More than a breakfast staple, the perfect croissant is a lifelong quest. The great ones are noisy, messy marvels. They crunch, shatter and rain buttery crumbs everywhere. They leave a grease stain on the bag and a smile on your face. Anything less? That’s just a roll.
Here’s where to get the best croissants in Sonoma County for National Croissant Day, Jan. 30, or any day of the week.
Editor’s Pick: The Best of the Best
Sarmentine
French baker Alexandra Zandvliet has spent years perfecting her croissants. European-style butter makes her flaky croissants, especially the chocolate-filled ones, extra delicious. Sarmentine also sells day-old pastries, which warm up beautifully in a toaster oven. 52 Mission Circle, Suite 112, Santa Rosa; 6760 McKinley St., Suite 150, Sebastopol; 840 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma; 707-623-9595, sarmentine.com
Marla Bakery
After relocating to Sonoma County from San Francisco, this husband-and-wife team has built a 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
Quail and Condor
Crisp, flaky croissants that are second to none. In addition to the plain croissant beautifully laminated with French butter, find other classic flavors with a sweet twist, like almond with orange zest and anise seed frangipane; pain au chocolate made with 70% chocolate from Dandelion Chocolate Factory; or the savory ham and cheese made with Gruyere and sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning. 44 Mill St., Unit J, Healdsburg, 707-473-8254, quailandcondor.com
Stellina Pronto
Pastries and pizza with an Italian twist. Everything is good, including their cream puffs and daily focaccia sandwiches. Try the Nutella cornetto, a buttery Italian croissant filled with chocolate-hazelnut spread and topped with a chocolate drizzle. Their Instagram (@stellinapronto) looks so tasty, you’ll be drooling. 23 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707-789-9556, stellinapronto.com
Patisserie Angelica
This longtime bakery and cake shop has daily almond croissants, cream scones, and fruit tarts. Having dessert for breakfast isn’t a bad thing. 6821 Laguna Park Way, Sebastopol, 707-827-7998, patisserieangelica.com
Blooms End at Tenfold Farmstand
Every Friday and Saturday, Blooms End’s pastry chef Mary Denham brings her croissants and pastries to Petaluma’s quaint farm market, Tenfold Farmstand. Sweet and savory flavors have included Meyer lemon, chocolate ganache, tomato and cheddar, and roasted garlic with pecorino cheese. Preorders recommended. 5300 Red Hill Road, Petaluma, blooms-end.com
More favorites
Baker and Cook
The buttery goodness of this tiny cafe’s croissants makes us squeal with delight. Their quiche with greens is also a favorite and a healthy option to pair with your croissants. 18812 Highway 12, Sonoma, 707-938-7329, bakerandcooksonoma.com
Costeaux French Bakery
Costeaux’s daily fresh-baked breads and pastries include almond croissants generously topped with slivered almonds and dusted with powdered sugar. Having a rough morning? Go for the dreamy chocolate croissants. 417 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg, 707-433-1913; 110 Washington St., Petaluma, 707-708-8006, costeaux.com
Village Bakery
This Sonoma County staple relocated to Sebastopol Road in 2019, where it serves 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, Suite 109, 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 farmers market offerings. 556 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-521-9838; 463 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-544-3663, redbirdbakery.com
Les Pascals
Lines of Saturday cyclists form outside this cheery yellow Glen Ellen bakery for pastries from 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
Sweet Pea Bakery
Ham and cheese, chocolate, churro and almond are favorites at this tiny Sonoma bakery. Grab a morning bun and kouign-amann while you’re there. 720 W. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-934-8797, sweetpeanapa.com
