So THIS is what a macaron can be. Wow, amazing texture and flavors.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael R.
Masse's Pastries in North Berkeley's gourmet ghetto is a true gem. Owners Paul and Marcia Masse bring a wealth of culinary expertise to their European-style patisserie, resulting in cakes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Their seasonal cakes are a highlight, but their wedding cakes are what truly set them apart, earning them a stellar reputation across the Bay Area. As locals, we frequent Masse's for their fresh pastries and coffee, with favorites like the morning bun and chocolate croissant. For special occasions, their Mango Mirror cake is our top choice. This masterpiece features golden sponge cake layered with mango and mango mousse, finished with a gorgeous mango mirror glaze. It's a crowd-pleaser every time. Beyond their delectable offerings, Masse's is a lively hub in the neighborhood, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely coffee or tea along with a delightful pastry. Masse's Pastries is more than just a bakery; it's a beloved community fixture that consistently delivers exceptional quality and artistry.
Lisa
The best cakes around, made by wonderful people!
JM Enjuto
Hands down better croissants in town.Better than Rotha and Fournée….
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Jud O.
When asking a simple question, while deciding if I should place an order, the response I received from the owner was delivered in an arrogant and dismissive manner. I will never patronize Masse's. Even though my previous experiences were positive. The treatment I received from the proprietor was uncalled for, unacceptable and unprofessional. It is a shame Katrina Rozelle has closed her College Ave store. I will travel to Alamo for those deliciously beautiful desserts. And treated with respect and excitement.
Gat Pone
If you like you pastries with a heaping helping of abuse, this is the place for you. Remember that Seinfeld episode? Yeah, it's just like that. Me, after years and $$$$ spent there, I'm taking my business elsewhere. Cheers!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
rivka steinberg
Probably the worst sufganiyah I’ve had in my lifeVery dry, tasted a day oldDo not recommend
Bronya Feldmann
Best confisserie (maybe the only one) in the SF Bay Area. Just like pastries in Europe!The only place locally that can do a good apple strudel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tarte Tatin, Assorted Pastries Display, Mini Cakes, Cakes and Pastries, Macarons, Chocolate Raspberry Cake, Wedding Cake, Raspberry Chocolate Mousse, Sufganiyah
Sal
Got Caramelia for husband's birthday. We weren't a huge fan. We have definitely had better cakes especially for this price range.
Food: 2
Joh W
It's a damn institution! Our household tradition for birthdays is to buy a bunch of little different cakes to last us as few days. They also make traditional large cakes if that's your jam. There is also pastries, macarons (are the 2nd best thing here after the cakes) and cookies if you want snack options. They sell out of seasonal stuff quickly.Their pre-ordering service requires you to use your phone as a phone, but they always deliver (on the taste).
The cakes are decadent and delicious but you pay for it! Don't get me wrong the cake is worth $60. I got the summer strawberry cake for my moms 70th birthday party and it was filled with delicious buttercream and fresh strawberries. I will definitely go back for the next big celebration. The process for ordering is a little old school (I put an online order than call to give your card number to pay, but it's a small bakery so they do what they can. Still worth it.
Boba O.
We live about 10 min away from Masse's, we've walked here 3 times for dessert during store hours but they were always closed for no reason, so we thought they must be going out of business. After brunch today we realized that masse's was actually open so we went in for dessert. There were two people in front of us so I stood in line and started browsing through Yelp for review. Then a woman's voice said "put your phone down, chances are we don't have what you're looking at". At first I thought she was confronting someone because how rude she was being, surely you can't talk to a customer who is just waiting in line in such manner! But sure enough she was addressing me! I was a little in shock but told her I was just looking at reviews. She then responded by saying "Stop looking at your screen. I'm here in person so you can just ask me!" At this point my husband who was standing behind me, was ready to walk out. But I was determined to at least try their stuff since we've tried eating here so many times without success. We ordered the pistachio chocolate cake and the pot de crème (about $17 before tip) and sat outside in case the older lady starts yelling at me again. I think she realized how rude she sounded and came out with 5 port infused cherries (a very nice gesture), but honestly the cake was very ordinary for the price, so this unhappy and unsatisfying visit marked our first, and also last patronage.
Jamie Ginsberg
Split the mini tiramisu, a contemporary take on this classic dessert, clean and smooth, light with a hint of sweetness. I haven’t had the cake in 20 years and will be back for it! I added a photo of the other cakes, because the presentation is exquisite, from the gold leaf to the white roses.
Lydia Z.
I usually only write bad reviews for bad food but I am appalled at Marcia's customer service and lack of professionalism. I don't doubt she can appear sweet. But she basically called to vent at me for a messed up order when in reality their archaic and odd ordering system makes it very easy for misorders to occur. There's no walk in to buy, no online payment, and a very poor confirmation system. The business side of things desperately needs to be handled by someone else or else they'll slowly lose their business. Before I go further, I will note that I have seamlessly bought cakes from here on two separate occasions before this. The man(likely the baker) is nice and quick with cake handoff. Cakes are great. However, this time, I felt very mistreated.Here's my story: I placed a cake order Monday night for Thursday morning pickup, and they are closed on Tuesdays. I never received my confirmation for pick up and they mention waiting 3 hours after submitting an order for the confirmation. I waited and eventually called on Wednesday to check in and place my credit card info in, but they never picked up. The website said they were on vacation recently so I thought.... maybe they were still on vacation? You'd imagine they would call back or not even bake the cake until I have done so. I get a call Thursday morning about the pick up but I no longer needed the cake because I never got a confirmation and panicked bought cake elsewhere. The man said he already made the cake and I felt very bad but could not afford to buy it. I could hear him regurgitating Maricas irritated quips about how she FOR SURE sent the email and for me to check my spam. The man and I decided to just call it at that. He quickly hangs up on me after I apologized. Marcia calls me back to essentially to vent. She tells me how I ordered very late and how she WORKED ON HER DAY OFF to send me my confirmation email. As politely as I could, I told her I checked all three of my inboxes but couldn't find it. She talked over me, repeating how the email says it was delivered. I tried to talk louder saying I do not see the email and was trying to ask what email she even sent it to. But she interrupts me again to say how she will resend the confirmation for me to see. As if that will change anything/solve the issue (I'm sure someone with their customer in mind would try to get the actual email). I tried to apologize--maybe I, a busy student, should have dedicated my entire afternoon to calling them to confirm my order--but she just kept talking over me and repeating herself. I told her I called them and they didn't pick up, she answered with "well, you NEED to call us if you have any issues" (?!?!) After wasting my time ranting and completely ignoring anything I said, she gave a satisfied "good bye" and hung up. Yet here I am, still waiting on that resend of her confirmation email....I unfortunately will not be ordering from this place ever again. I know the man probably doesn't deserve this and I like supporting mom and pops shops/local businesses but I do NOT want to support a business that calls (after I have canceled an order) specifically to express their annoyance because I did so. I know this is not an ideal situation for them, but there are things they can easily do to prevent these mishaps from arising such as actually selling cakes to pick up when you walk in instead of doing it this way. Or even simply allowing for online payment. And then they will probably not be so mad at one cake cancellation. This ordering system is highly inconvenient and they really ought to implement a "bake after payment/confirmation" system.
Khalil Somani
These guys have been around forever and always deliver, the best neighborhood pastry shop, try the mango mirror cake it’s so good!
So THIS is what a macaron can be. Wow, amazing texture and flavors.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Masse's Pastries in North Berkeley's gourmet ghetto is a true gem. Owners Paul and Marcia Masse bring a wealth of culinary expertise to their European-style patisserie, resulting in cakes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Their seasonal cakes are a highlight, but their wedding cakes are what truly set them apart, earning them a stellar reputation across the Bay Area. As locals, we frequent Masse's for their fresh pastries and coffee, with favorites like the morning bun and chocolate croissant. For special occasions, their Mango Mirror cake is our top choice. This masterpiece features golden sponge cake layered with mango and mango mousse, finished with a gorgeous mango mirror glaze. It's a crowd-pleaser every time. Beyond their delectable offerings, Masse's is a lively hub in the neighborhood, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely coffee or tea along with a delightful pastry. Masse's Pastries is more than just a bakery; it's a beloved community fixture that consistently delivers exceptional quality and artistry.
The best cakes around, made by wonderful people!
Hands down better croissants in town.Better than Rotha and Fournée….
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
When asking a simple question, while deciding if I should place an order, the response I received from the owner was delivered in an arrogant and dismissive manner. I will never patronize Masse's. Even though my previous experiences were positive. The treatment I received from the proprietor was uncalled for, unacceptable and unprofessional. It is a shame Katrina Rozelle has closed her College Ave store. I will travel to Alamo for those deliciously beautiful desserts. And treated with respect and excitement.
If you like you pastries with a heaping helping of abuse, this is the place for you. Remember that Seinfeld episode? Yeah, it's just like that. Me, after years and $$$$ spent there, I'm taking my business elsewhere. Cheers!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Probably the worst sufganiyah I’ve had in my lifeVery dry, tasted a day oldDo not recommend
Best confisserie (maybe the only one) in the SF Bay Area. Just like pastries in Europe!The only place locally that can do a good apple strudel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tarte Tatin, Assorted Pastries Display, Mini Cakes, Cakes and Pastries, Macarons, Chocolate Raspberry Cake, Wedding Cake, Raspberry Chocolate Mousse, Sufganiyah
Got Caramelia for husband's birthday. We weren't a huge fan. We have definitely had better cakes especially for this price range.
Food: 2
It's a damn institution! Our household tradition for birthdays is to buy a bunch of little different cakes to last us as few days. They also make traditional large cakes if that's your jam. There is also pastries, macarons (are the 2nd best thing here after the cakes) and cookies if you want snack options. They sell out of seasonal stuff quickly.Their pre-ordering service requires you to use your phone as a phone, but they always deliver (on the taste).
Restaurantji Recommends
The cakes are decadent and delicious but you pay for it! Don't get me wrong the cake is worth $60. I got the summer strawberry cake for my moms 70th birthday party and it was filled with delicious buttercream and fresh strawberries. I will definitely go back for the next big celebration. The process for ordering is a little old school (I put an online order than call to give your card number to pay, but it's a small bakery so they do what they can. Still worth it.
We live about 10 min away from Masse's, we've walked here 3 times for dessert during store hours but they were always closed for no reason, so we thought they must be going out of business. After brunch today we realized that masse's was actually open so we went in for dessert. There were two people in front of us so I stood in line and started browsing through Yelp for review. Then a woman's voice said "put your phone down, chances are we don't have what you're looking at". At first I thought she was confronting someone because how rude she was being, surely you can't talk to a customer who is just waiting in line in such manner! But sure enough she was addressing me! I was a little in shock but told her I was just looking at reviews. She then responded by saying "Stop looking at your screen. I'm here in person so you can just ask me!" At this point my husband who was standing behind me, was ready to walk out. But I was determined to at least try their stuff since we've tried eating here so many times without success. We ordered the pistachio chocolate cake and the pot de crème (about $17 before tip) and sat outside in case the older lady starts yelling at me again. I think she realized how rude she sounded and came out with 5 port infused cherries (a very nice gesture), but honestly the cake was very ordinary for the price, so this unhappy and unsatisfying visit marked our first, and also last patronage.
Split the mini tiramisu, a contemporary take on this classic dessert, clean and smooth, light with a hint of sweetness. I haven’t had the cake in 20 years and will be back for it! I added a photo of the other cakes, because the presentation is exquisite, from the gold leaf to the white roses.
I usually only write bad reviews for bad food but I am appalled at Marcia's customer service and lack of professionalism. I don't doubt she can appear sweet. But she basically called to vent at me for a messed up order when in reality their archaic and odd ordering system makes it very easy for misorders to occur. There's no walk in to buy, no online payment, and a very poor confirmation system. The business side of things desperately needs to be handled by someone else or else they'll slowly lose their business. Before I go further, I will note that I have seamlessly bought cakes from here on two separate occasions before this. The man(likely the baker) is nice and quick with cake handoff. Cakes are great. However, this time, I felt very mistreated.Here's my story: I placed a cake order Monday night for Thursday morning pickup, and they are closed on Tuesdays. I never received my confirmation for pick up and they mention waiting 3 hours after submitting an order for the confirmation. I waited and eventually called on Wednesday to check in and place my credit card info in, but they never picked up. The website said they were on vacation recently so I thought.... maybe they were still on vacation? You'd imagine they would call back or not even bake the cake until I have done so. I get a call Thursday morning about the pick up but I no longer needed the cake because I never got a confirmation and panicked bought cake elsewhere. The man said he already made the cake and I felt very bad but could not afford to buy it. I could hear him regurgitating Maricas irritated quips about how she FOR SURE sent the email and for me to check my spam. The man and I decided to just call it at that. He quickly hangs up on me after I apologized. Marcia calls me back to essentially to vent. She tells me how I ordered very late and how she WORKED ON HER DAY OFF to send me my confirmation email. As politely as I could, I told her I checked all three of my inboxes but couldn't find it. She talked over me, repeating how the email says it was delivered. I tried to talk louder saying I do not see the email and was trying to ask what email she even sent it to. But she interrupts me again to say how she will resend the confirmation for me to see. As if that will change anything/solve the issue (I'm sure someone with their customer in mind would try to get the actual email). I tried to apologize--maybe I, a busy student, should have dedicated my entire afternoon to calling them to confirm my order--but she just kept talking over me and repeating herself. I told her I called them and they didn't pick up, she answered with "well, you NEED to call us if you have any issues" (?!?!) After wasting my time ranting and completely ignoring anything I said, she gave a satisfied "good bye" and hung up. Yet here I am, still waiting on that resend of her confirmation email....I unfortunately will not be ordering from this place ever again. I know the man probably doesn't deserve this and I like supporting mom and pops shops/local businesses but I do NOT want to support a business that calls (after I have canceled an order) specifically to express their annoyance because I did so. I know this is not an ideal situation for them, but there are things they can easily do to prevent these mishaps from arising such as actually selling cakes to pick up when you walk in instead of doing it this way. Or even simply allowing for online payment. And then they will probably not be so mad at one cake cancellation. This ordering system is highly inconvenient and they really ought to implement a "bake after payment/confirmation" system.
These guys have been around forever and always deliver, the best neighborhood pastry shop, try the mango mirror cake it’s so good!