Watch CBS News

Best Places To Get Croissants in OC

croissants 610
(credit: lyulka/shutterstock)

France has contributed some great things to the world: fine art, wine, cheeses and wonderful breads. Among those wonderful breads is the croissant. Light and tender on the inside and crisp and flaky on the outside, a croissant is virtually irresistible when it's done right. Try these places for a great croissant, whether you prefer the traditional butter variety or one that is packed with eggs and meat.

cream_pan_strawberry_croissant
(credit: Gary Schwind)

Cream Pan
602 El Camino Real
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 665-8239
www.creampanbakery.com

Cream Pan is a great spot no matter what sort of baked goods you're looking for. However, if you ask enough regulars, you'll realize that the one thing you need to try is the strawberry croissant. The outside is flaky and buttery, but it's what inside that makes this so irresistible. This croissant is filled with strawberries and custard cream. Don't be surprised if you find yourself recommending this to others. You'll also find banana croissants and strawberry-banana croissants that make this a worthwhile place to visit.

blackmarket bakery croissants
(credit: Lawrence L./yelp)

Blackmarket Bakery
2937 Bristol St., Suite D-100A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 662-3095
blackmarketbakery.com

From brioche to sandwiches to the cookies (especially when they are fresh out of the oven), Blackmarket Bakery makes some amazing things. When you visit this place for the first time, you realize what a treat it is. Croissants are another of the great reasons to come to this fine bakery. Standard butter croissants are available, but you'll also find sweet versions like chocolate, as well as savory options like ham and Swiss cheese. Pick up a number of croissants here and share them with friends.

blackmarket bakery croissants
(credit: Lawrence L./yelp)

Moulin Bistro
1000 N Bristol St.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 474-0920
moulinbistro.com

It's not surprising that Moulin Bistro has great croissants. After all, it is a French bistro. Also not surprising is the fact that the croissants here are done right — just like in France. They are light and flaky, and practically melt in your mouth. The only negative thing about these gems (loaded with eggs and ham or bacon) is that they are only available from 7 to 11 a.m. on weekdays. They are, however, available all day on weekends.

Related: Best Bakeries In Orange County

Ellie's Table Croissant
(credit: Angela V./yelp)

Ellie's Table
120 W Avenida Pico
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 361-1042
elliestable.com

The motto of Ellie's Table is "Happiness is homemade." When you eat here, you'll realize just how true that slogan is. You'll also realize how happy you are that Eleanor Mastroianni learned to make traditional recipes from her mother-in-law. The croissants are exactly what you'd expect if your mother or grandmother were preparing them for you. The traditional croissant with ham and Swiss is available here. You'll also find one with mushrooms, onion and brie, which just might become your favorite item on the menu.

Crema Cafe strawberry waffle croissant
(credit: Hector D. G./yelp)

Crema Cafe
322 Main St.
Seal Beach, CA 90740
(562) 493-2501
cremacafe.com

At the northern end of Orange County, Seal Beach features a great little eatery. At Crema Cafe, you'll find delicious croissant donuts, which are just as good as it sounds. It is available plain or filled with vanilla cream. You'll also find other croissants that are fairly traditional including butter, almond and chocolate. No matter which kind you prefer, you'll get a great croissant here.

Related: Best Breakfast Sandwiches In Orange County

Gary Schwind is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. His work can be found on Examiner.com

.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.