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Cafe Madeleine image

Cafe Madeleine

Restaurant Cafe

French patisserie with an open kitchen offering croissants, tarts, breads, cookies & sandwiches. People often mention croissant, pastries, croissants, cafe, Boston, almond, bakery, great, good, staff,


Address

517 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (321 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

Permanently closed.

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: croissant (19) pastries (19) croissants (17) cafe (16) Boston (12) almond (12) bakery (12) great (11) good (11) staff (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Tara T. 2 years ago on Google
    I can't believe I've been living in Boston for a decade and NO ONE HAS TOLD ME ABOUT THIS PLACE. Biked here after work before their 6:30 PM closing time to snag two cookies and a pistachio and yuzu croissant of sorts. The latter was DELICIOUS. Just perfectly balanced, and wonderful lamination. If I had one nit, it'd be I wish the yuzu flavor were more distributed. Some bites really hit you with that wonderful, fragrant yuzu flavor and other bites it was more attenuated. Cookies were lovely, too: rich and soft. Definitely on the pricier end—the three pastries above (after tax and tip) cost $17. But worth it! I'm only glad (and simultaneously wrecked) that I don't live closer—my waistline couldn't handle it!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 odali s. 1 year ago on Google
    I am a regular customer as I live on the same street. Today I went to buy macarons and canelé. While the food is great the customer experience was awful. When I entered the store the person behind the counter shouted at me “only 3 customers”. Then when it was my turn she took my order but was very rude. I told to the person who was behind the cashier to tell her colleague to be polite. The other person heard me and said “I don’t care” and when I told her directly: “this is a customer service job you need to be polite” she replied “we sell everything every day so I don’t need to be polite”. I was shocked. I am French, I am used to people being rude but at this level in Boston I was very surprised. To be fair, the canelé and macarons are very good so congrats to the pâtissier and it’s a pity that the service is so rude.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leah K. 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious French pastries. We especially love the croissants and canelés.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jess T. 1 year ago on Google
    First the good: their croissants are the best I have ever had in the US. They are absolutely amazing. The problem is that they sell out of them every day before 7:30 AM. Even on weekends, when people don't want to buy pastries before 7:30 AM. For some reason this cafe just refuses to make more. After selling out literally every day, for over 2 years, they still will not bake more. People stand in line each morning patiently waiting for their yummy pastries, only to get into the place and see that all they have left is a few random cookies. It's become a joke among the neighbors - you want an almond croissant tomorrow AM? What time are you getting in line tonight?
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna A. 1 year ago on Google
    Recommended by the owner of another outstanding French pastry, Praline. That’s how good it is. Sadly closing tomorrow. Grab anything while you can!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SUE 3 years ago on Google
    Stunning! Best croissant and cannele in Boston. Wanna try some desserts next time.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kavi K. 3 years ago on Google
    Where do I even start with cafe Madeleine. Everything is so good and so fresh. I like to go everywhere to try chocolate eclairs. But for Boston they have the best chocolate eclair and just like everything else it’s made in extremely small batches and they sell out instantly. I used to think they have the best almond croissant as well until I ended up trying the Chocolate almond croissant. I’m in Heaven thinking about it. And the lightest ham and cheese- just perfect for a picnic. I normally pick up an eclair and ham cheese to go eat at the park. I never buy too much of everything cause I love how fresh it is when eaten day of🥰 thank you guys for doing such a great job!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jacqueline K. 2 years ago on Google
    Pastries and bakery are amazing supper yummy! Prices are reasonable. There coffee drip need some help
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicolas D. 2 years ago on Google
    Hard to believe I never rated Cafe Madeleine... I was there 5 years-ish ago the first week they opened, longing for a "proper" pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), and have not looked back since. When asked about boulangeries in Boston, I always quote them as my go to place. We recently moved (a lot) closer so that helps visiting even more often... One month out of the year (in January) they also make "galette des rois" (I describe it as a marzipan croissant pie for simplicity), and they do it well! Beware, they are always closed for the month of February... Now stop reading and go get a pastry! :)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Georgia T. 1 year ago on Google
    DELICIOUS PASTRIES!! OMG the pastries are incredible! The cookies & croissants OMG. They can run out later in the morning especially on the weekends, so make sure to get their earlier rather than later. But well worth the price!! I recommend bringing them home to warm them up for a few seconds too!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Meghana Rajashekara S. 4 years ago on Google
    I absolutely agree that the food is incredible. But the staff are absolutely rude and unapologetic. We went there around 5 which is way before their closing time, but they had already removed all seats from the seating area. We asked if we could sit for a few minutes and drink our coffee as it was raining outside and we wanted to take a break from driving. The staff upfront said “if you guys want to sit, we are closing now, you have to wait till we finish mopping the place- then I will pull out 2 chairs for you”. If I wrapped up work one hour or more before closing I would be long fired. They happen to have a very generous boss it seems. She was extremely unhappy helping us with our order. Very unfriendly place. Would never go back there just for this reason.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel W. 1 year ago on Google
    I am writing a review because certain negative reviews almost stopped me from visiting this delightful bakery. I had a positive experience and would definitely go again. My favorite was the Cannele. Next time I would like to try the almond croissant. The shop is clean and cute. I didn't mind waiting in line briefly but I was sad to see the big window into the work area was covered over so no bakery action could be seen. The two girls working the counter were charming and efficient. And my biggest happy surprise was that the coffee (I got a soy latte) was very good! Many nice things going on here but the main reason to visit is the baked items are superb and special. The only down side was no tables whatsoever so I had to go elsewhere to eat.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lily L. 2 years ago on Google
    The pastries at Cafe Madeleine are the best in the city! Must try cafe with all kinds of options - croissants, danishes, scones, eclairs, fruit tarts, etc. They have outstanding caneles here which you can't find anywhere else (except La Colombe - sourced from this cafe - this is how I learned of Cafe Madeleine in the first place)! Also great coffee and delicious juice nectars from France. This is my favorite cafe in Boston and I come here about once a week to try something new or get a delicious pastry I've been craving. I do wish that there was a spot to sit down either in the cafe or right outside, but I don't mind getting it to go.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Will M. 1 year ago on Google
    Ordered ham and cheese croissant and blueberry muffin, both were ok at best. The croissant was cold and did not even offer to warm them, the muffin lacked flavor and most of it clung to the wrapper. Friendliness and hospitality is not their specialty either. Could not even get a smile or a hello. Very disappointing, would not visit or recommend ever.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John D. 5 years ago on Google
    Wonderful French style bakery and Cafe. Have a nice selection of pre-made sandwiches and freshly baked bread and pastries. The house Hot chocolate was delicious! Would come everyday if I could.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dan P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very French, but not that French. All products are very tasty, and the service is great.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hannah R. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is adorable, with quality baked goods. I got a plain croissant, a ham and cheese croissant, and an almond croissant. Normally almond croissants are my absolute favorite, but this was my least favorite from Cafe Madeleine. While I liked the idea of breaking out of a traditional almond croissant style, this one missed the mark by not having enough almond flavor..it was like a plain croissant with a whisper of almond. The ham and cheese one was SO GOOD though, and the plain croissant was crispy, flakey and buttery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nam Hee K. 4 years ago on Google
    Feb 2020 they are on a break for the whole month. They will reopen March 1st.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isabel S. 4 years ago on Google
    The croissants are perfect - flaky, buttery, and delicious! I love getting a box to bring to my office. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the coffee is classic and well-made.

  • 5/5 Vincent H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Too good ! (Original) Trop bon !

  • 5/5 Ashley C. 4 years ago on Google
    Tiny cafe with beautiful, fresh pastries. The Cinnamon Roll is not like a traditional cinnamon roll (no frosting) but it is possibly one of the best things I've ever eaten, and has a chewy caramelized sugar texture.

  • 5/5 Jarrod P. 4 years ago on Google
    Best Pastries in Boston and a go to place in the south end. They keep it small and simple focusing on quality. Smells amazing inside when the ovens are on as well.

  • 5/5 Sjeanlou 4 years ago on Google
    Great coffee. Great pastries. One of the best croissants you'll find in New England. Sweets aren't too sweet or heavy. Just right.

  • 5/5 Kevin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Incredible, authentic and worth a trip every weekend.

  • 5/5 Mark 4 years ago on Google
    Best croissants in town!

  • 4/5 Alexi M. 4 years ago on Google
    Really amazing, fresh chocolate chip cookie! Their other baked goods looked great, too. I will stop by again for sweets if I’m in the area. I got a tea and was disappointed that there weren‘t that many options, and also there were only 6 crammed window seats. So, I won’t come here as my destination, as it wasn’t very comfortable to sit and stay.

  • 5/5 Wei A. 2 years ago on Google
    Their canele is great. Goes well with coffee or tea.

  • 5/5 RY 2 years ago on Google
    Great pastries and nice location on a corner of the brownstones in South End

  • 5/5 Diana D. 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious ham and cheese croissant. A little pricey compared to other places. I waited outside for about ten minutes due to the three-person-in-store limit on a Saturday afternoon. The server was very nice.

  • 5/5 Elif A. 3 years ago on Google
    I went Cafe Madeleine twice in January 2021. It is a small cafe thus they restrict the number of customers to 3 for social distancing during the pandemic. Only offets take out at the moment. Try to go early as possible because they sell out quickly. Their desserts and pastries are amazing really! It is worth the high price... there is a parking problem near the cafe; hard to find spots for nonresidents. the staff is kind and friendly. I wish I lived closer to this cafe 😄

  • 1/5 小鹿 En R. 2 years ago on Google
    Their hours on here is not correct, I drove half an hour to get a canneles but a staff came out and startled me saying their store is closed without further explanation. Worst experience ever. Could use a bit more patience and politeness.

  • 1/5 Sarah L. 3 years ago on Google
    Rating is for the service. Such a rude service. I go here often and you never know what you will get in terms of service. Sometimes they are ok and other times just so rude... especially the girl with the red hair. The food is great but i don’t think they know how to serve their customers unfortunately...

  • 5/5 Jack P. 3 years ago on Google
    Adorable cafe with delicious pastries. The madeleines go quick so get there early.

  • 5/5 Georgia D. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing Food ,Great Service friendly staff, I would recommend this place.

  • 5/5 Rita M. 3 years ago on Google
    Love the croissants and tarts at this cafe. Everything is always fresh and the staff is pleasant. I'm from GA but visit family nearby and we will definitely be making this a routine stop when I'm in town!

  • 5/5 Rose Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Authentic French bakery that makes croissants and pains aux raisins just right! Other than bread, items are hit or miss. Madeleines are sometimes stale, and the cakes can have unique flavors that are not for everyone. Even so, I would come here every day if I loved closer! (Or maybe it's better for my waistline that I don't)

  • 5/5 Aponte I. 3 years ago on Google
    I was and am looking for bakery products like croissants and bread, Baguettes, pastries, cheese like Gruyere and cold cuts products like salami and prosciutto in the USA similar to those I had living in Europe, Switzerland and I found it in this cute little bakery, Cafe Madeleine. Deliciouse Croissants and the bread, Baguette I will try tomorrow and I am sure it will be as good as I had them in Europe. There is only one other bakery in New York, where I had an excellent almond Croissant, just "finger licking good".👌🥖🥐🧀 Thank you cafe Madeleine.

  • 5/5 Gab 3 years ago on Google
    Has amazing french pastries! I especially love their canapés and almond crossiants

  • 5/5 Jho L. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the best croissants in Boston, hand made in the store, with a glass viewing window so you can see it happen! Also has other excellent bakery products, muffins, breads, etc. All equally as amazing. Coffee is great as well, although a tad overpriced for what you are getting. Atmosphere is small, so take-away is best. Focus on the baked goods and skip the coffee!

  • 4/5 K T. 3 years ago on Google
    Great iced mocha despite the fact that the beverage menu is kept minimal. Unfortunately, did not have almond milk (only soy).

  • 3/5 Elisa M. 3 years ago on Google
    Its quite good but its expensive and the staff is not the best and they never try to accomodate you. Ex I wanted to order a birthday cake last summer and it was not possible, also once i wanted to order pain ai chocolat i had to call many days in advance and it was not possible so I tried competitors (a bit outside boston) and i d rather go there they re more friendly

  • 5/5 Kyle T. 3 years ago on Google
    very tasty bakery and coffee

  • 5/5 Hafeez H. 3 years ago on Google
    Although I got there a little late in the day, this hole in the wall Cafe is marvelous. Their banana nut bread was amazing and my gf loved their cappuchino. My personal favorite was their oatmeal cookie. It was by far the best oatmeal cookie I have ever had. As a mew resident to the area, I am looking forward to experience more of the delectible treats this cafe has to offer. I highly recommend this place as a must visit in Boston!

  • 5/5 Nathalia J. 3 years ago on Google
    The bombest pastries you will ever have in your life! Made freshly everyday! I love croissants and my fave are from this place. It’s also so cute and a true Boston gem! Every single croissant is to die for but my favorite is the chocolate ones. I usually don’t like macaroons but the ones from here are so yummy. 10/10 I recommend !!!

  • 4/5 Muriel G. 4 years ago on Google
    Hmm.. I love the shop layout here. When we arrived here, the line wasn't too long but can see the shop was pretty busy. But we still manage to get seat on 2nd floor. We ordered lattes, mocha and pastries. They gave you pastries right away to you. I hope they can warm it, it taste better.

  • 5/5 Yvan B. 3 years ago on Google
    Best croissants even!!!

  • 4/5 Roy W. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A great cafe au lait (Original) A great cafe au lait

  • 5/5 Xinyi Z. 3 years ago on Google
    yummy pain au chocolat 😍

  • 5/5 Wesson C. 3 years ago on Google
    I meet friends in this restaurant quite often! This is the best place to eat. I visit this spot at least once a month. The meals are excellent, the staff members are welcoming and the prices are reasonable. I enjoy meeting in this place to have a decent lunch.

  • 5/5 Linda G. 3 years ago on Google
    Best croissants in town.

  • 5/5 Wei-Ling C. 3 years ago on Google
    Easily the best place for croissants in Boston!! Their chocolate raspberry croissant is a must-try.

  • 5/5 Andre B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great pastries, great espresso beverages, friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Ian T. 4 years ago on Google
    Unreal how good this bakery good is

  • 5/5 Kim W. 4 years ago on Google
    Best croissants outside of Paris! Adorable little shop with tasty treats. Their chocolate cake is to die for! Breads so delicious!

  • 5/5 Bradly M. 4 years ago on Google
    Perfection! Small....Beautiful and nothing but tasty treats. You cant have a bad experience here.

  • 5/5 Neal K. 3 years ago on Google
    Much overdue review hands down the best bakery in Boston. Their baguette rivals the streets of Paris. Also can’t recommend their cookies and pastries enough!

  • 5/5 Hugues-Luc N. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Great fluted Bordeaux! (Original) Great cannelé de Bordeaux!


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Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout

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