Cou Cou Rachou

By far the most delicious pastries in town! So much better in food than Marie Bette! Cou Cou rotates their menu. My wife and I lived in Colorado for 8 years and when we came back to Marie Bette they still had the same standard menu and that to me seems lazy.
Cou Cou is a must visit for anyone coming to Cville!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Croissants, Almond Croissant, English Muffins, Pain Au Chocolat

That dark chocolate crumble cookie is divine!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

excellent coffee and breakfast treats with cool vibe and extra friendly staff

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The easiest 5 stars I will write this year. I had never heard of them before, but by UVA daughter is in love and a regular. My Hoo filled me in on the behind the scenes things she has discovered making them special. So on University of Virginia Family Weekend we checked them out.

I quickly learned Cou Cou is the most beloved locals coffee and pastry shop in all of Charlottesville. Furthermore, the shop is an inspiration for other businesses to model themselves after.

One of the major items my daughter said that was a head turner was that the owner is not only French trained, but a local to the area. The shop is an authentic French bakery from the ingredients to their baking practices. The location lends itself to UVA students and staff since it's just off grounds.

With just one visit I was star struck with the total operation. The vibe is relaxed and cheeky. Nothing pretentious about Cou Cou whatsoever, Just come as you are and be prepared for a comfortable setting in their heated outdoor patio if you eat in. The selection was surprisingly still good early afternoon on a Sunday, but obviously they were low to sold out of some items.

I got a Miso chocolate chip cookie and raspberry beignet. So much in the vase looked wonderful. The young staff was excellent in helping me navigate. The woman recommended a cappuccino to pair with my items, so why not. I decided to enjoy on their patio. My two baked goods were served on a plate and given to me at checkout. The price point pushes , but always willing to pay for quality. I also tipped 20%. My coffee was brought out by another one of their friendly staff.

It was hard to decide where to start. The Japanese inspired Miso cookie had a sweet taste and fresh! A unique take that I really liked. The beignet was a head turner in the case and did not disappoint. The perfectly made pastry had the right amount of sugar on top and was loaded with filling. No corners were cut. My cappuccino was wonderfully balanced and a treat paired with my goodies. I witnessed staff cleaning and wiping down tables keeping the area tidy.

I cannot say enough marvelous things about this tiny little bakery find in the back of a small strip. With almost no visibility the locals can find you. I wanted to make sure others can as well thus my review.

Although I had no interaction with the owner I did see her working in the kitchen among her young staff. You can feel the passion for excellence, not profits. Cou Cou is a Charlottesville gem not only for local, but visitors alike. I will be back and tell others on the UVA school board that may not know.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cou Cou Rachou is such a delight! Their pastries are creative, beautifully crafted, and full of flavor—each one feels like a little work of art. The atmosphere is charming and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a morning treat or afternoon indulgence. A true gem for pastry lovers in Charlottesville.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Lots of seating but no bathroom ... Bread doesn't come out until 10 or 12pm. There's not a lot of variety either.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

If anyone cares to read this, it’s just my personal experience and thoughts

Tiny pastries selection , staff & store were very disheveled! parking is atrocious

if there more then 4 customers you’re standing outside
The outdoor patio is a tripping hazard
And not seasonally appropriate for year round enjoyment
The almond croissant I had was stuffed like a turkey for Thanksgiving

*Special note*
Not a place if you’re handicap!!

Just wasn’t a fan of the whole experience

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 2

Recommended dishes: Bakery

Once upon a time I saw someone's Instagram story and a few clicks later I was reading Cou Cou Rachou's daily menu with spice bush beignets (at that time.) The rotating beignets kept me hooked and in those early days they ran out and I tried pain suisse, kouign amans, and more. This review is long overdue but between keeping my French brushed up trying to remember the words in the ever changing danishes and scones, and providing treats to share with family, friends and coworkers I am never not impressed. Lines are understandably long, but once you see what the fuss is about you will understand the wait. Whether it's carry out, dine in, or picking up holiday orders you will never be disappointed here. The pop up markets are so fun too as someone who loves to shop small and local!

Cute little place, lovely staff and delicious treats.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Croissants, Chocolate Mousse

Good stuff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cute and cozy bakery and coffee shop. Coffee (cortado, cappuccino and latte) was very good. Went for gluten free goodies for my daughter and they had 4 options. GF apple muffins and chocolate cookies were the best, other 2 we tried were just okay if a bit on the overly sweet side. Cardamom croissant was very good, light and fluffy, but could definitely use more cardamom flavor. Was most disappointed with the almond croissant - it was very heavy, dense and oily and pretty much inedible for me. Would’ve asked to swap for something else but we did takeaway so could not.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Croissants

The selection was far more limited than expected. The food was built up very high by multiple recommendations, and while good, it didn't really wow me as hoped. I wouldn't detour to go there again, but I was happy to try it and support a local business.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Absolute deliciousness! 🤤😋

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious pastries with fresh flavors and perfect texture. The fig pastry and focaccia were amazing! So satisfying

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Croissants, Danish

Fine food but no bathroom!?! Nowhere to wash one’s hands….

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 2