I was so excited and really wanted to love them but their croissant and conchas were very average, bready and not flavorful.
Their mocha was too sweet, even though I asked for it to be less sweet. The female staff with a beanie had some sort of attitude.
Rachel Kim
Cafe de olla is super delicious — great for folks who don’t like it super sweet. Also amazing range of vegan pastries — definitely the most delicious vegan friendly bakery I’ve ever been to!
Román Ramos Báez
I realize vegan isn't trending anymore and so I was concerned that this place would be doing poorly. Went for the first time today and I was so happy to see a line of people ordering bright and early, and going for some of the vegan things. not only was it absolutely excellent (best croissant I've had in a long long time, and certainly best vegan croissant), but it was quick, loads of options, and in a great neighborhood for foodies. My husband had a PB chocolate cookie and I took a bite. Also excellent. The pistachio croissant was too decadent for me, but i feel that way about most sweets. the arroz con leche apricot i felt the apricot overpowered the arroz con leche but to his palate, they were perfect. He also has the ham and cheese croissant (not vegan) and said it was his favorite thing. Grateful for this bakery. Maybe will get a loaf of bread in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MB
Forma Bakery is one of those rare spots that instantly earns a permanent place in your rotation. This place is great. From the moment you walk in, it feels thoughtful, intentional, and genuinely special, without trying too hard. What really sets Forma apart, though, is how confidently they do vegan baking. Tons of vegan options, and not the sad, “this is fine, I guess” kind. These are pastries you’d proudly serve to anyone, vegan or not. The textures are spot-on, the flavors are layered and balanced, and nothing feels like a compromise. No one else does it this well. Period. The breads and pastries feel both comforting and elevated—classic ideas executed with serious skill. You can tell everything is made with care, from ingredient choices to presentation. It’s the kind of bakery where you try one thing, then immediately want to come back and work your way through the entire menu. Oakland has no shortage of good bakeries, but Forma stands out in a crowded field. If you care about great baking, creative vegan options, or just really good food, this is a must-visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin Zhuang
I could easily say that this bakery really took me by surprise when someone told me that this was “Temescal’s favorite pastry spot” — because indeed, they were right. The long lines, the whiff of aroma of French and Mexican tastes, were all coming together.
They are a local business in Oakland, and I’m way more than impressed as to how they were able to bake such delicacies for the Temescal community and beyond — and be open for the most important occasions, when they least expect it.
Upon ordering, I was very intrigued at the pastries they had made — tres leches crossaints, horchata danish, the name can go on and on without any hesitation. There was much more — pastries like flan-filled croissants, jam-bright rosquillas, and seasonal savory fruit or veggie versions that feel both familiar and exciting. Honestly, in my opinion, walking into Forma feels like walking into paradise. it feels like Telegraph is like finding a sweet little crossroads where French bakery technique meets vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors. Their coffee selections pair beautifully with the pastry lineup, as the baristas put thoughtful twists (like a café de olla latte or Mexican-style mocha). All in all, it brings a little extra warmth to every cup. Next time, if you’re chasing a classic buttery croissant or something with a little more creative soul, Forma delivers memorable texture, flavor, and that cozy neighborhood energy that keeps locals lined up early, way before opening time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Claud Li
A chic, unique Mexican bakery with a great variety of pastries and breads to choose from. We did have to wait in line, but it moved quickly and the atmosphere was very cozy. The interior is on the smaller side, with 2-3 seats to sit at, but they do offer more outside seating as well. Their pastries range from classics like chocolate croissants to more interesting flavors like mole, passion fruit, and tres de leches. It was tough to choose just one, but I got the passion fruit morning bun and found it delectable! Taking one star off for service because the person packing the food was extremely gracious, but the person at the cashier did not seem to want to look at me during the transaction. Can't comment on the coffee because neither of us tried. Worth a visit if you're in the area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
NS TM
They offered some specials for the holidays, so we got the vegan rosemary dinner rolls and vegan gianduja brioches. The dinner rolls were phenomenal. I hope they decide to make them on regular rotation. The gianduja brioche was excellent flavor-wise, though perhaps just a tad dry. Still amazing on the whole.
We've also really enjoyed their regular vegan selection.
Jae Hee Koh
their flan is UNREAL!!!! highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karen Perez
Such a cute spot! I love supporting small Latino owned coffee shops 🥰
What an excellent and delicious homemade bakery in the heart of Oakland, we love this place!
Food: 5
Jens Nielsen
I don't care what you've heard about Forma; It's better.
Food: 5
skott w.
the best vegan pastries and baked goods in the east bay, imo. savory, sweet, not too expensive. the only thing better than the food is the staff. great people, great place!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
JG
So delish and love that they have high wire coffee!
Amarie
Really disappointed with the way they handled the Lion Dance collab. They said they made as much as they possibly could, but why not have a limit on the amount of pastries people could purchase. I saw folks asking on social if there would be limits and they replied no, and then people came and bought multiples of everything. I got in line at 8 am and walked away with nothing. I’ve seen other bakeries put a cap of one or two of each type of pastry, which gives more people the opportunity to try the products. At the end of the day there are far more important things to worry about, but it felt like such a waste of 2 hours. It could have been planned a lot better. Not in a hurry to return here anytime soon.
Incredible vegan pastries!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was so excited and really wanted to love them but their croissant and conchas were very average, bready and not flavorful.
Their mocha was too sweet, even though I asked for it to be less sweet.
The female staff with a beanie had some sort of attitude.
Cafe de olla is super delicious — great for folks who don’t like it super sweet. Also amazing range of vegan pastries — definitely the most delicious vegan friendly bakery I’ve ever been to!
I realize vegan isn't trending anymore and so I was concerned that this place would be doing poorly. Went for the first time today and I was so happy to see a line of people ordering bright and early, and going for some of the vegan things. not only was it absolutely excellent (best croissant I've had in a long long time, and certainly best vegan croissant), but it was quick, loads of options, and in a great neighborhood for foodies. My husband had a PB chocolate cookie and I took a bite. Also excellent. The pistachio croissant was too decadent for me, but i feel that way about most sweets. the arroz con leche apricot i felt the apricot overpowered the arroz con leche but to his palate, they were perfect. He also has the ham and cheese croissant (not vegan) and said it was his favorite thing. Grateful for this bakery. Maybe will get a loaf of bread in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Forma Bakery is one of those rare spots that instantly earns a permanent place in your rotation. This place is great. From the moment you walk in, it feels thoughtful, intentional, and genuinely special, without trying too hard. What really sets Forma apart, though, is how confidently they do vegan baking. Tons of vegan options, and not the sad, “this is fine, I guess” kind. These are pastries you’d proudly serve to anyone, vegan or not. The textures are spot-on, the flavors are layered and balanced, and nothing feels like a compromise. No one else does it this well. Period. The breads and pastries feel both comforting and elevated—classic ideas executed with serious skill. You can tell everything is made with care, from ingredient choices to presentation. It’s the kind of bakery where you try one thing, then immediately want to come back and work your way through the entire menu. Oakland has no shortage of good bakeries, but Forma stands out in a crowded field. If you care about great baking, creative vegan options, or just really good food, this is a must-visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I could easily say that this bakery really took me by surprise when someone told me that this was “Temescal’s favorite pastry spot” — because indeed, they were right. The long lines, the whiff of aroma of French and Mexican tastes, were all coming together.
They are a local business in Oakland, and I’m way more than impressed as to how they were able to bake such delicacies for the Temescal community and beyond — and be open for the most important occasions, when they least expect it.
Upon ordering, I was very intrigued at the pastries they had made — tres leches crossaints, horchata danish, the name can go on and on without any hesitation. There was much more — pastries like flan-filled croissants, jam-bright rosquillas, and seasonal savory fruit or veggie versions that feel both familiar and exciting. Honestly, in my opinion, walking into Forma feels like walking into paradise. it feels like Telegraph is like finding a sweet little crossroads where French bakery technique meets vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
Their coffee selections pair beautifully with the pastry lineup, as the baristas put thoughtful twists (like a café de olla latte or Mexican-style mocha). All in all, it brings a little extra warmth to every cup.
Next time, if you’re chasing a classic buttery croissant or something with a little more creative soul, Forma delivers memorable texture, flavor, and that cozy neighborhood energy that keeps locals lined up early, way before opening time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A chic, unique Mexican bakery with a great variety of pastries and breads to choose from. We did have to wait in line, but it moved quickly and the atmosphere was very cozy. The interior is on the smaller side, with 2-3 seats to sit at, but they do offer more outside seating as well. Their pastries range from classics like chocolate croissants to more interesting flavors like mole, passion fruit, and tres de leches. It was tough to choose just one, but I got the passion fruit morning bun and found it delectable! Taking one star off for service because the person packing the food was extremely gracious, but the person at the cashier did not seem to want to look at me during the transaction. Can't comment on the coffee because neither of us tried. Worth a visit if you're in the area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
They offered some specials for the holidays, so we got the vegan rosemary dinner rolls and vegan gianduja brioches. The dinner rolls were phenomenal. I hope they decide to make them on regular rotation. The gianduja brioche was excellent flavor-wise, though perhaps just a tad dry. Still amazing on the whole.
We've also really enjoyed their regular vegan selection.
their flan is UNREAL!!!! highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a cute spot! I love supporting small Latino owned coffee shops 🥰
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
What an excellent and delicious homemade bakery in the heart of Oakland, we love this place!
Food: 5
I don't care what you've heard about Forma; It's better.
Food: 5
the best vegan pastries and baked goods in the east bay, imo. savory, sweet, not too expensive. the only thing better than the food is the staff. great people, great place!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
So delish and love that they have high wire coffee!
Really disappointed with the way they handled the Lion Dance collab. They said they made as much as they possibly could, but why not have a limit on the amount of pastries people could purchase. I saw folks asking on social if there would be limits and they replied no, and then people came and bought multiples of everything. I got in line at 8 am and walked away with nothing. I’ve seen other bakeries put a cap of one or two of each type of pastry, which gives more people the opportunity to try the products. At the end of the day there are far more important things to worry about, but it felt like such a waste of 2 hours. It could have been planned a lot better. Not in a hurry to return here anytime soon.
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