Croissants are meant to be noisy, messy things that crunch and shatter and leave buttery crumbs everywhere. Anything less is simply a roll.
Sarmentine
French baker Alexandra Zandvliet has spent years perfecting her croissant game. European-style butter makes her flaky croissants — especially the chocolate filled ones — extra yummy. Sarmentine also sells day-old pastries, which warm up beautifully in a toaster oven. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 112, Santa Rosa; 6760 McKinley St., Sebastopol; 840 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma, 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com
Pascaline
Chefs Didier Pascal Ageorges and Lynn Chia serve up truly French patisseries (plus lunch and dinner) at their Santa Rosa cafe. 1021 Hahman Drive in Santa Rosa, 707-823-3122, pascalinebistro.com
Marla Bakery
After relocating to Sonoma County from San Francisco, this husband-and-wife team have created a solid following for their breads, but the Crebble, a croissant-like muffin covered in maple sugar and sea salt, is a favorite. Marla opened a location in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square in 2023. 208 Davis St., Santa Rosa, 707-852-4091, marlabakery.com
Village Bakery
This Sonoma County staple relocated to Sebastopol Road in 2019, where it serves up as-good-as-ever croissants like ham and cheese, pesto asiago and chocolate. Grab an eclair and cardamom roll while you’re there. 3851 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-829-8101, villagebakerywinecountry.com
Red Bird Bakery
One-stop-shop for all things sweet (and a few savories!). Husband-and-wife team Isaac and Linda Cermak are talented bakers who have two bakery locations in addition to their farm market offerings. 556 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-521-9838; 463 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-544-3663, redbirdbakery.com
Quail and Condor
Crisp, flaky croissants that are second-to-none. Seasonal flavors include chocolate pumpkin, along with ongoing classics like almond, chocolate and plain. 149 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-473-8254, quailandcondor.com
Costeaux French Bakery
Costeaux’s daily fresh-baked breads and pastries include dazzling almond croissants generously topped with slivered almonds and dusted with powered sugar. Having a rough morning? Go for the dreamy chocolate croissants. 417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1913, costeaux.com
Baker and Cook
The buttery goodness of this tiny cafe’s croissants makes us squeal with delight. Their beans and greens breakfast also is a favorite (and is something healthy to pair with your croissants!). 18812 Highway 12, Sonoma, 707-938-7329, bakerandcooksonoma.com
Les Pascals
Lines of Saturday cyclists form outside this cheery yellow Glen Ellen bakery for pastries from yet another team of charming French expats, Pascal and Pascale. Don’t miss the almond croissants. 13758 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, 707-934-8378, lespascalspatisserie.com
Stellina Pronto
Pastries and pizza with an Italian twist. Ridiculously good, well, everything, including their cream puffs and daily focaccia sandwiches. Their Instagram (@stellinapronto) looks so tasty you’ll be drooling. 23 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-789-9556, stellinapronto.com
Blooms End at Tenfold Farmstand
Every Friday, Blooms End’s pastry chef Mary Denham brings her croissants and pastries to Petaluma’s newest farm market. Sweet and savory flavors have included coffee cardamom, chocolate ganache, tomato and cheddar, and roasted garlic with pecorino cheese. Preorders recommended. 5300 Red Hill Road, Petaluma, tenfoldfarmstand.com
Patisserie Angelica
This longtime bakery and cake shop has daily almond croissants, plus cream scones and fruit tarts. Having dessert for breakfast isn’t a bad thing. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol, 707-827-7998, patisserieangelica.com