Very disappointed with our experience at Caldense Bakery. We bought a few slices of cake and they all tasted stale, old, and far from fresh. When we called to let the staff know, they were not helpful or apologetic at all. The lack of care and poor customer service was very frustrating. Definitely not the quality or service we expected.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ritchie Anthonippillai
I purchased two slices of birthday cake and two slices of chocolate hazelnut cake to go on August 28 2025. The staff assured me they were “fresh” and made that morning.
However, when I got home and we tried them, the cakes were extremely stale, dry, and had an odd smell. My daughter immediately spit out the birthday cake after tasting it, and the hazelnut cake was no better, it tasted old and unpleasant.
When I called to give feedback, the staff member insisted the cakes were made fresh “today,” but then changed his answer to say they could have been made “last night.” there was no apology. Instead, he simply asked, “What do you want me to do?” and offered a refund for returning the 3/4 cakes.
I’m not sure what their definition of “fresh” is, but this was certainly not fresh. Be cautious with what you purchase here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
yodit alemu
I visited the bakery on August 24, 2025, at approximately 5:30 PM. While the cake was excellent and exceeded my expectations, I was disappointed with the customer service. The woman at the register was noticeably rude, which negatively impacted the overall experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Angelique T
Horrible flavored cappuccino!
We have been there for the second time and wanted to test the morning coffee break there. I ordered a vanilla cappuccino and it was almost disgusting. I went back and asked if they added gingerbread instead of vanilla because there was a sign where it mentions available sirup shots of vanilla or gingerbread. He told me no and showed me the different flavors they have and I had to admit that I didn’t see any gingerbread. The brands is Matteo which is a pretty common brand in many coffee shops and I am not at my first flavored coffee/ latte or cappuccino try. This was definitely not the normal vanilla. It was not tasting vanilla at all. Extremely weird taste that made my cappuccino not drinkable.
My partner got a normal cappuccino and that was fine. It tasted good actually. He tried mine and thought it was like a mixed cherry flavor…. Regardless of what flavor it was it was digusting and absolutely not vanilla alike taste. I am pretty disappointed as I thought it was gonna be our new morning coffee break spot. But nope.
However, I purchased their spicy chorizo and it was good. Surprisingly it wasn’t very hot and not too greasy which was excellent for my paella cooking. It was around $12 and I think it was pretty reasonable. You don’t find chorizo everywhere. I found one in the Whitby no frills but here the quality was a lot better. Not dried and less greasy. This item it’s maybe a reason of why I may come back.
Concerning the custard tard, classic Portuguese pastry… I guess for someone that never had before it could be tasty. My partner loved it. In my opinion, it was so-so. The puff pastry was good the custard itself so-so. I like the creamier version better. I think it’s still worth a try. If you like eggs, this sweet pastry could be tasty for you.
I also tried one their pistachio item and it was good and pretty sweet. A bit too oily. My fingers were a bit greasy after grabbing it. Good for a try but not for a second time.
I am just very disappointed at the cappuccino served… and they didn’t care when I mention it didn’t taste like how it should be. It would have been nice if they suggest an alternative. I didn’t ask any reimbursement as I understand that they still made it, etc. It was really not a normal flavor at all!!
I am curious about the Ajax place that other people had mentioned… but I am also curious at the roasted chicken at this location (well called Tina but it’s the same place). I know roasted Portuguese chickens are usually very tasty. I may come just to try it. If not good I will definitely crossed out that place from the shop of list to visit.
The nice part is that during summer they have some seats outside. Like a ‘Terrace’ vibe. The parking view didn’t bother me. You could see an old building/church in front. It was still pleasant.
Free parking in front of the store. Or municipal parking st the back. Free during the weekend and in the evening during the week.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Michelle Abraham
Owner is very rude and pushy. The staff is not friendly and quality of food has gone severely down hill. Nova Era in Ajax is much better and staff is fantastic
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Rohit Arora
I visited this bakery for the first time with my wife on August 17th, excited to try some sweets from their menu. Unfortunately, our experience was completely ruined when we found a big fly inside one of the pastries we ordered. What made the situation worse was the staff’s reaction. Instead of sincerely apologizing and taking responsibility, they were dismissive and blamed the pastry maker rather than owning the issue. This left us very disappointed, especially as we had high expectations from this place. I’ve attached both a picture and a video of what we were served, as it was truly unacceptable for a bakery to let this happen. Food safety and customer service should be taken much more seriously.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Alexandra Read
Ordered 3 chicken parm sandwiches. Total was almost 60 dollars after taxes. The chicken was so hammered down and thin. As a result of this 2 out of the 3 of the sandwiches were over cooked and more like chicken jerky. 1 sandwich was so hard that it could not even be chewed. Spoke to one employee and she refused to help us stating half was eaten. Went to another staff member who said she would make another one. The picture attacked is of the replacement one. Still over done, still unable to eat it. Both of the servers look like the detest their jobs and appeared very unhappy. Just a bad experience... wanted dessert but too scared to try it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Simone D
I went here for the first time last week and the cakes were AMAZING! I drive by all the time and finally decided to stop in - I purchased a caramel cheesecake, a double chocolate cheesecake and a white chocolate cannoli!! The portion size of the cakes and the price was amazing value for money! Would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
mrsteveo
Chocolate cheesecake was very good With my homestyle coffee .. tiramisu cake .. And green tea
I was super disappointed today. Stopped in while on a walk and I grabbed a slice of hazelnut cake and my husband grabbed a tart. When we got home to eat them we realized my cake was stale. Not slightly stale, the cake was hard, crusty, and not a bit of moisture left. We can now see reviews are very mixed. My husband’s tart was good. This place must be very inconsistent with their quality and clearly they do not bake fresh or clear their shelves enough. Save your money and find somewhere that has higher quality standards!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Rui
Delicious pastries, fresh bread, and a great selection of classic Portuguese baked goods. Everything I tried tasted great. The staff were friendly, and the bakery is clean and inviting. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because the prices were a bit higher than I expected. Still, the quality is definitely there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ajay Patel
Not happy with their customer service. I asked for a Pellegrino. I opened the drink that was handed to me, didn’t take a sip, and quickly looked at the nutritional facts. Realized they gave me a sparkling juice, that had loads of sugar. Politely asked them to exchange it. And they made it a big deal and one girl gave me attitude. Asking multiple staff members if they should exchange, since it was opened. For something I didn’t even ask for. Mind you, we spent $50 in total on 5 items. In my opinion, if a customer asks to switch an item because of a miscommunication. It should be done right away. No questions asked. I will not be returning here.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Laura Williamson
Well you just can't beat this little gem! Variety is overwhelming in the best way- it just means you have to come back to try something new!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris A.
Best bakery in Durham! Everything's always fresh and the service is warm and welcoming.
Very disappointed with our experience at Caldense Bakery. We bought a few slices of cake and they all tasted stale, old, and far from fresh. When we called to let the staff know, they were not helpful or apologetic at all. The lack of care and poor customer service was very frustrating. Definitely not the quality or service we expected.
Food: 1
Service: 1
I purchased two slices of birthday cake and two slices of chocolate hazelnut cake to go on August 28 2025. The staff assured me they were “fresh” and made that morning.
However, when I got home and we tried them, the cakes were extremely stale, dry, and had an odd smell. My daughter immediately spit out the birthday cake after tasting it, and the hazelnut cake was no better, it tasted old and unpleasant.
When I called to give feedback, the staff member insisted the cakes were made fresh “today,” but then changed his answer to say they could have been made “last night.” there was no apology. Instead, he simply asked, “What do you want me to do?” and offered a refund for returning the 3/4 cakes.
I’m not sure what their definition of “fresh” is, but this was certainly not fresh. Be cautious with what you purchase here.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I visited the bakery on August 24, 2025, at approximately 5:30 PM. While the cake was excellent and exceeded my expectations, I was disappointed with the customer service. The woman at the register was noticeably rude, which negatively impacted the overall experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Horrible flavored cappuccino!
We have been there for the second time and wanted to test the morning coffee break there. I ordered a vanilla cappuccino and it was almost disgusting. I went back and asked if they added gingerbread instead of vanilla because there was a sign where it mentions available sirup shots of vanilla or gingerbread.
He told me no and showed me the different flavors they have and I had to admit that I didn’t see any gingerbread. The brands is Matteo which is a pretty common brand in many coffee shops and I am not at my first flavored coffee/ latte or cappuccino try. This was definitely not the normal vanilla. It was not tasting vanilla at all. Extremely weird taste that made my cappuccino not drinkable.
My partner got a normal cappuccino and that was fine. It tasted good actually. He tried mine and thought it was like a mixed cherry flavor…. Regardless of what flavor it was it was digusting and absolutely not vanilla alike taste. I am pretty disappointed as I thought it was gonna be our new morning coffee break spot. But nope.
However, I purchased their spicy chorizo and it was good. Surprisingly it wasn’t very hot and not too greasy which was excellent for my paella cooking. It was around $12 and I think it was pretty reasonable. You don’t find chorizo everywhere. I found one in the Whitby no frills but here the quality was a lot better. Not dried and less greasy. This item it’s maybe a reason of why I may come back.
Concerning the custard tard, classic Portuguese pastry… I guess for someone that never had before it could be tasty. My partner loved it. In my opinion, it was so-so. The puff pastry was good the custard itself so-so. I like the creamier version better. I think it’s still worth a try. If you like eggs, this sweet pastry could be tasty for you.
I also tried one their pistachio item and it was good and pretty sweet. A bit too oily. My fingers were a bit greasy after grabbing it. Good for a try but not for a second time.
I am just very disappointed at the cappuccino served… and they didn’t care when I mention it didn’t taste like how it should be. It would have been nice if they suggest an alternative. I didn’t ask any reimbursement as I understand that they still made it, etc. It was really not a normal flavor at all!!
I am curious about the Ajax place that other people had mentioned… but I am also curious at the roasted chicken at this location (well called Tina but it’s the same place). I know roasted Portuguese chickens are usually very tasty. I may come just to try it. If not good I will definitely crossed out that place from the shop of list to visit.
The nice part is that during summer they have some seats outside. Like a ‘Terrace’ vibe. The parking view didn’t bother me. You could see an old building/church in front. It was still pleasant.
Free parking in front of the store.
Or municipal parking st the back. Free during the weekend and in the evening during the week.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Owner is very rude and pushy. The staff is not friendly and quality of food has gone severely down hill. Nova Era in Ajax is much better and staff is fantastic
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
I visited this bakery for the first time with my wife on August 17th, excited to try some sweets from their menu. Unfortunately, our experience was completely ruined when we found a big fly inside one of the pastries we ordered.
What made the situation worse was the staff’s reaction. Instead of sincerely apologizing and taking responsibility, they were dismissive and blamed the pastry maker rather than owning the issue. This left us very disappointed, especially as we had high expectations from this place.
I’ve attached both a picture and a video of what we were served, as it was truly unacceptable for a bakery to let this happen. Food safety and customer service should be taken much more seriously.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ordered 3 chicken parm sandwiches. Total was almost 60 dollars after taxes. The chicken was so hammered down and thin. As a result of this 2 out of the 3 of the sandwiches were over cooked and more like chicken jerky. 1 sandwich was so hard that it could not even be chewed. Spoke to one employee and she refused to help us stating half was eaten. Went to another staff member who said she would make another one. The picture attacked is of the replacement one. Still over done, still unable to eat it.
Both of the servers look like the detest their jobs and appeared very unhappy.
Just a bad experience... wanted dessert but too scared to try it.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
I went here for the first time last week and the cakes were AMAZING! I drive by all the time and finally decided to stop in - I purchased a caramel cheesecake, a double chocolate cheesecake and a white chocolate cannoli!! The portion size of the cakes and the price was amazing value for money! Would highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chocolate cheesecake was very good With my homestyle coffee .. tiramisu cake .. And green tea
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Authentic Portuguese experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I was super disappointed today. Stopped in while on a walk and I grabbed a slice of hazelnut cake and my husband grabbed a tart. When we got home to eat them we realized my cake was stale. Not slightly stale, the cake was hard, crusty, and not a bit of moisture left. We can now see reviews are very mixed. My husband’s tart was good. This place must be very inconsistent with their quality and clearly they do not bake fresh or clear their shelves enough. Save your money and find somewhere that has higher quality standards!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Delicious pastries, fresh bread, and a great selection of classic Portuguese baked goods. Everything I tried tasted great. The staff were friendly, and the bakery is clean and inviting. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because the prices were a bit higher than I expected. Still, the quality is definitely there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Not happy with their customer service. I asked for a Pellegrino. I opened the drink that was handed to me, didn’t take a sip, and quickly looked at the nutritional facts. Realized they gave me a sparkling juice, that had loads of sugar. Politely asked them to exchange it. And they made it a big deal and one girl gave me attitude. Asking multiple staff members if they should exchange, since it was opened. For something I didn’t even ask for. Mind you, we spent $50 in total on 5 items. In my opinion, if a customer asks to switch an item because of a miscommunication. It should be done right away. No questions asked. I will not be returning here.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Well you just can't beat this little gem! Variety is overwhelming in the best way- it just means you have to come back to try something new!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best bakery in Durham! Everything's always fresh and the service is warm and welcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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