Douce France is a pretty average place for baked goods. I haven't tried any of their food options, but their classic baked goods like croissants aren't that great. In fairness to Douce France, they have more than just baked goods, including things like panini and the classic croque madame, etc. However, in my book, if a bakery styles itself as being a French bakery, they should deliver on croissants, quiches, etc. The croissant was fairly average -- not too different from anything you'd get at Costco. Doughy but not too dry. The quiches were a tad on the oily/greasy side and not as fluffy as it should be. They do also have desserts like fruit tarts, that all look very good. Maybe that will be worth trying next time, but of the baked goods I've tasted, Douce France was merely average. There are tastier bakeries in Palo Alto for that price range (such as La Baguette in Stanford Shopping Center).
(3)
Monique Y.
Horrible typical French customer service. The staff has zero interest in helping and being friendly. The French dude rung up our order all funky and charged us more for our order and when we asked he was huffy and puffy and insisted it was correct. Um. Can you do math? I only bought 4 items. Not five!!!! Dessert is good but would not go back bc of the unpleasant service. Who knows if he was just rattling off prices on the dessert. Are we pocketing the profit here?? They should post the price of each item for the customer to see!!
(2)
Pierre B.
Douce France is certainly popular among the lunch and afternoon crowd, but if this place were in San Francisco or Berkeley, it would be toward the bottom of the barrel. Sandwiches, panini, quiches, and crêpes are okay, but boring, and could do with more flavor and more interesting flavor combinations. There's no kick: no interesting sauce, no special meat, no deliciously toasted bread. If I'm going to buy a sandwich, it better be as good, if not better, than buying a petite baguette and some Fra' Mani hams at Whole Foods. The quiche, meanwhile, is watery and basically a larger version of a packaged quiche you'd find at Trader Joe's. Pastries are no better. They look decent, but lack the moist, buttery flakiness that you'd expect from a real bakery. Tastes like something you'd get from the bakery at Whole Foods.
(3)
Christine P.
Still the same after all of these years. Used to come here with my French teacher in high school many many years ago and it gives me fond memories from those high school days. It still looks the same and the menu hasn't changed much. Food is good, but not necessarily the best, but people are nice, and atmosphere is pleasant for chatting and meeting folks. Tried their coffee and it was ok.
(3)
Mansi A.
I write this with mixed emotions after looking forward to having a light breakfast at Douce France, which is reminiscent of a Parisian cafe. Clear standouts: - Chai tea latte: Like crack. No idea what they put in this concoction, but I could've just drank this and came away feeling like I was on cloud nine. The. Best. Chai. Ever. - Mushroom quiche: Light, flaky crust. Moist, flavorful interior. Yummy tart-like pastry. They also had spinach and ham varieties available. Falling shorts: - Chocolate croissant: Because many Yelper swore by it. I would beg to differ. I've had far, far better chocolate croissants. The pastry was flaky, but rather dense and definitely not buttery enough. Paul Deen would never approve! I must say though, the chocolate used was pretty great. - Apricot danish: The apricot portion was okay, but the cream cheese lacked the traditional cream cheese flavor. Also, the pastry was a tad sticky and soggy instead of flaky. I wouldn't go for this again. - Blueberry scone: The one pastry that SHOULD'VE been dense...but wasn't. Light and airy...and draped with a simple syrup type of coating....definitely not your typical scone. Not that tasty either. - Customer service: What service? Many Yelpers were raving about the customer service here, but I didn't see any of that on a Sunday morning. No smiles, no friendliness, no nothing. Just a 'what do you want', and 'get out of the way' attitude. I realize it's tough when it's crowded, but still...Meh.
(3)
Philip L.
Gem of a French cafe - the savory crepes are what they do best. Desserts are pretty good too. These guys look like they know what they're doing, it's the real deal. All the tables were filled up inside, so we found some public outdoor seating with shade umbrellas, was much better actually. We're so glad we found this place through Yelp, otherwise we would've never gone here - you can't see the cafe from the street cause it's tucked in a fairly large strip center.
(5)
Athena S.
Found this cute cafe a few years back and almost had to go to rehab for my addiction to their croque monsiuers. I recently started going there again since it's close to my new(er) work location. Sad face: I no longer am in the Mission. Happy face: Douce France's mini quiche- flaky, fresh and crazily under $4
(5)
Seán O.
I come to this place for two things: 1) pastries for breakfast if I'm feeling like really treating myself, and 2) a light, late lunch after peak hours. There is usually a long line when this place is busy, and seating (not to mention parking at Town and Country) is relatively limited. Nevertheless, service is usually fast and efficient. This is why coming earlier in the morning or mid-afternoon is a good plan. Their sandwiches are simple, but well prepared. I like how they give me (and I presume you also) a macaroon with my sandwich, which always works out well since I usually order an espresso or drip coffee with my food here. The pastries are truly delicious. I've never had their cakes or some of their more elaborate confectionery, but it does look pretty tasty, too. On a few occasions that I've been here, they've had specials with pretty good French wines for ~$7/glass, perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon. When I am here, especially on weekend afternoons, I usually hear a lot of people speaking in French. If that's any metric for authenticity of cuisine, then I guess Douce France is right up there!
(4)
Grace T.
Croquet monsieur and madame (with eggs) are our favorites. Food is simple and wonderful. We love to take our dog here for brunch on the weekends.
(5)
Lola Z.
My previous reviews reflecting my experience was consistent that certain items are spot on (pastries and espressos) ; others need work. You have to really know what to pick and what to stay away from but I gave it an average to good review because once you get around that, their stuff can be quite good. However, I am TIRED of getting the occasional DAY OLD BREAD!! I have ordered their ham and cheese sandwiches early-ish in the morning and gotten hard, chewy, obviously day-old if not older bread. The kind you have to fight to get a bite of. Today, I saw a sugary brioche that was calling to me so I ordered that to find it stale and quite crunchy on the inside. BLECH. If you're going to sell day-old bread, sell it to someone who wants it by calling it out as such! It doesn't happen all the time but I'm tired of feeling bamboozled enough that I don't think I'll ever go back.
(1)
K D.
Their cappuccino is simple yet delicious til the last drop, also had the breakfast crepe which was slightly too cheesy but nevertheless very filling. Will definitely go here again!
(4)
Cress H.
As a long-term (10+ years) customer, I wholeheartedly recommend Douce France. Croissants and coffee in the morning, delicious sandwiches and salads for lunch, and now that they start serving wine & champagne, delightful for a small something after work. I adore this place for a leisurely cappuccino by oneself or for meeting a friend. Yes, it gets very busy at lunchtime but the grab-for-yourself tables quickly turn over.
(5)
Annie T.
Adorable, love the location. Service is really great. The seats outside weren't the most comfortable - the wicker had sunk into the chairs with use so it was hard to sit for a while.
When you have a little bit of time to enjoy a cappuchino and a chocolate filled croissant, its a great place to stop by in the morning. For lunch, they have sandwiches/panninis and a nice ending touch is a fruit tart. Its a nice little cafe if you find yourself at Town and Country in Palo Alto. Service was friendly; easy parking - probably too easy as at the outside tables you are literally looking at car bumpers and their associated cars.
(3)
Krysta M.
Charming and delicious! Very friendly and attentive staff. Their pastries and food are very good and their chai tea latte's are amazing! Parking can be tough but other then that very cute location with inside/outside seating! Love this place!!
(5)
Jess L.
This is a great place for a good size breakfast/brunch that doesn't leave you full until the next day, and service was friendly. My breakfast and coffee were good. So was my friend's breakfast sandwich. Their pastries and desserts looked amazing, and I plan on a future trip to confirm this.
(4)
Kendahl D.
Totally mediocre; good but not great. Came here Saturday afternoon with my husband and got a regular coffee, a decaf coffee, and a spinach quiche from the pastry case. The quiche filling was bland and needed salt, but the crust was okay. Both coffees were pretty weak; on par with bad diner coffee. Ambiance was decent--lots of places to sit, but not the coziest--and the service was friendly. Overall, it's a fine cafe to spend an afternoon, but nothing special. We didn't try any sweet pastries, though, so I'll have to check those out at some point.
(3)
C E.
We shared the eggs Benedict and ham/swiss (we substituted gruyere for swiss) crepe. The order came out of the kitchen quick, both were delivered hot (yay cannot stand cold egg dishes) Prepared to perfection and both were excellent!!
(5)
L L.
I know a place is good when I crave their food long after I've been there. Their breakfast croissant, so simple, yet delicious. It's just a croissant w/ scrambled eggs. But the croissant was so light, flaky, buttery, yet with substance and a little chewy... Oooh, my mouth is watering now just writing this! My aunt had the croque monsieur, and that looked delicious too. She was raving on and on about how good it was. I'm gonna try that next time I go there. Coffeee was magnificent too, rich, smooth, flavorful. I can tell I'm going to become a regular there... so many different things to try, so excited! *squeal*
(5)
Nathalie V.
A few gal pals and I met up for a late lunch at Douce France, and I was extremely excited as I saw the large pastry area. It's a very casual atmosphere, with little round tables indoors and outdoors. The ordering style is order and pay at the cash register, and they'll bring your food and drinks out later). The staff is super friendly, happy to answer questions, and was extremely patient as I tried making up my mind about my box of to-go pastries. I had the Misto Sandwich (one of their bestsellers - mixed greens, tomatoes, chicken, and pesto sauce on a baguette) and found that although it looked rrrreaallly good, I found it to be a little bland. The upside: a little pastry on the side! In addition to my sandwich, I also split a quiche with the girls. That was actually good, and I would order this again. For dessert, which I ate about two hours later, I had their chocolate and pistachio macarons, a cream puff, and a fruit tart. I am sad to say I was disappointed in this department as well. The macarons were not as flaky as I would have liked, the cream puff itself could have used some more butter and the cream was unremarkable. They did a great job with the fruit part of the fruit tart, but the custard was ok and the pastry was soggy. That last bit could have been my fault for waiting so long to eat it.
(2)
Sarah T.
This is my new favorite place for a breakfast date within driving distance from Stanford. Nice indoor atmosphere. I ordered over-easy eggs a side of polenta, which is now my new favorite breakfast dish. Major win overall.
(5)
Terri M.
My visit was back on 2/28/11, about 2:00ish. I can only speak about the followings: -Strawberry shortcake $3.95 -Blueberry tart $5.19 -Cream puff $1.95 Nowadays, since Safeway seems to offer ok sweets, I don't have to drive up here, paying that much $ to get their goodies. On the other hand, quite frankly, I'm a bread person, rather than cakes, so at this point I was little upset at myself for not visiting early enough to get my Brioche and all. The shop was nice. They renewed the entire shopping mall. But changing outside doesn't mean very much, and looks could be deceiving. It was interesting to witness customers don't ask how much things are (no price indicated). They just order their drink, point out the show case, and pay whatever $ is told. I bet they never use coupons for their grocery. Please check out some photos for more details.
(3)
Jeffrey B.
I had the macaroons, and they were really dry. They were impossible to break in half, without destroying them. They only had 3 flavors available of raspberry, vanilla and coffee. They at least got the taste partially right Sandwich was nothing special. But their Fruit tarts were their only saving grace. The fruit in the tarts were fresh and tasty, custard not too sour and it was fun to eat.
(3)
Shelley W.
Pretty sure there is crack in the Chai Lattes here... Douce France is my favorite spot in Palo Alto and I will probably never grow tired of coming here. I've been coming to Douce France for the past 10+ years. In fact, for 4 years of high school I'm pretty sure I ate lunch here anywhere from 2-4 times a week. So many businesses in Town & Country have come and go over the years but this place remains the best go-to neighborhood spot to catch up with family or friends over a light meal or coffee. Much of the core staff has remained the same over the years, and the owner is often seen working behind the counter. Everyone who works here is friendly and willing to work with special requests/adjustments to my food order. I am completely addicted to their Chai Lattes, iced or hot. I literally crave it and stop by for one almost everyday whenever I'm in town. I recommend the Chai Latte (geez how many times have I mentioned the word "Chai Latte" in this review?), the savory and sweet crepes, and the ready-made croissant sandwiches that they will toast for you before serving. Apparently the fruit tarts are spectacular here because my mom raves about them all the time. I love that you can just order a half sandwich if you're not as hungry. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The only reason I am not giving this place 5 stars (and trust me I really want to) is because some of the pastries, such as the chocolate croissant, are just slightly above average.
(4)
Linus W.
Great little creperie, and reasonably priced for the area! The La Basquaise (prosciutto, mozzarella, spinach) came with a little salad and was a perfect portion for a lunch meal, with room for a pastry or dessert if you succumbed to the guilty pleasures. Would love to try other savory and their sweet crepes! Only problem is that everyone else seems to love them, too; we had to hover for a few minutes before spotting an open table.
(5)
Stephen L.
Delicious French Pastries and more! We ordered the Opera Cake and Fruit Tart today. Both were delicious and tasted fresh. The chocolate croissant is always a good choice.
(4)
jun k.
Okay, the place's decor is still cute, and today, I went outside and noticed that each outside table has a cute vintage poster print on it. All that aside, the REASON I went outside is pretty sad. Basically in the afternoon, as I tried to take advantage of my free hour and enjoy a late lunch with a book, I was assaulted by crowded groups of people and a wailing baby. (Please, why are baby chairs even offered.. this is a cafe... not Denny's). I know I'm sounding harsh right now, but this is not what I remember from before. I mean the food is still decent, my fresco panini was good (but for $8 a pop, it should be, no?). And my pistachio macaron was pretty good (although the vanilla one was pretty plain). But, did I appreciate the server picking up the macarons with his hands and putting them into the white bag? The same hands he used to take the previous customer's money? The same hands he probably uses to do all sorts of other tasks... on my food? Do you think I'm being overly picky or should I be fine with direct handling of my food at a French cafe in Palo Alto Town and Country? Cheese House looked quiet and peaceful. Their sandwiches are only $7... and they're hearty too.
(2)
Minh T.
It's in a Town & Country plaza which is bustling during the lunch hour so, parking could take a few minutes. There are ~four tables outside and ~15 small tables inside. They serve coffee, pastries, salads and sandwiches. The line moved quickly, they give you a number and bring out your order to the table. I ordered the Warm Goat Cheese salad that came with a few slices of soft, freshly-baked French bread. The breading on the outside of the goat cheese was perfectly cooked; not soggy at all. The cheese itself was slightly warmer than room temperature which was unexpected. Most places either melt the cheese which makes it too liquid-y or don't warm it enough which keeps the middle of the cheese cold. Douce France got it right. Tried some of my friend's Pear & Brie sandwich. It was surprisingly light and the flavors were well-balanced. I want to come back....soon!
(4)
Rebecca S.
Very cute French Cafe located in Town and Country Village near LaBelle Day Spa.... Maybe French cafes aren't really my thing, because I wasn't blown away by any of the food here. Coffee was very good, and It was nice that they give free refills; definitely wasn't expecting that. I'd say its charming more than anything, and thats probably a great deal of the appeal. Nice place to meet a friend for lunch or coffee, or just to sit and study. I woudnt hesitate to come back, but I don't know if Douce France would be my first choice.
(3)
Laura P.
After a not-so-great experience at one of the other cafes in the Palo Alto Town Center, I decided to give this place a try. The moment that I walked in, I was greeted by someone behind the counter who told me to take my time and let them know when I was ready to order. Since this was my first time here, I decided to go with one of the sandwiches (which turned out to be a great decision). I placed the order and sat down at one of the tables to wait. A few minutes later my sandwich arrived -- still hot and the bread freshly toasted. The ratio between bread to the inside items was perfect and the sandwich was the perfect portion size (not so big that I feel overwhelmed and sick afterward). It was a bit pricey (about $12 for a sandwich and drink). However, the food is good, the atmosphere is nice, and the staff is friendly. What more could you want?
(4)
Sharon F.
Sweet sweet goodness...I mean, sweet france, this cafe is authentic! If you ever want a good croque monsieur, croque madame, or a filling breakfast or lunch, this is the place. I had one of the tastiest croissants I've ever had in America. The one I took to go stayed in the car for two days, and was still good when it was discovered. A testament to good pastry? I think so! Orders get taken the moment people walk in, so that the wait is not too long. It did get crowded during the time I was here - mothers, friends, lone laptop, high school students coming in for lunch. There was never a quiet moment, which probably is a testament to the great space.
(5)
Samantha C.
This place has decently good food, but the more often I go, the worse the service seems to get. I keep returning hoping that I just went on an off day, but the people who work here are just incompetent. Who forgets an order once, and forgets again after being reminded twice?
(2)
Rosanna C.
Pretty disappointing, we came here for crepes after seeing all the raving reviews. Pfft. Doesn't even make the cut for a decent crepe (I've experienced a hundred times better in France and London, but is it so hard to make a good crepe in USA?). While the buckwheat crepe skin was OK (you can't go that wrong with the wrap), the ingredients inside were just.. bad. Terribly dry, and potentially not even prepared properly. We had the salmon crepe and ham and cheese crepe with an extra egg. Salmon crepe: the cream was hard, and looked like it was just squeezed over an already made crepe wrap. What they probably did after that was put the salmon slices (to be fair, the salmon portions were generous) and folded the whole thing up on a surface (not the pan). What resulted was a very dry crepe, they might just as well have given me everything by themselves and I can put them together myself. Also the lemon dill was too sour. Next, the ham and cheese crepe. Same thing, too dry, the egg was fried and then inserted into the crepe, not the way to make ham and cheese with egg crepe (you actually have to crack the egg into the crepe while you're making it). A good crepe is one where the inside is slightly moist, to complement the wrap which isn't. Finally I tried the French onion soup, disappointing. The caramelized flavor was so strong that the soup tasted sweet (maybe some people like it that way?), and the cheese wasn't even melted on top of the soup, just a handful of shredded cheese sprinkled over three pieces of toast (which to the fair was not bad) placed atop the soup. And so continues the quest to find a decent creperie in the Bay Area...
(2)
Rishi G.
I was here solely for a place to hang out for a while with my laptop and do some work. There are plentiful power outlets, free Wifi, and a good amount of tables. I got my usual Soy Latte which was great, better than the usual Starbucks / Peet's. There was also a variety of delightful teas. I managed to resist the tempting Napoleons, Macarons, and other French pastries - but one day I will be back for those. :) All in all, this is a great place to hang out or get some work done. And the service is pretty good too, no snark - which seems to be in large supply in most small coffee shops around here.
(4)
Lina C.
Cute setting, plenty if parking although crowded at timess located between the CVS and Trader Joe's area in the back. I ordered half a dozen croissants and turnovers - they were crispy and light, good custard filling that was light and not too sweet. I let the ladies behind me order first since I couldn't make up my mind from the two large pastry cases...they ordered in french. They weren't the only ones speaking in european languages at this cafe. Anyway, it's a nice quaint place to sunbath, people-watch in the outdoor patio area. Saw people with laptops sipping on coffee. I'd come here on a weekend if I lived closer. It's worth a visit if you're nearby.
(4)
Mike Y.
GOOD: Quick service. Excellent crepe. Bakery is solid. Definitely will go back. BAD: Too many people during lunch (is that a Bad Point?).
(4)
J L.
Douce France gets points on the "relative star" Yelp scale: compared to other options in the Stanford 8-minute-drive proximity, it is cuter, comfier, and friendlier. It tends to be a good place to get writing done; there is reliable wifi and some power sockets. On the relative-scale, Douce France is a great spot; but it is *not*, as in the lavish praise of some reviewers, "magnifique" or "consistently superb." Here's what's good and what's not: -- Good -- Crepes (especially savory); usually worth the price. Wifi Outside seating on a sunny day. -- OK -- Espresso: Lavazza is a mediocre house brand. Even most Italians I know prefer, when dining out, to pay for Illy, or something locally roasted and worth the premium. Lavazza will do the trick, but it is nothing to holler about. Expect some tolerable bitterness of the bad sort. Seating policy: They get busy enough over a lunch period of about 3 hours that even if you have purchased lunch, pastries, and post-lunch espresso they will ask you to "condense" with other lingerers if they so much as see your laptop or book come out of the briefcase or backpack. Their policy is not distributed even-handedly though: they will ask student-looking folk to move before they ask others, regardless of what either party has purchased. Pastries: They are acceptable when purchased soon after baking. -- Bad -- Panini: Inexcusably small for the price; even smaller than what you get in Europe, in case being European was the "authenticity excuse." And the bread tends to be either stale or toasted to a cracker-crisp all the way through. In sum: If you wish to have a nice cafe to work at, go when it's not busy; buy the savory crepes; and don't expect amazing (or terrible) espresso or baked goods. A personal note: The thing I liked most about Douce France was that the ownership and the "help" appear to get along quite well most of the time. It's nice for once to see the dishwashers and other support staff treated nicely both frontstage and backstage.
(3)
Katherine B.
I've only been here a few times and eaten only a macaroon, so I can't say much about the taste. I do remember thinking that it was delicious, though. However, I can definitely say the staff is super friendly! When I asked what they recommended, they gave me a straight answer and said what was in it helpfully. Also, they made me feel like I wasn't talking to a stranger. Heh. /is shy
(4)
Felicia P.
2-stars simply because my mocha was just ok, and so was my cinnamon stick. I think I better return the next time I'm in town and try a pastry. Afterall, my mouth was watering for the strawberry shortcake and the tarts were awfully pretty. The tables outside are a nice touch! Until then ...
(2)
Boycotting R.
I got introduced to this place through Groupon. I had seen the bakery before, but hadn't stopped in. So after trying the place a few times, I've decided the food/bakery items are solid and not really spectacular. I'd probably say 3 stars to be honest. So what pushes up my rating is the friendly staff, the ample amount of seating inside and out, and that they are supporting the vintage T&C shopping center. It is great to see this vintage shopping center get revitalized after so many in surrounding cities have fallen to the wrecking ball (Santana Row). Verdict: a nice place to grab a bite to eat and coffee and watch the world go by.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
How good is Douce France? I work nearby during the evenings, and it's common for me to eat two to three meals a week here before I start work, and I'm a picky eater. Their sandwiches are quite nice; I like the Misto and the Doux Jardin best, though the turkey with cheese is nice too. I like the salads, and their soups are outstanding; several of them are vegetarian. They offer excellent quiches and delicious desserts. The one time I got a crepe, I was a bit underwhelmed, but I keep thinking I should give it one more try. Staff members are super super nice. (It helps if you're 1. a regular, 2. super super nice first, and 3. a generous tipper, but those things are not essential; I've seen them maintain a polite demeanor even with obnoxious customers.) The place is very comfortable and is a regular hangout for local teachers: Stanford and Palo Alto High School are both right across the street. If you need to get some work done, you can hang on to a table for hours as long as it's not the lunch rush. I like their macarons better than La Boulange's.
(5)
Thea S.
Go there on weekends and I truly feel as though I am in Europe again. Most people may not know of it because it is in the Palo Alto Town and Country, but because it is off the beaten path, makes for a quiet place to drink coffee, eat pastries, and read the paper. Sad that Starbucks bought the Torrefzaione line of coffee and then immediately closed it as Douce France was the only place around that you could order it. Coffee that they serve now isn't as good.
(5)
Sharjah D.
My friend said this place is always busy so we came here to have a late lunch. Since the location is in Palo Alto the prices would be pricey. But the quality of taste is so good! I ordered the savory crepe called La Normande and it had Swiss cheese, Turkey, Tomato, Basil and a couple others that I forgot. My friend ordered what was behind the glass and we also ordered pastry. The pastry we ordered was chocolate with almond paste inside. The pastry was so strong especially the almond paste inside was so rich and overpowering. As far as the crepes I ordered was so delicious! Especially the salad that came with it plus a squeeze of lemon. So Yumm-O!! The crepe was hard to eat with a knife and fork that I just held it like a sandwich and ate it from there. They all speak french and they have servers that bring the food to you. Once your done with the meal they will pick up the empty plates from you. Amazing service not like in SF. I am looking forward to coming back and eating here again if I come back to the area!
(4)
Sheesh S.
Cute cafe with plenty of seating but not enough items! They sell out very quick so by 4 pm they do not have much variety left! I came here because I had a groupon- we bought one chai tea latte, hot chocolate, and a raspberry creme dessert ( all for around $15).The chai latte was out of this world!!!!!!!! I have never tried anything so delicious! I wish I could say the same for the rest...hot chocolate was way too chocolaty and the raspberry dessert was something you can get a grocery store. Can't stress how good that chai latte was! I'd go back for just that!
(3)
Christina J.
Both double doors in all-glass storefront are propped open, so Douce France has a wonderful outdoors plaza atmosphere, with matching utilitarian furniture/decor -- plastic weave wicker chairs? There are no cozy indoor frills about it, but it's a great place to visit on a sunny weekend. The true charm of Douce France is that everything is authentically European, from the glass bottles of Perrier to the petite portions. If you don't mind the thoroughfare and the feeling of working outdoors, this is a nice place to do a bit of work. The turnover's pretty high, so you'll quickly find a seat. And although the tables are small, there's fast free wifi & a few power outlets, even outside in the strip mall corridor. Look up near the ceiling for them. ++ | Espresso drinks | Rich Lavazza espresso, yum! I handle my caffeine very well, but this coffee is so strong that a 1-shot is almost a must. ++ | Pastries | Small, crispy croissants, pain au chocolat, sugared brioche, etc. Ask for a side of butter & their homemade jam for the perfect morning start. ++ | Fruit Tarts | Your choice of fresh fruit sit atop a rich whipped filling that is fresh, fluffy, and light. There are bite size tarts too... in case you're afraid of over-indulging in this refreshing treat. Revel in our Californian weather: Coffee + Pastry = $7
(5)
anne c.
Bought pastries before work one day. When I got to work, I realized they'd smushed everything in a box that was too small. Everything was literally stuck together and flattened. The few things that weren't ruined tasted good, which is the one and only reason it's not a one star.
(2)
Adam B.
This is a nice little french bakery / cafe. I ordered a chicken panini which was kind of disappointing. The french bread was great, but the chicken was pretty dry and the sandwich was otherwise uninspired. But many other things made up for it. My boyfriend ordered a crepe with goat cheese which was very tasty. Both of our entrees came with bite-sized pastries which were a great touch and quite delicious. They inspired us to go back for seconds. I got a chocolate-dipped chocolate cookie, and my boyfriend ordered a plain butter croissant. He said - and I must agree - that it was the best croissant he had had outside of France. FYI, since we had a bit of trouble finding it in the plaza; Douce France is toward the back near the train tracks.
(4)
Andrea R.
Everything is yummy! Today i had a turkey sandwich on a criossant. Brought home a box of chocolate, raspberry and plain criossants. Service is awesome. Staff is super friendly. Place is cute & kept clean. Can get busy at lunch time. Nice outdoor seating - great if you have your pup with you- Ill keep that in mind! A favorite & so many things i want to try- soups, crepes, etc! So of course wellbd back!
(4)
H. H.
I go here with my wife almost every Sunday for breakfast (before going to the California Ave Farmer's Market). The french toast here is to die for. The coffee is great, the croissants are perfect. Not a fancy interior but the staff is nice and the food is great (and consistent).
(4)
Vera P.
Bought a small triple-chocolate mousse cake, for $30. (The same size cake would be $25 at Schubert's in S.F. & be guaranteed to send you to heaven.) The mousse had a heavy cheese-cake like texture and the various layers lacked the distinct flavors of dark, light, & white chocolate. it was bad and a rip-off. Also purchased almond croissants which were the worst croissants I've ever had. The dough was not light & flaky puff pastry--it was something awful & heavy --lacking in almond flavor or marzipan. (They deliver a 1-star croissant compared to Costco's 3 1/2 star croissant.) Their French-sounding name & their high prices tempt you to think that they are purveyors of fine pastries. I will not bother to get my pastries from there, in the future.
(1)
Rahul B.
I have literally been here a thousand times now over the past twelve years. Excellent food, service, and atmosphere.
(5)
Raminder H.
Overall, an OK cafe. Cute decor, friendly staff, and a large selection of pastries. The food isn't bad, but it is overpriced for what you get. I had the tomato/basil/mozzarella on a baguette; it was good, but not $7good. The bread was a little hard, but that didn't stop me from finishing my sandwich. I also had a latte and the strawberry layer cake (for the... uhh... sake of this review) (you're welcome). I was pleasantly surprised when the small latte came out in a decent sized glass mug, worth its price. The cake had a layer of fresh strawberries. I'm normally not a big "fresh fruit in my dessert" kind of person, but the strawberries weren't soggy and they didn't overwhelm the taste of the cake. This place isn't the best French bakery I've been to, but it's not the worst. If you go here you probably won't regret it, but you're not missing out if you don't. Hence, 3 stars!
(3)
Ross C.
Such a great little local place! Totally recommend it, the vibe was great and it was so affordable!
(5)
Kate B.
I love Douce France. I come here often to get coffee with a friend of mine, and we are always greeted by the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. I feel at home here and I have gotten to know the staff by name. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!
(5)
Ash K.
I was really craving a quiche, and when I searched on Yelp, this was the first place that turned up. I figured it was close enough to my office, so I grabbed a coworker and drove on down. I was slightly disappointed in the fact that the quiche was pre-made and sitting in the display case next to some croissants and the like. Luckily, when they reheated it for me, they did not do so in the microwave, so the crust was still nice and flaky/crispy/etc. I chose the Spinach quiche, though I wish they had some combination quiches. I would have liked something with a bit more to it than just spinach & egg. Perhaps I should have gone for the onion and cheese one. Their options were: Bacon Spinach Onion & Cheese Mushroom They have a number of other food options to choose from. Their sandwiches looked fantastic. The service was very friendly. I can't recommend the mocha, though. Maybe it's just that my taste buds have changed since the last time I had one, but it just wasn't all that good.
(4)
Sarah L.
I used to come in here all the time considering I went to high school across the street. Service is prompt, food is delicious. I always get the ham & cheese focaccia ($3.75), heated up, and the occasional chai latte ($2.50) during colder days. If you get a sandwich ($7-10), it comes with a delicious little fruit tart. The store itself kind of small, but I've never had an issue with finding seating.
(4)
Katharine A.
Seriously, I CANNOT believe that so many people have given this place good ratings. I am not a fan at all. I have tried to be. It NEVER works. Why do I keep trying? The food here is: 1) Not good 2) Not that French The pastries are less than mediocre, as are their sandwiches.
(2)
Zayka Z.
the pastries are just OK, the decor is cute, the service is fine.
(3)
Mary W.
wandering around town and country in a lost and hungry daze where to eat, what to eat i knew when i saw the sign this french bakery and cafe it was just right it doesn't matter that this ain't france i had a crepe and pastry sitting outside on a table fit for one cute and smiles from the girl taking my order it was what i needed
(4)
Jeffrey F.
So far i've only had the chocolate croissant, but it was amazing. The chocolate was top quality and the croissant was crispy buttery goodness personified. The environment was nice. The shopping mall in which it is located is nice enough, but this place added a pleasant sidewalk cafe atmosphere that was better than the rest. As General Pattan said, "I will return", as soon as i've burned off enough calories.
(5)
Kit L.
On a nice, sunny day I love eating outside while people watching here. Mmmmm.......I bought a full size fruit tart for a family dinner and it was so yummy!! I always love ordering the ham and cheese baguette even though there's not much in it. I'm such a sucker for the little fruit tart they give depending on which meal you order. I can never stop staring at the pastries without drooling in secret! Service is definitely quick and friendly. Unfortunately, it can be pricey and in general, if you're at town and country at lunch time you're stuck with the annoying high schoolers.
(4)
S S.
I went here to purchase a birthday cake, and was really happy with both the cake and the service. The cashier boxed the cake with a very pretty dolly for the bottom, and also put a "happy birthday" sign on the cake and gave me a candle which matched the cake color. I got the cake with the strawberries on the top, and it was so delicious. Although there is much creme, it is not overly sweet and the creme is quite tasty. The sugar coated strawberries were also a big hit.
(4)
F.D. R.
It was two of us. We ordered the following: 1) ham and cheese sandwich, 2) ham and cheese croissant, 3) miso panini, 4) Orangina, and 5) four assorted desserts for a group of friends after. Total cost: $40.00+. Plenty of seating. Now to the food. Ham and cheese: god texture, great taste. Not the best one I've had, but good nonetheless. Came with a small dessert. Ham and cheese croissant: great flavor, fluffy, not greasy, and great tasting cheese. Must have! Miso panini: the chicken was moist and the flavors with the light olive oil, tomato, and other ingredients make it a definite panini to buy. Came with a small dessert. Orangina: it's a bottled drink. Nothing to say. Assorted desserts: too many to list, but all were great. Definitely buy the opera cake! Though it is slightly expensive to indulge here, we are definitely coming back. Too many things left to taste.
(4)
Miaka W.
Been here 3 times, all @ different hours in the morning/early afternoon for breakfast with friends and families. Their pastries are fresh and very tasty, coffee are freshly made to order and very strong. Sandwich are great picks for lunch or if you are not in the mood for crepe or any display pastries. Small cute local cafe place where you can enjoy your meal without being rushed out. Ordered the food 1st and find a place to sit. Took away 1 start for not listing prices for pastries (sandwiches, salad, crepes are all listed), sometimes it's hard to find a place to sit outside when the weather is nice but would most def. come back here again with friends!
(4)
Lily S.
When I visited for the first time, it was rainy cats and dogs, and to my amazement, the place was packed! I had a ham and cheese on a baguette with a soy latte... Oh, so good! I couldn't help but get a head start on a nibble of all the croissants, I had bought for take-home. The only disappointing thing was that I did not get the free small treat with my sandwich, as so many Yelpers have fussed about. I was too hungry to say anything and the yummy chocolate croissant (still warm, with dripping chocolate) made up for it!
(4)
Christina D.
You know you've found a great European-style cafe when you hear a different euro language spoken at each table. If the expats like it, it must be good! The soups and sandwiches are fantastic - quick, delicious, and perfectly-portioned. La Douce France also makes their own pastries, and the Nutella sandwiches in particular (homemade croissants with a Nutella overlay) are a wonder. The prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and fast. Several of the same guys have been working there for years - with turnover so low I suspect that management is pretty good to their employees. A couple of the guys even remember when I was briefly in a wheelchair following an injury, and still ask how I'm doing (even though I'm up and mobile a year later). Nice people, good simple food. What more could you ask for?
(5)
Sunil R.
Went there for lunch today because I was still craving a good crepe. Did not get my fill when I went to Bean Scene in Mountain View last week which I did not like. Douce France was better but I am still going to keep looking for the crepe that is going to satisfy my craving...I had a crepe that had goat cheese, red peppers and tomatoes in it. I think the crepe was whole wheat and overall, it was just ok. Came with a little salad on the side. I was still very hungry and went back for the honey sweet crepe. This came with some whipped cream and was average. I liked the location. It is hard to find but they have some seating outside and good place to people watch. Might go back to try the pastries
(3)
K. R.
I just ate a panini with prosciutto and mozzarella at Douce France. Upon first inspection of the panini I had high hopes. After the first bite I thought to myself, "I'm coming back here again." However, after about 2 more bites I quickly decided there was no way that I would come back and pay $9.00 for a panini, that has only one very thin slice of prosciutto, and one very small slice of mozzarella with a small stack of greens again! The food may taste good but there is no way that you will be satisfied and full after eating here. My three star rating is a combination of the food and price. In other words this place isn't worth the money. For $9.00 I could head across the way to Trader Joes and buy myself the ingredients for this panini and be way more satisfied. Not to mention I would have left overs. Too bad I really was hoping this could be a repeatable joint.
(3)
Joyce B.
Excellent pastries, but the high ceilinged sound level doesn't add to the ascetic experience. The Opera cake was devine! Luscious.
(4)
Julie K.
I ducked in for a bite while waiting for a friend to join me for the Stanford Treasure Market. It looked adorable from the outside and the case of pastries was tantalizing. I felt a little bad that I had to keep asking what everything was because nothing was labeled and there was a lot to choose from, but I finally selected a raspberry croissant. Maybe it was a poor choice on my part, but I wasn't impressed. The cafe au lait was good, but the croissant was just ok. It was a little on the small side and not flaky at all. It just made me wish I'd saved my calories for a chocolate almond croissant at Fleur de Cocoa. :(
(2)
Chiaty S.
Yummy! I wanted one of everything but only got a breakfast sandwich (egg, ham on a baguette), ham quiche, 2 Benoits, and americano. Too bad we live so far.
(5)
Deb N.
I tried a variety of cookies and was not so impressed. The chocolate chip cookie and the apricot filled cookie tasted like the dough sat in the fridge and took on some of the fridge stale odors. The almond cookie was lightly flavored, in fact, too lightly flavored but excellent texture, crispy and chewy. The oatmeal cookie was standard, chewy and good. The brownie was ok, not a blow my mind chocolate flavor.
(3)
Mina D.
A very big fan of their pastries and sandwiches. They're delicious! It also has a very nice French Cafe ambiance.
(4)
Ava C.
Went to Douce France today in the afternoon to use a groupon that I bought last year. I knew it was expired so I asked the staff whether I could still use the cash value of what I paid for it ($5). After a conversation that took several minutes, while the staff kept turning back to look at me (as if I were a vagrant), they said yes, I could use it. I asked if I could use it only for what was in the glass cases (pastries, desserts, etc.). The guy (not sure if he was the manager?) curtly said "anything!" with a rude sweep of his arm. Maybe I wasn't dressed in super fashionable Palo Alto boutique-store clothing, but I didn't think I needed to be treated so rudely. If they weren't happy with me using the cash value of my expired groupon, they could have just said that. I bought a cheesecake and fruit tart -- didn't taste like anything special. I value customer service, so likely not returning in the near future.
(2)
Nana K.
I went here for lunch today and it was so cute! I wanted to get every pastry! But, alas, I had to choose. My friend and I split the spinach salad and chicken panini (don't remember which one, but it was super yummy and a perfect size when split!) and we also got the heart-shaped-strawberry jam cookies. Let's just say, everything was so cute that I wanted to take pictures, but when I reached into my little purse, I realized I had left my camera at home :(. Next time. But let me tell you my FAVORITE part: Aside from the fact that you can sit outside in these cute little chairs in the SUN (and today was a beautiful sunny day), they ALSO bring the food out to you, AND they include a mini dessert tart with your lunch! It just comes with it! I had a double dessert and didn't even plan on it! P.S. Earl grey tea goes really well with the heart-shaped cookies ;)
(5)
Jim C.
This place always seems popular and has good reviews, but I just don't get it. I love bakeries and have come here before - I had looked around for something eye-catching, but didn't find anything and left. So this time I looked around the baked croissants, panini sandwiches, and sweets again and strangely I still felt this way, even though I was really hungry. Nonetheless I wanted to give this place a real try so I forced myself to get something - an almond croissant for $1.75. It was just okay. It was a tiny little thing, pretty standard, and had a nice sweet almond glaze, but both my friend and I weren't impressed. Bottom line: Nice place in Palo Alto Town & Country to meet up with someone but the goodies aren't eye-catching or that impressive. Overrated. You'll find me hanging out at Kara's cupcakes (or Sugar Butter Flour in Sunnyvale) instead. And maybe it's the immature 12-year old in me, but everything I see their name "Douce", it reminds me of those old Massengill commercials.
(3)
Alina K.
I have been coming to this place for a couple weeks now and it is established as my favorite cafe. The tarts are delicious and always fresh and my americanos hot and frothy with espresso foam. Tried my first panini today and quite enjoyed it! Will continue to come back here for the staff are ALWAYS friendly.
(5)
michael p.
Hidden gem in the Palo Alto Town Center. Great for lunch. From buttery croissants to tasty panini to delicate crepes, be sure to save room for desserts like the French macaroons.
(4)
Lily R.
I have been going to Douce France for many many years. They have a good selection of French pastries and cakes. What I love about the food here is that it is not overly sweet. You can definitely taste the fresh and quality ingredient they use. I have very fond childhood memories of their chocolate croissant. From their fresh fruit tart to their opera cake our family celebrations are sure to have something delicious from Douce France!
(4)
Mika D.
I went back today to try their single shot mocha and their strawberry shortcake. It was good, not great. I was pleased that the slices of strawberries were fresh and not spoiled. I liked the lightness of the whipped cream and the spongecake was light and fluffy. I like how they make their mochas. I may just come back here for a dessert and mocha fix on the days I crave it!
(4)
Francois P.
Just the real French deal
(5)
Antonio L.
Super breakfast served in a nice atmosphere location
(4)
Jonathan J.
So this morning I did something I should have done a while ago: I ordered a plain butter croissant. Previously I mentioned that the coffee drinks are a little uneven, and I stand by that. However, this morning my butter croissant was very very good. Good enough to warrant a 4th star. Also, I went with some herbal tea, which they served to me in a nice little teapot with a dish.
(4)
Mark E.
Excellent cafe featuring a great location, friendly service, relaxed atmosphere and a fresh and tasty menu. All of this at a fair price. Douce France cannot be beat! Highly recommended.
(5)
Laura M.
I had forgotten about Douce France for awhile, okay years. Then I started walking the Dish with a friend on a weekday morning early. By the time my friend and I have solved the problems of the week, I am ready for good coffee, and perhaps a nice brioche, and may as well sit down and read the paper or at least an on-line NYT version. The service is always kind especially since I am not at my sartorial best, post Dish. The coffee is always strong enough and of course, the brioche reminds me why I want to be transported to France for an edible moment or two.
(4)
Sharif E.
I've been going to Douce France since I was a kid and I've always loved it. Great pastries and cakes.
(5)
Alain K.
I love this local little cafe/patisserie. I am such a FAN! I want to go back..............................................Â.. Okay back had a nice double espresso and feel a bit of a caffeine rush coming. Gotta go.
(5)
Jen C.
Apparently, they got rid of the unfriendly cashier, and now I'm a fan. Their paninis are delicious!
(4)
James C.
Great croissants!
(4)
Emily S.
Wonderful service, yummy crepes, great coffee and pastries, and a comfortable place to relax, socialize, or read. I recommend a latte, a ham-and-cheese-croissant, and a good book (BYOB).
(4)
A L.
came here on a groupon.... their chai latte was the best ever. We also ordered a chocolate crossiant (very good), cream puff, and some macaroons (these were okay). It was really packed both times I came (sat at 1pm, sun at 3pm), and I didn't even think about looking for a spot to sit.
(4)
Vivian W.
Good, but not great. I had the latte and a pastry. It's basically like every other bakery in PA.
(3)
Donna Y.
I been sick for a few days and been thinking what will I want to eat when I was feeling better. Looking on Yelp I came across Douce France. The pictures looked good and I thought why not check it out. So I did and came for lunch. I end up getting a Parisian Turkey sammie, side salad, and a double shot of Soy Latte. Overall the food was okay. I had better. I regret getting the double shot soy latte cuz the whole day I was on the jitters. After lunch I was craving for something sweet and saw the French Macaroons. I got Vanilla and Pistachio. They were okay and more on the sweeter side. Overall lunch was okay but a great place to people watch and the service is fast.
(3)
Donna S.
Had a groupon. It was pretty good. Had the chicken panini, which was ok. The bread was the best part. Croissant was ok, not flaky enough for me, but solid. Chocolate choissant was the highlight, the chocolate was tasty. Serve was quick.
(3)
Shinn Z.
i only come here weekend mornings and the pastries never disappoint. my favorite is the chocolate croissant. if you can catch them when they're bringing a new batch out, and the chocolate is still slightly runny on top.... heaven. i've tried a few of their other pastries, and all are better than i've had at other bakeries.
(5)
Micheliene Y.
So disappointing. I really wanted to like this place, but we just couldn't. The place is cute, but the pastries just weren't that great. They didn't even seem fresh and we were there early on a Saturday morning. I had to drive to Berkeley the next day to go to La Farine to get some real pastries.
So I would just like to state for the record that they have some of the best tasting croissants ever! I went to Paris in the summer and I was so happy that I would have Douce France to go to when I returned home. It is a taste of France for sure ! The drinks are always kinda hit or miss but they specialize in baking, yum.
(5)
A D.
OMG! Have been driving well out of my way to get here!
(5)
Jaime L.
This is my go-to choclate croissant dealer. Their pastries have always been decent, but haven't really been show-stoppers in my life. I was hoping to get lucky when I picked up a chocolate holiday log cake. Yes, I went for the big guns hoping to find truth in "bigger is better." There were no sparks; magic didn't happen. I was disappointed at how blandly flavored this chocolate treat turned out to be. What Douce France did well is not bombard the cake with sugar. They kept it light as usual and I like my sweets light.
(3)
Amy X.
Went back and tried the fromagerie crepe (mozzarella, swiss, and goat cheese, I believe). I'm a cheese fanatic, and the crepe definitely satisfied my cheese cravings, at least for a few hours. :) I'm not going above 3 stars for now though because the macarons were disappointing, and my friend's strawberry shortcake was meh (probably better if you like them very light in taste and texture).
(3)
Louisa L.
Stopped by here for a little treat after bar method class and got two of their mini fruit tarts. Tried the mix fruit & lemon mini tarts, and they were super delicious! the sugar glazed topping on top of the fruits was amazing, and the lemon tasted very refreshing with a bit of chocolate syrup on top. They have a big selection of mini tarts, which I am a fan of because it's delicious but small so u feel less guilty. but they also have a wide selection of other yummy desserts, from macarons to cakes to pastries to bigger tarts, they all look delicious! Plus the breads looked delicious too, but didn't get to try. Will definitely have to come back to try more stuff next time!
(4)
Marina Y.
Some pastries are good, but croissants are mediocre, not crispy on the outside like they do them in France. The place is busy and the service is spotty, you need to chase your waiter to get a glass of water.
(3)
Catherine N.
Douce France is a gem in Town and Country. It's nestled in the back, but it has great authentic french food, drinks, pastries, and crepes! I love their baguette sandwiches and their desserts always look so appetizing! I also love their chai tea lattes. I've yet to try their crepes or croque monsieurs, but I would like to soon! With my sandwich, they gave me a small tart! I just love it and it makes me feel like in France!
(5)
Amado R.
LOOOOOOOOVE this place, the wife and I love to eat breakfast here when we have some spare time in the morning. Terrific service, pastry selections very unique and abundant . Crossaints very very flaky, coffee is excellent. If you're around Standford University and need a place to kick back, check email and detox....stop by, they have free Wifi!
(4)
Julie H.
Magic Cookies! Where can you go to find magically delicious gourmet cookies without spending a gregarious amount??? Who knew that such a place exist in Palo Alto! My department wanted to do something delicious for the staff - and Douce France was it! Perfect heart shaped cookies with raspberry jam centers topped with powdered sugar...just in time for Valentine's! We were doing a bulk order - so plus for cutting price per cookie for us!
(4)
sheng L.
Great people. Very helpful and nice; The first cake I got from here was for my birthday and it was a strawberry cake which was YUMMY.. so i decided to go back there for my husband's birthday cake. To my disappointment, I was let down. The person behind the counter suggested a chocolate sponge cake that was supposedly "very good." When i got home, the bread was too dense and NOT moist at all causing the chocolate filling to be too sweet and overpowering. Very disappointing.
(3)
Jennell L.
I was in Los Altos and needed to make my way to Palo Alto as I have something to do at Stanford this evening. I have not eaten since breakfast and it is now dinner time. I whipped out my handy dandy Yelp and searched Palo Alto for food. What am I in the mood for? Yummy, yummy crepes. So it was between Bistro Maxine, which I have been to before and really like, or Douce France, which is closer to Stanford. Since I have never been to Douce France and it is closer to where I need to be I thought I would give them a try. Well the creperie does not make crepes after 5PM. They send the crepe maker home right before dinner time and they are open until 7PM. Yep that makes a lot of sense. I can get a baguette I was told. Yeah, no thanks. I settled on a Croque Madame and I am waiting for it now... ...So the Croque Madame was not a Croque Madam at all. The bread was too sweet and cut really think. Each slice was thicker than an inch so you couldn't possibly cut it with a knife as you normally would. But I had to remove the egg and eat it with my hands. The ham was really thick and super salty. It was way too salty. The cheese was not the usual cheese for a Croque Madame. It was a good sandwich, aside from the salt, but it was not a Croque Madam. The place has nice ambiance and the staff was nice but I wouldn't go back.
(2)
Holly J.
This is a regular hang out for me for lunch. I come here for panini or crepes. My personal favorite is the Parisian because it isn't trying to be a sandwich crepe (put anything you would put in a sandwich and make it a crepe -- it is a personal peeve as crepes are thin and the bread to filling ratio is different). It is your basic crepe and served with a salad -- quite civilized. I wouldn't rate the crepes as fabulous as Ti Cous in SF but they are pretty good. The lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks are good but the drip coffee is to be avoided (go to Peets just down the way). I have tried nearly all the sandwiches and have not been disappointed. It can be a bit a zoo now that the remodeling is completed. Town and Country seems to have become more of a destination. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and some time with a friend. You will find the football (soccer) games on for big matches. Enjoy! sidebar: I haven't tried many of the pastries so I feel it's not fair to judge.
(4)
Frank F.
I first came here because I had a Groupon, but unlike some other Groupon places, I keep coming back here. The pain au chocolat here is amazing. Probably the best I've ever had, and certainly the best that I've found in the Bay Area. Fruit tarts, mille-feuille, etc. are also good. But mostly I come here for the pain au chocolat.
(5)
Jim W.
Douce France was in Town & Country even before it got revitalized, and it was my go-to place for chocolate-dipped croissants (among the other delicious pastries). Nowadays, it serves as a weekend brunch place if we happen to be looking for a change of pace from Joanie's or the Palo Alto Baking Company. While the servers might be a little bristly, consider it as part of the French atmosphere. Seating can be a little cramped around the Parisian street-side style tables, but there's always enough room even when we over-order (which is very easy to do here!). Their sandwiches come with a tiny side salad and a tiny tart for a complete meal. I'd just avoid this around lunch time for Paly, as it does become quite a zoo!
(5)
Jamie M.
Great pastries, go0d macchiattos and free wifi. the chocolate covered dark chocolate mousse was to die for. Fresh bagguettes are fresh.
(5)
Caroline J.
I've only been here once, but it's quite delightful. If I end up going back a few more times and have the same experience, this will become a 5-star review. I got the vegetarian focaccia, which was delicious, filling, and quite reasonably priced. They have free wireless that doesn't seem to cut you off at any point. The staff graciously kept refilling my water each time I asked. I ended up studying there for several hours and bought a couple extra items that I wouldn't have, simply out of gratitude for the ambiance, the service, and the deliciousness of their faire.
(4)
Catherine G.
Tasty, but not phenomenal. It gets busy here during the weekday lunch hour, but it's not impossible to get a table. The panini are pretty tasty, as are a lot of their baked goods/pastries. I would avoid the savory crepes, as they're quite bland. The soups are alright...I think they lack a little bit of flavor. I'd say that this is a great place to grab a bite while shopping or come on a weekend for pastries and coffee, but not somewhere to go out of your way for.
(3)
Lydia D.
Went with the Groupon. Had the breakfast sandwich of egg and cheese and ham on a toasted croissant... MAJOR YUM. I've never been to France, but being here I could imagine I just traveled there (aside from the hispanic people in the back, but thats cool). Also splurged and shared a chocolate croissant with my date for "breakfast dessert." What I ate was so buttery and fattening that I went all the way till dinner before I was hungry again, thats a plus for this girl who gets hungry easily and low blood sugar sometimes. Hey, all I can say is fat=FLAVOR! and don't forget to work out.
(5)
Jen H.
I work across the street and I'm in love with this little bakery- the chocolate croissants are to die for! Partnered with their fabulous expresso or their helpful, happy staff, the 10min I spend there before my work day starts is the highlight of my morning!
(5)
Marilyn Y.
I am a fan of cafes and I love this one. This is a lovely little french cafe in the Town and Country shopping center. I have been bringing my friends here for lunch and they are always pleasantly surprised. The cafe has a bright and cheerful decor with a long booth style bench running down the middle. Situated with these are small bistro tables with colorful french label ads as the tops. And of course the wicker french bistro chairs to complete the look. There is outdoor seating along the walkway. Douce France has excellent baguette sandwiches filled with fresh ingredients as well as crepes. I have always had the baguettes but my friends have raved about the crepes. There is a display case filled with little delicacies that make the 3 pm moment of, I need a nap, drift away with each bite. Fortunately they have miniature biscottis as well as tiny french macaroons in various flavors. The coffee beverages are excellent too. There are always french people eating here, a good sign. This is a very nice cafe and although it would be a stretch to imagine yourself sitting in Paris, it does get you thinking of Paris and wishing you were there.
(4)
Amy J.
There coffee drinks are AMAZING and pastries of course are as delicious as they look. Definitely recommend.
(5)
Aimee M.
Great little cafe. I've come a couple of times for lunch followed by studying. It's always been busy and the food good. My favorite lunch is the special ($8.95- it's also by far the best deal there). I tried the Chai Latte, which was pretty good and served in a (really) large mug. It's a bit annoying that the iced tea ($1.95) is non sweetened and that syrup is $0.50, but I keep coming back for the special and oh, the macaroons! I ended up getting these little cookies because it was almost closing time when I decided I wanted to buy something sweet and all the wonderful looking cakes and tarts were put away. Those little cookies were just what they are supposed to be - soft and delicate outsides, intense flavor and smoothness inside. I especially liked the lemon one, which had the right amount of tart and sweet. At $1.10 each, they're not cheap, but there a nice little indulgence.
(4)
Orie M.
This is a good place to grab a pretty healthy and somewhat snobby-ish sandwich. The portions are on the petite side, which works out well for me (especially at lunch since I don't like to end up with food coma during work!) I got the ham and cheese panini and loved the texture of the baguette they used - crunchy on the outide but still soft inside. The sandwich comes with a super small and cute fruit tart. I wish that Town and Country was not as crowded because parking and getting out of there is a big hassle.
(4)
Chloe M.
I love this place, I really do. Douce France has great panini's, croissants, chai tea, cafe au lait, baguettes, and all the desserts one could ever want. I love the whole cafe atmosphere. Avoid lunch time hours at all costs, but it's great in the late morning/afternoon with wifi, newspapers, and even the occasional soccer game from Europe up on the screen.
(5)
Durif M.
Friendly and very "French" atmosphere here. The food is OK, it was good, but not the best of the kind I've ever had. Personally I think their pastries were better than their regular lunch items (crepes etc.).
(3)
Ashley B.
Everything looks yummy and everything we had was yummy! I had a veggie savory crepe....but not with brie or feta which I think would have made it more special and desirable. Mom loved her ham and cheese quiche; flaky, full of ingredients and hot enough. The lentil soup we shared was fresh, healthy and tasty. The highlight: desert crepe served with cinnamon, sugar, butter and banana! Not on the menu, but able to create! It was deeellllliiiiishhhhh! Best around in a while...made us reminisce of our favorite crepe ever at the Louvre! My mom suspected that the crepes are probably made beforehand and then heated....and they are smaller than usual and then served 3 at a time...but just imagine how much better it would be! I asked my mom is she would drive to the PA for just a crepe...she would people! (that says a lot!) I love the theme, decor, and the music to go along...I was surprised it wasn't carried into the bathroom. Service is good, water is out of the tap, but with lemon, you can't tell.
(5)
Geoff D.
I've been by Douce France a few times for breakfast and can confirm that: (a) they do have a sinfully tempting line-up of french pastries that would be home in most Parisian neighborhoods and (b) the ham and cheese croissant is dern good.
(4)
Mike B.
Love this place...don't go here near enough. I mean, can you really complain about a place that serves a free mini fruit tart with each sandwich? That's a cool little surprise. The paninis are great. I usually get the ham/swiss. It's served hot and the bread has that perfect "crunchy outside, chewy inside" texture. The tarts and other desert options are wonderful as well. And they have Orangina...which tops it all off for me. DANG IT why don't I go here more often? I need to throw them into the mix of lunch options at work. Anyway...it's a charming little cafe. And I really don't think it can be duplicated. It's a slice of Europe in our backyard.
(4)
Lise B.
Was a little hard to find: situated in the back of the little shopping village at the corner of Embarcadero and El Camino. Decent (but not great) crepes. Sweet ($4.50) and savory selection. Dough (of the sweet crepe) a little bland, but not too bad. A little crispy for my taste. I ordered sugar & cinnamon, but got lemon. Went to return it and got a fresh one within minutes, no problem. Outdoor & indoor seating available, street cafe/bakery style.
(4)
Olga B.
I love Douce France. My mother in law works nearby and whenever it's time for lunch or a coffee break, this is our place. It can get really busy at times, but that doesn't take away from the amazing food and drinks this place has to offer. It's my definite fave! Thumbs up!
(5)
Lance W.
La fromagere goat cheese crepe melts in your mouth! Coffee is excellent, ambiance is perfect! Staff greets with a bonjour. Love it.
(5)
Sean A.
Douce France is a cute little faux-Parisian bistro located in Town and Country across from Stanford. My quest for coffee and WiFi close to campus landed me here on this gorgeous Saturday afternoon. Decor is minimalistic - a few retro French advertising prints hang on the walls and that is it. Tables are small and round, just large enough for a laptop, drink, and pastry, but fortunately there are plenty both inside and out on the patio. Laptop users convene up against one wall which features several power outlets. Two large glass displays show off delicious looking cakes, pastries, and quiches, but I opted for a savory turkey, swiss, tomato and basil crepe ($7) and a large iced latte ($3.15). The crepe was delivered to my table within 4 minutes and I was impressed by its size and pleasant presentation. The crepe made for a delicious and filling lunch, and the iced latte was tasty if not particularly noteworthy. Service was attentive and friendly, atmosphere was quiet and relaxed with soft international-sounding music, and WiFi was free if a little slow (only 11mbps). Recommended.
(4)
Nancy L.
Ok. Seriously. I think I'm slightly in love. Douce France is adorable and practical - it has excellent crepes, pastries and desserts, free Wireless and plenty of outlets so you can plug in, plenty of seating and lighting, there is also a restroom for customer use (Hey - this is useful information, esp if you plan on spending a lot of time in one place!); the people who work here really are French and, on a fine Sunday afternoon when I visited, several French and European customers were eating and relaxing here. In fact, I sat next to an absolutely adorable little French boy eating desserts with his grandparents. So. Freakin' Cute. Although there is limited savory and sweet crepe selection, I thought the vegetable crepe (La Jardinere) I had was excellent. It's not Ti Couz but, it's a close second for me. Douce France also serves salads, paninis and sandwiches (again, limited selection but, I am sure what little they have is excellent). I had a couple teeny-tiny pastries (I couldn't bring myself to get anything larger, was feeling guilty for pigging out the night before), both were yummmmmy And I love the fact that it's sort of "hidden" towards the back of the Palo Alto Town & Country center (behind Long's Drugs Store) - that means I can actually find a place to sit and a free power outlet to use. Loving this place. I'm definitely going to be back.
(4)
Emmanuel T.
I think this is a good bakery in general but unfortunately, you can be disappointed from time to time. I go there with my son every now and then to get croissants. Regular one are consistently good (so far), but this is the second time that my ham and cheese is cold inside. Today there was none left on the rack, so the waitress got me one from the kitchen. It looks fresh on the outside, but appeared to be half-frozen inside! I think I will just buy my croissants at the farmer's market now. At least, I know that the Acme's croissants are always fresh.
(2)
Betty N.
Decent paninis (isn't that Italian?) and the crepes were also decent. Hot chocolate tasted like hot chocolate, nothing special to rave about. Good for an intimate spot but not good for large groups.
(3)
Spencer S.
This is a concise version of the full review originally posted at netspencer.com/food/2008… Located in Town and Country Village in Palo Alto, this cozy little Parisian style cafe is sure to please. I am so lucky to go to school at Palo Alto High School, just across the street from the plaza that houses Douce France. I have gone almost every school day this entire year. After countless hours, dozens of sandwiches, and virtually my last pennies spent, I can effortlessly say that I qualify to write this review. It's 11:40, the bell rings indicating the beginning of lunch. I pack up my back pack, leave the Biology classroom and bricky walk across campus and through Town in Country in hopes of being one of the first people in line. I arrive early, before the crowed of less loyal students. "A bufferella on ciabatta," I request. "$6.75," replies one of the down to earth staff. I sit down at one of the beautiful cafe tables and relax. Before I know it my lightly toasted panino is sitting in front of me. Sitting next to it, there is a delicious looking mini tart. I bite into the sandwich and am immediately pleased. The cheese is creamy and smooth yet flavorful, the tomatoes are juicy, the bread is fresh and slightly crunchy. Savory, appetizing and luscious. It's perfect. My average lunch consists of about a half hour spent eating and enjoying my time inside Douce France. The ambience is very cozy and it makes me feel welcome and appreciated. I am always served by an extremely nice and patient person. My food is always outstanding and I always leave satisfied and happy, eager to return. What exactly is so special about this place? From the moment you walk in you will notice the welcoming ambience. From the French cafe tables to the hand painted walls and posters. You will then be greeted by someone with a great personality who genuinely likes their job. You will be treated with respect and feel appreciated all before you have even ordered. Once you receive your food your palate will be pleased. The food is nothing fancy or out of the ordinary but instead is just right and perfectly made. You too, will be excited to come back. You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Almost everything has proved outstanding to me. Here are some suggestions. Bufferella: a clever name and a unique yet simple sandwich. Perfect for any day. Made with buffalo mozzarella, topped with tomatoes and basil. Fresco: another sandwich with a little bit more of a sharp taste. Tomato Lentil Soup: this item is not available every day. Just ask what the soup of the day is. Tomato Lentil is my favorite but that's just me. Try any of their soups and you should be happy. Crepes: try a crepe, savory or sweet. They are vary tasty. Opera Cake: a piece of Opera cake is always a great addition to a lunch, or pop in and order one with a cup of coffee. Le Fromager: a delicious savory cheese crepe with goat cheese among a variety of tasty cheeses. The Good: Great staff. Delicious food. Pleasant atmosphere. The Bad: Sometimes crowded and hard to find a table.
(5)
Jeremy C.
Crowded during lunch on a Saturday. Tried the chocolate croissant, which was coated with copious amounts of melted goodness, but the dough itself was overly crispy on the outside and the inside was buttery but without much texture. Perhaps better in the morning?
(3)
Crystal C.
It's a nice, cool, airy cafe to come to. Good selection of pastries, desserts, soups, and light food. The staff is kind. 2 power outlets available for laptops and outdoor seating by the parking lot. A lot of baby strollers roll in on the Sunday that I am here. Wi-fi has been a little spotty, but accessible.
(3)
Melissa L.
Had a salami sandwich, a coffee, and two macarons. All were delicious, and the ambiance was just like a Parisian cafe. Love it.
(5)
Superduperpooperscooper T.
Recommended: Nonfat Cafe au Lait $1.50 (the best in city, comes with a little biscotti) PLUSES: Great study space, good parking Free Wifi Mini Crossiants ($1) Friendly but not overbearing staff Lunettes: (A) Wow, yummy, creamy eggy custard danish like thing. Ham and Cheese Foccacia: (B) Good size for a light snack, layered with juicy tomatoes, not too cheesy, good pesto sauce. Hours: 7 am - 7 pm (Mon-Sat) | 8 am - 4 pm (Sun)
(5)
Dr. J.
Delicious baked goods! I come here every time I'm in Palo Alto. I get a coffee at Peet's and then head over here for something sweet to eat. You cannot get better baked sweets than at Douce France!
(5)
Claire B.
Baguette sandwiches are simple and tasty just like in bakeries in France. Quiche are pretty good too. I love the freshly squeezed apple juice but a little bit pricey. Savory crepes should have been done with buckwheat for a French bakery. Good coffee and good price!
(3)
BeBe C.
Very nice ambience with French bistro tables and chairs. Of course, since the owner is French (or at least speaks French), dogs are welcome to sit in the little patio. The crepes are not expensive--the sweet crepes only cost $4.5 and the savory ones $6-7! The croissants and brioches come in two sizes and so you can sample different things without causing a stomach explosion. The only thing weak is the hot chocolate, which is too bland. ---- (Update) Downgraded to 4*. Visited this place on a Sunday morning. Had a sweet crepe--not fresh. Hubby had the panini--the bread was so cold that his lip was cut. I did not see the owner on this day--perhaps the kitchen staff slacked off when the master was not present????
(4)
wheatberry s.
Hello? - why haven't I discovered this place any time sooner? Nestled pretty deep in the Town and Country Village - this place is certainly not unknown as it was swamped with people. I wanted to try everything there but settled on a mixed salad with chicken. OK - not exactly what one should order when eating at a French bakery/cafe - but the salad was fabulous and absolutely fresh. Everything even down to the espresso drinks looked appetizing. My only complaint would be their smaller portion size but the French simply do not eat as much as us fat Americans.
(4)
Annie c.
you may not notice this cute place unless you're looking for it. it's not as far as the sushi house but it's way back there in town and country i like coming here for coffee and to look at the beautiful cakes and pastries in the display case... usually i get a quiche or a ham and cheese croissant (i ask them to heat it up - so much better when warmed). they usually include a little tart with their sandwiches which is a nice touch. everything here is pretty good. pros: pretty pastries and good sandwiches and coffees, free wifi cons: all the chairs and booths are remarkably uncomfortable
(4)
Joseph S.
This place is kitty-corner to the Trader Joes parking lot on the north side of Town & Country in Palo Alto. It's a great place for a good-value French lunch. It is cafe style, with small 2-person tables scattered inside and outside. Sandwiches and crepes are a decent price, but they will get you on the more fancy pastries. My standard lunch is a panini and banana-nutella crepe for dessert. The non-dessert crepes are not as big and filling as what you would find at the Crepevine, but they are tasty. What they specialize in is French pastries -- and they have a very large variety of those.
(4)
Shin H.
THEIR DESSERTS ARE JUST AVERAGE. NOTHING SPECIAL. AND THE TASTE IS NOT FRENCH AT ALL My husband and I love good food and pastries. We read some nice reviews about Douce France and decided to drive to Polo Alto and try out their desserts. What a disappointment!! The cakes were so dry in the chocoate cake and chocolate moose. The friut tart was just so so. The crust wasn't even very crispy. We don't think their stuff is fresh. I am sorry to say this place is not very French at all...
(2)
Consumer A.
I have been a regular at Douce France for many years. Wonderful pastries, cakes, and I very much enjoy their mochas. Nice atmosphere with authentic Parisian tables, chairs and decor make the cafe quite inviting. If you're at Town & Country Village, you should certainly stop by.
(4)
Lisa C.
Yummy chocolate croissants and cappuccino. Not a bargain eat but not overly expensive for Palo Alto. There is something very yummy about the chocolate they use in their chocolate croissant that makes me coming back for more. Their desserts are good too. The vibe is nice and it's probably the closest thing I can find to a City cafe experience on the peninsula.
(3)
Rebecca H.
Have been coming here regularly for about 7 years now. This is my all-time favorite lunch spot. It used to be a quieter place, but has gotten busier with the Trader Joe's and parking isn't as easy. The paninis are excellent - my favorite is the buffarella. My husband loves the angelo. All paninis come with a mini fruit tart (delicious). They also make the best chai latte I have ever tasted. The staff is very friendly.
(5)
Gaby P.
Was at the doctor's office around lunch time and walked by this place and thought I'd give it a try. Im glad I did! All the food in the display cases looked delious and amazing! I ordered a Turkey and Cheese Panni, which was very reasonably priced. It was served to me very quickly by a very friendly staff. Will go back when Im in the area for sure!
(3)
Rob C.
sandwiches look better than the crepes. little macaron with the sandwich, was good texture wise. flavor a little weak. crepe buckwheat contents like from a package. almond croissant was too small to have the moist, flakiness of say tartine version.
(3)
Alexander S.
I used to frequent this place when I lived in Palo Alto. One of my favorite things to order is their focaccia panini with ham. They put pesto on it, so I'm definitely a fan. Their crepes are good, their paninis are good, and they have quite good pastries. My favorite pastries here are the tarte tatin, pain au chocolat, and fruit tart. Also, they have a charming outdoor seating area. The staff and owners (I think they're the owners?) are always very friendly. Enjoy!
(4)
Kate J.
Because I went to Palo Alto high school across the street I went to Douce at least three-four days a week during the school year. I have to say their Chai Lattes are AMAZING and their Banana and Nutella Crepes are AMAZING too.
(4)
Matt P.
They are the coolest people with excellent service and food. Another of my Palo Alto favorites - I have tried most of them and Douce France still tops all the cafe's. Good coffee too of course!
(5)
Janet H.
This was for many years an absolutely wonderful place. The pastries and coffee are still excellent, but the renovations to T&C have greatly reduced the number of parking spaces available. It just isn't worth the twenty minute parking search.
(3)
Carissa M.
Crepes, croissants, and cafe latte , oh my! This little cafe has a je ne sai quais. Their crepes are delicious along with this their pastries and sandwiches. My favorite thing to get is the salami baguette sandwich and iced latte, it's simple and delicious and perfect for a pre-Palo Alto High flea Market Lunch. Parking is okay and there's always trouble with the amount of tables and chairs .. it can be a pain to find somewhere to sit. Their latte and brewed coffee are simple and perfect. It's a nice place to bring the kids either human or of the four-legged variety . Dogs are welcome on the patio in front. I love this place , I think it's a Palo Alto gem.
(5)
Jerome J.
Glad this place is still around. I used work about a block away and would always stop by for lunch to pickup a quick sandwich. We also would stop in late afternoon for pastries and lattes.
(4)
MC C.
Pastries / croissants are quite good. Bread (baguette) is really weak, totally homogeneous soft crumb, very little crust. Tastes like something out of a plastic bag at safeway. Go to nearby mayfield bakery for a much better loaf of bread. Overall, decent place for pastries and coffee.
(3)
Katya A.
Very good coffee! Pastries are ok. Its is always extremely busy at lunchtime. Try the cherry tarts, very unusual in a pleasant way. I drop by usually on the weekends. They have an extensive menu of crepes and sandwiches.
(4)
McKenzie L.
I came here for the first time with my groupon and ordered the Parisienne crepe. It was the worst crepe I have ever had! It was served cut in half and folded over, like it was a sandwich, so the cheese was hardening already and the inside ingredients were cold. Ive never had a crepe served like that! The crepe itself was also dried out, clearly not freshly made. They just stuffed the ingredients into it and treated it like it was sandwich bread. Ugh. There was also a wilted salad that was thrown over it too. When I go again to use my second groupon, I'll definitely avoid the crepes!
(2)
Dave B.
Normandy gallete (savory crepe) turkey, ham & tomatoes plus latte. A little bit of France inside, sunny chairs outside
(3)
Gary C.
Dropped by for a Saturday lunch with a couple of friends. The place is located in Palo Alto Town & Country center, which seems to be getting busier and livelier these days. We got a goat cheese crepe, a chicken panini, and a croque-madame (grilled ham & cheese sandwich, with fried over-easy egg and bechamel sauce on top). All three so delicious! Prompt and attentive service. The latte was the best I've had in a long time. They make all of their own baked goods and cakes. This place will be my regular lunch dig from now on. I even got the scoop that Chef Donato (from Donato Enoteca) stops by every morning here for a quick espresso! I could hear native French and Italian spoken all around us - always a good sign when natives are at the restaurant.
(5)
Andre K.
i go for the breakfast sandwiches, i think the bread and pastries are pretty good.. as anything else, mediocre at best. eggs-cold bread-untoasted coffie- luke warm and extremely overpriced would not go back
(2)
Charles H.
The croissant was good but didn't wow me. Ditto on the coffee. The one big plus is that it's one of the few cafes in Palo Alto that isn't overrun with laptop and power cord toting techies. This place seems like a nice respite from the sameness of most Palo Alto cafes. I would consider bumping this place up a star once I see what the post-construction ambiance is like.
(3)
Shubhie P.
Loved the buckwheat galletes & crepes. The La Brettone was crisp and done to perfection. I haven't tried their pastries yet. The outdoor seating was nice, and not too crowded.
(4)
A Consumer L.
I love this place, one of the best cafes in the south bay, great coffee, and even better pastries and cakes. Nice place to hang out to get away from the office for a few hours.
(5)
Nancy B.
Douce France has reasonable prices for crepes. I like their salty crepes. All of their sandwiches, salads, and other entree orders come with a tiny custard fruit tart. I especially like their sandwiches because they use fresh ingredients. I believe they are only opened until 6 or 7 pm so it's only a good place to go during the lunch hour.
(3)
Tom E.
This french Italian cafe is perfect for a quick bite and some social time with friends. I usually come here after hiking in the OSPs behind Palo Alto. Yup, great sandwiches, great coffee. They also have tasty pastries and give you a small tarte with your food. The staff is very nice and sometimes you can even catch some french if you get there at the right time. Inexpensive and a great bite, what more could you want! Also, so close to Mido....[See edit below] If you haven't been to Douce France in the back of Town and Country, you should try it this weekend! [EDIT] We all cried that (insert season) day when Mido closed its doors in Town and Country. Sadly, with waves of nausea and regret, I shelp myself to Santa Row, the closest Mido store to me, to buy my overpriced but classy stationary so my friends and enemies can get their patterned notes. Why oh why, Mido, did you close your doors in T&C. Douce France is good as ever, go there often and enjoy! [/EDIT]
(4)
Jovi C.
This is probably one of my favorite bakeries in the Bay Area. Definitely for the francophile, they have melt-in-your-mouth, flaky pan au chocolat, and their napoleon is to-die-for. I had their quiche once and wasn't too impressed, but again, their desserts more than make up for it. I willingly drove across the bridge to Douce France to get a napoleon cake for my husband's birthday, they are so good.
(4)
N N.
Best Cappacino on the Peninsula. Bar None. I'm picky about my coffee the way Scalia is picky about the Constitution. Expressos should have a rich taste, with a generous crema, little or no grind/grit, and a warm but not piping hot nor tepid temperature. If you're going to add milk to it, it should be whole milk, frothed and then tapped to condense to a rich, creamy texture. Put them together properly and you get a fabulous cappacino. Screw it up and you get a cafe au lait with too little milk, or something bitter, or something just down right putrid. But hell, for $2.50 or $3.00 the coffee should be good! I've had my coffee at Douce France for about 7 years. Yes, you read that right. S-E-V-E-N Y-E-A-R-S. For what I have spent on coffee over the years I probably could have eaten a meal at Gary Denkos, had a flight to Hawaii with some lucky companion (lucky to fly to Hawaii, not to suffer my companionship), or put back a bottle of Screaming Eagle. But I'm quite sure it would all be disapointing compared to the espresso and cappacino at douce france. Why? Because, as I've noted over the years as staff have come and gone, Victor (the owner) spends a good deal of time training everyone on how to actually make a proper espresso drink. In fact, Victor's care is evident throughout the business. The pastries and cakes are set forth beautifully, crepes (which are fantastic) are delivered to you promptly (who wants a cold crepe?) with a fork and knife neatly wrapped in a paper napkin, the music is always at the right volume. His attention to detail is what you would expect at a fine restaurant. But you can get it at 7am for $2.50. Now that's a screaming bargain. It's worth mentioning that many of his staff are there for years, and so there's a continuity to the operation and sense of community to the place that is absent from the other coffee shops in the area. If you want a great morning experience and prefer to support your local, unique shops, you owe to yourself to give the place a try. And: Order a croissant, warmed with jam. It's delicious. Or the cheese crepe, or the bannana and nutella crepe.
(5)
Rachel M.
As much as I adore Coupa Cafe, this one ranks a close second. It's basically a lovely French styled bistro-cafe-place to spend a few hours tucked into Town and Country Village. Tasty, reasonably priced meals - and yes, sandwiches that come with little tarts! - plus evil delicious deserts and a lovely cafe atmosphere makes this little spot a must visit in Palo Alto. Free wifi, a patio with many chars, comfy seats, people who know how to make coffee-related drinks - did I mention the sinfully beautiful desserts? This place is always busy, and there's a reason for that - quality attracts faithful customers. The service is good, and the place treats its customers well. Remember what that's like? Oh that everyone had a local cafe just like this in their neighbourhood. Makes one feel like one can enjoy the pleasures of France right here on the Peninsula.
(5)
I T.
Straight off, know this when you see my rating: Hair in my crossaint. How nasty is that? Maybe they're trying to show it's actually handmade? I stared at the hair and said, "Okay, I'm not eating another bite!" Their buffarello mozzerella salads are good (and hairless) but it does seem a little pricey ($7) when compared to the regular salads ($5). The paninis are not very filling, though. Here's a tip: as if you can switch your tart (what is that one that looks like a brain??) with one of the mini chocolate squares to the left of the register. Now, those are goooood.
(1)
Deanne D.
They're great! Coffee is good, pastries very delicious, and very friendly staff. Been going there for years!
(4)
Skyroad C.
I used my Douce France Groupon today and had a great experience. The staff members are friendly, generous and accommodating. I had a light, healthy, delicious and perfectly seasoned bowl of a vegetable broth-based, herbed tomato cabbage soup with perfectly brewed iced tea. My Sunday indulgence was a fresh raspberry tart that was like those I remember having in France (not too sweet, allowing the sweet raspberries to take center stage). The combination of great food and wonderful service will definitely bring me back to Douce France.
love the service and the atmosphere , yummy chocolate croissants, and good for breakfast, they open early at 7
(4)
Danielle L.
Had a great eggplant sandwich and ham croissant. Will definitely return when I am in Palo Alto!
(4)
Holly K.
I love the staff, the fruit tarts and the mozzarella and tomato sandwich. I've been a loyal customer since high school, and will continue to be one as long as I live here.
(4)
Chau L.
This place is cute, clean, and comfortable! I ordered a turkey croissant sandwich here for lunch and it filled me up w/ satisfaction! I'll come back to try their other baked goods because they sure looked delicous! I love French food!!!!!!
(4)
Jess i.
I love this place. I love the custard danish (not cheese, but custard!) it is amazing. the napoleon was overly sweet but still tasty witht he white chocolate topping and light custard. This place has yummy custard stuff. i love how with every sandwich you order they give you a mini fruit tart. It always makes me smile to see my little fruit tart next to my yummy Bufferella (Buff. Mozz, tomatoes, olive oil etc) is so delicious! I get it on the baguette, I love their baguettes, very soft and moist. I also like the Misto the chicken with the lemon zest is a very interesting and yummy combination. Their iced tea and iced coffees are good as well.
(4)
Sima T.
For French pastry, coffee, and a friendly, comfortable ambiance, Douce France is the best cafe in Palo Alto.
(5)
Eric M.
Douce France is near and dear to the heart of any Paly (Palo Alto High School) student who enjoys a good cup of coffee, or real pastry. It is a nice place to study, and the food is equally as good as the coffee and espresso drinks. Particularly delicious is the Buffarella sandwich, which uses very fresh mozarella and delicious pesto, and the Crepe Suzette, which is served quite lemony, and not over sweetened. All lunch dishes come served with a tiny tart, which is a nice touch. However, it is not the food alone that makes Douce France. The staff are very helpful, and if one becomes a regular, quite friendly. Unlike many other cafes in Palo Alto (Coupa, to name one) Douce France's waiters will not attempt to shoo you away if you buy a pastry and coffee and then attempt to study or browse the web for an hour or three.
(4)
Abi R.
Beautiful little French cafe. Haven't tried too much of their food yet but the decor is wonderful amidst the general beauty of Town and Country Village. My favorite cafe in all of Palo Alto.
(5)
Katie F.
They spoke French with me! It was so cool!!!!!
(5)
Leon C.
A great place to go to have some coffee and pastries! Service is friendly and plenty of parking. My friend really like this place how they make their cappuchino with the foam. I had a white mocha which was pretty sweet, but that's how I like it.
(4)
jazzy l.
I only had there turkey/cheese baugette (I can't spell!). The bread is not that crispy, not like Lee's Sandwiches and they charge $4.00 for it. They have wireless internet but slow. I need to try the desserts next time.
(1)
Ty K.
When you are in the mood for a lighter lunch, the panini at Douce France can't be beat! If you are starving, go next door to the Village Cheese House. They also make great Cappuccino and desserts. They have free wifi, and lots of nice seating inside and out, so its a good place to chill.
(5)
Annie D.
I'm gaining weight just thinking about it. Try the chai latte, it is practically a desert by itself.
(5)
Allison K.
Yummy panini's for lunch served with a little delectable tartlette. Really nice place to take a parent or a lunch buddy. Good coffee as well. More personal cafe to hang out with friends and you'll feel ever so slightly French in their plastic wicker-esque chairs out front. Don't worry tho, you won't confuse Palo Alto with Paris. It's a far cry but a good effort.
(4)
Anthony L.
Croque Madames are good, and 9 bucks. a nice place to get a light brunch. Sometimes they have saucy frenchmen manning the counter, which brings back memories of being mistreated by wait staff in france... ahh, l'amor.
(4)
reviewer r.
Good cafe. Food is good, but sometimes rushed and looks and tastes like it was slapped together. What I don't really like about this cafe lately is the crowds. Since the mall has been taken over by baby/child/maternity stores, its kind of become a hang out for people who patronize those businesses. Gone are the good old days of settling in with a book and a cup o' yummy coffee and croissant. In are the days of screaming toddlers and parents who feel entitled taking over the place in the mornings and afternoons.
(3)
Emily H.
Chocolate Croissant was terrible (I'm disagreeing with the post below about this place having the best one in Palo Alto). La Baguette in the Stanford Shopping Center wins in terms of pastries, and their Chocolate Croissants and Fruit Tarts are better. Also, there's more selection of pastries there. Haven't tried the panini's or drinks here. Service was NOT friendly.
(3)
Yiota T.
Try out the petit dejeuner...one of the best breakfast options! Friendly staff and great place. Totally worth the 5 stars!
(5)
Joyce L.
I'd give this place 3.5 stars, but veered toward the higher end because of their friendly service. This is a convenient place for lunch (if you can escape the Pali High kids - but that goes for all of Town & Country during lunch!). Good paninis (I'm partial to the prosciutto or turkey & cheese) and LOVE that it comes with the tartlette; try the soup and half panini - good mix. Have also tried the foccacia - looks yummy but it's a little bland. Croissants are okay. Chai is delish (and I'm not a Chai-loving person!).
(4)
Curt K.
Wonderful French cafe. Great pastries, great coffee, great ambiance. Love it!!!
(5)
Marina N.
I had a delectable apple turnover there today! Very casual environment. Friendly and fast service.
(3)
Flora B.
THE BEST CHOCOLATE CROISSANT IN PALO ALTO. I have looked high and low.
(5)
Christine M.
Chocolate Croissant and Latte. You can't go wrong with this. It's the perfect combination! Friendly service. Non-pretentious. Keep in mind that the chocolate croissants are not always oozzing with melted chocolate but when they are, all the better. Highly recommend this place for a yummy treat and a great place to meet a friend.
(4)
Raj R.
this is a really nice cafe. i've been going here since i was in highschool. they have become a little pricey, but still a nice experience. cool ambiance also. sometimes it's hard to find a table if you're in a group. it's kinda more suited towards the older crowd- not exactly hip. hahha.
(4)
Ann P.
These guys are great. I order a Crepe Parisienne, decaf coffee and sit there for hours on free wi-fi. Nobody bothers me. They are French ... they believe in sitting in a cafe. Their croissants and torts are wonderful too.
(5)
Samantha R.
Cutesy faux "French" boulangerie offering mediocre cakes and lots of sour looking little old ladies as eye candy. Ordered the hot chocolate and it was DEFINITELY not French--Redi Whip whipped cream, the chocolate was way too sweet (not melted drinking chocolate at all). The hot chocolate at Barrone's is much, much better. The tarts are also only a vague approximation of the magnificent tarts one finds in, say, Rue Cler in Paris. I haven't found anything close to such treats here in the U.S., though Napa bakery Bouchon's macarons come closest . . .
(2)
Kayt d.
I love Douce France. They serve wonderful, inexpensive sandwiches-- the epitome of "cheap and cheerful". My favorite is the mozzarella, basil and tomato panini. (Strangely, it's been "today's special" since I first visited three years ago). Wait-- that's an Italian sandwich, isn't it? Nonetheless, it's a charming place to have a bite, drink a coffee and hang out for a little while. Douce France has counter service, so you won't ever feel like they're trying to turn tables. The best part: they add a bite-sized dessert to every sandwich plate-- what a thoughtful touch!
(5)
Gigi W.
This place has all the wonderful nuances of a lovely cafe in France - lovely coffee, lovely food and very nice ambiance - without the attitude of waiters in Paris (the staff are really nice and efficient). It's great place to have coffee, breakfast, lunch or a pastry anytime during the day either to have a quick meeting or to just hang out. The big bonuses are the central location, free parking, and free WiFi.
(5)
Emily L.
One day I decided to do a croissant test. Douce France vs. Prolific Oven vs. La Baguette French Bakery. Douce France is the winner. Really buttery, very flakey, excellent melt in your mouth experience. Oh, the coffee is very nice as well!
(4)
Brian K.
I popped in for a quick breakfast. I had the crepes with apples and cinamon with a cappuccino. The crepes were solid - not mindblowing. The filling was well-cooked and seasoned. The cappuccino was ok - 3.5/5. I want to give them a 3.5 - but I will round up because the vibe is cute and casual, the price:quality ratio is good. Their baked goods look tasty, but I didn't try any.
(4)
Ash T.
really becoming a fan of this place for late afternoon lunch on the weekends. love the casual atmosphere. think their croissants and macarons are amazing (seriously the most fluffy macarons i've ever had). the staff is always very friendly and the food comes out promptly. combined with a warm day on their patio, this place just makes you feel good.
(4)
I G.
The place is very busy and the atmosphere is nice. Good choice of crepes and good service. My pastry was served warm - perfect for cold weather.
(5)
Sarah S.
I should have known that I would find a cute bakery cafe in Palo Alto. Thanks to Groupon, I discovered this bakery in the back of the Town & Center complex in PA. There were a lot of people drinking coffee and catching up with friends, so we decided to get our order to go. Everything was alright, but the cheesecake was SO GOOD! it was creamy yet light and not too sweet, definitely the perfect combination if you want something not too heavy. I will definitely be back for more. My own grip was that there were no prices (which is pretty common for bakeries) but it made it hard to figure out how many more desserts we needed to choose to reach our $20 for Groupon.
(4)
Courtney M.
If you want to feel classy... this is the place for you. You might be spending a lot but its so worth it.. The coffee is so lovely and the food is also MONEY (aka- FANTASTIC). We have only had crepes or a baguette, but I bet everything is delicious. You just order food/coffee at the counter and they give you a number to go to your table, so it's casual in that sense... but when I come here I feel like i've walked into a nice cafe in France..! Anyplace that makes you feel as though you are on vacation is deserving of 5 stars in my book. Try it! You won't be dissapointed. :)
(5)
Cath M.
**3.5 STARS** In search of a pastry spot for our Sunday lounge day (since we were getting sick of Whole Paycheck) S.O. and I decided to go here (in a rush) before the Women's WWC match. We parked ... we walked inside... and we got lost in translation... literally. There's two entrances (we figured out that it's one way in... one way out...) On top of that obstacle... this old guy was in the middle of the line chatting his heart's lungs away... me being respectful that his old and he's in line... didn't know what to do... S.O. to the rescue: he bypassed him. Done. 2nd obstacle: lady behind us with 4 waters... not respecting "personal space" -- she was literally about to hump the S.O. just to get faster in line. Really? Finally, when it was time to order... the barista was friendly! S.O. ordered a vanilla latte and me... soy mocha. I forgot what pastry the S.O. got but I ordered their famous chocolate croissant. First impression: it's tiny! By far the smallest chocolate croissant I've ever since BUT it packs a punch! It was loaded with chocolate inside and it was delicious! Soy mocha: delicious! Just the right amount of chocalatey... although I really do need to start telling the barista to make my coffee at 140 degrees since I'm tired of getting my tongue burned! In the end... their pastry was delicious as well as their coffee. We'll probably be back... better prepared for their weird patrons... and any obstacles that might be thrown our way... plus it's right along where Trader Joe's is located... this makes it extra convenient for us...
(3)
Gretchen T.
Sandwiches are ok, pastries are terrible. I don't know. This place seems a little fake to me. I don't think they bake with butter. The tarts don't taste right to me.
(2)
Matthew S.
I hit up Douce France first thing in the morning, dodging Paly kids and the hausfrau intelligentsia, and stock up on all the chocolate croissants. The mini ones. So I can eat them and feel like a giant.
(5)
Ann C.
I LOVE their buffalo mozarella sandwich. It's delicious although pretty expensive for what it is. The staff is really nice. It's owned and operated by an indepedent guy, Victor, which I like.
(4)
Claire L.
Locally owned, friendly staff, lovely yet sedated French decor. The foccaccia with melted cheese and tomatoes and salami or veggies are very tasty, the crepes are pleasant and the chai tea lattes are quite good. This place is always busy, but seating is usually available. The pastries and sweets are generally mediocre to quite tasty. If you are in Town & Country Village, this is a much better bet for coffee and a snack than the nearby Peet's Coffee.
(4)
Flipper D.
In T&C, there's a Peets and I buy my beans there, but when I want an au lait and a mini chocolate croissant (only $2.50 total!) or other coffee/espresso drink, I go to Douce France. Nice atmosphere, usually busy, but not lined out the door. Rachel M. noted all the highlights, e.g. free wi-fi, good service, and I completely agree with her.
(5)
Dave M.
Julia and I ate here during halftime of a Stanford vs. Oregon football game. Nice place. Tasty. Inexpensive. Better than watching Stanford lose to Oregon.
(4)
Lemon T.
Oh my goodness, where to begin? Ok, the place LOOKS like a nice place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. I ordered a croissant and a cookie. The croissant was awful, not flaky, just kind of soft and mushy.The Costco ones are much better, no kidding. The cookie was a shortbread heart filled with jam. I took one bite and actually spit it out. All I tasted was a horrible refrigerator taste!! It was soo strong, I thought "how long has that cookie been sitiing in there???" I've been to many bakeries in my life, but I don't recall that ever happening before. I threw both items away, they were that inedible. And I love baked goods.Then I thought, how on earth does this place stay in business? I thought folks around Palo Alto are supposed to have somewhat discriminating taste.
(1)
Nancy W.
November 2012 update... After the recent renovation, prices seem to be about the same -- but be aware that quantities have gone down. At breakfast, I personally am okay with two generous slices of French toast instead of three, but at lunch, my buckwheat crepes order was only one crepe instead of the previous two, with skimpy instead of ample filling, and I left hungry. I am not a big eater, but this was just not enough for lunch. I would rather pay a bit more and have either more filling or a second crepe. Victor?
(3)
Bettina O.
Great little caffee in Palo Alto. Great quiche, sandwiches, salads and deserts.... little fruit tartlets...yamyam.... Their outdoor tables are very nice....
(5)
michou t.
it's ok for a neighborhood pastry fix, but for the good stuff, i still have to trek to SF. the french pastries are a bit tough, definitely do not taste authentic and are maybe a tad stale. the ambiance is cute and is a good place to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry. lunch and breakfast is always crowded.
(3)
Angie Y.
fresco, fresco, fresco... mmm..
(4)
Karen M.
This place is one of my favorite lunch spots in Palo Alto. Paninis, quiches, fruit tarts, and desserts are all delicious. They also have the best chai tea lattes that I've had anywhere. Will keep coming back!
(5)
richard m.
I like the croissants and cinnamon sticks which are 4 star. The coffee drinks are average for Palo alto. I usually take out and eat the pastries at home.
(4)
B. A.
Muffins are a little buttery but pretty damn good. Some of the staff could use a smile on their face.
(3)
Jyotsna P.
My favorite place in Palo Alto for a light lunch. They have the best sandwiches,served on crunchy baguettes. Each sandwich comes with a little petit-four, which is the best part of the lunch. The coffee is great and the tiny desserts are delicious. Minor attitude from time to time on the part of the staff.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Alice C.
Didn't realize the Groupon was not good for lunch items, but hey, they took it without saying anything. Guess enough people tried :) Not sure if it's coz of Groupon since the people around us were waving their printed Groupons upon checkout, but the place was very full. So full that people including us were willing to take a table outside when it was windy and cold. We got crepes. The "crepeskin" seemed to be made of buckwheat, and was light, slightly crispy where it's not soggy, and thin. However, the fillings failed to match up, and the salad on the side was meh (good housemade salad dressing is the key!!). Orange juice was very fresh and tasty. Maybe I should just settle for some pastries next time? There are other French café I like better for lunch food.
(3)maverick s.
croissant does not taste like parisian croissants at all. I'm not sure about the positive reviews, but it's definitely not parisian.
(2)Yael G.
I've been going here for years -- it's one of my favorite tucked away spots in palo alto to sit with a book enjoy a panini (Alina is my favorite) and an iced latte at one of the cute tables outside. They use fresh, high quality ingredients in their dishes, and their panini bread is impossibly crunchy and soft at the same time. mmm. I'm also not normally a huge fan of sweets or pastries, but it's awesome that they give you a complimentary delicious tiny pastry with a lunch order. Staff is very friendly too.
(4)Dj M.
Best mini chocolate Eclair... with chocolate creme filling!!!
(4)Kiesha R.
Maybe I did not order correctly, but I thought it was just average. I have been to far better French cafes/bakeries, I'm afraid. I ordered a panini with cheese and a variety of greens - not sure what it was called - Fresco, maybe? The bread was nice and fresh, but the sandwich really had no discernible flavor. My chai latte was good, but not unlike any I have had at places like Boulange in SF. The service was friendly and quick - and there is ample seating. It's a comfortable place to grab a quick lunch, read a book, etc. But I wouldn't necessarily return for a great meal. Many of the pastries did look tempting, though, so I'll have to give those a shot! Regarding Jun K.'s comment about wailing babies and high chairs...respectfully, having a baby does not relegate you to Denny's. Families want to eat well, too! So relax, it's not Gary Danko.
(3)Joyce H.
I just really like Douce France, not really for the decor or the ambiance, but for the AMAZING fruit tarts and pastries. The almond croissants, the lemon tarts...everything is so good. We ordered a whole bunch of sandwiches for lunch, prosciutto and cheese, ham and cheese, mozarella and pesto. Everything was delicious. Don't leave Palo Alto without trying the desserts at this spot!
(5)Nikki S.
I ordered a crepe and enjoyed the ambiance, it would be a great place to bring a book, study or enjoy conversation. As far as the food goes-- the specifics of their menu are too detailed to fit on the large chalk boards, so read their handheld menu. It was great for my crepe craving, and the ingredients used were top notch. It is a bit offset from the main street so it can take some doing to find. I'd eat here again.
(4)Ceci L.
Came here for lunch and glad that I was able to find a table to sit down since it is quite popular and there was a lot of people there when I got there at around 11:45am. Ordered a savory crepe and a coffee. Both were really good and tasty. The portion is generous and the ambiance is european relaxing style with both outdoor and indoor seating. A great meet up place with my girlfriends. Will definitely come back and try out more items on their menu.
(5)Cecilia Z.
Walked past by this place and saw many patrons sitting and enjoying the lovely weather so decided to stop by! I got the chai latte and it taste soo smooth and smooth ! Excellent, to say the least!
(4)Bill S.
This place beats out the other (more expensive) breakfast spots in Town and Country Village. Limited menu but high quality.
(4)bhavya k.
Its a great place to have breakfast.
(3)Allison L.
This restaurant is a must if you enjoy french food or would like a nice treat on a pretty Saturday morning :). Service is great, food is fresh, thoughtfully made, and mostly reasonably priced. Sometimes busy on a Saturday morning, but plenty of optons to take with you to-go!
(5)Angie I.
I wish I had known about this restaurant when I lived by it! This restaurant is tucked in the crowded Town and Country shopping center where it is difficult to find parking. The restaurant itself, although very busy, didn't feel loud or overcrowded. The tables were small and the chairs were comfortable. My friends and I tried an array of sandwiches and breakfast foods. We were all pleased with our decisions (except for the friend that ordered a sweet breakfast with a sweet drink and ended up on a sugar high!). The croissants were very good and tasted fresh! A child at the table next to us knocked a plate of the table that held a croissant. The staff quickly came with a new croissant for the family and cleaned up the mess. They were very friendly!
(4)Robert C.
Great food for solid prices and everyone was super nice. Their tarts/pastries were amazing! I was having a terrible morning, but even I had to smile as I nommed on the deliciousness that I was presented here. I ordered the french toast plate for breakfast and my girlfriend bought some of their fruit tarts. Simply amazing. Will come back again!
(5)Matt V.
C'est magnifique! Douce France is a French cafe located in Palo Alto's Town and Country. They truly do commit to the idea, and the entire cafe features simple decor quite reminiscent of a Parisian cafe, right down to the small circular tables, and the woven chairs characteristic of Parisian cafes. Service is very friendly; you order at the cash register, and everybody I've ever encountered here has been incredibly pleasant and easy to interact with. Food comes out very quickly, and the staff brings it straight to your table. Everything is very good here, although my favorite combination is the "Le Fromagere" crepe paired with the chai tea latte. The Le Fromagere, which is a combination of goat cheese, Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, basil, and parsley, has an amazing flavor to it. The spices complement the cheese so well, and everything is so savory and tasty. Their chai tea latte is definitely one of the best chai teas I've had. Spiced to perfection, and balanced very well with the milk to produce a wonderful flavor. Really, everything about Douce France is just wonderful. It's been one of my standbys since I discovered it as a student at Stanford, and it will continue to be a place I routinely go to and enjoy. C'est si bon!
(5)Anee S.
Edible but not happy about it. Eggs were overcooked (both the Benedict & scramble), forgot my tart, then pastry cream was overworked so too thick in the tart (like beating whip cream too much & it becomes butter). So disappointing. Seems like a bunch of kids from high school across the street, French people who want to congregate in their native tongue, & employees from the shopping center. Why such a high Yelp rating is beyond me. :( You'll have a better meal in the center walking a few feet to Mayfield's.
(2)Mary-Anne C.
Stopped in here because it was around the way from Rinconada park and I was on my way to another BBQ in Hayward. I got a fruit tart and it was a real hit at the BBQ. Fresh fruit, not to sweet and just right. I was even tempted to grab a mini one on my way out. I noticed that there were people that came here that actually spoke French....that was kinda cool. I don't really hear that much when I walk into a French bakery! Makes it even more authentic ;)
(5)Timbo T.
The service is exactly like a cafe in France. This means that half the time the employees are too busy talking with each other to take your order or pay attention to such trivial things like making coffee or putting a croissant on a plate.
(3)Joyce H.
There are several other cafes and bakeries in the area, but Douce France has features which set it apart. Location is one of these factors. The cafe is at a more peripheral position in the square - allowing a relaxed "pace" as you enjoy brunch with a friend (or zone out by yourself). Their selling point is obviously that they are more distinctly "French" than other cafes, and I think they stick pretty well to that. Their food isn't remarkable, but for the prices and the number of options - yes... maybe. What I appreciate most about this bakery is simply that it's refined, cozy, and casual. It has a "sigh of relief" pleasantness to it. Sure, the crepes are nice- the pastries are nice - (and the sandwiches are overpriced), but come for the cafe experience. Douce France does it well.
(3)Bryce G.
Came on here on a whim. Compared to Starbucks, the baked goods are much higher quality, the coffee is smoother-drinking and less expensive, and the music was light euro jazz/house -- very refreshing. On the negative side, the staff seemed a little tired/less personable than they could have been, and although it's well located in the Town & Country shopping center, its country French atmosphere is looking just a bit dated. Overall very solid though. Judging on the quality of the food & drinks alone it's basically 5 stars... and they serve beer & wine!
(4)Ilana C.
French toast was so good! good size too and comes with fresh fruit. Very good chocolate croissant also! Coffee was good, nothing too amazing. Great place overall for brunch!
(5)Beethoven C.
Perhaps we were unlucky with our selection of sweets but the pastries we got were just too sweet. Couple them with our hot chocolate which was again too sweet and we got a sugar overload for our troubles. Given the positive reviews here, we definitely will come back to give this place a second sample. Brunch perhaps?
(3)Anisha G.
I met a friend her for breakfast. I know I got a cappuccino with my meal, and a croissant to go...but I don't remember what I got to eat there. I want to say a ham and cheese croissant, and I probably liked it. Whatever, the place was cute and clean. This place has a nice fan base. We saw people of all types and ages, and then huge groups of parents and children came in post-soccer games. I thought their food was fresh, and the staff was really friendly.
(4)Suany W.
The sandwich is pretty much the greatest invention ever. A hodgepodge of random crap encased between two pieces of bread? Genius! It's appropriate for any time of the day; you can eat it sitting down, while on the go, alone, with friends, while receiving...the possibilities are endless! Personally, I prefer to panini-it-up while riding the Cleveland Steamer, but would settle for Douce France's outdoor tables if my first choice were unavailable. The panini menu here is limited but all of the selections sound delicious. While I loved the freshness and perfectly crunchy bread on my mozzarella, tomato and basil sammy, I didn't love how the cheese wasn't heated through. I didn't try my peon's panini (yes, I gave him permission to eat on this rare occasion) with prosciutto, mixed greens and mozzarella, but he seemed to like it despite the acknowledgment that it was a bit too leafy. Each of the sammies came with a tiny bite-size fruit tart. It would have been perfect if they came with a small side salad too, 'cause tossing salad while eating a sandwich might be the next best thing to rocking on the Cleveland Steamer.
(4)Jenn G.
In search of a brunch location on a Sunday morning, bf an I stumbled upon Douce France on Yelp. I really wanted to fall in love with this place. I wanted this to be THE brunch spot for us going forward. However, I felt disappointed. Price: First of all, prices are super high. We got baguette sandwiches and it was about $8 per sandwich. All that was in there was ham and cheese! They were good, but definitely not worth the price. We also got a sweet crepe to share. After 2 sandwiches, a crepe, and a cup of latte, the bill was upwards of $40+. it seems a bit ridiculous. Service: I would be okay with the price if it meant excellent service. Unfortunately, this is one of those order your food in a line and seat yourself type of place. As far as service goes, the only thing they did was bring the food to our table. The line to order food was super long. They take orders, put stuff in oven, then ring the customer up. It would have been more efficient if they had a separate line for those ordering to go in bulk. Lots of people were ordering dozens of baked goods. Things would have been faster if there was a separate line for that. I'm not sure that I would come back here. I love all things French but I am also a realist. With lots of creperies in the area as competition, I can get so much more for my money elsewhere.
(2)Cryszilla G.
This place is awesome. It's a nice little French cafe that will make you feel you're in europe. Almost every week I stop by here before going home from work. Pastries are mostly good. Crepes ahhh just good. And the croissant?!! So buttery and good. Prices are cheap too... I mean I'd rather spend my bucks here than Going to peets coffee nearby douce France. You get a high quality food and good coffee... I was just here earlier. Today I had the La Tatin crepe (apples, cinnamon, honey) and I pair it with a very well presented cappuccino... It really made me smile... People who works here are super friendly and fast. I love the tables with some French words on it. Small round tables like in Europe cafes. Really for the reasonable price? It isn't bad at all! Douce France you will always be in my list.
(4)Salina M.
I've only come here for breakfast foods, but the food's so tasty. My favorites are the almond tea cakes. They're small, but very good. A supervisor brought in the ham and cheese croissants. They're now my new favorites. I kept sneaking into the break room to get another half... and another half. The spinach quiche is also good, but it is really stuffed with a lot more spinach then I'm use to in a quiche. Anyway, this place is a real treat!
(4)qirk z.
Their Parisian sandwiches are good! Fresh bread, good price. The triple chocolate mousse layered cake was yum. The chocolate opera cake was yum. They're located near Scott's Seafood, plenty of shared parking with other stores in the complex.
(4)Sam L.
The customer service at Douce France is by far the stand-out part of my experience. I have always been greeted and helped by the most honest, generous, and polite people behind the counter. Last time I found myself at CVS in Town & Country after work, I stopped by Douce France to treat myself to a little dinner to go. I got a nice, simple Fresco baguette sandwich, which turned out to be delicious and surprisingly filling for such a small sandwich. I also got two macarons (1 coffee, 1 pistaschio) as an extra treat. When I got home and opened up the cute little sandwich bag, I found an extra macaron awaiting me! What a treat. The macarons are quite good here -- I believe they are the best you can get right around Stanford & Palo Alto if you aren't willing to trek out to Redwood City or SF. The one drawback: no salted caramel (at least not when I was there). The other flavors I tried were both to die for though, and the texture was right on the money.
(4)Lea F.
Whenever I can't decide what to eat for lunch, I always end up gravitating towards this place. Not only are their sandwiches absolutely delicious (bread is crispy, vegetables taste fresh, just the right amount of dressing) but they always come with a small sweet treat too! If that's not convincing enough, their service is really friendly and the portions are well worth it. But I agree with what others have said that parking in this area can be tough and the lunch lines tend to go out the door. Can't blame them though, it really is worth the rush!
(4)Carol H.
Good croissants and nice friendly cafe experience.
(4)Grace C.
The desserts here are a good deal. My favorite is the strawberry shortcake - there are sliced almonds on it, which adds that extra touch that most other bakeries don't have. However, the strawberry shortcake looks bigger than it actually is, because there is a LOT of whipped cream/frosting on it. Still delicious though, just slightly deceptive. The sandwiches and crepes are only OK - kind of overpriced, considering the lack of "wow" factor. The sandwich didn't have very much meat, and the crepe (savory chicken) was kind of dry and bland. I wouldn't come here for a meal, only for dessert.
(3)Alice J.
I love this little cafe. It serves sandwiches, sweet and savory crepes, quiche, and baked goods. There's a full coffee bar and a beautiful display of desserts like fruit tarts, cream puffs, and opera cake. I especially love the decor and layout which reminds me of being in an actual parisian cafe. There are large vintage posters on the wall and cute little colorful tables with woven chairs. A great place for lunch or afternoon break for some good coffee and dessert.
(4)Spencer Z.
Came here looking for a baguette like you get in France. Was sorely disappointed. The bread was dull, but relatively even worse when you consider it's supposed to be a French specialty bakery/cafe. The baguettes over at the nearby La Baguette are much closer to what you find in France, but the bread at Feel Good Bakery in Alameda is even more spot on. I also wanted to try the pain aux raisins here, since it was the only place I could find my better half's favorite pastry that was made without cinnamon (again... like in France). Well, it was good that it didn't have cinnamon, but it wasn't all that great either; no custard creme lining, and somewhat dinky.
(2)Sam G.
Food is overpriced and also terrible. $9 for a "side salad" which is little (nothing) more than a bowl of lettuce. You've got to be kidding me. Frequent misplaced orders. Otherwise courteous staff. Bread is stale.
(1)Stephanie A.
Lovely little place with vast variety of pastries, wonderful craps, good coffee, and some healthy choices. It is my favorite place for breakfast or brunch in this area because I can sit outside indulging in sweet decadence. When I am in a healthy state of mind (or in deep guilt) I take their great fruit and yogurt cups. it is not only looking good while beautifully packed in a ceramic elegant cup, but it is also fresh and flavorful. Prices are surprisingly modest. The guys behind the counter are always extremely nice, and patient even if the line behind you is long and you ask many question or you decide to change your mind and your order a minute after they rang you at the cashier. I took one star away because the contraction near by disturb the melody and make parking difficult.
(4)Diana C.
A bit overpriced, but what isn't in Palo Alto Town and Country? I really like the quaint look of the place, and all the pastries looked delicious. I went in wanting something savory for brunch, but I came out of there with a cafe au lait, a chocolate croissant, and a cinnamon twist. I just couldn't resist them. I fully intended to save the cinnamon twist for later, but I ended up eating both pastries. What a pig - oink, oink. :P They were marvelously fresh and paired well with the cafe au lait. I'd come back here when I'm in the mood for a lazy weekend morning breakfast/brunch. If I were closer, I'd even consider this for a routine breakfast stop on my way to work. Ah, it makes me nostalgic about my Paris trip from a couple of years ago! :)
(4)Surge C.
Even though this place is known for their crepes and paninis, I opted for an almond croissant and caprese baguette. The almond croissant was pretty good- light and flaky, with a bit of sweetness. However, I would not crave the croissant from Douce. The caprese baguette was alright. I wasn't crazy about it because it tasted like any regular baguette sandwich. Maybe I will try some of their more popular items next time.
(3)A. H.
A disappointment on every level. When I first walked in to this place, I thought I had finally found a friendly casual breakfast place where I could relax, read the paper, celebrate the beginning of a new day with a little crusty roll and a hot delicious beverage. NOPE. And, for the record, I am easy to please!!! I love breakfast, and I was in a great mood when I walked in. Let me summarize the experience: Rude, unfriendly staff. Tepid tea. Sub-par bread. Untoasted toast. Runny, undercooked eggs. Really uncomfortable seats. Dirty tables. I had to get up and ask for silverware. Tea pot fell apart and landed in my cup. ***Skip this place, and try Califia or Peets around the corner.*** For those of you that want the details: First off, the guy behind the counter was rude when I asked (politely) if they served eggs. I found a little table, bussed the pile of dirty, food-encrusted dishes, and sat down on the booth bench. The table came up to my chin. Now, I am not a petite woman, so this was a bit surprising. I then got up, and sat in the chair, so that I could eat off the table. Now, the height was right, but the chair seat was falling apart, so that one of the edges was trying to work itself into my tush. OK, I thought, whatever, you aren't Goldilocks, just ignore it, and have some tea. So, I pour myself some tea from the awkward, dribbling-everywhere tea pot, and it surprisingly light. The water was tepid. TEPID! I was then distracted by the man bringing my eggs. The food looked okay, and I wanted to eat it, but he had neglected to bring silverware. I had to get up (again) and ask for it. The man behind the counter laughed (rather sneeringly) when I (politely, with a smile) requested utensils. So, finally, sitting down, at last, I began to eat, only to discover that the eggs were COLD and UNDERCOOKED, and the toast was not even toasted. I sighed, and went to pour myself some (tepid) tea, when the metal lid fell off the awkward pot and into my cup. Surprised, I sat staring at this for a moment. Then I got up from the uncomfortable chair, and left.
(2)Serena S.
Amazing espresso (Lavazza of course) but the coffee takes a distant second to the tasty, buttery pastries. Favorites are the croissants (all types), Madelines, and my #1-brioche loaf. It is really close to a high school so beware of crowds in morning, lunch and right after school is out. People are friendly and atmosphere is cozy. A must try unique place that attracts regulars all the time!
(5)Audrey L.
Their warm panini are so tasty for lunch, I can forgive those baguettes for tearing up the roof of my mouth every time. Special bonus dessert - one perfect little bite of a mini fruit tart - what a sweet touch. I've special-ordered their full size fruit tarts for many birthday parties and dinners; they're always the first dessert to disappear.
(4)Jackie L.
Turkey Croissant Sandwich + Chocolate Croissant.. and then another Chocolate Croissant, all in one sitting.. *sigh* Considering there's a high probability I'm allergic to gluten, this was definitely not the smartest lunch.. but it sure was one of the tastiest.
(4)Xue H.
Wow, the chocolate croissant was amazing! One of the best croissants I've had. It was soft, flakey, awesome, and warm. The melted chocolate on it was great too. I'd definitely come back for it again. I also got the turkey parisian sandwich, toasted. It was delish :) their macarons are also the best I've had in the area so far--not overly sweet like I keep finding... they are legit.
(5)Mike G.
Douce France ("douce" means "sweet") is an authentic Parisian style cafe that embodies true French style baking along with its quintessential French atmosphere. From the little wooden chairs and tiny cast iron and ceramic tables to the refrigerator cases to the food itself this place feels french right away. The breads, especially when fresh, are phenomenal! It's the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch. The sandwiches and pastries are very delicious. All sandwiches come with free bite sized dessert (different each day for the most part). The prices are reasonable. The service is so so - hit or miss depending on the person or day you are there. Most of the staff are young Mexicans and while they work hard there isn't a very friendly social vibe. I highly recommend the Misto chicken sandwich for lunch! Bon appetite!
(5)Himani A.
Just scarfed down the Chocolate Croissant from Douce France. HOLY MOLY! That was delicious.
(5)Adam V.
Best chocolate croissant I have ever had. Screw that, it's one of the best things I've ever eaten. Life altering experience. Flaky, buttery, chocolatey, a magical combination. I've never gotten anything else here because it is so good. I'm sure everything is top quality.
(5)Sam W.
Delicious! The perfect place for pastries. The cream puff was excellent.
(5)Joyce Y.
Loved their crepes, sweet or savory! Chai tea was a bit disappointing though, too sweet for me...
(4)Christina W.
Such a great cream puff! The French woman working was really nice. I would return.
(5)Sunny W.
Yeah...my rating hasn't changed after a visit just for their dessert/pastry section. I'm sticking with "Meh. I've experienced better" I'm perplexed as to why this place is busy. Is it possible I had 2 out of 2 off days??? I went for a regular drop coffee, chocolate croissant, and a slice of the strawberry sponge cake. *Starbucks has better drip COFFEE and I don't like Starbucks' drip coffee. It literally tasted like half of my cup was diluted with hot water. UCK. *CHOCOLATE croissant is the only thing I can give them props for and would reorder again --but even then, I have had better chocolate croissants. *STRAWBERRY sponge cake had a whipped cream frosting ratio of 1 to 1. So if you like a lot of whipped cream, you'll like this. It reminds me of Asian style strawberry cakes except it fails in comparison. There weren't any sliced strawberries in between the cake/frosting layers so each bite tasted only of whipped cream (which isn't sweetened at all...just heavy cream) since the sponge cakes don't have a lot of flavor to it. I wouldn't get it again.
(2)Linda D.
I yelped this place and was super excited to try the desserts here, but I was somewhat disappointed. First off, it was my first time going to this shopping center and on a Sunday afternoon it sure was crazy and packed. Then when I go inside bakery, the man behind the counter is a little weird. My friend didn't know what she was ordering so she said "the triangle custard thing with strawberries" and he looked at her very stern saying "you mean a tart." Then I asked him what kind of cake something was and he said it was a strawberry shortcake. Like my bad there's no labels, can't ask? Geez. We ordered two chai teas and he made a lame joke saying "don't fight over it because it's the same." like yea nice try after you made us feel dumb about what we were ordering. Plus there was no need to fight over it because they weren't even that good! They were warm and not hot - like it was a pretty chilly day and we sat outside it wouldv'e been nice if the teas were hot. Anywho my strawberry shortcake was ok. I liked the whip cream part. The cake itself was a little dry. The strawberries a bit tart. I only had a few bites and i didn't want to eat anymore. The tart was good. Best thing I tried there The eclair was ok. It's chocolate filled. But I don't know what crackin with the chocolate on top? It's very hard so it's like ur biting into hard Chocolate with a flaky like dough with chocolate creme- I don't know the consistency is off. I wouldn't come here again, especially since the parking lot is crazy and the servers aren't that friendly.
(3)Gadi C.
Lovely? Check. Parisian ambiance? Check. Chocolate drizzle? Check. Crispy crepe? Check. Espresso vigorous? Check. Not expensive? Check. Perfect little magazine to read with espresso and chocolate banana strawberry crepe? Check. All in all, check check check check chceck. That is, I mean, star star star star star.
(5)Jennifer W.
Honey knows that I like to take my time getting up in the morning. Yes, at times, he makes me breakfast, but this time...What does he do? Surprises me with takeout breakfast from Douce France and picks me up a coffee even though he doesn't really drink it. That's wonderful! The tomato and ham sandwich with eggs over easy on top accompanied with salad. Absolutely divine! There's more...he surprises me with French macaroons since I have been talking about it. I am grateful and it is absolutely yummy. I need to come and visit this place! :)
(5)Kim N.
I have a love for French pastries, bakeries, and cafe shops, and I absolutely loved this one...thanks to Yelp! It might have been the simple light lunch of a Croque Monsieur of ham and cheese with mayonnaise and dijon and a side salad, or the petite bottle of Orangina, or simply lounging outside undisturbed in one of the tables for two hours catching up with a good friend! I was hesitant to order the Croque Monsieur since I don't like dijon, but was glad that the taste was really subtle. The place was packed during lunch hours, but we had no trouble finding an open table. Service was minimal as you order at the counter, although they do bring the food directly to your table. And they were all really friendly and would cleared our table as we still sat there and chit chatted away. I didn't get to try any of the pastries, but I would definitely return and check out the heart-shaped jam cookie tart that I spotted in the glassed display.
(5)Gita R.
I really like their pastries and I have to try the sandwiches soon! All the chocolate cakes are AWESOME! Don't think about the calorie, just try the different chocolate cakes and mousse, also the cream puff cake with caramel is very good too!
(5)Colleen S.
Definitely my go to place whenever I'm in town. I used to come here all the time when I went to school across the street, the pastries are amazing and are just the thing for a quick snack. The service is pretty good, usually pretty friendly or at least polite. My favorites definitely have to be the apple danish and the scones! The danish is always very fresh and flavorful, and the scones are filling and not too heavy. If I had one complaint it would be the extremely long lines that can form during lunchtime, and that the seating is very cramped.
(4)Ailin K.
I am so happy to find this place. The macaroons are the best I had since Paris. The cookie crunch and cream is the closest I will get to the macaroons in Paris. Also order the ham cheese crepe .... banana nutella crepe...and cafe latte. All very yummy.
(4)Sylvi R.
The quality is consistently superb. I have been coming here for years, sometimes we get chocolate croissants to go for at home to freeze and indulge on a Sunday morning. The service is always fast and friendly. Love the Chai! But I also love the paninis. Often crowded at lunch time though, because of hungry students from the neighboring school.
(5)A J.
Like many Yelpers who have shared reviews, we came here on a Groupon at around 11:00am on a Sunday (Jan 23/2011). It was PACKED! Luckily we had our infant son with us and that always demands empathy from people :-) so we found seating quickly. I deducted one star though because it isn't a very welcoming atmosphere on a Sunday when you want to have a relaxing bunchy meal. I say this because I counted at least 10-12 laptops. Some less considerate souls were working and not eating which is bad for business because some people walked in and left when they realized there was no place to sit. Also, some people don't want to sit next to people running spreadsheets on a Sunday afternoon. The Alina Panini was excellent. 5 stars for that. The goat cheese was super savoury. We also had a crepe that I am forgetting the exact name of. I think it was Bitteque? Anyway, also excellent and 5 stars. The coffee was a disappointment so I would give it 3/5 stars. The service was 5 stars. We will be back.
(4)John R.
a 3.5 really. Indifferent service and better than average croissants.
(3)Kenji Y.
Workers are very friendly. I just got a lot of desert for my mother's birthday and I literally stalled for like 10 minutes trying to decide which ones to get and the worker waited for me patiently. I asked them to write a message on a cookie, but they came out with something different. They wrote it on a flat chocolate which looked a lot better. Thanks guys!
(5)Empty C.
Don't patronize this business. Rude and arrogant. They would not let me order food to go after they had closed the register even though the restaurant was still open and full of customers. Guess business is good and they don't need our money.
(1)Hazel H.
I love this place. The coffee is great, the tartes and croissants and egg sandwiches are really good, and the atmosphere is as "not Starbucks" as you can get. And that's a good thing. I really believe in patronizing local businesses when possible, and Douce France is a great example of why: the quality of service is very high, and the feeling you get as a customer is that the owner is looking over the entire experience. My only ask would be for them to encourage laptop users to not overstay their welcome or hog tables, but again, this issue is not nearly as severe as one would encounter at at Starbucks.
(5)John F.
Good food, friendly efficient service, good prices.
(3)Greg G.
You know this little plaza looks like it could be full of hidden gems. So I parked here the other day and wandered into this place. I didn't find a gem. It was so so I guess. I got the grilled ham and cheese ciabatta which was a special I guess. It was good, but I wouldn't call it special. mean I would rather go to cafe borrone if I was going to have this. It was simple first off and it didn't have that much flavor. I will be honest, the best part of the meal was the little tart at the end that was a prepacked muffin. Oh well will search for more gems. Don't get me wrong, wasn't bad but I have had better deals for 6 bucks.
(3)Mandy R.
Ham and cheese crossiant 2 stars. Ham was very rought and tough to chew. Plus: not greesy. I also ordered brocceli soup, 1 star. NO flavor at all. However the bread that came with it was good and made my soup a little more flavorful. If I ever go again it would be for the crepes, the savory crepes in particular. They looked very taskty and I figure how could you go wrong? However, I will not be expecting the same as san francisco's.
(2)Kate S.
their panninis are pretty delicious and their desserts are definitely to die for---try the apricot croissants. Used to frequent this place when I lived in stanford, they were always great and fast
(4)Sandy K.
Fantastic place! Casual atmosphere, great variety of food (sandwiches, soups, salad, pastries, etc). You can stop here for a quick bite or have a complete meal.
(5)Andrew N.
My coworker brought in some leftover chocolate cake from this bakery -- BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE OF MY LIFE. Yes - I did need to use all capital letters!
(5)T N.
I would've never gone to this bakery if it wasn't for Groupon. I had purchased a Groupon that got me $10 worth of pastries for $5 and I'm so glad I did! I chose to purchase this deal because I happened to be going to Stanford Mall with my cousins the following week and thought to give it a try since it was in the area. Based on my GPS I was suppose to go past the Town and Country Village where it's located. That threw me for a bit of a loop but I was able to finally find it towards the back of the Village. The inside of the bakery was very cozy and not too small and yet not too big. I was greeted by an employee with a European accent and it made it seem all the more real. Yes, I'm one of those fools that feel it to be more real if the people working there look and sound like they're from the cuisine's origins. I purchased a chocolate dipped chocolate pastry, apple, almond, and raisin. The first three I ate that day. The raisin I left for another day. The chocolate pastry was so delicious. it had a nice buttery and flaky crust and I loved the fact that half of it was dipped in chocolate! Once getting past the dipped portion you might feel a little sad but don't be because you'll be met with chocolate INSIDE of the pastry. I gleefully continued eating the chocolate pastry taking in the wonderful sweetness of the chocolate. The almond pastry was a bit small for me and it did not have the strong almond taste that I always like. The apple pastry was a nice size and had a light and sweet apple compote inside. I very much enjoyed that pastry as well. As for the raisin pastry? Poor thing was left forgotten in the fridge for 3 days before decided to eat it. As is my experience with pastries I expected it to be crusty and unfit to eat so I immediately nuked it for 30 seconds. I have to say that the 3 day old pastry was still quite delicious! Maybe if I hadn't heated it up it wouldn't have tasted so good but that's neither here nor there. The reason for the 4 stars is because I haven't tried their sandwiches, crepes, or desserts. Until then my rating will remain at a 4. I will definitely visit this bakery again if I'm ever in the neighborhood!
(4)Connie M.
I am so grateful for my co-worker treating me to lunch here after she and I spent the morning shlepping heavy boxes to our office's storage unit. I absolutely loved it - reminded me of my trip to France in high school ten years ago. Holy crap I'm getting old. I was relieved when we walked in, because I am currently reading Gesine Bullock-Prado's book "My Life From Scratch" which contains some of her pastry recipes and describes what her bakery is like, and I've been trying to find a similar place (even though her origins are from Germany and this is French, but let's overlook that) that not only specializes in pastries, but offers delicious hot food and beverages as well. If you're in the same boat, head over to Douce France. Tucked away in the depths of Town & Country, this place screams French cafe, just take a look at the tables and pastry case. I was originally going to order a sandwich, but at the last minute got a mushroom quiche that was perfect in size. Light and savory, it filled me up just right...no wonder the French are in awesome shape. Had a bite-sized fruit tart - I think it was key lime - that tasted delicious. Service was delightfully pleasant, and they bring your food to your table after they've made or warmed it up for you. Douce France is so great, I just wanna hug it.
(5)Vidhya T.
The location is great but the breakfast food is terrible! We had not one but two kinds- the Florentine omelet and '2 eggs done your style'(scrambled in our case). Both were overcooked( a big NO, NO considering the place is French). The omelet had filthy smelling mushroom and soggy spinach and the scrambled eggs had the worst texture. Only saving grace was the latte- which by the way was not extra hot even though we requested.
(1)Aubrey O.
Oh, damn. Walked in here looking for baked goods after the Trader Joe's nearby left me disappointed. Nothing against TJ's - it's probably my fault anyway for eating nothing but Joe-Joe's during the week (month). My initial impression left me a bit underwhelmed. Again, probably my fault since I have pretty lofty expectations when it comes to dessert cases (and sadly, not much else). Their selection seemed a little sparse, while I was expecting a spread fit for a king or at the very least Rob Reiner. But I wanted to give it a chance, so I scanned and still wasn't compelled to try anything. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a beautiful collection of reddish-brown hues peeking out of a croissant. It was bacon. I didn't care if a family of rats were taking residence inside the flaky, buttery layers - if they were rooming with bacon, I was on board. In my best I-just-saw-boobs-for-the-first-time-teenager voice, I ordered "the thing with bacon in it" along with a chocolate croissant and a cheese croissant. Then I scurried outside to eat them all in my car. It's not that the interior wasn't welcoming - it was. I just need a more private setting when I fellate my baked goods. Everything was incredible. I'm really pretty rigid when it comes to what makes a good croissant. Not in a "I've been to Paris so I think I would know" way just a "I have electric chemistry with butter" way. For me, they need to be flaky, dense and slightly doughy on the inside. The croissants at Douce France definitely fulfill these requirements. And yeah, I ate three croissants in one sitting. But that's so not the point.
(4)Jay-Tee L.
When I first walked by Douce France, being Palo Alto & French cafe/bakery and all, I immediately expected mediocre service, mediocre food and not so good value. Therefore, didn't really bother trying the place. Until today, when we were pretty much starving after an extended appointment in Town & Country, we decided to give it a try. Bottomline: Wow, definitely one of the best cafes for food in Palo Alto/Town & Country. Would come back to just to have lunch at Douce France! We are unexpectedly delighted. We ordered: (1) Ham & Cheese crepe (La Parisian) (2) Misto Sandwich - Grilled chicken panini on ciabatta bread (3) Nutella Crepe (4) Iced tea - this came out to $30 for two people including tip. We liked: (1) Both the crepes were excellent! The crepe is definitely the best I have had in this part of the Bay Area in a long time (My fav is still Ti Couz in the city) - the crepe was thin and not "doughy". In fact, I think this is much better than Bistro Maxine. We also liked that the Nutella crepes came as three mini crepes, which was great for sharing. (2) The panini was also great - the bread was toasted to perfection and the content was a good combination of various things without being too overwhelming (i.e., not so much stuff in it that it falls apart when you want to hold it). It definitely reminded me of good paninis in Europe. (3) Services - I have very low expectations for services in PA establishments in general but Douce France was really delightful. Our order taker/server was attentive, patient and generally thoughtful and pleasant. She even offered to bring extra silverware without our asking when she gave us our crepes! What would make it a 5 star experience: Better seating - it was a bit cramped and crowded so it was hard to manage all the plates and drinks on one table (for two people). The chairs were also pretty small so we ended up putting our baby car seat on the floor which was not pleasant (for the baby) :)
(4)Shani P.
The cafe has been around for probably 30 years, so they must be doing something right! Delicious sandwiches and pastries. Great spot for a casual breakfast on the weekend. Espresso drinks are also very good. You really can't go wrong. Pricing is also very reasonable. I really like their madeleines, which have an almond/whole wheat base which I have never seen anywhere else. We were there today and were helped mostly by Cecilio. He was so attentive and really went out of his way to make our experience a great one. He is definitely a standout on the Douce France staff.
(4)lowell r.
Customer Service: they're really really nice. Friendly service. Food: We were hoping to have Parisian croissants but they were far from being French. Tried both the butter and chocolate croissants. They're heavy and dense. The French do it light, crispy flakey on the outside, soft on the inside. Perhaps they are considered good by American standards. As for the quiche, they're bland. Very under seasoned. Overall, the food was underwhelming. We left disappointed.
(2)Michèle S.
This is my new favorite breakfast spot in the area. Their crêpes are the real french deal and sooo good, I ordered the Tartin with apples and it was perfect (not too sweet and not dry at all even though I ordered it without the whipped cream). I am not a croissant person but after all the good reviews about the chocolate croissant I had to try it. And it was very delicious, you have to try it too. You have to order at the counter and there was no line on a Sunday. We had the perfect table outside and the food was served super quick. I definitely go back and maybe try a savory crêpes?
(5)Sean C.
Fine French pastries, some a little too sweet and less tart than they should be, but fine and elaborate concoctions nonetheless. I tried a little bit of everything on a large order, much puff and mousse with all that. Yet I have more than a little amour for the Coffee Creme Eclair than anything else. And I had scrumptiously flaky croissants for next morning's breakfast. My only question: Why isn't there an Amelie soundtrack when I enter? #likereally
(4)Shell S.
I've been using DF for work presentation lunches and overall it's been a good experience. The chicken Sandwich is always a hit and my clients love the mini fruit tarts.
(4)Davina B.
Quick and light brunch Perfect small bakery to drop by if you need a quick bite! It's seems very popular and crowded around noon, so if you're with a friend try grabbing a seat while you order. The Croque Madam and the Ham and cheese crepe were really great! The only thing that freaked me out was the self serve water. The guy just refilled it and there were weird white things floating in it.
(4)Diana L.
Tried the croissant breakfast sandwich. Croissant was dry and bread like not the flakiness and buttery goodness I was expecting. Eggs and ham were dry and overall it was such a disappointment. The SF airport serves a much tastier croissant breakfast sandwich which isn't saying much about Douce France.
(1)Tina S.
We have dined here a number of times both for breakfast and lunch. There is seating inside and also patio seating. The desserts here are very good. In addition, there are good breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Its one of our favorite places to dine in the Town and Country Shopping Center. It is popular, so be aware that the order line can sometimes be lengthy (especially during the week when people from Stanford and the local neighborhoods come for lunch).
(4)Alice H.
Even though the crepe were a bit pricey & not extremely filling, I quite enjoyed both my savory & sweet crepes here :) I got the smoked salmon crepe, which was delicious & came with some salad. And the chocolate banana crepe was the perfect way to end off the meal, in addition to trying some of the other sweet pastries there. This place is also within walking distance of the university campus, which is nice if you're visiting Stanford & you're hungry & don't have a car!!!
(5)Geetha K.
On a Sunday afternoon after strolling at a nearby park we were in mood for some coffee and cake. We had to do some grocery shopping so we decided to park in town and country village to walk around and see what picked our interest. We first went to Mayfield that was overflowing with customers and a long wait and we checked in yelp to see if there were other bakeries around. The name popped DouceFrance, from the sound of it I thought wow I'm going to be stumbled by the options. As we went inside the bakery there was no line some patrons were enjoying their tea outside. The bakery looked empty like it had been raided by dessert bandit. Literally there were only three options but since the people working there were so sweet we din't feel like walking away without a purchase. Between two of us we shared a hot chocolate and a vanilla cream puff pastry. Both were o-k. I'd rather choose strawberry shortcake from their display next time if at all i go back. They had nice display of blueberry and raspberry fruit tarts and next time may be i'll try those. Love the service and people that work here.
(3)Richard Y.
Wow....a French cafe that can't make croissants. Had the ham and cheese. They were hard, dry (not flaky at all like they should be). People, some of us have been to France, so if you really really want to call yourself a French bistro/cafe, play French pop music you have to be able to make a great croissant. Even the crappiest corner shops in Paris make great ones. The dough reminded me of the canned dough is Safeways that one attempts to make flaky. La Boulange in Burlingame makes great croissants in case you need an example to to follow. Won't be back folks. Latte was ok - that why it's 2 stars and not 1
(2)Kathy Q.
First time here today and overall great experience but a little pricey for the portion. My whale and I shared: Regular croissant: yummy but better if toasted! Mushroom quiche: the crust is super light and flaky! Buckwheat prosciutto crepe: decent; it was light on the filling and crispier than most crepes I've had Eggs Benedict: OMG the lightest eggs Benedict I've everrrr had. The bread literally melted and hollandaise sauce is not super heavy! This made the 4 stars for me hahahha
(4)Derek L.
Well that was rather a disaster! Came here for coffee with my mom for a second go round, having really enjoyed the affogato I got here last time. I highly recommended this place, amongst several coffee options in Town and Country, and they failed to deliver. How embarrassing! My cafe au lait tasted more like an Americano - coffee and water - instead of coffee with milk. And my mom complained that her latte tasted way too milky and she was right. I could barely taste any espresso in her latte. I don't know if I'll be back. I think next time I'll stick with a safe bet like Peets. Sigh...two stars for the memories of that affogato.
(2)Jessica Y.
We had takeout from Douce France and everyone enjoyed their food! I had the Smoked Salmon Panini on Ciabatta. The ratio of salmon to bread and cream cheese was very reasonable. My panini also came with a small side of greens. Everyone had a macaron included their meal except me, but I definitely want to come here in person sometime to try their other sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.
(4)Bebe F.
Visited for the first time yesterday & this review is based on their Chocolate Eclair & Napoleon alone. The pastry cream in the eclair was quite bland, the pate a choux soggy & the chocolate on top was too thick. Their Napoleon was a tad better but I'd definitely go elsewhere for my French desserts. Based on 2 disappointing pastries, I wouldn't return.
(2)Mark L.
We came here accidentally. We were told there is a great croissant place in Town & Country mall, and we thought this is it. (Turned out it was Mayfield) First bite told me this was the wrong place. The croissant was stiffed and firmed. Let alone compared to Voyageur in Los Altos, it's not even nearly as good as Alexander on Castro or Satura in Los Altos. Major disappointment. French onion soup is always baked, theirs weren't. Another disappointment. The latte was so bad, no flavor, not hot enough, the stream milk was done poorly. I seldom gave one star, giving the benefit of the doubt on things I haven't tried that may be good but I doubt I'll ever waste my time here.
(2)Elaine Y.
After being shocked by Gott's prices, a quick walk around the mall brought me to Douce France - so thank you Gott's, for being obscenely expensive. Douce France is a quaint little cafe serving up coffee, sandwiches, and crepes. It's a bright interior that played French music and had some pretty rad Moulin Rouge art. I ordered the brie & pear sandwich which was flat out delicious. The baguette was toasted to perfection, and the brie was deliciously creamy offset nicely by the thinly sliced, crisp pear. My family also seemed to enjoy their choices - parents shared a sandwich and my brother ordered a crepe. We also shared a slice of king's cake which was perfectly flakey and yummy. Excellent almond flavor! Lunch total came out to $25 - what a steal for 2 utterly delictable sandwiches, a crepe, and a slice of pastry! Needless to say, I will certainly be back if I ever end up in the neighborhood!
(5)Kristie C.
Dined in this time -- Wouldn't really recommend coming with high expectations for service. A bit pricey for mediocre food and poor service. Savory buckwheat crepe with egg, spinach and mushroom. Nothing out of the ordinary. The waiter was so certain he handed me the right order, when he did not in fact get it right. My friend and I ordered similar crepes, but she got one with blue cheese which I really dislike...
(3)Gloria M.
Can I just say that their pastries are so darn good!!!! I love how they are so easily accessible and plenty of tables to sit outside and enjoy the weather !! They also make great lattes and other specialty drinks. Would definately come back
(4)Brooke R.
**review is for catering only** Panini's always seem to go over well at the office. I guess that's because they're so hard to mess up. We had a few different baguette sandwiches, one non-baguette (I'm guessing this was our gluten free alternative? the card didn't specify, maybe it was just a different bread for the sake of being different). I had the chicken (misto), the prosciutto (angelo), and the turkey. The chicken was rubbery so I didn't finish that one, the prosciutto was fabulous, and the turkey was just ok. It tasted very fresh but the turkey didn't go well with the baguette. They use quality ingredients, that mozzarella on the prosciutto sandwich kept me craving for more. They brought two salads, I only had the spinach with the champagne vinaigrette. It was very delicious looking, sprinkled with walnuts and goat cheese, but that champagne vinaigrette was incredibly salty. They also brought mini tarts, I held back and only had one, it was great, as all tarts seem to be.
(4)Vikee L.
Love to go there for breakfast / brunch. It has both indoor and outdoor seating. Great for warm mornings. It does get busy so stick with small groups. Love their smoked salmon crepe and Croque Madame. I want to try their almond croissant then i'll know if I love this cafe or not.
(4)Emily Y.
So good, but very inconsistent with to go orders. I order a crepe a few times a week, and sometimes they give me one and sometime they give me three. When they give me one small crepe for $7.50, it's not worth it.
(3)Diane B.
I didn't have much time before my appointment and now that my favorite cheap and fast option at Town and Country shopping center seems to have morphed into a Jamba Juice, I opted for Douce. It's clear this is meant to be mostly a patisserie, but I'm reviewing it for the lunch salad I got. It was something they called a shrimp nicoise. It was pretty quick and reasonably priced, but I would not get it again, I'm afraid. It consisted of mixed greens. You know the kind that you can buy premixed, hard boiled eggs, about 3 ounces of bay shrimp, and some green olives stuffed with pimento. Well this might be because I'm in a bit of a bad mood tonight, but let me count the sins first. 1. The mixed greens hadn't been picked through to remove any wilted/rotten leaves. Although there weren't a lot of them, this is a pet peeve of mine. If you must buy a prewashed mix, at least remove the yellowed or decomposing leaves. 2. Even for $9 I think there should be more than 1/3 of a cup of the questionable ingredient known as "bay shrimp" 3. Stuffed green olive!!! Come on. It's not that hard to at least get kalamata olives which more closely resemble the nicoise olive which should have been there. 4. Two tiny slices of baguette, which could have at least made me yearn for one of the bakery items, were dried out (cut way too far in advance of serving) and flavorless. Okay, that's the rant. The dressing was tasty, in the right proportion and well tossed. The bus boy was incredibly diligent. If I had a job opening, I would hire him! Food: 21/40 Service: 17/20 Atm/Intang: 16/20 Value:(is it a good value if it doesn't cost much, but it doesn't taste that good?) 14/20 Overall: 68
(2)Alice Y.
This place was pretty packed when I went late afternoon on a Sunday which surprised me. I got the prosciutto crepe, chicken sandwich, and iced latte. The iced latte was a little too watered down for my liking. The chicken sandwich was too dry and the bread was a little too hard. The blueberry tart that came with it was great - had the perfect sweet inside and crunchy outside. The crepe though was very good and lived up to the hype! I would only recommend it. The mozzarella was nicely melted into the veggies and meat while the wheat skin wasn't over cooked. For their environment it is loud like a coffee shop and they have adorable French themed tables。
(3)Schelly Y.
Yummy breakfast and pastries! We tried some breakfast crepes and enjoyed eating it in this cute and cozy place. There are quite a few indoor tables and some outdoor as well. Nice ambiance and good service. The pastry selection makes you drool. It was quite busy on a Saturday morning but turnover was fast and it wasn't too hard getting a table.
(4)Phil W.
Coffee is great and selection looks tempting Marking down as the place is filthy and had to clean the tables myself. I am Welsh so moving the odd crumb is not to abhorrent to me. However was pretty bad. Had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and ingredients were very fresh but the only grilled bit was the bread Great location so I might risk one more time but not holding my breath
(2)Pritam K.
I've tried the croissants, raisin roll and brioche. All of them were just not good. Thick, chewy, dense, dry and very much like bread instead of a flakey pastry. The service was fast and the place looks nice and clean.
(2)Christina L.
For a yelp 4-star bakery, I was underwhelmed. The place is plastered with World Cup flags and has quaint Parisian cafe tables and chairs. The atmosphere is quiet and air-conditioned. Indoor and outdoor seating, with plentiful plaza parking. The food and service, though, were subpar. The single server behind the counter was cashier, barista, order-filler, and telephone secretary. He was moving at a leisurely pace, which made for a moderately lengthy wait while he served two other customers. Time enough to notice the little fly buzzing around the croissants in the display case. I suppose if you want to experience Parisian service, this would be it. The other two servers were busy bussing tables, but eventually one came by to assist. She was friendly and fairly speedy. Nevertheless, I am hesitant to return. The macarons are about a silver dollar in size and come in mini cupcake muffin liners. The cashier's bare fingers definitely come in contact with the macarons as he/she maneuvers them into a paper bag for takeout. Not good, and a little concerning. * My cup of chicken veggie soup was 3/5 full when I opened the takeout container at home. Understanding that soup to-go is a messy business, I still think a restaurant should serve a full serving of soup. Or they could downsize the cup altogether. Also, where was the chicken? It was merely a cup of tasty broth and 1/4 cup of soft vegetables, served with a slice of sourdough baguette. *If you like your macarons slightly underbaked and very chewy, this is your bakery. Flavors are subtle, and the level of sweetness varies for each flavor. Vanilla was overly so while the lemon was perfect. Come early in the day, though. They sell out mid-late afternoon. I was looking forward to finding another hidden Palo Alto gem. This was not it.
(3)Mira S.
They make decent cappuccinos, pastries are just Ok, had much better (based on key lime, mixed berry tarts, napoleon). Smoked salmon sandwich was good without the honey dressing which makes this sandwich too sweet. Ham and egg breakfast sandwich on croissant was delicious. Ham and cheese sandwich on baguette wasn't very good. Considering bad reviews of the nearby breakfast places, I say Douce is better choice.
(3)Leslie L.
4 stars because - such a cute shop that satisfies both sweet and savory tastes - eggs Benedict was good - nothing fancy but used this light bread that made it just right - chicken mango salad with grapes!? Sold! - Big Bang for your buck, friend got a whole salad with half a sandwich and could barely finish it all The place was also decorated in celebration of the World Cup. The pastries looked delicious (I will try next time) and... another designerd moment but the menu was readable even from a far distance! There was also a paper menu available. It's so important for the user experience to be able to read menus... So many restaurants lack that. Good job Douce France! Would definitely come back!
(4)Max G.
Ambience: 5 - authentic Parisian vibe Service: 5 - they moved a table inside for us since it was chilly. Food came out quick, and they offered to refill water often, even though it's just a casual place. Food: 4 - Mushroom quiche: 4 - La Brettone Crepe: 5 - Fries: 4. Pretty tasty, and when they were crispy they were 5s. But consistency was inconsistent. Tasty mustard sauce and ketchup on the side too. - La Savanne Crepe: 5
(4)buttercup r.
The brie and pear panini was completely dry and barely warm. If you're not going to include a spread on the bread, the cheese needs to be melted enough to make it a pleasant eating experience. Instead I had dry bread with some cheese and pear in the middle. Overpriced for the amount and quality. The cashier was very nice, but the man who brought our food did not even smile back at me.
(2)Farrah N.
My new favorite creperie! 10 stars! This place is amazing. The coffee is amazing. The cake is amazing. The macarons are amazing. But most of all, the savory and sweet crepes are amazing and completely bring me back to the Paris trip I took last year. These aren't the fully stuffed Crepevine-esque American crepes but the classic French crepes with simple high-quality ingredients that really hit the spot. I highly recommend "La Bretonne" for the savory crepe and "La Savanne" with bananas AND strawberries and ice cream for the dessert crepe. You won't be disappointed. Seating can get a little limited but this is the perfect place to stop for brunch/lunch or a quick afternoon tea. When I went, seemed like most of their staff was newbie and getting trained. Service wasn't the best, but they tried really hard and were quick to respond and correct their actions.
(5)Dianna D.
I really like coming to this café nestled in the deep crevices of Town & Country Village. While parking is difficult to find on any one given day at mealtimes, I always feel the trip here is worth it. This café exudes classic French foods. The breakfast and lunch menus are fruit and egg heavy, with emphasis on pastry and breads. I have actually not tried any of these items because the reason I come here is for the desserts. I've given all the macaron flavors a go, as well as a few of the chocolates. I'm a big fan of the coffee- and lemon-flavored macarons, though I think all the flavors are pretty decent. To me, the pistachio tastes not enough like pistachio and the vanilla is difficult to taste because of the almond flavor. The macarons are not too sweet, though they are a bit chewy, depending on the time they have taken out the macarons to the display case. The chocolates are also excellent, though the ones they have from the collection are a bit sweet for me. The price on the food here is actually quite good, especially for Palo Alto fare. Coffee is available in any format you want. They also have tea on the menu for non-coffee lovers. At some point, I would love to try a crepe here to gauge against the crepes I have eaten abroad in France. Service is great. While there aren't a lot of people taking orders for often long lines, they are very friendly, pretty efficient and try hard to get you what you want in a reasonable amount of time.
(4)Stacey L.
Located right near Stanford and an up and coming plaza. Douce France is a cute creperie. They offer a variety of savory and sweet crepes, pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. I was more interested in their crepes but they do offer crazy out there crepes, very simplistic ones. My boyfriend and I got a Ham and Cheese one and a Spinach and Prosciutto one. After digging through our meal which came with the crepe and a small salad, I was happy but not impressed. I also left still feeling hungry. I'm a petite Asian girl, I should not leave any restaurant feeling this way.This place is pretty good but not anything special. Good food, not amazing food. Good to try once but not a second time.
(3)Allen C.
When I first walked in, I was greeted by a display of beautiful fruit pastries. I liked the setting here. Even during busy lunch time, I didn't feel cramped at all. There were a lot of seats. Workers were helpful and courteous. Ham and cheese on ciabatta was nicely toasted. It's cute they threw in a macaron. For dessert, I chose La Suzette. It was sweet and lovely. Their printed menu said there was Grand Marnier in it but I couldn't taste any. Later, I checked the online menu and it only mentioned sugar, lemon juice, and whipped cream. I wanted to try the raspberry and blueberry tarts but I was stuffed. Next time for sure.
(4)Thu M.
Way cute, super cute! I loved the setup, felt like I was walking into a little French shop. Food was mediocre (had the Croquet Monsieur and the Eggs Benedict), but maybe I had just chosen mediocre menu items. Had the strawberry cake. Boo and I were fighting each other for the 3 pieces of actual strawberry and I gave up on the creme halfway through. It was light, but too overwhelming and not enough balance with the teeny amount of cake that was there. Macarons were good too, nothing special. I guess if you want a nice eclectic French brunch, come here. Got a nice variety of deserts for you to choose from. If I ever return, I'd just try their baguettes, toasted with butter, and a cappuccino to sip. Now that's what I call a French breakfast :)
(4)Siobhan F.
Had walked by Douce France many many times at Town & Country but never had a reason to eat there. Stopped in to grab a quick brunch before a Stanford basketball game and was pleased to find an awesome menu! I ordered a cappuccino and croque madame, the bf ordered their croissant breakfast sandwich and our friend ordered a chicken panini. We were all really pleased with our meals. The food came out fast and hot and was very satisfactory. I loved that each plate came with it's own side. The breakfast sandwich came with fresh fruit, my croque madame a simple mixed green salad and the panini a teeny tiny pastry. The brioche used for the croque madame was out of this world soft, and the flavors were excellent and something I have craved since my high school French teacher made me my first croque madame. If i'm ever in the area for a quick bite again, Douce France will easily be on my list of to visit spots!
(4)Jacob D.
Je t'aime Douce France! I have been going to Douce France since I was a toddler. I love the mille feuille, it's not too sweet and the layers are not soggy and so many places really mess them up. I always come for a double cappuccino and a croissant, especially when they are fresh out of the oven and still warm. The staff is very friendly and I always talk to them about soccer which is a plus.
(5)Anya M.
Cute place! I got a birthday cake for my fiancé and it looks spectacular! I also got some French toast and a breakfast sandwich and they were ok.. Not the best I've ever had..
(4)Christy W.
I'm a student at Palo Alto High School and I frequently go to Douce France during lunch time to grab something to eat. But, after my terrible experience today, I won't be as eager to go anymore. Firstly, I went up to order and asked "Can I please get a bowl of the French Onion Soup?" the responce I recieved was simple "I don't know. Can you?" Once I recieved this reponse I was ultimatly thrown back. Who talks like that to a frequent loyal customer? I was tempted to just walk out then not giving them my service, but I was hungry so I stayed. The employee further made me repeat myself and say "May I" instead of "Can I". After that experience I wasn't so happy Douce France, but I sat down at a table and ate my soup with three other classmates. Secondly, I was in a group of four so we decided to put two two-person tables together so we could all fit comfortably. And later the same employee came up to the table and said "I'm going to need to take one of these tables for another customer." After he said this I was so set back that I just left the resturant entirely. It's very disapponinting that one of my favorite Town & Country resturants would be so disrespectful to the students of Paly High; espicially because as a student body we give them lots of business during our lunch hours. So I suggest that the Douce France employees rethink how they treat their student customers because we provide so much business for them.
(1)Diana G.
My 3 year old daughter and 2 year old son had been asking for a chocolate cake for few weeks now and today was their lucky day. I decided to try this place and to satisfy our cravings for sweets. We got chocolate mousse cake and a chocolate croissant, cappuccino and ice water for the kids. The cake was delicious and not too sweet. The butter croissant was 10 times better than the ones you usually get at Starbucks. We loved it there and will be back soon.
(4)Olwen R.
The Bree and apple is yummy! But far too expensive for what you get. The crepe was also very good.
(4)Debbie T.
Nothing impressive in the show cases. The mocha macaron fell short, not much flavor. The peanut butter cookie was delicious. 3 stars cuz the server was very nice and efficient. My iced coffee was fine. Not sure if I would come back.
(3)Aneta H.
I visited this place multiple times. Great crepes and pastries. Delicious latte. My husband swears their French toasts are one of the best he's had. It gets pretty full and outdoor space is limited, but the ambiance is just right. Food always comes out fast and the wait staff is friendly.
(5)Yun C.
Dear Douce France, OMG!!!!!!! what did you do to me???!!! I think I'm now addicted... I was hungry this morning and I was in Town & Country Village. I didn't even know it was open at 9AM since most of the restaurants were still closed until I spotted several people seating outside zipping coffee and eating pastries. I was pleasantly surprised to see some breakfast offerings on their chalk board as I entered the cafe/bakery. I thought they would only sell pastries, bagels and coffee. I opted for their crespeau (fried egg, they said it was an omelett..but it was not as soft and moist like omelett, topped with sauteed spinach and mushroom and goat cheese). It came with a side of country style potatoes and a little piece of bread. I also got the yogurt with fresh fruits and a cup of (large) latte. Verdict: YUMMMMM!!!! The portion was not large but it was "enough" for breakfast. The potatoes were not oily and actually the whole plate wasn't oily at all. It was delicious. The yogurt & fruits were very refreshing, the fruits were fresh..I appreciate this!!! Latte was good, not too strong, but enough to wake me up this morning :) Total was $18 and some change....."ok, not cheap" I also bought 5 pieces of chocolate eclair, an eclair like cream puff and a small (individual size) cheesecake. I just had an eclair, WOW!!! buttery, not too sweet, rich and delicious! The size was just perfect to indulge sweets without feeling extremely guilty. yumm!!! $15 for all the sweets, very reasonable!!!!!!! I think I'll be a regular now, oh dear!
(5)S W.
This place comes close to Paris, albeit none of the good. Croissant had barely a pinch of almond paste. Espresso was overroasted and bitter. My experience left me disappointed, and mystified by the 4 star ratings. So, i ended up going to the other bakery in T&C to buy some bread.
(2)Gloria E.
A fun cafe. Cappuccino was great. But French onion soup was not the real thing. It was just a thin broth and a few cheese strings thrown in. Hubby had a croque monsieur which was very dry. So was his chocolate croissant which looked better than it tasted. My plain croissant was good On a more positive note, the people who work there were friendly as nd it had a good atmosphere. But, Disappointing food.
(3)Geri W.
Very nice restaurant... The vegetarian and omnivore parties were all well satisfied, and the staff were easygoing with accommodations for alterations of the dishes. Service was reasonably prompt even on a busy Saturday, and the creeps were yummy.
(5)Cindy W.
Slightly disappointed since expectations were high for DF. Got a croissant for the baby and the French toast ($7.95) for me plus a chai latte ($3.35). Nothing to boast about. It was food. But the display of desserts was pretty.
(3)Lyn C.
Cute little atmosphere that is open in the morning for breakfast. Service was quick and polite, and there is a small little menu to pick from. We grabbed some pastries, eggs, and coffee. I wouldn't recommend this place for anything special, but it's an average little shop that get's the job done.
(3)Vince B.
Really enjoyed our lunch here at Cafe Douce France. If this comfortable shop were in Honolulu I would invite my Yelp lunch buddy Val Y to come and have lunch here. I don't know if he likes French Bakery style food but I sure do. This Cafe is in a Palo Alto shopping center is right next to the Stanford campus and there are several other small restaurants to choose from. Plus, there is a Trader Joe's in the same center. Lots of parking available. yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… We were leisurely checking out the restaurants when I spotted a chocolate dipped sweet pastry ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… ) in the glass cabinet. Within about 60 seconds we all agreed that this was the place and I had that pastry in my hands and a sandwich ordered. Food: Daughter had a Ham on Croissant Sandwich and loved it. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… ) She also had a chocolate latte coffee drink in a glass cup. Of course, I got the Grilled Veggie Panini Sandwich on french bread. This came with a Macaron which was a nice touch that I wasn't expecting. yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… That along with the pastry made me very very happy. Ambience: Very casual with indoor and out door seating. People reading the newspaper. People talking. Easy to believe you were sitting in a bakery in France. Best Thing: This shop is small but they have many great pastries to choose from. I could eat one of those chocolate dipped pastries every day of my life, but, I would also like to try all of their other items. yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… Next time I'm in the area I know where I'm having lunch!!
(4)Janet O.
When it was time for a "lunch catch up" with Teresa P. We decided to meet here. Douce is located in the Town and Country square. It looked busy when we walked up to the location for lunch at 1 something. I gravitated towards their Spinach Quiche I spied on the display. It's an additional $1+ for a side of salad. I requested my quiche zapped. Teresa P decided to order a Turkey sandwich. It was decent. Crunchy toasted baguette. Personally I had better but it wasn't bad at all. My lunch was good. Portion wise don't expect a huge quiche. It's a size that's perfect for lunch-lightweight. I would love for them to season their quiche a bit more. It tasted a but too bland for me. I love the open space design of this place. We chose to sit outside. It's very popular on a warm day. But If you end up inside you will still feel connected to the outside courtesy of the glass walls. Service is awesome from the smiling friendly staff. Just for that alone this place deserves a repeat business!
(3)Steve L.
Croissant review. Bought a plain croissant, chocolate croissant, and almond croissant. When you opened them up, there were 3-4 layers of dense sheets of barely cook-ed through dough. Not quite the layers I was looking for. Frustrating and disappointing.
(1)Jeffery H.
Really nice atmosphere. Nice outdoor seating and great food. My favorite is the French Toast (best ever), they normally stop serving breakfast at noon, but if ask they can make an exception. I always get the French Toast and usually at about 3pm.
(5)Alexandra S.
Best crêpes and coffee in the Palo Alto area! Super friendly staff and great environment to spend some time with friends, read, or even work!
(5)Scott F.
The mini cream puff is meh: the puff is stale, and the filling is just plain whipped cream: yelp.com/biz_photos/douc… I tried the ham quiche: yelp.com/biz_photos/Rn-u… meh. very average. not worth the calories. Their Chai Tea latte is as addictive as crack. That's because they use David Rio Chai Tea latte mix. So, yes, it's great ... but it's just a mix, and nothing special.
(3)Rachel C.
quiche for breakfast. yummy! still the same as when I would come here for breakfast 5 years ago when I went to PALY. good to know some things still haven't changed. I took a chance and drove into the plaza before work one morning and literally almost cried with happiness when I saw it was still there. Diverse breakfast choices from pastries to baked goods to hot cooked food like eggs and cute little dessert tarts. Vanilla latte and ham& cheese quiche = a good morning for me.
(4)Shanna N.
5 stars for the croissants& croissant sandwiches! The best croissant I've had since the bakery in ÃŽle saint louis in paris!
(5)Mona W.
Love the coffee - they put their lattes in a beer cup which is cute. The food is a hit or miss...but you can never go wrong with their pastries or fruit tarts!!! :)
(4)Shubhi T.
We ordered crepes, french toast, omelettes for the table. Everything was good, crepes were ok. The freshly squeezed OJ gets this place more brownie points. The ambiance was quite casual, the pastries look very good, but did not try them.
(3)Erica S.
After a stroll at Stanford Shopping Center, I came here for an afternoon snack. I had heard about this place through a friend and wanted to give it a try. It was a Sunday afternoon, but they didn't have a whole lot of items in their display cases so it was a little disappointing to see. Prices were not cheap either. We ordered a cappuccino, fruit tart, and a chocolate croissant to share. The fruit tart was yummy with fresh blueberries, strawberry, and raspberries. Better than the Cocola bakeries in SJ. Loved the cream in the tart. MMMmmmm. The chocolate croissant was light and fluffy. Can't compare to the Tartine Bakery ones, but it was still very good. Unlike most places, they also partially dip them in chocolate, but I liked that it wasn't overly sweet at all. On a sunny day, it's nice to sit outside although the view of the parking lot is not a great sight. Friendly staff. Clean environment. Hope to try some other goodies next time.
(4)Karen r.
Good solid option for lunch. I like the panini, which comes with a free tiny little tart (that's what she said). My issue is with the name of this restaurant. I mean, come on. Am I the only person who thinks that this place should come up with a different name? It's like 1 letter away from a different word, one that no one should think about when contemplating food.
(4)Liana J.
Good crepes. Forgot what we got but it was a bit uneven. Overall a good experience. We also had a strawberry shortcake...too much cream. Will probably try the croissants next time
(3)Brent T.
I struggle with this 3 star review...I almost went 2 stars because of the manner of service here, but my girlfriend thought the food was good (once she got the right order). In my opinion, the food was fine. I had a La Parisienne crepe which was okay. Good but nothing to write home about. My gf had the smoked salmon crepe w/buckwheat flour. She really liked hers and said it was "better than average". The service was our issue here. I had to take a step back and think rationally, and following is my honest assessment. To start, when our waitress brought our food, she brought out my crepe, and a smoked salmon sandwich on wheat for my gf. When I ordered, I definitely said "smoked salmon crepe on buckwheat flour". I can absolutely understand how the guy taking my order might've heard "smoked salmon on wheat". The mistake made was not the issue. Our waitress asked "so you want the salmon crepe?" My gf said yes and our waitress took it back. Moments later, the guy who took the order from me at the counter came by and said to me, "You said you wanted the smoked salmon sandwich on wheat." I replied calmly, "No, I said smoked salmon crepe on buckwheat". He then just turned around and left. Again, I can understand the mistake and don't hold that against them. How they deal with the mistake is what irritated me. I am not a firm believer in "the customer is always right", but I do believe that the customer knows what they ordered and what they said, if that's not necessarily what was heard. Nonetheless, since the food was okay or good, I gave 3 stars, which I feel is a bit generous. It's a nice little place and I would probably come back, but a little less excited to do so after the service experience.
(3)Michelle Y.
Amazing Almond Torte and Fruit Tart! Very reasonably priced. Wonderful lunch selections with dessert options on the side. I love to order the fruit tart or almond torte here when there is a birthday or celebratory event at my work. It's healthier than the super chocolate cake options out there.
(4)Victoria M.
This is one of my absolute favorite places to eat in Palo Alto (scratch that, the entire Bay Area). Why? Because I've somehow become addicted to their banana nutella crepes. Whenever I go out for breakfast/brunch at any restaurant, my item of choice is nearly always a banana nutella crepe. Most times, I think, "yeah, this crepe is pretty good, but I could make one just as good at home." And you know, I kind of feel like buying a crepe was a waste of money... That is *not* the case at Douce France. Every time I eat a crepe at Douce France, I am reminded that I cannot make a crepe that good. I don't know what they do, but I've ordered crepes there like 10 times so far, and I've thoroughly enjoyed them each time. I am also a huge fan of their other pastries, too. And the service is also great-- although I hope the servers don't recognize me, because I am starting to feel a little guilty about how frequently I order crepes there...
(5)T. C.
The ambiance and liveliness of this place is awesome. Service is also very good. But the croissant was horrible - was not fresh, felt and tasted like day old, dry, and hard. I tried to bake the croissant to possibly make it softer but that didn't help. The cheese pastry was similar freshness. I'm quite surprised that this place has a lot of traffic, which would be a good indicator that the pastry would be fresh. Quite disappointed was hoping for a good croissant.
(2)Jared P.
I had my first lunch from Douce France today. I'm pretty much a salad fanatic during lunch time. I was in La Belle next door doing my weekly Vitamin B shots so I asked their receptionist where to go. She referred me to Douce France for a good salad. The nicoise salad was alright. Nothing really exceptional about it. I think next time I'll try a sandwich. There wasn't very much shrimp on the salad which for a $10 salad you would expect a bit more. It was maybe 1/6th a cup of shrimp. The service was prompt which exceeded my expectations as they were very busy. If I do go back it won't be for salad but for their really tasty looking pastries and sandwiches.
(3)Naper I.
Lovely cafe. The food is very fresh and beautifully presented. We will be back again!
(5)Adrianna V.
Was my $10 sandwhich worth the price? Ehh maybe not but the cafe experience and complimentary raspberry tart was a nice touch. Tables are small and space is limited but the employees will rearrange tables and chairs to accommodate groups the best they can. I'll probably be back to try something different because while the quality was great it was nothing amazing.
(3)Anastasia K.
We just came back from Douce France. We got 3 cheese-quiches and an onion soup. The quiches were very STALE. Inedible! The onion soup had a lot of bread and very little soup. Not a good lunch experience.
(1)P. C.
There's a rule that you can eat as much of your birthday cake as you wish and the calories don't count against you, right?! That's good because I can't stop eating my dark chocolate mousse cake. Seriously cannot stop. I'm literally sitting at my desk with a spoon and the cake box, eating the last part of the cake right now. *whispers "help me"*
(4)Sarah T.
this review is only for macarons have to say that their macrons are pretty cheap but definitely not among the best that i had. actually it is below average!
(2)Ashley K.
By far, the best chocolate croissant I've ever had! And trust me, I've tried a lot. They tend to be dry, or only a little bit of chocolate in the very middle. This one....I dream about! The texture and taste is similar to challah..chewey and rich. The outside is flaky. Best part, it satisfies the chocolate cravings in two ways. One, plenty of chocolate on the inside AND two, 1/2 of the croissant is dipped in chocolate. YUM. Great place to sit and people watch with a coffee and book on a Sunday morning too.
(5)Julia C.
That nagging burnt stench is gone, hip hip hooray! I recall how nauseous it'd make any dine in experience. Croissants are also more amazing than I remember. Thicker center texture with the right combination of denseness while still being classified fluffy. Menu has grown as well, way more extensive in meal options and side pastries.
(4)Edward W.
Came here for dinner, a little before closing. I ordered the La Bretonne, which is no longer on their new menu, but they still allow you to order it if you ask for it. It comes with ham, swiss cheese, tomatoes, and two eggs over easy made with buckwheat. Buckwheat crepe was excellent and everything tasted freshly made even though they were closing soon. I also received a fruit tart with my savory crepe, which was a nice little bonus. Not sure if this is normal or because they had extra, but I'll take it! The crepe was a little pricey at $10, but the quality was well worth it .
(4)Kim B.
Review is strictly for their catering service - I've never eaten in but I love their catering service. Such yummy options for sandwiches (the bread they use is so tasty) and salads. Plus: with large catering orders they throw in complimentary dessert tarts! Reasonable pricing & dependable service.
(4)Joy K.
I think the reason why I am so fond of this place is because I grew up going there since I was a teenager. It's the whole allure of being "independent", driving your mom's car to go to a quaint cafe with your friend and being able to sit down and feel like a grown up (not that I'm close to one yet). I mean even still I think their food is pretty good! I like their sandwiches and especially their chocolate croissant. I mean c'mon, CHOCOLATE. They also have a nice variety of little cakes and tarts that are delicious and fun to treat yo' self :)
(4)Kim N.
Im not sure I get the popularity of the place. Perhaps Palo Alto is dying for French food culture? Pastries are decent, however if you're a big eater or really hungry, you maybe underwhelmed by the portions. The housewives of the area flock to this like gangbusters so be warned of the "Oh the economy is so bad we may have to sell our yacht" talk.
(3)Lincoln L.
Grabbed a fruit tart here for a friend's birthday. Twenty-five dollars for a good-sized tart with a ton of fresh fruit. But the quality of the tart comes from the custard and the shell, and both were solid. The custard was sweet and a little bit tart (boy, that word is showing up a lot), but not in a way that complements, rather than overwhelms the fruit. Arranged wonderfully as well too!
(4)Jess C.
Above average food, expensive, and overhyped. I tried all the popular items, from the chai tea, to the macarons, chocolate croissant, and misto baguette. None of them were amazing, except the croissant but only because it was heated up. I would give Douce France a second shot for their breakfast croissant or croque madame, but overall I felt it was overpriced and the food was pretty average.
(3)Grecia N.
Yum yum yum! They have the best crepes in all Palo Alto not only are they tasty they're also fresh and have a great variety of them. My favorite of course are the berry crepes. I usually treat myself every Friday to one of these delicious crepes after a long week. Is just wish they had a weekly theme or discount on them sometimes.
(5)Cindy K.
This review is for their quiches and pastries. We had these lovely bakes goods served at our meeting today. I had the spinach quiche, almond croissant, and cinnamon swirl with raisins. YUM! The quiches were still slightly warm, could've been warmer. Very delicious, although I fet like I need some more salt on my quiche. The pastries were very good. Fresh and crispy baked. I think I would like to actually stop buy here to get the full experience.
(4)Derek S.
Found this place on Yelp and it's tucked away in analley in the Town and Country center. Ordered a Croque Monsieur which essentially is a toasted ham sandwich with cheese on top of the toast and a side of greens. The salad was very fresh and the vinaigrette was light. The sandwich was very fresh and tasty!!! Ordered the Strawberry shortcake and it was okay. There was more whip cream than strawberry though. The portion was also huge! The chocolate croissant was okay. Service was friendly by the staff! :)
(5)Adrienne M.
Like many others, my boyfriend and I got the Groupon to this place. We came here today for brunch to use it. We intended to just pick up a bunch of pastries, but they didn't have a huge selection and some of the hot sandwiches sounded good, so we decided on an angelo (proscuitto and arugula) for him and a buffarella (buffalo mozzarella, tomato, basil) for me, as well as a chocolate croissant to share. The guy who was taking the orders rudely held the Groupon in my face and said in a really loud voice "NOT GOOD FOR LUNCH FOOD" (which it does say on it). When I responded that I didn't realize and we'd rethink our order, he said he would do it just this once but said with a sneer "don't ever do it again!" It was nice of him to take it for lunch when he didn't have to, but honestly, he was kind of a jerk about it. I thought the people at the counter also seemed super impatient that we didn't know what we wanted -- sorry we've never been before!! So, no points for service. The chocolate croissant was fantastic but not cheap ($2.50). The pastry itself was good but not great, but I loved the chocolate sauce (its more like a sauce than a bar) inside, and the fact that it was dipped in chocolate. Our sandwiches were pretty mediocre for the price ($8-9 for a small sandwich with no sides, except a bite-sized fruit tart). I swear the mozzarella on my sandwich wasn't buffalo mozzarella. It really tasted like normal, cow mozzarella to me, and didn't seem super fresh. I've had much, much better mozzarella elsewhere. It wasn't bad but it was nothing exceptional, and a small portion for the price I thought. My bf felt similarly about his sandwich. Bottom line: Fun to try, no burning desire to come back, and if I did I would stick to the pastries!
(3)Ava K.
Loved their sandwich, macaroons, cakes everything!
(5)Lanee J.
I had a terrible experience here last week. I placed a big order for pick up and when I arrived at my event realized that half of the order was missing. I called and spoke with a less than apologetic employee who said there was nothing they could do. When I returned the next day I spent fifteen minutes waiting around before finally getting a refund for the missing order. Barely an apology and no offer to make up for it in any way. I was disappointed. I realize that this was an oversight and can happen from time to time but they didn't seem to care at all and didn't even give an apology. Fail.
(1)Ashley M.
I used to come here all the time during high school (especially when skipping class) so it holds a special place in my heart. I'm an enormous fan of their lemon tarts and the general ambiance of the place when it's not crazy crowded. Staff is always lovely. Their pastries are great, but get there in the morning before the student rush.
(5)Ken B.
I don't come here for the food or drinks, (it's rather overpriced for what you get) but for the air conditioned atmosphere and the lovely clientele. The croque-monsieur (French pronunciation: [kk msjø]) is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It originated in French cafés and bars as a quick snack. It is my favorite thing to order if I need a snack. The coffee is mediocre, sitting in containers for how long no one knows, and I always have to ask for a re-fill, but I've heard the Chai Latte is addictive. The service could be more attentive. (the bus boy was an exception) As they get to know you the service does get better. They appreciate music and sometimes classical guitar can be heard there. Nice place to meet a friend for some Chai and something light to eat.
(4)Claudine V.
Good sandwiches and salad. Lots of different french baked goods. Their crepes look good too. Tried their croque monsieur in brioche bread and it was very good. Will definitely come back and try their crepes.
(4)Leslie H.
Maybe I should have tried the croque madame or one of their paninis, but I have to say, I wasn't much impressed with their regular butter croissant. It came with a side of really cold and hard butter and jam. It was flaky enough, but definitely not the best croissant I've ever tasted. I guess I expected more from a supposedly French bakery. Their various mini fruit tarts looked divine though. Prices are a bit on the high side, but what else would you expect in the heart of Palo Alto? I might come back to try some of their other offerings, but for now, I'd say you can get a better croissant at many other bakeries. Seating is very crowded, reminiscent of a Parisienne cafe. The tables are small and close together. And it can be difficult to hear your companion because of all of the other conversations taking place nearby.
(3)Sherry P.
Discovery: Fruit tarts. I used to rely on Whole Foods for fruit tarts.. but it don't compare. The difference in the crust and the cream is definitely noticeable. Maybe the fruits are somewhat on par, but overall, Douce wins. Now my official go-to for fruit tarts :) Their paninis are also solid - do it with their baguette; and same goes for their croque madame - try it with their beignet, never had such fluffy, yolked out bread before. Great breakfast/brunch spot, I WILL BE BACK.
(4)Loic C.
I am big fan of theirs! I am French, so going there for Sunday brunch is a great way to enjoy homy food without having to travel. The people are super nice, always smiling, courteous, and clearly loving what they do. I usually get 1) double espresso, 2) chocolate croissant (which they dip in melted chocolate, a very successful US-variant on the traditional French "pain au chocolat"), and a 3) croque-madame. I have never been let down. My girlfriend is a fan of their onion soup, which is very tasty.
(4)Audra M.
This place is nice. I really enjoyed my iced chai tea latte. It was the best I have had. The macarons were tasty as well. I might have given it another star if the customer service was a little better. The guy, I believe he is French, was kind of short, but he did help me. Honestly I would go back for the chai latte. My friend also ordered a quiche and it was very good. I would def. go back for the pastries and drinks.
(4)Sherrie H.
Je voudrais un croissant. To me there is nothing like a buttery flaky viennoiserie bread roll named for its well known crescent shape. I am a giant sucker for a great croissants and hearing the origins of Douce France I was surprised to the lack of quality in this French staple. I will however give props for the mouth watering La Suzette crepe. Douce France is tucked in the back corner of the charming Town & Country Village and is owned by two friends from Alsace, France who desired to bring the community-feeling of a French cafe to Palo Alto. They delivered in the atmosphere of the cafe with alfresco seating, but lack in the quality of their secretly kept grand-mother's recipes. IMO, Mayfield Bakery (also in Town & Country) is hands down the best choice for pastries in Palo Alto. Hit Douce France for coffee, crepes, or possibly a Croc Madame.
(3)William L.
Douce France is the best bakery in town, period. Besides tasty croissants and fresh baguettes, their cakes are always sensational. I live in the neighborhood, and I have visited Douce France many times. I have never been disappointed. On a weekend morning, what could possibly beat sitting outside in the sun, sipping a cup of fresh coffee, nibbling on a perfect croissant, and reading the Saturday Wall Street Journal?! This is in fact one of my favorite weekend activities. Also, it wouldn't hurt to know Steve Jobs used to frequent stores in the Town and Country Plaza...
(5)Aubrey C.
Douce France is a pretty average place for baked goods. I haven't tried any of their food options, but their classic baked goods like croissants aren't that great. In fairness to Douce France, they have more than just baked goods, including things like panini and the classic croque madame, etc. However, in my book, if a bakery styles itself as being a French bakery, they should deliver on croissants, quiches, etc. The croissant was fairly average -- not too different from anything you'd get at Costco. Doughy but not too dry. The quiches were a tad on the oily/greasy side and not as fluffy as it should be. They do also have desserts like fruit tarts, that all look very good. Maybe that will be worth trying next time, but of the baked goods I've tasted, Douce France was merely average. There are tastier bakeries in Palo Alto for that price range (such as La Baguette in Stanford Shopping Center).
(3)Monique Y.
Horrible typical French customer service. The staff has zero interest in helping and being friendly. The French dude rung up our order all funky and charged us more for our order and when we asked he was huffy and puffy and insisted it was correct. Um. Can you do math? I only bought 4 items. Not five!!!! Dessert is good but would not go back bc of the unpleasant service. Who knows if he was just rattling off prices on the dessert. Are we pocketing the profit here?? They should post the price of each item for the customer to see!!
(2)Pierre B.
Douce France is certainly popular among the lunch and afternoon crowd, but if this place were in San Francisco or Berkeley, it would be toward the bottom of the barrel. Sandwiches, panini, quiches, and crêpes are okay, but boring, and could do with more flavor and more interesting flavor combinations. There's no kick: no interesting sauce, no special meat, no deliciously toasted bread. If I'm going to buy a sandwich, it better be as good, if not better, than buying a petite baguette and some Fra' Mani hams at Whole Foods. The quiche, meanwhile, is watery and basically a larger version of a packaged quiche you'd find at Trader Joe's. Pastries are no better. They look decent, but lack the moist, buttery flakiness that you'd expect from a real bakery. Tastes like something you'd get from the bakery at Whole Foods.
(3)Christine P.
Still the same after all of these years. Used to come here with my French teacher in high school many many years ago and it gives me fond memories from those high school days. It still looks the same and the menu hasn't changed much. Food is good, but not necessarily the best, but people are nice, and atmosphere is pleasant for chatting and meeting folks. Tried their coffee and it was ok.
(3)Mansi A.
I write this with mixed emotions after looking forward to having a light breakfast at Douce France, which is reminiscent of a Parisian cafe. Clear standouts: - Chai tea latte: Like crack. No idea what they put in this concoction, but I could've just drank this and came away feeling like I was on cloud nine. The. Best. Chai. Ever. - Mushroom quiche: Light, flaky crust. Moist, flavorful interior. Yummy tart-like pastry. They also had spinach and ham varieties available. Falling shorts: - Chocolate croissant: Because many Yelper swore by it. I would beg to differ. I've had far, far better chocolate croissants. The pastry was flaky, but rather dense and definitely not buttery enough. Paul Deen would never approve! I must say though, the chocolate used was pretty great. - Apricot danish: The apricot portion was okay, but the cream cheese lacked the traditional cream cheese flavor. Also, the pastry was a tad sticky and soggy instead of flaky. I wouldn't go for this again. - Blueberry scone: The one pastry that SHOULD'VE been dense...but wasn't. Light and airy...and draped with a simple syrup type of coating....definitely not your typical scone. Not that tasty either. - Customer service: What service? Many Yelpers were raving about the customer service here, but I didn't see any of that on a Sunday morning. No smiles, no friendliness, no nothing. Just a 'what do you want', and 'get out of the way' attitude. I realize it's tough when it's crowded, but still...Meh.
(3)Philip L.
Gem of a French cafe - the savory crepes are what they do best. Desserts are pretty good too. These guys look like they know what they're doing, it's the real deal. All the tables were filled up inside, so we found some public outdoor seating with shade umbrellas, was much better actually. We're so glad we found this place through Yelp, otherwise we would've never gone here - you can't see the cafe from the street cause it's tucked in a fairly large strip center.
(5)Athena S.
Found this cute cafe a few years back and almost had to go to rehab for my addiction to their croque monsiuers. I recently started going there again since it's close to my new(er) work location. Sad face: I no longer am in the Mission. Happy face: Douce France's mini quiche- flaky, fresh and crazily under $4
(5)Seán O.
I come to this place for two things: 1) pastries for breakfast if I'm feeling like really treating myself, and 2) a light, late lunch after peak hours. There is usually a long line when this place is busy, and seating (not to mention parking at Town and Country) is relatively limited. Nevertheless, service is usually fast and efficient. This is why coming earlier in the morning or mid-afternoon is a good plan. Their sandwiches are simple, but well prepared. I like how they give me (and I presume you also) a macaroon with my sandwich, which always works out well since I usually order an espresso or drip coffee with my food here. The pastries are truly delicious. I've never had their cakes or some of their more elaborate confectionery, but it does look pretty tasty, too. On a few occasions that I've been here, they've had specials with pretty good French wines for ~$7/glass, perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon. When I am here, especially on weekend afternoons, I usually hear a lot of people speaking in French. If that's any metric for authenticity of cuisine, then I guess Douce France is right up there!
(4)Grace T.
Croquet monsieur and madame (with eggs) are our favorites. Food is simple and wonderful. We love to take our dog here for brunch on the weekends.
(5)Lola Z.
My previous reviews reflecting my experience was consistent that certain items are spot on (pastries and espressos) ; others need work. You have to really know what to pick and what to stay away from but I gave it an average to good review because once you get around that, their stuff can be quite good. However, I am TIRED of getting the occasional DAY OLD BREAD!! I have ordered their ham and cheese sandwiches early-ish in the morning and gotten hard, chewy, obviously day-old if not older bread. The kind you have to fight to get a bite of. Today, I saw a sugary brioche that was calling to me so I ordered that to find it stale and quite crunchy on the inside. BLECH. If you're going to sell day-old bread, sell it to someone who wants it by calling it out as such! It doesn't happen all the time but I'm tired of feeling bamboozled enough that I don't think I'll ever go back.
(1)K D.
Their cappuccino is simple yet delicious til the last drop, also had the breakfast crepe which was slightly too cheesy but nevertheless very filling. Will definitely go here again!
(4)Cress H.
As a long-term (10+ years) customer, I wholeheartedly recommend Douce France. Croissants and coffee in the morning, delicious sandwiches and salads for lunch, and now that they start serving wine & champagne, delightful for a small something after work. I adore this place for a leisurely cappuccino by oneself or for meeting a friend. Yes, it gets very busy at lunchtime but the grab-for-yourself tables quickly turn over.
(5)Annie T.
Adorable, love the location. Service is really great. The seats outside weren't the most comfortable - the wicker had sunk into the chairs with use so it was hard to sit for a while.
(4)Trish S.
Every time I am at Town and Country Village I always stop by here. There's so many choices in the center but Douce France is the best! Their coffee just hits the spot and the café feel is unbeatable.
(5)Samantha K.
When you have a little bit of time to enjoy a cappuchino and a chocolate filled croissant, its a great place to stop by in the morning. For lunch, they have sandwiches/panninis and a nice ending touch is a fruit tart. Its a nice little cafe if you find yourself at Town and Country in Palo Alto. Service was friendly; easy parking - probably too easy as at the outside tables you are literally looking at car bumpers and their associated cars.
(3)Krysta M.
Charming and delicious! Very friendly and attentive staff. Their pastries and food are very good and their chai tea latte's are amazing! Parking can be tough but other then that very cute location with inside/outside seating! Love this place!!
(5)Jess L.
This is a great place for a good size breakfast/brunch that doesn't leave you full until the next day, and service was friendly. My breakfast and coffee were good. So was my friend's breakfast sandwich. Their pastries and desserts looked amazing, and I plan on a future trip to confirm this.
(4)Kendahl D.
Totally mediocre; good but not great. Came here Saturday afternoon with my husband and got a regular coffee, a decaf coffee, and a spinach quiche from the pastry case. The quiche filling was bland and needed salt, but the crust was okay. Both coffees were pretty weak; on par with bad diner coffee. Ambiance was decent--lots of places to sit, but not the coziest--and the service was friendly. Overall, it's a fine cafe to spend an afternoon, but nothing special. We didn't try any sweet pastries, though, so I'll have to check those out at some point.
(3)C E.
We shared the eggs Benedict and ham/swiss (we substituted gruyere for swiss) crepe. The order came out of the kitchen quick, both were delivered hot (yay cannot stand cold egg dishes) Prepared to perfection and both were excellent!!
(5)L L.
I know a place is good when I crave their food long after I've been there. Their breakfast croissant, so simple, yet delicious. It's just a croissant w/ scrambled eggs. But the croissant was so light, flaky, buttery, yet with substance and a little chewy... Oooh, my mouth is watering now just writing this! My aunt had the croque monsieur, and that looked delicious too. She was raving on and on about how good it was. I'm gonna try that next time I go there. Coffeee was magnificent too, rich, smooth, flavorful. I can tell I'm going to become a regular there... so many different things to try, so excited! *squeal*
(5)Nathalie V.
A few gal pals and I met up for a late lunch at Douce France, and I was extremely excited as I saw the large pastry area. It's a very casual atmosphere, with little round tables indoors and outdoors. The ordering style is order and pay at the cash register, and they'll bring your food and drinks out later). The staff is super friendly, happy to answer questions, and was extremely patient as I tried making up my mind about my box of to-go pastries. I had the Misto Sandwich (one of their bestsellers - mixed greens, tomatoes, chicken, and pesto sauce on a baguette) and found that although it looked rrrreaallly good, I found it to be a little bland. The upside: a little pastry on the side! In addition to my sandwich, I also split a quiche with the girls. That was actually good, and I would order this again. For dessert, which I ate about two hours later, I had their chocolate and pistachio macarons, a cream puff, and a fruit tart. I am sad to say I was disappointed in this department as well. The macarons were not as flaky as I would have liked, the cream puff itself could have used some more butter and the cream was unremarkable. They did a great job with the fruit part of the fruit tart, but the custard was ok and the pastry was soggy. That last bit could have been my fault for waiting so long to eat it.
(2)Sarah T.
This is my new favorite place for a breakfast date within driving distance from Stanford. Nice indoor atmosphere. I ordered over-easy eggs a side of polenta, which is now my new favorite breakfast dish. Major win overall.
(5)Terri M.
My visit was back on 2/28/11, about 2:00ish. I can only speak about the followings: -Strawberry shortcake $3.95 -Blueberry tart $5.19 -Cream puff $1.95 Nowadays, since Safeway seems to offer ok sweets, I don't have to drive up here, paying that much $ to get their goodies. On the other hand, quite frankly, I'm a bread person, rather than cakes, so at this point I was little upset at myself for not visiting early enough to get my Brioche and all. The shop was nice. They renewed the entire shopping mall. But changing outside doesn't mean very much, and looks could be deceiving. It was interesting to witness customers don't ask how much things are (no price indicated). They just order their drink, point out the show case, and pay whatever $ is told. I bet they never use coupons for their grocery. Please check out some photos for more details.
(3)Jeffrey B.
I had the macaroons, and they were really dry. They were impossible to break in half, without destroying them. They only had 3 flavors available of raspberry, vanilla and coffee. They at least got the taste partially right Sandwich was nothing special. But their Fruit tarts were their only saving grace. The fruit in the tarts were fresh and tasty, custard not too sour and it was fun to eat.
(3)Shelley W.
Pretty sure there is crack in the Chai Lattes here... Douce France is my favorite spot in Palo Alto and I will probably never grow tired of coming here. I've been coming to Douce France for the past 10+ years. In fact, for 4 years of high school I'm pretty sure I ate lunch here anywhere from 2-4 times a week. So many businesses in Town & Country have come and go over the years but this place remains the best go-to neighborhood spot to catch up with family or friends over a light meal or coffee. Much of the core staff has remained the same over the years, and the owner is often seen working behind the counter. Everyone who works here is friendly and willing to work with special requests/adjustments to my food order. I am completely addicted to their Chai Lattes, iced or hot. I literally crave it and stop by for one almost everyday whenever I'm in town. I recommend the Chai Latte (geez how many times have I mentioned the word "Chai Latte" in this review?), the savory and sweet crepes, and the ready-made croissant sandwiches that they will toast for you before serving. Apparently the fruit tarts are spectacular here because my mom raves about them all the time. I love that you can just order a half sandwich if you're not as hungry. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The only reason I am not giving this place 5 stars (and trust me I really want to) is because some of the pastries, such as the chocolate croissant, are just slightly above average.
(4)Linus W.
Great little creperie, and reasonably priced for the area! The La Basquaise (prosciutto, mozzarella, spinach) came with a little salad and was a perfect portion for a lunch meal, with room for a pastry or dessert if you succumbed to the guilty pleasures. Would love to try other savory and their sweet crepes! Only problem is that everyone else seems to love them, too; we had to hover for a few minutes before spotting an open table.
(5)Stephen L.
Delicious French Pastries and more! We ordered the Opera Cake and Fruit Tart today. Both were delicious and tasted fresh. The chocolate croissant is always a good choice.
(4)jun k.
Okay, the place's decor is still cute, and today, I went outside and noticed that each outside table has a cute vintage poster print on it. All that aside, the REASON I went outside is pretty sad. Basically in the afternoon, as I tried to take advantage of my free hour and enjoy a late lunch with a book, I was assaulted by crowded groups of people and a wailing baby. (Please, why are baby chairs even offered.. this is a cafe... not Denny's). I know I'm sounding harsh right now, but this is not what I remember from before. I mean the food is still decent, my fresco panini was good (but for $8 a pop, it should be, no?). And my pistachio macaron was pretty good (although the vanilla one was pretty plain). But, did I appreciate the server picking up the macarons with his hands and putting them into the white bag? The same hands he used to take the previous customer's money? The same hands he probably uses to do all sorts of other tasks... on my food? Do you think I'm being overly picky or should I be fine with direct handling of my food at a French cafe in Palo Alto Town and Country? Cheese House looked quiet and peaceful. Their sandwiches are only $7... and they're hearty too.
(2)Minh T.
It's in a Town & Country plaza which is bustling during the lunch hour so, parking could take a few minutes. There are ~four tables outside and ~15 small tables inside. They serve coffee, pastries, salads and sandwiches. The line moved quickly, they give you a number and bring out your order to the table. I ordered the Warm Goat Cheese salad that came with a few slices of soft, freshly-baked French bread. The breading on the outside of the goat cheese was perfectly cooked; not soggy at all. The cheese itself was slightly warmer than room temperature which was unexpected. Most places either melt the cheese which makes it too liquid-y or don't warm it enough which keeps the middle of the cheese cold. Douce France got it right. Tried some of my friend's Pear & Brie sandwich. It was surprisingly light and the flavors were well-balanced. I want to come back....soon!
(4)Rebecca S.
Very cute French Cafe located in Town and Country Village near LaBelle Day Spa.... Maybe French cafes aren't really my thing, because I wasn't blown away by any of the food here. Coffee was very good, and It was nice that they give free refills; definitely wasn't expecting that. I'd say its charming more than anything, and thats probably a great deal of the appeal. Nice place to meet a friend for lunch or coffee, or just to sit and study. I woudnt hesitate to come back, but I don't know if Douce France would be my first choice.
(3)Laura P.
After a not-so-great experience at one of the other cafes in the Palo Alto Town Center, I decided to give this place a try. The moment that I walked in, I was greeted by someone behind the counter who told me to take my time and let them know when I was ready to order. Since this was my first time here, I decided to go with one of the sandwiches (which turned out to be a great decision). I placed the order and sat down at one of the tables to wait. A few minutes later my sandwich arrived -- still hot and the bread freshly toasted. The ratio between bread to the inside items was perfect and the sandwich was the perfect portion size (not so big that I feel overwhelmed and sick afterward). It was a bit pricey (about $12 for a sandwich and drink). However, the food is good, the atmosphere is nice, and the staff is friendly. What more could you want?
(4)Sharon F.
Sweet sweet goodness...I mean, sweet france, this cafe is authentic! If you ever want a good croque monsieur, croque madame, or a filling breakfast or lunch, this is the place. I had one of the tastiest croissants I've ever had in America. The one I took to go stayed in the car for two days, and was still good when it was discovered. A testament to good pastry? I think so! Orders get taken the moment people walk in, so that the wait is not too long. It did get crowded during the time I was here - mothers, friends, lone laptop, high school students coming in for lunch. There was never a quiet moment, which probably is a testament to the great space.
(5)Samantha C.
This place has decently good food, but the more often I go, the worse the service seems to get. I keep returning hoping that I just went on an off day, but the people who work here are just incompetent. Who forgets an order once, and forgets again after being reminded twice?
(2)Rosanna C.
Pretty disappointing, we came here for crepes after seeing all the raving reviews. Pfft. Doesn't even make the cut for a decent crepe (I've experienced a hundred times better in France and London, but is it so hard to make a good crepe in USA?). While the buckwheat crepe skin was OK (you can't go that wrong with the wrap), the ingredients inside were just.. bad. Terribly dry, and potentially not even prepared properly. We had the salmon crepe and ham and cheese crepe with an extra egg. Salmon crepe: the cream was hard, and looked like it was just squeezed over an already made crepe wrap. What they probably did after that was put the salmon slices (to be fair, the salmon portions were generous) and folded the whole thing up on a surface (not the pan). What resulted was a very dry crepe, they might just as well have given me everything by themselves and I can put them together myself. Also the lemon dill was too sour. Next, the ham and cheese crepe. Same thing, too dry, the egg was fried and then inserted into the crepe, not the way to make ham and cheese with egg crepe (you actually have to crack the egg into the crepe while you're making it). A good crepe is one where the inside is slightly moist, to complement the wrap which isn't. Finally I tried the French onion soup, disappointing. The caramelized flavor was so strong that the soup tasted sweet (maybe some people like it that way?), and the cheese wasn't even melted on top of the soup, just a handful of shredded cheese sprinkled over three pieces of toast (which to the fair was not bad) placed atop the soup. And so continues the quest to find a decent creperie in the Bay Area...
(2)Rishi G.
I was here solely for a place to hang out for a while with my laptop and do some work. There are plentiful power outlets, free Wifi, and a good amount of tables. I got my usual Soy Latte which was great, better than the usual Starbucks / Peet's. There was also a variety of delightful teas. I managed to resist the tempting Napoleons, Macarons, and other French pastries - but one day I will be back for those. :) All in all, this is a great place to hang out or get some work done. And the service is pretty good too, no snark - which seems to be in large supply in most small coffee shops around here.
(4)Lina C.
Cute setting, plenty if parking although crowded at timess located between the CVS and Trader Joe's area in the back. I ordered half a dozen croissants and turnovers - they were crispy and light, good custard filling that was light and not too sweet. I let the ladies behind me order first since I couldn't make up my mind from the two large pastry cases...they ordered in french. They weren't the only ones speaking in european languages at this cafe. Anyway, it's a nice quaint place to sunbath, people-watch in the outdoor patio area. Saw people with laptops sipping on coffee. I'd come here on a weekend if I lived closer. It's worth a visit if you're nearby.
(4)Mike Y.
GOOD: Quick service. Excellent crepe. Bakery is solid. Definitely will go back. BAD: Too many people during lunch (is that a Bad Point?).
(4)J L.
Douce France gets points on the "relative star" Yelp scale: compared to other options in the Stanford 8-minute-drive proximity, it is cuter, comfier, and friendlier. It tends to be a good place to get writing done; there is reliable wifi and some power sockets. On the relative-scale, Douce France is a great spot; but it is *not*, as in the lavish praise of some reviewers, "magnifique" or "consistently superb." Here's what's good and what's not: -- Good -- Crepes (especially savory); usually worth the price. Wifi Outside seating on a sunny day. -- OK -- Espresso: Lavazza is a mediocre house brand. Even most Italians I know prefer, when dining out, to pay for Illy, or something locally roasted and worth the premium. Lavazza will do the trick, but it is nothing to holler about. Expect some tolerable bitterness of the bad sort. Seating policy: They get busy enough over a lunch period of about 3 hours that even if you have purchased lunch, pastries, and post-lunch espresso they will ask you to "condense" with other lingerers if they so much as see your laptop or book come out of the briefcase or backpack. Their policy is not distributed even-handedly though: they will ask student-looking folk to move before they ask others, regardless of what either party has purchased. Pastries: They are acceptable when purchased soon after baking. -- Bad -- Panini: Inexcusably small for the price; even smaller than what you get in Europe, in case being European was the "authenticity excuse." And the bread tends to be either stale or toasted to a cracker-crisp all the way through. In sum: If you wish to have a nice cafe to work at, go when it's not busy; buy the savory crepes; and don't expect amazing (or terrible) espresso or baked goods. A personal note: The thing I liked most about Douce France was that the ownership and the "help" appear to get along quite well most of the time. It's nice for once to see the dishwashers and other support staff treated nicely both frontstage and backstage.
(3)Katherine B.
I've only been here a few times and eaten only a macaroon, so I can't say much about the taste. I do remember thinking that it was delicious, though. However, I can definitely say the staff is super friendly! When I asked what they recommended, they gave me a straight answer and said what was in it helpfully. Also, they made me feel like I wasn't talking to a stranger. Heh. /is shy
(4)Felicia P.
2-stars simply because my mocha was just ok, and so was my cinnamon stick. I think I better return the next time I'm in town and try a pastry. Afterall, my mouth was watering for the strawberry shortcake and the tarts were awfully pretty. The tables outside are a nice touch! Until then ...
(2)Boycotting R.
I got introduced to this place through Groupon. I had seen the bakery before, but hadn't stopped in. So after trying the place a few times, I've decided the food/bakery items are solid and not really spectacular. I'd probably say 3 stars to be honest. So what pushes up my rating is the friendly staff, the ample amount of seating inside and out, and that they are supporting the vintage T&C shopping center. It is great to see this vintage shopping center get revitalized after so many in surrounding cities have fallen to the wrecking ball (Santana Row). Verdict: a nice place to grab a bite to eat and coffee and watch the world go by.
(4)Elizabeth B.
How good is Douce France? I work nearby during the evenings, and it's common for me to eat two to three meals a week here before I start work, and I'm a picky eater. Their sandwiches are quite nice; I like the Misto and the Doux Jardin best, though the turkey with cheese is nice too. I like the salads, and their soups are outstanding; several of them are vegetarian. They offer excellent quiches and delicious desserts. The one time I got a crepe, I was a bit underwhelmed, but I keep thinking I should give it one more try. Staff members are super super nice. (It helps if you're 1. a regular, 2. super super nice first, and 3. a generous tipper, but those things are not essential; I've seen them maintain a polite demeanor even with obnoxious customers.) The place is very comfortable and is a regular hangout for local teachers: Stanford and Palo Alto High School are both right across the street. If you need to get some work done, you can hang on to a table for hours as long as it's not the lunch rush. I like their macarons better than La Boulange's.
(5)Thea S.
Go there on weekends and I truly feel as though I am in Europe again. Most people may not know of it because it is in the Palo Alto Town and Country, but because it is off the beaten path, makes for a quiet place to drink coffee, eat pastries, and read the paper. Sad that Starbucks bought the Torrefzaione line of coffee and then immediately closed it as Douce France was the only place around that you could order it. Coffee that they serve now isn't as good.
(5)Sharjah D.
My friend said this place is always busy so we came here to have a late lunch. Since the location is in Palo Alto the prices would be pricey. But the quality of taste is so good! I ordered the savory crepe called La Normande and it had Swiss cheese, Turkey, Tomato, Basil and a couple others that I forgot. My friend ordered what was behind the glass and we also ordered pastry. The pastry we ordered was chocolate with almond paste inside. The pastry was so strong especially the almond paste inside was so rich and overpowering. As far as the crepes I ordered was so delicious! Especially the salad that came with it plus a squeeze of lemon. So Yumm-O!! The crepe was hard to eat with a knife and fork that I just held it like a sandwich and ate it from there. They all speak french and they have servers that bring the food to you. Once your done with the meal they will pick up the empty plates from you. Amazing service not like in SF. I am looking forward to coming back and eating here again if I come back to the area!
(4)Sheesh S.
Cute cafe with plenty of seating but not enough items! They sell out very quick so by 4 pm they do not have much variety left! I came here because I had a groupon- we bought one chai tea latte, hot chocolate, and a raspberry creme dessert ( all for around $15).The chai latte was out of this world!!!!!!!! I have never tried anything so delicious! I wish I could say the same for the rest...hot chocolate was way too chocolaty and the raspberry dessert was something you can get a grocery store. Can't stress how good that chai latte was! I'd go back for just that!
(3)Christina J.
Both double doors in all-glass storefront are propped open, so Douce France has a wonderful outdoors plaza atmosphere, with matching utilitarian furniture/decor -- plastic weave wicker chairs? There are no cozy indoor frills about it, but it's a great place to visit on a sunny weekend. The true charm of Douce France is that everything is authentically European, from the glass bottles of Perrier to the petite portions. If you don't mind the thoroughfare and the feeling of working outdoors, this is a nice place to do a bit of work. The turnover's pretty high, so you'll quickly find a seat. And although the tables are small, there's fast free wifi & a few power outlets, even outside in the strip mall corridor. Look up near the ceiling for them. ++ | Espresso drinks | Rich Lavazza espresso, yum! I handle my caffeine very well, but this coffee is so strong that a 1-shot is almost a must. ++ | Pastries | Small, crispy croissants, pain au chocolat, sugared brioche, etc. Ask for a side of butter & their homemade jam for the perfect morning start. ++ | Fruit Tarts | Your choice of fresh fruit sit atop a rich whipped filling that is fresh, fluffy, and light. There are bite size tarts too... in case you're afraid of over-indulging in this refreshing treat. Revel in our Californian weather: Coffee + Pastry = $7
(5)anne c.
Bought pastries before work one day. When I got to work, I realized they'd smushed everything in a box that was too small. Everything was literally stuck together and flattened. The few things that weren't ruined tasted good, which is the one and only reason it's not a one star.
(2)Adam B.
This is a nice little french bakery / cafe. I ordered a chicken panini which was kind of disappointing. The french bread was great, but the chicken was pretty dry and the sandwich was otherwise uninspired. But many other things made up for it. My boyfriend ordered a crepe with goat cheese which was very tasty. Both of our entrees came with bite-sized pastries which were a great touch and quite delicious. They inspired us to go back for seconds. I got a chocolate-dipped chocolate cookie, and my boyfriend ordered a plain butter croissant. He said - and I must agree - that it was the best croissant he had had outside of France. FYI, since we had a bit of trouble finding it in the plaza; Douce France is toward the back near the train tracks.
(4)Andrea R.
Everything is yummy! Today i had a turkey sandwich on a criossant. Brought home a box of chocolate, raspberry and plain criossants. Service is awesome. Staff is super friendly. Place is cute & kept clean. Can get busy at lunch time. Nice outdoor seating - great if you have your pup with you- Ill keep that in mind! A favorite & so many things i want to try- soups, crepes, etc! So of course wellbd back!
(4)H. H.
I go here with my wife almost every Sunday for breakfast (before going to the California Ave Farmer's Market). The french toast here is to die for. The coffee is great, the croissants are perfect. Not a fancy interior but the staff is nice and the food is great (and consistent).
(4)Vera P.
Bought a small triple-chocolate mousse cake, for $30. (The same size cake would be $25 at Schubert's in S.F. & be guaranteed to send you to heaven.) The mousse had a heavy cheese-cake like texture and the various layers lacked the distinct flavors of dark, light, & white chocolate. it was bad and a rip-off. Also purchased almond croissants which were the worst croissants I've ever had. The dough was not light & flaky puff pastry--it was something awful & heavy --lacking in almond flavor or marzipan. (They deliver a 1-star croissant compared to Costco's 3 1/2 star croissant.) Their French-sounding name & their high prices tempt you to think that they are purveyors of fine pastries. I will not bother to get my pastries from there, in the future.
(1)Rahul B.
I have literally been here a thousand times now over the past twelve years. Excellent food, service, and atmosphere.
(5)Raminder H.
Overall, an OK cafe. Cute decor, friendly staff, and a large selection of pastries. The food isn't bad, but it is overpriced for what you get. I had the tomato/basil/mozzarella on a baguette; it was good, but not $7good. The bread was a little hard, but that didn't stop me from finishing my sandwich. I also had a latte and the strawberry layer cake (for the... uhh... sake of this review) (you're welcome). I was pleasantly surprised when the small latte came out in a decent sized glass mug, worth its price. The cake had a layer of fresh strawberries. I'm normally not a big "fresh fruit in my dessert" kind of person, but the strawberries weren't soggy and they didn't overwhelm the taste of the cake. This place isn't the best French bakery I've been to, but it's not the worst. If you go here you probably won't regret it, but you're not missing out if you don't. Hence, 3 stars!
(3)Ross C.
Such a great little local place! Totally recommend it, the vibe was great and it was so affordable!
(5)Kate B.
I love Douce France. I come here often to get coffee with a friend of mine, and we are always greeted by the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. I feel at home here and I have gotten to know the staff by name. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!
(5)Ash K.
I was really craving a quiche, and when I searched on Yelp, this was the first place that turned up. I figured it was close enough to my office, so I grabbed a coworker and drove on down. I was slightly disappointed in the fact that the quiche was pre-made and sitting in the display case next to some croissants and the like. Luckily, when they reheated it for me, they did not do so in the microwave, so the crust was still nice and flaky/crispy/etc. I chose the Spinach quiche, though I wish they had some combination quiches. I would have liked something with a bit more to it than just spinach & egg. Perhaps I should have gone for the onion and cheese one. Their options were: Bacon Spinach Onion & Cheese Mushroom They have a number of other food options to choose from. Their sandwiches looked fantastic. The service was very friendly. I can't recommend the mocha, though. Maybe it's just that my taste buds have changed since the last time I had one, but it just wasn't all that good.
(4)Sarah L.
I used to come in here all the time considering I went to high school across the street. Service is prompt, food is delicious. I always get the ham & cheese focaccia ($3.75), heated up, and the occasional chai latte ($2.50) during colder days. If you get a sandwich ($7-10), it comes with a delicious little fruit tart. The store itself kind of small, but I've never had an issue with finding seating.
(4)Katharine A.
Seriously, I CANNOT believe that so many people have given this place good ratings. I am not a fan at all. I have tried to be. It NEVER works. Why do I keep trying? The food here is: 1) Not good 2) Not that French The pastries are less than mediocre, as are their sandwiches.
(2)Zayka Z.
the pastries are just OK, the decor is cute, the service is fine.
(3)Mary W.
wandering around town and country in a lost and hungry daze where to eat, what to eat i knew when i saw the sign this french bakery and cafe it was just right it doesn't matter that this ain't france i had a crepe and pastry sitting outside on a table fit for one cute and smiles from the girl taking my order it was what i needed
(4)Jeffrey F.
So far i've only had the chocolate croissant, but it was amazing. The chocolate was top quality and the croissant was crispy buttery goodness personified. The environment was nice. The shopping mall in which it is located is nice enough, but this place added a pleasant sidewalk cafe atmosphere that was better than the rest. As General Pattan said, "I will return", as soon as i've burned off enough calories.
(5)Kit L.
On a nice, sunny day I love eating outside while people watching here. Mmmmm.......I bought a full size fruit tart for a family dinner and it was so yummy!! I always love ordering the ham and cheese baguette even though there's not much in it. I'm such a sucker for the little fruit tart they give depending on which meal you order. I can never stop staring at the pastries without drooling in secret! Service is definitely quick and friendly. Unfortunately, it can be pricey and in general, if you're at town and country at lunch time you're stuck with the annoying high schoolers.
(4)S S.
I went here to purchase a birthday cake, and was really happy with both the cake and the service. The cashier boxed the cake with a very pretty dolly for the bottom, and also put a "happy birthday" sign on the cake and gave me a candle which matched the cake color. I got the cake with the strawberries on the top, and it was so delicious. Although there is much creme, it is not overly sweet and the creme is quite tasty. The sugar coated strawberries were also a big hit.
(4)F.D. R.
It was two of us. We ordered the following: 1) ham and cheese sandwich, 2) ham and cheese croissant, 3) miso panini, 4) Orangina, and 5) four assorted desserts for a group of friends after. Total cost: $40.00+. Plenty of seating. Now to the food. Ham and cheese: god texture, great taste. Not the best one I've had, but good nonetheless. Came with a small dessert. Ham and cheese croissant: great flavor, fluffy, not greasy, and great tasting cheese. Must have! Miso panini: the chicken was moist and the flavors with the light olive oil, tomato, and other ingredients make it a definite panini to buy. Came with a small dessert. Orangina: it's a bottled drink. Nothing to say. Assorted desserts: too many to list, but all were great. Definitely buy the opera cake! Though it is slightly expensive to indulge here, we are definitely coming back. Too many things left to taste.
(4)Miaka W.
Been here 3 times, all @ different hours in the morning/early afternoon for breakfast with friends and families. Their pastries are fresh and very tasty, coffee are freshly made to order and very strong. Sandwich are great picks for lunch or if you are not in the mood for crepe or any display pastries. Small cute local cafe place where you can enjoy your meal without being rushed out. Ordered the food 1st and find a place to sit. Took away 1 start for not listing prices for pastries (sandwiches, salad, crepes are all listed), sometimes it's hard to find a place to sit outside when the weather is nice but would most def. come back here again with friends!
(4)Lily S.
When I visited for the first time, it was rainy cats and dogs, and to my amazement, the place was packed! I had a ham and cheese on a baguette with a soy latte... Oh, so good! I couldn't help but get a head start on a nibble of all the croissants, I had bought for take-home. The only disappointing thing was that I did not get the free small treat with my sandwich, as so many Yelpers have fussed about. I was too hungry to say anything and the yummy chocolate croissant (still warm, with dripping chocolate) made up for it!
(4)Christina D.
You know you've found a great European-style cafe when you hear a different euro language spoken at each table. If the expats like it, it must be good! The soups and sandwiches are fantastic - quick, delicious, and perfectly-portioned. La Douce France also makes their own pastries, and the Nutella sandwiches in particular (homemade croissants with a Nutella overlay) are a wonder. The prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly and fast. Several of the same guys have been working there for years - with turnover so low I suspect that management is pretty good to their employees. A couple of the guys even remember when I was briefly in a wheelchair following an injury, and still ask how I'm doing (even though I'm up and mobile a year later). Nice people, good simple food. What more could you ask for?
(5)Sunil R.
Went there for lunch today because I was still craving a good crepe. Did not get my fill when I went to Bean Scene in Mountain View last week which I did not like. Douce France was better but I am still going to keep looking for the crepe that is going to satisfy my craving...I had a crepe that had goat cheese, red peppers and tomatoes in it. I think the crepe was whole wheat and overall, it was just ok. Came with a little salad on the side. I was still very hungry and went back for the honey sweet crepe. This came with some whipped cream and was average. I liked the location. It is hard to find but they have some seating outside and good place to people watch. Might go back to try the pastries
(3)K. R.
I just ate a panini with prosciutto and mozzarella at Douce France. Upon first inspection of the panini I had high hopes. After the first bite I thought to myself, "I'm coming back here again." However, after about 2 more bites I quickly decided there was no way that I would come back and pay $9.00 for a panini, that has only one very thin slice of prosciutto, and one very small slice of mozzarella with a small stack of greens again! The food may taste good but there is no way that you will be satisfied and full after eating here. My three star rating is a combination of the food and price. In other words this place isn't worth the money. For $9.00 I could head across the way to Trader Joes and buy myself the ingredients for this panini and be way more satisfied. Not to mention I would have left overs. Too bad I really was hoping this could be a repeatable joint.
(3)Joyce B.
Excellent pastries, but the high ceilinged sound level doesn't add to the ascetic experience. The Opera cake was devine! Luscious.
(4)Julie K.
I ducked in for a bite while waiting for a friend to join me for the Stanford Treasure Market. It looked adorable from the outside and the case of pastries was tantalizing. I felt a little bad that I had to keep asking what everything was because nothing was labeled and there was a lot to choose from, but I finally selected a raspberry croissant. Maybe it was a poor choice on my part, but I wasn't impressed. The cafe au lait was good, but the croissant was just ok. It was a little on the small side and not flaky at all. It just made me wish I'd saved my calories for a chocolate almond croissant at Fleur de Cocoa. :(
(2)Chiaty S.
Yummy! I wanted one of everything but only got a breakfast sandwich (egg, ham on a baguette), ham quiche, 2 Benoits, and americano. Too bad we live so far.
(5)Deb N.
I tried a variety of cookies and was not so impressed. The chocolate chip cookie and the apricot filled cookie tasted like the dough sat in the fridge and took on some of the fridge stale odors. The almond cookie was lightly flavored, in fact, too lightly flavored but excellent texture, crispy and chewy. The oatmeal cookie was standard, chewy and good. The brownie was ok, not a blow my mind chocolate flavor.
(3)Mina D.
A very big fan of their pastries and sandwiches. They're delicious! It also has a very nice French Cafe ambiance.
(4)Ava C.
Went to Douce France today in the afternoon to use a groupon that I bought last year. I knew it was expired so I asked the staff whether I could still use the cash value of what I paid for it ($5). After a conversation that took several minutes, while the staff kept turning back to look at me (as if I were a vagrant), they said yes, I could use it. I asked if I could use it only for what was in the glass cases (pastries, desserts, etc.). The guy (not sure if he was the manager?) curtly said "anything!" with a rude sweep of his arm. Maybe I wasn't dressed in super fashionable Palo Alto boutique-store clothing, but I didn't think I needed to be treated so rudely. If they weren't happy with me using the cash value of my expired groupon, they could have just said that. I bought a cheesecake and fruit tart -- didn't taste like anything special. I value customer service, so likely not returning in the near future.
(2)Nana K.
I went here for lunch today and it was so cute! I wanted to get every pastry! But, alas, I had to choose. My friend and I split the spinach salad and chicken panini (don't remember which one, but it was super yummy and a perfect size when split!) and we also got the heart-shaped-strawberry jam cookies. Let's just say, everything was so cute that I wanted to take pictures, but when I reached into my little purse, I realized I had left my camera at home :(. Next time. But let me tell you my FAVORITE part: Aside from the fact that you can sit outside in these cute little chairs in the SUN (and today was a beautiful sunny day), they ALSO bring the food out to you, AND they include a mini dessert tart with your lunch! It just comes with it! I had a double dessert and didn't even plan on it! P.S. Earl grey tea goes really well with the heart-shaped cookies ;)
(5)Jim C.
This place always seems popular and has good reviews, but I just don't get it. I love bakeries and have come here before - I had looked around for something eye-catching, but didn't find anything and left. So this time I looked around the baked croissants, panini sandwiches, and sweets again and strangely I still felt this way, even though I was really hungry. Nonetheless I wanted to give this place a real try so I forced myself to get something - an almond croissant for $1.75. It was just okay. It was a tiny little thing, pretty standard, and had a nice sweet almond glaze, but both my friend and I weren't impressed. Bottom line: Nice place in Palo Alto Town & Country to meet up with someone but the goodies aren't eye-catching or that impressive. Overrated. You'll find me hanging out at Kara's cupcakes (or Sugar Butter Flour in Sunnyvale) instead. And maybe it's the immature 12-year old in me, but everything I see their name "Douce", it reminds me of those old Massengill commercials.
(3)Alina K.
I have been coming to this place for a couple weeks now and it is established as my favorite cafe. The tarts are delicious and always fresh and my americanos hot and frothy with espresso foam. Tried my first panini today and quite enjoyed it! Will continue to come back here for the staff are ALWAYS friendly.
(5)michael p.
Hidden gem in the Palo Alto Town Center. Great for lunch. From buttery croissants to tasty panini to delicate crepes, be sure to save room for desserts like the French macaroons.
(4)Lily R.
I have been going to Douce France for many many years. They have a good selection of French pastries and cakes. What I love about the food here is that it is not overly sweet. You can definitely taste the fresh and quality ingredient they use. I have very fond childhood memories of their chocolate croissant. From their fresh fruit tart to their opera cake our family celebrations are sure to have something delicious from Douce France!
(4)Mika D.
I went back today to try their single shot mocha and their strawberry shortcake. It was good, not great. I was pleased that the slices of strawberries were fresh and not spoiled. I liked the lightness of the whipped cream and the spongecake was light and fluffy. I like how they make their mochas. I may just come back here for a dessert and mocha fix on the days I crave it!
(4)Francois P.
Just the real French deal
(5)Antonio L.
Super breakfast served in a nice atmosphere location
(4)Jonathan J.
So this morning I did something I should have done a while ago: I ordered a plain butter croissant. Previously I mentioned that the coffee drinks are a little uneven, and I stand by that. However, this morning my butter croissant was very very good. Good enough to warrant a 4th star. Also, I went with some herbal tea, which they served to me in a nice little teapot with a dish.
(4)Mark E.
Excellent cafe featuring a great location, friendly service, relaxed atmosphere and a fresh and tasty menu. All of this at a fair price. Douce France cannot be beat! Highly recommended.
(5)Laura M.
I had forgotten about Douce France for awhile, okay years. Then I started walking the Dish with a friend on a weekday morning early. By the time my friend and I have solved the problems of the week, I am ready for good coffee, and perhaps a nice brioche, and may as well sit down and read the paper or at least an on-line NYT version. The service is always kind especially since I am not at my sartorial best, post Dish. The coffee is always strong enough and of course, the brioche reminds me why I want to be transported to France for an edible moment or two.
(4)Sharif E.
I've been going to Douce France since I was a kid and I've always loved it. Great pastries and cakes.
(5)Alain K.
I love this local little cafe/patisserie. I am such a FAN! I want to go back..............................................Â.. Okay back had a nice double espresso and feel a bit of a caffeine rush coming. Gotta go.
(5)Jen C.
Apparently, they got rid of the unfriendly cashier, and now I'm a fan. Their paninis are delicious!
(4)James C.
Great croissants!
(4)Emily S.
Wonderful service, yummy crepes, great coffee and pastries, and a comfortable place to relax, socialize, or read. I recommend a latte, a ham-and-cheese-croissant, and a good book (BYOB).
(4)A L.
came here on a groupon.... their chai latte was the best ever. We also ordered a chocolate crossiant (very good), cream puff, and some macaroons (these were okay). It was really packed both times I came (sat at 1pm, sun at 3pm), and I didn't even think about looking for a spot to sit.
(4)Vivian W.
Good, but not great. I had the latte and a pastry. It's basically like every other bakery in PA.
(3)Donna Y.
I been sick for a few days and been thinking what will I want to eat when I was feeling better. Looking on Yelp I came across Douce France. The pictures looked good and I thought why not check it out. So I did and came for lunch. I end up getting a Parisian Turkey sammie, side salad, and a double shot of Soy Latte. Overall the food was okay. I had better. I regret getting the double shot soy latte cuz the whole day I was on the jitters. After lunch I was craving for something sweet and saw the French Macaroons. I got Vanilla and Pistachio. They were okay and more on the sweeter side. Overall lunch was okay but a great place to people watch and the service is fast.
(3)Donna S.
Had a groupon. It was pretty good. Had the chicken panini, which was ok. The bread was the best part. Croissant was ok, not flaky enough for me, but solid. Chocolate choissant was the highlight, the chocolate was tasty. Serve was quick.
(3)Shinn Z.
i only come here weekend mornings and the pastries never disappoint. my favorite is the chocolate croissant. if you can catch them when they're bringing a new batch out, and the chocolate is still slightly runny on top.... heaven. i've tried a few of their other pastries, and all are better than i've had at other bakeries.
(5)Micheliene Y.
So disappointing. I really wanted to like this place, but we just couldn't. The place is cute, but the pastries just weren't that great. They didn't even seem fresh and we were there early on a Saturday morning. I had to drive to Berkeley the next day to go to La Farine to get some real pastries.
(2)Halle L.
Douce France has fabulous pastries and coffee, but this review's not about the food. It's about a certain poster on the wall, which stands out from the menagerie of nostalgic graphics: barewalls.com/i/c/376487… It's kind of striking that in this pocket of privilege and political correctness we call Palo Alto, the owners and customers seem oblivious to the controversy surrounding the image. In France, where 'bon nègre joyeux' depictions are often tolerated, the polemic was so loud it led the company that owns the brand to eliminate the slogan. The poster is also the subject of a famous verse by Léopold Sédar Senghor about Senegalese tiralleurs, which reads "je déchirerai les rires banania sur tous les murs de France". Maybe it's time to redecorate.
(3)Cheryl R.
So I would just like to state for the record that they have some of the best tasting croissants ever! I went to Paris in the summer and I was so happy that I would have Douce France to go to when I returned home. It is a taste of France for sure ! The drinks are always kinda hit or miss but they specialize in baking, yum.
(5)A D.
OMG! Have been driving well out of my way to get here!
(5)Jaime L.
This is my go-to choclate croissant dealer. Their pastries have always been decent, but haven't really been show-stoppers in my life. I was hoping to get lucky when I picked up a chocolate holiday log cake. Yes, I went for the big guns hoping to find truth in "bigger is better." There were no sparks; magic didn't happen. I was disappointed at how blandly flavored this chocolate treat turned out to be. What Douce France did well is not bombard the cake with sugar. They kept it light as usual and I like my sweets light.
(3)Amy X.
Went back and tried the fromagerie crepe (mozzarella, swiss, and goat cheese, I believe). I'm a cheese fanatic, and the crepe definitely satisfied my cheese cravings, at least for a few hours. :) I'm not going above 3 stars for now though because the macarons were disappointing, and my friend's strawberry shortcake was meh (probably better if you like them very light in taste and texture).
(3)Louisa L.
Stopped by here for a little treat after bar method class and got two of their mini fruit tarts. Tried the mix fruit & lemon mini tarts, and they were super delicious! the sugar glazed topping on top of the fruits was amazing, and the lemon tasted very refreshing with a bit of chocolate syrup on top. They have a big selection of mini tarts, which I am a fan of because it's delicious but small so u feel less guilty. but they also have a wide selection of other yummy desserts, from macarons to cakes to pastries to bigger tarts, they all look delicious! Plus the breads looked delicious too, but didn't get to try. Will definitely have to come back to try more stuff next time!
(4)Marina Y.
Some pastries are good, but croissants are mediocre, not crispy on the outside like they do them in France. The place is busy and the service is spotty, you need to chase your waiter to get a glass of water.
(3)Catherine N.
Douce France is a gem in Town and Country. It's nestled in the back, but it has great authentic french food, drinks, pastries, and crepes! I love their baguette sandwiches and their desserts always look so appetizing! I also love their chai tea lattes. I've yet to try their crepes or croque monsieurs, but I would like to soon! With my sandwich, they gave me a small tart! I just love it and it makes me feel like in France!
(5)Amado R.
LOOOOOOOOVE this place, the wife and I love to eat breakfast here when we have some spare time in the morning. Terrific service, pastry selections very unique and abundant . Crossaints very very flaky, coffee is excellent. If you're around Standford University and need a place to kick back, check email and detox....stop by, they have free Wifi!
(4)Julie H.
Magic Cookies! Where can you go to find magically delicious gourmet cookies without spending a gregarious amount??? Who knew that such a place exist in Palo Alto! My department wanted to do something delicious for the staff - and Douce France was it! Perfect heart shaped cookies with raspberry jam centers topped with powdered sugar...just in time for Valentine's! We were doing a bulk order - so plus for cutting price per cookie for us!
(4)sheng L.
Great people. Very helpful and nice; The first cake I got from here was for my birthday and it was a strawberry cake which was YUMMY.. so i decided to go back there for my husband's birthday cake. To my disappointment, I was let down. The person behind the counter suggested a chocolate sponge cake that was supposedly "very good." When i got home, the bread was too dense and NOT moist at all causing the chocolate filling to be too sweet and overpowering. Very disappointing.
(3)Jennell L.
I was in Los Altos and needed to make my way to Palo Alto as I have something to do at Stanford this evening. I have not eaten since breakfast and it is now dinner time. I whipped out my handy dandy Yelp and searched Palo Alto for food. What am I in the mood for? Yummy, yummy crepes. So it was between Bistro Maxine, which I have been to before and really like, or Douce France, which is closer to Stanford. Since I have never been to Douce France and it is closer to where I need to be I thought I would give them a try. Well the creperie does not make crepes after 5PM. They send the crepe maker home right before dinner time and they are open until 7PM. Yep that makes a lot of sense. I can get a baguette I was told. Yeah, no thanks. I settled on a Croque Madame and I am waiting for it now... ...So the Croque Madame was not a Croque Madam at all. The bread was too sweet and cut really think. Each slice was thicker than an inch so you couldn't possibly cut it with a knife as you normally would. But I had to remove the egg and eat it with my hands. The ham was really thick and super salty. It was way too salty. The cheese was not the usual cheese for a Croque Madame. It was a good sandwich, aside from the salt, but it was not a Croque Madam. The place has nice ambiance and the staff was nice but I wouldn't go back.
(2)Holly J.
This is a regular hang out for me for lunch. I come here for panini or crepes. My personal favorite is the Parisian because it isn't trying to be a sandwich crepe (put anything you would put in a sandwich and make it a crepe -- it is a personal peeve as crepes are thin and the bread to filling ratio is different). It is your basic crepe and served with a salad -- quite civilized. I wouldn't rate the crepes as fabulous as Ti Cous in SF but they are pretty good. The lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks are good but the drip coffee is to be avoided (go to Peets just down the way). I have tried nearly all the sandwiches and have not been disappointed. It can be a bit a zoo now that the remodeling is completed. Town and Country seems to have become more of a destination. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and some time with a friend. You will find the football (soccer) games on for big matches. Enjoy! sidebar: I haven't tried many of the pastries so I feel it's not fair to judge.
(4)Frank F.
I first came here because I had a Groupon, but unlike some other Groupon places, I keep coming back here. The pain au chocolat here is amazing. Probably the best I've ever had, and certainly the best that I've found in the Bay Area. Fruit tarts, mille-feuille, etc. are also good. But mostly I come here for the pain au chocolat.
(5)Jim W.
Douce France was in Town & Country even before it got revitalized, and it was my go-to place for chocolate-dipped croissants (among the other delicious pastries). Nowadays, it serves as a weekend brunch place if we happen to be looking for a change of pace from Joanie's or the Palo Alto Baking Company. While the servers might be a little bristly, consider it as part of the French atmosphere. Seating can be a little cramped around the Parisian street-side style tables, but there's always enough room even when we over-order (which is very easy to do here!). Their sandwiches come with a tiny side salad and a tiny tart for a complete meal. I'd just avoid this around lunch time for Paly, as it does become quite a zoo!
(5)Jamie M.
Great pastries, go0d macchiattos and free wifi. the chocolate covered dark chocolate mousse was to die for. Fresh bagguettes are fresh.
(5)Caroline J.
I've only been here once, but it's quite delightful. If I end up going back a few more times and have the same experience, this will become a 5-star review. I got the vegetarian focaccia, which was delicious, filling, and quite reasonably priced. They have free wireless that doesn't seem to cut you off at any point. The staff graciously kept refilling my water each time I asked. I ended up studying there for several hours and bought a couple extra items that I wouldn't have, simply out of gratitude for the ambiance, the service, and the deliciousness of their faire.
(4)Catherine G.
Tasty, but not phenomenal. It gets busy here during the weekday lunch hour, but it's not impossible to get a table. The panini are pretty tasty, as are a lot of their baked goods/pastries. I would avoid the savory crepes, as they're quite bland. The soups are alright...I think they lack a little bit of flavor. I'd say that this is a great place to grab a bite while shopping or come on a weekend for pastries and coffee, but not somewhere to go out of your way for.
(3)Lydia D.
Went with the Groupon. Had the breakfast sandwich of egg and cheese and ham on a toasted croissant... MAJOR YUM. I've never been to France, but being here I could imagine I just traveled there (aside from the hispanic people in the back, but thats cool). Also splurged and shared a chocolate croissant with my date for "breakfast dessert." What I ate was so buttery and fattening that I went all the way till dinner before I was hungry again, thats a plus for this girl who gets hungry easily and low blood sugar sometimes. Hey, all I can say is fat=FLAVOR! and don't forget to work out.
(5)Jen H.
I work across the street and I'm in love with this little bakery- the chocolate croissants are to die for! Partnered with their fabulous expresso or their helpful, happy staff, the 10min I spend there before my work day starts is the highlight of my morning!
(5)Marilyn Y.
I am a fan of cafes and I love this one. This is a lovely little french cafe in the Town and Country shopping center. I have been bringing my friends here for lunch and they are always pleasantly surprised. The cafe has a bright and cheerful decor with a long booth style bench running down the middle. Situated with these are small bistro tables with colorful french label ads as the tops. And of course the wicker french bistro chairs to complete the look. There is outdoor seating along the walkway. Douce France has excellent baguette sandwiches filled with fresh ingredients as well as crepes. I have always had the baguettes but my friends have raved about the crepes. There is a display case filled with little delicacies that make the 3 pm moment of, I need a nap, drift away with each bite. Fortunately they have miniature biscottis as well as tiny french macaroons in various flavors. The coffee beverages are excellent too. There are always french people eating here, a good sign. This is a very nice cafe and although it would be a stretch to imagine yourself sitting in Paris, it does get you thinking of Paris and wishing you were there.
(4)Amy J.
There coffee drinks are AMAZING and pastries of course are as delicious as they look. Definitely recommend.
(5)Aimee M.
Great little cafe. I've come a couple of times for lunch followed by studying. It's always been busy and the food good. My favorite lunch is the special ($8.95- it's also by far the best deal there). I tried the Chai Latte, which was pretty good and served in a (really) large mug. It's a bit annoying that the iced tea ($1.95) is non sweetened and that syrup is $0.50, but I keep coming back for the special and oh, the macaroons! I ended up getting these little cookies because it was almost closing time when I decided I wanted to buy something sweet and all the wonderful looking cakes and tarts were put away. Those little cookies were just what they are supposed to be - soft and delicate outsides, intense flavor and smoothness inside. I especially liked the lemon one, which had the right amount of tart and sweet. At $1.10 each, they're not cheap, but there a nice little indulgence.
(4)Orie M.
This is a good place to grab a pretty healthy and somewhat snobby-ish sandwich. The portions are on the petite side, which works out well for me (especially at lunch since I don't like to end up with food coma during work!) I got the ham and cheese panini and loved the texture of the baguette they used - crunchy on the outide but still soft inside. The sandwich comes with a super small and cute fruit tart. I wish that Town and Country was not as crowded because parking and getting out of there is a big hassle.
(4)Chloe M.
I love this place, I really do. Douce France has great panini's, croissants, chai tea, cafe au lait, baguettes, and all the desserts one could ever want. I love the whole cafe atmosphere. Avoid lunch time hours at all costs, but it's great in the late morning/afternoon with wifi, newspapers, and even the occasional soccer game from Europe up on the screen.
(5)Durif M.
Friendly and very "French" atmosphere here. The food is OK, it was good, but not the best of the kind I've ever had. Personally I think their pastries were better than their regular lunch items (crepes etc.).
(3)Ashley B.
Everything looks yummy and everything we had was yummy! I had a veggie savory crepe....but not with brie or feta which I think would have made it more special and desirable. Mom loved her ham and cheese quiche; flaky, full of ingredients and hot enough. The lentil soup we shared was fresh, healthy and tasty. The highlight: desert crepe served with cinnamon, sugar, butter and banana! Not on the menu, but able to create! It was deeellllliiiiishhhhh! Best around in a while...made us reminisce of our favorite crepe ever at the Louvre! My mom suspected that the crepes are probably made beforehand and then heated....and they are smaller than usual and then served 3 at a time...but just imagine how much better it would be! I asked my mom is she would drive to the PA for just a crepe...she would people! (that says a lot!) I love the theme, decor, and the music to go along...I was surprised it wasn't carried into the bathroom. Service is good, water is out of the tap, but with lemon, you can't tell.
(5)Geoff D.
I've been by Douce France a few times for breakfast and can confirm that: (a) they do have a sinfully tempting line-up of french pastries that would be home in most Parisian neighborhoods and (b) the ham and cheese croissant is dern good.
(4)Mike B.
Love this place...don't go here near enough. I mean, can you really complain about a place that serves a free mini fruit tart with each sandwich? That's a cool little surprise. The paninis are great. I usually get the ham/swiss. It's served hot and the bread has that perfect "crunchy outside, chewy inside" texture. The tarts and other desert options are wonderful as well. And they have Orangina...which tops it all off for me. DANG IT why don't I go here more often? I need to throw them into the mix of lunch options at work. Anyway...it's a charming little cafe. And I really don't think it can be duplicated. It's a slice of Europe in our backyard.
(4)Lise B.
Was a little hard to find: situated in the back of the little shopping village at the corner of Embarcadero and El Camino. Decent (but not great) crepes. Sweet ($4.50) and savory selection. Dough (of the sweet crepe) a little bland, but not too bad. A little crispy for my taste. I ordered sugar & cinnamon, but got lemon. Went to return it and got a fresh one within minutes, no problem. Outdoor & indoor seating available, street cafe/bakery style.
(4)Olga B.
I love Douce France. My mother in law works nearby and whenever it's time for lunch or a coffee break, this is our place. It can get really busy at times, but that doesn't take away from the amazing food and drinks this place has to offer. It's my definite fave! Thumbs up!
(5)Lance W.
La fromagere goat cheese crepe melts in your mouth! Coffee is excellent, ambiance is perfect! Staff greets with a bonjour. Love it.
(5)Sean A.
Douce France is a cute little faux-Parisian bistro located in Town and Country across from Stanford. My quest for coffee and WiFi close to campus landed me here on this gorgeous Saturday afternoon. Decor is minimalistic - a few retro French advertising prints hang on the walls and that is it. Tables are small and round, just large enough for a laptop, drink, and pastry, but fortunately there are plenty both inside and out on the patio. Laptop users convene up against one wall which features several power outlets. Two large glass displays show off delicious looking cakes, pastries, and quiches, but I opted for a savory turkey, swiss, tomato and basil crepe ($7) and a large iced latte ($3.15). The crepe was delivered to my table within 4 minutes and I was impressed by its size and pleasant presentation. The crepe made for a delicious and filling lunch, and the iced latte was tasty if not particularly noteworthy. Service was attentive and friendly, atmosphere was quiet and relaxed with soft international-sounding music, and WiFi was free if a little slow (only 11mbps). Recommended.
(4)Nancy L.
Ok. Seriously. I think I'm slightly in love. Douce France is adorable and practical - it has excellent crepes, pastries and desserts, free Wireless and plenty of outlets so you can plug in, plenty of seating and lighting, there is also a restroom for customer use (Hey - this is useful information, esp if you plan on spending a lot of time in one place!); the people who work here really are French and, on a fine Sunday afternoon when I visited, several French and European customers were eating and relaxing here. In fact, I sat next to an absolutely adorable little French boy eating desserts with his grandparents. So. Freakin' Cute. Although there is limited savory and sweet crepe selection, I thought the vegetable crepe (La Jardinere) I had was excellent. It's not Ti Couz but, it's a close second for me. Douce France also serves salads, paninis and sandwiches (again, limited selection but, I am sure what little they have is excellent). I had a couple teeny-tiny pastries (I couldn't bring myself to get anything larger, was feeling guilty for pigging out the night before), both were yummmmmy And I love the fact that it's sort of "hidden" towards the back of the Palo Alto Town & Country center (behind Long's Drugs Store) - that means I can actually find a place to sit and a free power outlet to use. Loving this place. I'm definitely going to be back.
(4)Emmanuel T.
I think this is a good bakery in general but unfortunately, you can be disappointed from time to time. I go there with my son every now and then to get croissants. Regular one are consistently good (so far), but this is the second time that my ham and cheese is cold inside. Today there was none left on the rack, so the waitress got me one from the kitchen. It looks fresh on the outside, but appeared to be half-frozen inside! I think I will just buy my croissants at the farmer's market now. At least, I know that the Acme's croissants are always fresh.
(2)Betty N.
Decent paninis (isn't that Italian?) and the crepes were also decent. Hot chocolate tasted like hot chocolate, nothing special to rave about. Good for an intimate spot but not good for large groups.
(3)Spencer S.
This is a concise version of the full review originally posted at netspencer.com/food/2008… Located in Town and Country Village in Palo Alto, this cozy little Parisian style cafe is sure to please. I am so lucky to go to school at Palo Alto High School, just across the street from the plaza that houses Douce France. I have gone almost every school day this entire year. After countless hours, dozens of sandwiches, and virtually my last pennies spent, I can effortlessly say that I qualify to write this review. It's 11:40, the bell rings indicating the beginning of lunch. I pack up my back pack, leave the Biology classroom and bricky walk across campus and through Town in Country in hopes of being one of the first people in line. I arrive early, before the crowed of less loyal students. "A bufferella on ciabatta," I request. "$6.75," replies one of the down to earth staff. I sit down at one of the beautiful cafe tables and relax. Before I know it my lightly toasted panino is sitting in front of me. Sitting next to it, there is a delicious looking mini tart. I bite into the sandwich and am immediately pleased. The cheese is creamy and smooth yet flavorful, the tomatoes are juicy, the bread is fresh and slightly crunchy. Savory, appetizing and luscious. It's perfect. My average lunch consists of about a half hour spent eating and enjoying my time inside Douce France. The ambience is very cozy and it makes me feel welcome and appreciated. I am always served by an extremely nice and patient person. My food is always outstanding and I always leave satisfied and happy, eager to return. What exactly is so special about this place? From the moment you walk in you will notice the welcoming ambience. From the French cafe tables to the hand painted walls and posters. You will then be greeted by someone with a great personality who genuinely likes their job. You will be treated with respect and feel appreciated all before you have even ordered. Once you receive your food your palate will be pleased. The food is nothing fancy or out of the ordinary but instead is just right and perfectly made. You too, will be excited to come back. You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Almost everything has proved outstanding to me. Here are some suggestions. Bufferella: a clever name and a unique yet simple sandwich. Perfect for any day. Made with buffalo mozzarella, topped with tomatoes and basil. Fresco: another sandwich with a little bit more of a sharp taste. Tomato Lentil Soup: this item is not available every day. Just ask what the soup of the day is. Tomato Lentil is my favorite but that's just me. Try any of their soups and you should be happy. Crepes: try a crepe, savory or sweet. They are vary tasty. Opera Cake: a piece of Opera cake is always a great addition to a lunch, or pop in and order one with a cup of coffee. Le Fromager: a delicious savory cheese crepe with goat cheese among a variety of tasty cheeses. The Good: Great staff. Delicious food. Pleasant atmosphere. The Bad: Sometimes crowded and hard to find a table.
(5)Jeremy C.
Crowded during lunch on a Saturday. Tried the chocolate croissant, which was coated with copious amounts of melted goodness, but the dough itself was overly crispy on the outside and the inside was buttery but without much texture. Perhaps better in the morning?
(3)Crystal C.
It's a nice, cool, airy cafe to come to. Good selection of pastries, desserts, soups, and light food. The staff is kind. 2 power outlets available for laptops and outdoor seating by the parking lot. A lot of baby strollers roll in on the Sunday that I am here. Wi-fi has been a little spotty, but accessible.
(3)Melissa L.
Had a salami sandwich, a coffee, and two macarons. All were delicious, and the ambiance was just like a Parisian cafe. Love it.
(5)Superduperpooperscooper T.
Recommended: Nonfat Cafe au Lait $1.50 (the best in city, comes with a little biscotti) PLUSES: Great study space, good parking Free Wifi Mini Crossiants ($1) Friendly but not overbearing staff Lunettes: (A) Wow, yummy, creamy eggy custard danish like thing. Ham and Cheese Foccacia: (B) Good size for a light snack, layered with juicy tomatoes, not too cheesy, good pesto sauce. Hours: 7 am - 7 pm (Mon-Sat) | 8 am - 4 pm (Sun)
(5)Dr. J.
Delicious baked goods! I come here every time I'm in Palo Alto. I get a coffee at Peet's and then head over here for something sweet to eat. You cannot get better baked sweets than at Douce France!
(5)Claire B.
Baguette sandwiches are simple and tasty just like in bakeries in France. Quiche are pretty good too. I love the freshly squeezed apple juice but a little bit pricey. Savory crepes should have been done with buckwheat for a French bakery. Good coffee and good price!
(3)BeBe C.
Very nice ambience with French bistro tables and chairs. Of course, since the owner is French (or at least speaks French), dogs are welcome to sit in the little patio. The crepes are not expensive--the sweet crepes only cost $4.5 and the savory ones $6-7! The croissants and brioches come in two sizes and so you can sample different things without causing a stomach explosion. The only thing weak is the hot chocolate, which is too bland. ---- (Update) Downgraded to 4*. Visited this place on a Sunday morning. Had a sweet crepe--not fresh. Hubby had the panini--the bread was so cold that his lip was cut. I did not see the owner on this day--perhaps the kitchen staff slacked off when the master was not present????
(4)wheatberry s.
Hello? - why haven't I discovered this place any time sooner? Nestled pretty deep in the Town and Country Village - this place is certainly not unknown as it was swamped with people. I wanted to try everything there but settled on a mixed salad with chicken. OK - not exactly what one should order when eating at a French bakery/cafe - but the salad was fabulous and absolutely fresh. Everything even down to the espresso drinks looked appetizing. My only complaint would be their smaller portion size but the French simply do not eat as much as us fat Americans.
(4)Annie c.
you may not notice this cute place unless you're looking for it. it's not as far as the sushi house but it's way back there in town and country i like coming here for coffee and to look at the beautiful cakes and pastries in the display case... usually i get a quiche or a ham and cheese croissant (i ask them to heat it up - so much better when warmed). they usually include a little tart with their sandwiches which is a nice touch. everything here is pretty good. pros: pretty pastries and good sandwiches and coffees, free wifi cons: all the chairs and booths are remarkably uncomfortable
(4)Joseph S.
This place is kitty-corner to the Trader Joes parking lot on the north side of Town & Country in Palo Alto. It's a great place for a good-value French lunch. It is cafe style, with small 2-person tables scattered inside and outside. Sandwiches and crepes are a decent price, but they will get you on the more fancy pastries. My standard lunch is a panini and banana-nutella crepe for dessert. The non-dessert crepes are not as big and filling as what you would find at the Crepevine, but they are tasty. What they specialize in is French pastries -- and they have a very large variety of those.
(4)Shin H.
THEIR DESSERTS ARE JUST AVERAGE. NOTHING SPECIAL. AND THE TASTE IS NOT FRENCH AT ALL My husband and I love good food and pastries. We read some nice reviews about Douce France and decided to drive to Polo Alto and try out their desserts. What a disappointment!! The cakes were so dry in the chocoate cake and chocolate moose. The friut tart was just so so. The crust wasn't even very crispy. We don't think their stuff is fresh. I am sorry to say this place is not very French at all...
(2)Consumer A.
I have been a regular at Douce France for many years. Wonderful pastries, cakes, and I very much enjoy their mochas. Nice atmosphere with authentic Parisian tables, chairs and decor make the cafe quite inviting. If you're at Town & Country Village, you should certainly stop by.
(4)Lisa C.
Yummy chocolate croissants and cappuccino. Not a bargain eat but not overly expensive for Palo Alto. There is something very yummy about the chocolate they use in their chocolate croissant that makes me coming back for more. Their desserts are good too. The vibe is nice and it's probably the closest thing I can find to a City cafe experience on the peninsula.
(3)Rebecca H.
Have been coming here regularly for about 7 years now. This is my all-time favorite lunch spot. It used to be a quieter place, but has gotten busier with the Trader Joe's and parking isn't as easy. The paninis are excellent - my favorite is the buffarella. My husband loves the angelo. All paninis come with a mini fruit tart (delicious). They also make the best chai latte I have ever tasted. The staff is very friendly.
(5)Gaby P.
Was at the doctor's office around lunch time and walked by this place and thought I'd give it a try. Im glad I did! All the food in the display cases looked delious and amazing! I ordered a Turkey and Cheese Panni, which was very reasonably priced. It was served to me very quickly by a very friendly staff. Will go back when Im in the area for sure!
(3)Rob C.
sandwiches look better than the crepes. little macaron with the sandwich, was good texture wise. flavor a little weak. crepe buckwheat contents like from a package. almond croissant was too small to have the moist, flakiness of say tartine version.
(3)Alexander S.
I used to frequent this place when I lived in Palo Alto. One of my favorite things to order is their focaccia panini with ham. They put pesto on it, so I'm definitely a fan. Their crepes are good, their paninis are good, and they have quite good pastries. My favorite pastries here are the tarte tatin, pain au chocolat, and fruit tart. Also, they have a charming outdoor seating area. The staff and owners (I think they're the owners?) are always very friendly. Enjoy!
(4)Kate J.
Because I went to Palo Alto high school across the street I went to Douce at least three-four days a week during the school year. I have to say their Chai Lattes are AMAZING and their Banana and Nutella Crepes are AMAZING too.
(4)Matt P.
They are the coolest people with excellent service and food. Another of my Palo Alto favorites - I have tried most of them and Douce France still tops all the cafe's. Good coffee too of course!
(5)Janet H.
This was for many years an absolutely wonderful place. The pastries and coffee are still excellent, but the renovations to T&C have greatly reduced the number of parking spaces available. It just isn't worth the twenty minute parking search.
(3)Carissa M.
Crepes, croissants, and cafe latte , oh my! This little cafe has a je ne sai quais. Their crepes are delicious along with this their pastries and sandwiches. My favorite thing to get is the salami baguette sandwich and iced latte, it's simple and delicious and perfect for a pre-Palo Alto High flea Market Lunch. Parking is okay and there's always trouble with the amount of tables and chairs .. it can be a pain to find somewhere to sit. Their latte and brewed coffee are simple and perfect. It's a nice place to bring the kids either human or of the four-legged variety . Dogs are welcome on the patio in front. I love this place , I think it's a Palo Alto gem.
(5)Jerome J.
Glad this place is still around. I used work about a block away and would always stop by for lunch to pickup a quick sandwich. We also would stop in late afternoon for pastries and lattes.
(4)MC C.
Pastries / croissants are quite good. Bread (baguette) is really weak, totally homogeneous soft crumb, very little crust. Tastes like something out of a plastic bag at safeway. Go to nearby mayfield bakery for a much better loaf of bread. Overall, decent place for pastries and coffee.
(3)Katya A.
Very good coffee! Pastries are ok. Its is always extremely busy at lunchtime. Try the cherry tarts, very unusual in a pleasant way. I drop by usually on the weekends. They have an extensive menu of crepes and sandwiches.
(4)McKenzie L.
I came here for the first time with my groupon and ordered the Parisienne crepe. It was the worst crepe I have ever had! It was served cut in half and folded over, like it was a sandwich, so the cheese was hardening already and the inside ingredients were cold. Ive never had a crepe served like that! The crepe itself was also dried out, clearly not freshly made. They just stuffed the ingredients into it and treated it like it was sandwich bread. Ugh. There was also a wilted salad that was thrown over it too. When I go again to use my second groupon, I'll definitely avoid the crepes!
(2)Dave B.
Normandy gallete (savory crepe) turkey, ham & tomatoes plus latte. A little bit of France inside, sunny chairs outside
(3)Gary C.
Dropped by for a Saturday lunch with a couple of friends. The place is located in Palo Alto Town & Country center, which seems to be getting busier and livelier these days. We got a goat cheese crepe, a chicken panini, and a croque-madame (grilled ham & cheese sandwich, with fried over-easy egg and bechamel sauce on top). All three so delicious! Prompt and attentive service. The latte was the best I've had in a long time. They make all of their own baked goods and cakes. This place will be my regular lunch dig from now on. I even got the scoop that Chef Donato (from Donato Enoteca) stops by every morning here for a quick espresso! I could hear native French and Italian spoken all around us - always a good sign when natives are at the restaurant.
(5)Andre K.
i go for the breakfast sandwiches, i think the bread and pastries are pretty good.. as anything else, mediocre at best. eggs-cold bread-untoasted coffie- luke warm and extremely overpriced would not go back
(2)Charles H.
The croissant was good but didn't wow me. Ditto on the coffee. The one big plus is that it's one of the few cafes in Palo Alto that isn't overrun with laptop and power cord toting techies. This place seems like a nice respite from the sameness of most Palo Alto cafes. I would consider bumping this place up a star once I see what the post-construction ambiance is like.
(3)Shubhie P.
Loved the buckwheat galletes & crepes. The La Brettone was crisp and done to perfection. I haven't tried their pastries yet. The outdoor seating was nice, and not too crowded.
(4)A Consumer L.
I love this place, one of the best cafes in the south bay, great coffee, and even better pastries and cakes. Nice place to hang out to get away from the office for a few hours.
(5)Nancy B.
Douce France has reasonable prices for crepes. I like their salty crepes. All of their sandwiches, salads, and other entree orders come with a tiny custard fruit tart. I especially like their sandwiches because they use fresh ingredients. I believe they are only opened until 6 or 7 pm so it's only a good place to go during the lunch hour.
(3)Tom E.
This french Italian cafe is perfect for a quick bite and some social time with friends. I usually come here after hiking in the OSPs behind Palo Alto. Yup, great sandwiches, great coffee. They also have tasty pastries and give you a small tarte with your food. The staff is very nice and sometimes you can even catch some french if you get there at the right time. Inexpensive and a great bite, what more could you want! Also, so close to Mido....[See edit below] If you haven't been to Douce France in the back of Town and Country, you should try it this weekend! [EDIT] We all cried that (insert season) day when Mido closed its doors in Town and Country. Sadly, with waves of nausea and regret, I shelp myself to Santa Row, the closest Mido store to me, to buy my overpriced but classy stationary so my friends and enemies can get their patterned notes. Why oh why, Mido, did you close your doors in T&C. Douce France is good as ever, go there often and enjoy! [/EDIT]
(4)Jovi C.
This is probably one of my favorite bakeries in the Bay Area. Definitely for the francophile, they have melt-in-your-mouth, flaky pan au chocolat, and their napoleon is to-die-for. I had their quiche once and wasn't too impressed, but again, their desserts more than make up for it. I willingly drove across the bridge to Douce France to get a napoleon cake for my husband's birthday, they are so good.
(4)N N.
Best Cappacino on the Peninsula. Bar None. I'm picky about my coffee the way Scalia is picky about the Constitution. Expressos should have a rich taste, with a generous crema, little or no grind/grit, and a warm but not piping hot nor tepid temperature. If you're going to add milk to it, it should be whole milk, frothed and then tapped to condense to a rich, creamy texture. Put them together properly and you get a fabulous cappacino. Screw it up and you get a cafe au lait with too little milk, or something bitter, or something just down right putrid. But hell, for $2.50 or $3.00 the coffee should be good! I've had my coffee at Douce France for about 7 years. Yes, you read that right. S-E-V-E-N Y-E-A-R-S. For what I have spent on coffee over the years I probably could have eaten a meal at Gary Denkos, had a flight to Hawaii with some lucky companion (lucky to fly to Hawaii, not to suffer my companionship), or put back a bottle of Screaming Eagle. But I'm quite sure it would all be disapointing compared to the espresso and cappacino at douce france. Why? Because, as I've noted over the years as staff have come and gone, Victor (the owner) spends a good deal of time training everyone on how to actually make a proper espresso drink. In fact, Victor's care is evident throughout the business. The pastries and cakes are set forth beautifully, crepes (which are fantastic) are delivered to you promptly (who wants a cold crepe?) with a fork and knife neatly wrapped in a paper napkin, the music is always at the right volume. His attention to detail is what you would expect at a fine restaurant. But you can get it at 7am for $2.50. Now that's a screaming bargain. It's worth mentioning that many of his staff are there for years, and so there's a continuity to the operation and sense of community to the place that is absent from the other coffee shops in the area. If you want a great morning experience and prefer to support your local, unique shops, you owe to yourself to give the place a try. And: Order a croissant, warmed with jam. It's delicious. Or the cheese crepe, or the bannana and nutella crepe.
(5)Rachel M.
As much as I adore Coupa Cafe, this one ranks a close second. It's basically a lovely French styled bistro-cafe-place to spend a few hours tucked into Town and Country Village. Tasty, reasonably priced meals - and yes, sandwiches that come with little tarts! - plus evil delicious deserts and a lovely cafe atmosphere makes this little spot a must visit in Palo Alto. Free wifi, a patio with many chars, comfy seats, people who know how to make coffee-related drinks - did I mention the sinfully beautiful desserts? This place is always busy, and there's a reason for that - quality attracts faithful customers. The service is good, and the place treats its customers well. Remember what that's like? Oh that everyone had a local cafe just like this in their neighbourhood. Makes one feel like one can enjoy the pleasures of France right here on the Peninsula.
(5)I T.
Straight off, know this when you see my rating: Hair in my crossaint. How nasty is that? Maybe they're trying to show it's actually handmade? I stared at the hair and said, "Okay, I'm not eating another bite!" Their buffarello mozzerella salads are good (and hairless) but it does seem a little pricey ($7) when compared to the regular salads ($5). The paninis are not very filling, though. Here's a tip: as if you can switch your tart (what is that one that looks like a brain??) with one of the mini chocolate squares to the left of the register. Now, those are goooood.
(1)Deanne D.
They're great! Coffee is good, pastries very delicious, and very friendly staff. Been going there for years!
(4)Skyroad C.
I used my Douce France Groupon today and had a great experience. The staff members are friendly, generous and accommodating. I had a light, healthy, delicious and perfectly seasoned bowl of a vegetable broth-based, herbed tomato cabbage soup with perfectly brewed iced tea. My Sunday indulgence was a fresh raspberry tart that was like those I remember having in France (not too sweet, allowing the sweet raspberries to take center stage). The combination of great food and wonderful service will definitely bring me back to Douce France.
(4)Jennifer T.
I went in to grab a quick sandwich and salad to go and share with my husband. The panini arrived basically cold and the fresh mixed green salad has sautéed vegetables in it--it was also really small for a $7+ salad. To top it off there were no utensils and I didn't realize it until I had left. The pastries looked nice so I imagine the number of positive reviews are about the pastries and coffee--skip the cafe menu.
(2)A Z.
love the service and the atmosphere , yummy chocolate croissants, and good for breakfast, they open early at 7
(4)Danielle L.
Had a great eggplant sandwich and ham croissant. Will definitely return when I am in Palo Alto!
(4)Holly K.
I love the staff, the fruit tarts and the mozzarella and tomato sandwich. I've been a loyal customer since high school, and will continue to be one as long as I live here.
(4)Chau L.
This place is cute, clean, and comfortable! I ordered a turkey croissant sandwich here for lunch and it filled me up w/ satisfaction! I'll come back to try their other baked goods because they sure looked delicous! I love French food!!!!!!
(4)Jess i.
I love this place. I love the custard danish (not cheese, but custard!) it is amazing. the napoleon was overly sweet but still tasty witht he white chocolate topping and light custard. This place has yummy custard stuff. i love how with every sandwich you order they give you a mini fruit tart. It always makes me smile to see my little fruit tart next to my yummy Bufferella (Buff. Mozz, tomatoes, olive oil etc) is so delicious! I get it on the baguette, I love their baguettes, very soft and moist. I also like the Misto the chicken with the lemon zest is a very interesting and yummy combination. Their iced tea and iced coffees are good as well.
(4)Sima T.
For French pastry, coffee, and a friendly, comfortable ambiance, Douce France is the best cafe in Palo Alto.
(5)Eric M.
Douce France is near and dear to the heart of any Paly (Palo Alto High School) student who enjoys a good cup of coffee, or real pastry. It is a nice place to study, and the food is equally as good as the coffee and espresso drinks. Particularly delicious is the Buffarella sandwich, which uses very fresh mozarella and delicious pesto, and the Crepe Suzette, which is served quite lemony, and not over sweetened. All lunch dishes come served with a tiny tart, which is a nice touch. However, it is not the food alone that makes Douce France. The staff are very helpful, and if one becomes a regular, quite friendly. Unlike many other cafes in Palo Alto (Coupa, to name one) Douce France's waiters will not attempt to shoo you away if you buy a pastry and coffee and then attempt to study or browse the web for an hour or three.
(4)Abi R.
Beautiful little French cafe. Haven't tried too much of their food yet but the decor is wonderful amidst the general beauty of Town and Country Village. My favorite cafe in all of Palo Alto.
(5)Katie F.
They spoke French with me! It was so cool!!!!!
(5)Leon C.
A great place to go to have some coffee and pastries! Service is friendly and plenty of parking. My friend really like this place how they make their cappuchino with the foam. I had a white mocha which was pretty sweet, but that's how I like it.
(4)jazzy l.
I only had there turkey/cheese baugette (I can't spell!). The bread is not that crispy, not like Lee's Sandwiches and they charge $4.00 for it. They have wireless internet but slow. I need to try the desserts next time.
(1)Ty K.
When you are in the mood for a lighter lunch, the panini at Douce France can't be beat! If you are starving, go next door to the Village Cheese House. They also make great Cappuccino and desserts. They have free wifi, and lots of nice seating inside and out, so its a good place to chill.
(5)Annie D.
I'm gaining weight just thinking about it. Try the chai latte, it is practically a desert by itself.
(5)Allison K.
Yummy panini's for lunch served with a little delectable tartlette. Really nice place to take a parent or a lunch buddy. Good coffee as well. More personal cafe to hang out with friends and you'll feel ever so slightly French in their plastic wicker-esque chairs out front. Don't worry tho, you won't confuse Palo Alto with Paris. It's a far cry but a good effort.
(4)Anthony L.
Croque Madames are good, and 9 bucks. a nice place to get a light brunch. Sometimes they have saucy frenchmen manning the counter, which brings back memories of being mistreated by wait staff in france... ahh, l'amor.
(4)reviewer r.
Good cafe. Food is good, but sometimes rushed and looks and tastes like it was slapped together. What I don't really like about this cafe lately is the crowds. Since the mall has been taken over by baby/child/maternity stores, its kind of become a hang out for people who patronize those businesses. Gone are the good old days of settling in with a book and a cup o' yummy coffee and croissant. In are the days of screaming toddlers and parents who feel entitled taking over the place in the mornings and afternoons.
(3)Emily H.
Chocolate Croissant was terrible (I'm disagreeing with the post below about this place having the best one in Palo Alto). La Baguette in the Stanford Shopping Center wins in terms of pastries, and their Chocolate Croissants and Fruit Tarts are better. Also, there's more selection of pastries there. Haven't tried the panini's or drinks here. Service was NOT friendly.
(3)Yiota T.
Try out the petit dejeuner...one of the best breakfast options! Friendly staff and great place. Totally worth the 5 stars!
(5)Joyce L.
I'd give this place 3.5 stars, but veered toward the higher end because of their friendly service. This is a convenient place for lunch (if you can escape the Pali High kids - but that goes for all of Town & Country during lunch!). Good paninis (I'm partial to the prosciutto or turkey & cheese) and LOVE that it comes with the tartlette; try the soup and half panini - good mix. Have also tried the foccacia - looks yummy but it's a little bland. Croissants are okay. Chai is delish (and I'm not a Chai-loving person!).
(4)Curt K.
Wonderful French cafe. Great pastries, great coffee, great ambiance. Love it!!!
(5)Marina N.
I had a delectable apple turnover there today! Very casual environment. Friendly and fast service.
(3)Flora B.
THE BEST CHOCOLATE CROISSANT IN PALO ALTO. I have looked high and low.
(5)Christine M.
Chocolate Croissant and Latte. You can't go wrong with this. It's the perfect combination! Friendly service. Non-pretentious. Keep in mind that the chocolate croissants are not always oozzing with melted chocolate but when they are, all the better. Highly recommend this place for a yummy treat and a great place to meet a friend.
(4)Raj R.
this is a really nice cafe. i've been going here since i was in highschool. they have become a little pricey, but still a nice experience. cool ambiance also. sometimes it's hard to find a table if you're in a group. it's kinda more suited towards the older crowd- not exactly hip. hahha.
(4)Ann P.
These guys are great. I order a Crepe Parisienne, decaf coffee and sit there for hours on free wi-fi. Nobody bothers me. They are French ... they believe in sitting in a cafe. Their croissants and torts are wonderful too.
(5)Samantha R.
Cutesy faux "French" boulangerie offering mediocre cakes and lots of sour looking little old ladies as eye candy. Ordered the hot chocolate and it was DEFINITELY not French--Redi Whip whipped cream, the chocolate was way too sweet (not melted drinking chocolate at all). The hot chocolate at Barrone's is much, much better. The tarts are also only a vague approximation of the magnificent tarts one finds in, say, Rue Cler in Paris. I haven't found anything close to such treats here in the U.S., though Napa bakery Bouchon's macarons come closest . . .
(2)Kayt d.
I love Douce France. They serve wonderful, inexpensive sandwiches-- the epitome of "cheap and cheerful". My favorite is the mozzarella, basil and tomato panini. (Strangely, it's been "today's special" since I first visited three years ago). Wait-- that's an Italian sandwich, isn't it? Nonetheless, it's a charming place to have a bite, drink a coffee and hang out for a little while. Douce France has counter service, so you won't ever feel like they're trying to turn tables. The best part: they add a bite-sized dessert to every sandwich plate-- what a thoughtful touch!
(5)Gigi W.
This place has all the wonderful nuances of a lovely cafe in France - lovely coffee, lovely food and very nice ambiance - without the attitude of waiters in Paris (the staff are really nice and efficient). It's great place to have coffee, breakfast, lunch or a pastry anytime during the day either to have a quick meeting or to just hang out. The big bonuses are the central location, free parking, and free WiFi.
(5)Emily L.
One day I decided to do a croissant test. Douce France vs. Prolific Oven vs. La Baguette French Bakery. Douce France is the winner. Really buttery, very flakey, excellent melt in your mouth experience. Oh, the coffee is very nice as well!
(4)Brian K.
I popped in for a quick breakfast. I had the crepes with apples and cinamon with a cappuccino. The crepes were solid - not mindblowing. The filling was well-cooked and seasoned. The cappuccino was ok - 3.5/5. I want to give them a 3.5 - but I will round up because the vibe is cute and casual, the price:quality ratio is good. Their baked goods look tasty, but I didn't try any.
(4)Ash T.
really becoming a fan of this place for late afternoon lunch on the weekends. love the casual atmosphere. think their croissants and macarons are amazing (seriously the most fluffy macarons i've ever had). the staff is always very friendly and the food comes out promptly. combined with a warm day on their patio, this place just makes you feel good.
(4)I G.
The place is very busy and the atmosphere is nice. Good choice of crepes and good service. My pastry was served warm - perfect for cold weather.
(5)Sarah S.
I should have known that I would find a cute bakery cafe in Palo Alto. Thanks to Groupon, I discovered this bakery in the back of the Town & Center complex in PA. There were a lot of people drinking coffee and catching up with friends, so we decided to get our order to go. Everything was alright, but the cheesecake was SO GOOD! it was creamy yet light and not too sweet, definitely the perfect combination if you want something not too heavy. I will definitely be back for more. My own grip was that there were no prices (which is pretty common for bakeries) but it made it hard to figure out how many more desserts we needed to choose to reach our $20 for Groupon.
(4)Courtney M.
If you want to feel classy... this is the place for you. You might be spending a lot but its so worth it.. The coffee is so lovely and the food is also MONEY (aka- FANTASTIC). We have only had crepes or a baguette, but I bet everything is delicious. You just order food/coffee at the counter and they give you a number to go to your table, so it's casual in that sense... but when I come here I feel like i've walked into a nice cafe in France..! Anyplace that makes you feel as though you are on vacation is deserving of 5 stars in my book. Try it! You won't be dissapointed. :)
(5)Cath M.
**3.5 STARS** In search of a pastry spot for our Sunday lounge day (since we were getting sick of Whole Paycheck) S.O. and I decided to go here (in a rush) before the Women's WWC match. We parked ... we walked inside... and we got lost in translation... literally. There's two entrances (we figured out that it's one way in... one way out...) On top of that obstacle... this old guy was in the middle of the line chatting his heart's lungs away... me being respectful that his old and he's in line... didn't know what to do... S.O. to the rescue: he bypassed him. Done. 2nd obstacle: lady behind us with 4 waters... not respecting "personal space" -- she was literally about to hump the S.O. just to get faster in line. Really? Finally, when it was time to order... the barista was friendly! S.O. ordered a vanilla latte and me... soy mocha. I forgot what pastry the S.O. got but I ordered their famous chocolate croissant. First impression: it's tiny! By far the smallest chocolate croissant I've ever since BUT it packs a punch! It was loaded with chocolate inside and it was delicious! Soy mocha: delicious! Just the right amount of chocalatey... although I really do need to start telling the barista to make my coffee at 140 degrees since I'm tired of getting my tongue burned! In the end... their pastry was delicious as well as their coffee. We'll probably be back... better prepared for their weird patrons... and any obstacles that might be thrown our way... plus it's right along where Trader Joe's is located... this makes it extra convenient for us...
(3)Gretchen T.
Sandwiches are ok, pastries are terrible. I don't know. This place seems a little fake to me. I don't think they bake with butter. The tarts don't taste right to me.
(2)Matthew S.
I hit up Douce France first thing in the morning, dodging Paly kids and the hausfrau intelligentsia, and stock up on all the chocolate croissants. The mini ones. So I can eat them and feel like a giant.
(5)Ann C.
I LOVE their buffalo mozarella sandwich. It's delicious although pretty expensive for what it is. The staff is really nice. It's owned and operated by an indepedent guy, Victor, which I like.
(4)Claire L.
Locally owned, friendly staff, lovely yet sedated French decor. The foccaccia with melted cheese and tomatoes and salami or veggies are very tasty, the crepes are pleasant and the chai tea lattes are quite good. This place is always busy, but seating is usually available. The pastries and sweets are generally mediocre to quite tasty. If you are in Town & Country Village, this is a much better bet for coffee and a snack than the nearby Peet's Coffee.
(4)Flipper D.
In T&C, there's a Peets and I buy my beans there, but when I want an au lait and a mini chocolate croissant (only $2.50 total!) or other coffee/espresso drink, I go to Douce France. Nice atmosphere, usually busy, but not lined out the door. Rachel M. noted all the highlights, e.g. free wi-fi, good service, and I completely agree with her.
(5)Dave M.
Julia and I ate here during halftime of a Stanford vs. Oregon football game. Nice place. Tasty. Inexpensive. Better than watching Stanford lose to Oregon.
(4)Lemon T.
Oh my goodness, where to begin? Ok, the place LOOKS like a nice place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. I ordered a croissant and a cookie. The croissant was awful, not flaky, just kind of soft and mushy.The Costco ones are much better, no kidding. The cookie was a shortbread heart filled with jam. I took one bite and actually spit it out. All I tasted was a horrible refrigerator taste!! It was soo strong, I thought "how long has that cookie been sitiing in there???" I've been to many bakeries in my life, but I don't recall that ever happening before. I threw both items away, they were that inedible. And I love baked goods.Then I thought, how on earth does this place stay in business? I thought folks around Palo Alto are supposed to have somewhat discriminating taste.
(1)Nancy W.
November 2012 update... After the recent renovation, prices seem to be about the same -- but be aware that quantities have gone down. At breakfast, I personally am okay with two generous slices of French toast instead of three, but at lunch, my buckwheat crepes order was only one crepe instead of the previous two, with skimpy instead of ample filling, and I left hungry. I am not a big eater, but this was just not enough for lunch. I would rather pay a bit more and have either more filling or a second crepe. Victor?
(3)Bettina O.
Great little caffee in Palo Alto. Great quiche, sandwiches, salads and deserts.... little fruit tartlets...yamyam.... Their outdoor tables are very nice....
(5)michou t.
it's ok for a neighborhood pastry fix, but for the good stuff, i still have to trek to SF. the french pastries are a bit tough, definitely do not taste authentic and are maybe a tad stale. the ambiance is cute and is a good place to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry. lunch and breakfast is always crowded.
(3)Angie Y.
fresco, fresco, fresco... mmm..
(4)Karen M.
This place is one of my favorite lunch spots in Palo Alto. Paninis, quiches, fruit tarts, and desserts are all delicious. They also have the best chai tea lattes that I've had anywhere. Will keep coming back!
(5)richard m.
I like the croissants and cinnamon sticks which are 4 star. The coffee drinks are average for Palo alto. I usually take out and eat the pastries at home.
(4)B. A.
Muffins are a little buttery but pretty damn good. Some of the staff could use a smile on their face.
(3)Jyotsna P.
My favorite place in Palo Alto for a light lunch. They have the best sandwiches,served on crunchy baguettes. Each sandwich comes with a little petit-four, which is the best part of the lunch. The coffee is great and the tiny desserts are delicious. Minor attitude from time to time on the part of the staff.
(5)