Pitchoun Bakery & Café

Le pain est merveilleux, la nourriturre excellente, l’ambiance est fabuleuse.
The country bread is delicious, the food is marvelous, the atmosphere is superb.
El pan de campo esta muy bueno, la comida esta deliciosa, el ambiente muy agradable.
O pão do campo esta muito bom, a comida muito deliciosa, a atmosfera muito é sensacional.

Those tartines though!
I’m from Montréal and this was such a nice little home-​away-​from-​home for me. I met up with a friend right around lunch hour on a Wednesday and surprisingly although a lot of the seats were filled, the service was quick and we were able to find a spot at one of the community tables. I love the décor in there with its wood tables and french postcards and photos on the walls.
I ordered the Provence tartine and it was the perfect brunch/​lunch item combined with a small latte. I can’t wait to go back and try all the other items on their menu! They have a small wine cellar type thing in the back so I hope to come back and have a glass of wine in the evening.

La decoración y presentación es muy bonita. Cuenta con un menú extenso.
La comida es ok.

Excellentissime! L’impression d’être partout en France sauf à LA. Sandwich pan bagnat.
Wahou ! Croissant aux amandes wahouuuuuu!

Found this place by accident when searching endlessly for parking. (Thanks, El Nino and the Clippers) So glad we stopped in.
It is absolutely stunning inside, I felt like I was in a Parisian bakery/​bistro/​café.
Lots of communal tables and amazing looking croissants, baguettes, pastries, and macarons! I could have bought the entire case.
I opted for brunch and ordered the eggs benedict, which came petit and perfect atop brioche, with a green mesclun salad on the side. Companion had the Croque Monsieur, which was delicioso. We took some macarons home and they were sooo yummy.
Oh, and p. s. Hot chocolate was wonderful.
Service friendly, fast and efficient.
Great choice for a late breakfast or early lunch.

One of my favorite places. French delicious pastries and my favorite latte with almond milk. We had lunch here, and the sandwiches are fresh and delicious. Don’t forget to try Opera cake and almond croissants. I’ll be back.

I loved this place it’s a must try in Dtla. You feel like you are in a French bakery in the streets of France. They make their own bread and don’t get me started on the desserts and pastries so good ! The iced coffee and capachino is so good. Also try their ham and cheese croissant and pan con chocolate. Also try the crêpe with the jam option so flavorful and light. They even have fresh yogurt like what you would find in France shops. Dtla did it again for me. I am going to lunch this upcoming Friday with a coworker and can’t wait !

Pitchoun
Bread Pudding
Rice Pudding
Almond Croissant
Religeuse
Canele
Said by some to be the *best* French Bakery in Greater Los Angeles, or at the very least the best in DTLA, it was just before 4pm that a visit was made to Pitchoun on South Olive Street, the results not only failing to confirm such exultation but actually failing to show almost any sign of craftsmanship or competency, tough the setting and staff were quite nice.
Labeled as ‘Artisan,’ a word that seems to get thrown around far too often in an era where even McDonald’s has used it once or twice, Pitchoun occupies a sizable footprint decorated in reclaimed wood, brick and wine bottles, the open kitchen allowing patrons to watch the staff at work while a menu of soups and sandwiches hangs above glass cases containing sweet as well as savory breads.
Having already dined well that day and with dinner plans yet to come it was after significant perusal of the options that a couple questions were directed to a young woman with a French accent, the eventual five part order ringing in at $ 18.00 after tax and a modest tip.
Sitting down at a table to unwrap the items, careful packing giving me hope of good things to come, it was immediately on extracting a spongy canele which I’ll admit did not even look good in the case that warning shots were fired, the texture not even forgivable when accounting for my late hour of arrival with a flavor that was equally unpleasant, the blandness carrying over to a slab of bread pudding that warranted just one bite before being deposited in the trash.
At this point rather certain that a place incapable of making bread pudding would similarly fail to generate a praiseworthy croissant it was with utter horror that my index finger actually poked * through * the bottom when extracting it from the bag, the Frangipane having thoroughly soaked through and thus rendering the base inedible while the top at least preserved a small degree of shatter.
Spotting a small jar of rice pudding before settling the tab, bites here at least sweet though the base had started to congeal despite being purchased two days before the designated «expiration date» on bottom, it was finally to the Religeuse that I turned for any sign of redemption, the choux thankfully still holding up to the custard though the exterior rings of cream were not at all light, but rather like buttercream frosting.

If this is the best French bakery in LA, I feel sorry for French people in LA. I went here first thing in the morning and asked for a tartine. The guy behind the counter had to consult with two other guys on whether he could make me the tartine. This is despite the fact that this place is a tartine-​focused bakery with a tartine menu. But I was asking to make my own tartine, the way I wanted it. After they had their little pow-​wow they decided, no, we can’t make you a tartine the way you want it (I just wanted it with prosciutto, that’s it.) In other words, it was a big production to tell me, no, we can’t toast a slice of bread for you and put prosciutto on it. Even though they have bread and they have prosciutto and they are a bakery that has a tartine menu and they have a toaster obviously.
I guess all their tartines are pre-​made and they can’t make a tartine to order? If that is the case, then, well, you’re definitely not in France anymore, Dorothy.
So I decided to buy a croissant instead. When I got back to my car and bit into it, it was stale.
So were the other cheese cookies (sables) I bought. Salty and stale.
This place is a piece of shit.

This place has an amazing selection of baked goods (sweet and savory) to choose from, and they are very tempting.
I was here for a Sunday brunch with a couple of friends. Pitchoun has a few people working behind the front counter, so be prepared to know what you want to order when called upon to be assisted.
I ordered the omelet which included mushrooms and spinach, and it was cooked well — light, fluffy and quite tasty. It’s not the French style classic omelet as you would expect from Petit Trois.
A friend shared her quiche with us, and it was delicious. Most quiches I’ve had had a thick pastry crust that made the quiche rather heavy and dry. Pitchoun’s quiche, the crust is light, allowing you to taste more of the egg custard, cheese and fillings. Next time I have brunch here, I’m ordering the quiche instead.
Parking is an interesting situation. You enter into the parking lot through a driveway just north of Pitchoun. On weekdays, parking is $ 12 maximum. With a validation from Pitchoun, it reduces the rate to $ 5. However, on weekends, the flat rate for parking is $ 5, so there’s no need for a validation. Be careful as parking in the sub level would require you to go through somewhat of a labyrinth in order to get to the elevators that will take you up to the ground floor.

It’s a good thing I don’t park at Pershing Square, because I would be stopping by here everyday…
Ambiance (⁵⁄₅): very charming, high ceilings, warm woodsy décor, outdoor seating as well as indoors — small tables (good for 2 ppl) and some longer communal tables. Recommend for small groups or to go
Location (⁵⁄₅): on Olive Ave and middle of 5^th and 6^th. Directly across from Pershing Square garage. Pretty central in DTLA. Short walk away for most offices in FiDi
Service (⁵⁄₅): lines move quickly, even during lunch rush — walk in, pick your pastries, pay
Pastries (⁵⁄₅): I shared a strawberry shortcake and a lemon tart with my friend. Both were absolutely amazing. All their pastries also have a little stamped chocolate circle with the Pitchoun name.
** strawberry shortcake: very moist, not too sweet, and good amount of strawberries. Plus, it’s so pretty!
** lemon tart: perfect amount of tart and sweet. There’s also a nice whipped cream that got a nice little flame action :)

I am working across the intersection in the 530 building so this is within 5 minutes of the data center.
Wait staff rocks. They aren’t really fresh though so probably best to order in English. I have to also spend a few minutes staring at the massive menu board to figure out what is going on.
Since when did tartines be come so popular. I think I was cheated on a piece of bread.
Tuna tartine was delish. Veggie was alright.
Haven’t made it into the pastries too deep. Next time. tho.

I love how you walk in and smell the pastries and then you are immediately greeted and asked which pastry you would like! I’d love to say everything but I always just choose two hehe. Today was the almond crunch and the bread pudding. We asked to have the bread pudding heated and it was lovely. I love their coffee also. The ambience is sweet and cozy. The crowd is a good mix of everyone! This is one of my favorite places to just have nice talk with someone I love while enjoying some sweet pastries with coffee.

Voilà enfin une bonne galette des Rois.
La traditionnelle et la Provençale !!!
Délicieuses.
Julien nous a aidés pour notre commande de pains au chocolat et autres, parfait !
So delicious King’cake like in France and the Provence one is also very good.
Julien helped us to choose other pains su chocolat and other delicious patisseries with patience and kindness. Thanks.
Downtown is far from my home but it worth it :)

My husband and I stopped by for some breakfast pastries after seeing so many yummy photos other Unilocalers posted. The shop itself is also super cute with great indoor and outdoor patio seating.
We tried the almond croissant and ham & cheese pastry and both were amazing! Flaky, crispy, and sweet (or savory in my case) goodness!
Will definitely want to return and try more of the selections — there are so many!

From the blasé exterior, the café may not look like a special enough spot for one to spend the time and energy to figure out the parking situation (which is atrocious), but once you walk through the doors you’ll wish you had put more money in the meter.
The décor of the inside is so cozy and charming! It invites you to stay and get comfortable. There is a fireplace in the middle of the room and tiny little café tables and chairs strewn throughout. You can choose to sit and gaze out the window at Pershing square or plop down and enjoy the environs. It’s nice that the kitchen is open and you can see the pastry chefs hard at work, and I love the free water station near the coffee/​tea sweetener counter.
Can we talk about the pastries and in particular the croissants? Divine! Flakey on the outside moist on the inside. They bring joy to the start of a day!

Fun and cute little place! The food comes very quickly. I had the nicoise salad, which was pretty hefty, though a little salty due to the nature of it containing olives and anchovies! It had seared pieces of tuna on top in addition to crumbled tuna throughout. The bread it came with was delicious!
I picked up a couple of pastries as well. The almond croissant tastes like a cookie, yum. The pumpkin muffin was a bit bland, though. I’ll be back to try more!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to Pitchoun. Whether it’s meeting up with friends, bringing parents, or just going there for some breakfast, this is my favorite spot in DTLA for some breakfast.
My go-​to list includes:
— Quiche (Lorraine is the best but the others are good)
— Smoked salmon Eggs Benedict
— Café au lait (get the large)
— Croissant
— macaroons
They even have lemon (and cucumber) water you can pour in mason jars (and it’s free) for everyone to drink if you need something else besides their amazing coffee. This is the perfect spot to go to before hitting up the Broad or MOCA.

Don’t let the line out the door discourage you from trying Pitchoun! The wait is worth it. I definitely felt like I was in a little French patisserie, with over 30 different baked goods and dessert options, and the workers have heavy French accents, I had a little difficulty understanding what was being said.
On the weekends and weekday mornings they have a basket for $ 7.90 to sample their 3 croissants, plain, chocolate, and cinnamon. The croissants were flaky & crisp on the outside yet also soft inside, and the mini sugar brioche just melted in my mouth. I can’t wait to try more menu items!
Coffee is nothing to get excited about. As we looked for a table to sit at, all the other patrons’ dishes looked delicious and were plated neatly and presentable (parfaits, sandwiches, and breakfast foods). I can’t wait to return!

Good for a morning pick-​me-​up spot or a mid afternoon tea spot. They have a ton of delicious looking pastries (we got the almond croissant — it was rich and on the sweeter side) and so many tea flavors to choose from. The price for a cup of tea is a steeper than more — close to $ 4 if I recall correctly, and my friend actually got the wrong tea packet when it was brought to us. We also ordered a Benedict and it was good.
The inside décor is cute and pleasant. When we went, it wasn’t super loud even though they were people in there so I can see it as a good place to study.

Oui, I have checked in here 6 times. What keeps me coming back is the delicious variety of bakery goods (muffins, croissants, breads and so very much more). And then, there’s the heartier fare: Sandwiches, soups and then some. I haven’t made it to breakfast here yet (7−11am), but that menu alone gets me excited.
Still, I’ve very slowly begun to explore the very deep and tasty bench of fare here. Wait, that sounds really wrong. Excusez-​moi. But what I’ve had and loved:
Soup: Broccoli/​zucchini. Creamy without the cream (OK, a drop, says the bien monsieur who appears to know). Tasty, hearty, with a dash of spice that keeps it all from getting too goody-​two-​shoes. The bread and croutons served with are naturally perfect. And the price is very good. There’s a number of places nearby (some are also even French), and Pitchoun is very reasonable.
Sandwich: The SouthWest. They have some of these (and others) ready to go across from the ordering counter. But they also make them fresh and so I didn’t yet know how big it would be. It’s big enough to share, unless you are on the ravenous and/​or piggy side. Still, it’s exceptional, and you can forgive yourself for not sharing when the ingredients are: Duck prosciutto, sheep’s milk cheese, frisee salad, tomatoes, avocado, raspberry vinaigrette and baguette. !!
Special mention goes to the ficelle, a large breadstick-​like treasure that has flavors of olive, and of cheese, and of bacon. Each are outstanding.
The chocolate almond croissant is something Pitchoun is especially proud of, and with good reason. Now THAT’S something you should share. It’s delicious and rich and everything good. Kind of like Pitchoun itself.
The staff has been uniformly helpful, and a good many of them even sound French. And physical place is comfortable and familiar with an sleek urban streak running through it. In the PacMutual Building, enter on (appropriately enough) Olive Street. I really like it here.

Best soy latte in town. Comes in a bowl!!! I also had the smoked salmon Benedict which I thought was wonderful. The bread is not a biscuit, which was different but not negative.
Wifi is standard Pershing square. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. This is a great place to eat, caffeinate, and get some work done.

Right on Pershing Square, Pitchoun is much more of a businessperson lunch spot than I expected from looking at Unilocal reviews and pictures. I had in my mind that it was some sleepy French outpost in the middle of Downtown, but it was actually extremely busy when I arrived there for lunch.
First, the pastries tempt you immediately from behind the glass case as you walk in. I was really impressed with the sheer variety of perfect-​looking pastries, from Kouign Ammans to bread pudding, from pound cake to gougeres.
The menu is quite extensive, but everything is basically just sandwiches, quiches, tartes, and other basic French bistro lunch-​ish items.
For about $ 11, I went for the broccoli and mozzarella quiche, which came with a side salad. The quiche had great flavor and was not overcooked at all, but it also could have been warmer. The first bite was hot, but by the end it was barely luke warm. I think they might have just popped it in the microwave.
The service was really nice and quick. Our food came out in about 5 minutes.
I also got a Kouign Amman to-​go and it was very good and notably light. The ones I’ve had before from other places and Trader Joe’s have been very heavy from just so much caramelized sugar, but this was not at all heavy. It was very enjoyable and had just the right amount of sugar crystals to give some texture.
Parking here is ridiculous, take an Über if you can just to avoid it.
I’m happy that I got to try Pitchoun, but it was so far out of the way for me and the parking was so expensive that I probably won’t be back any time soon. But, if I were working nearby in one of the office towers, I’d come back on a regular basis without a doubt. This is a great breakfast and lunch option if you happen to work nearby.

Don’t you love the feeling you get, when you can actually go and eat at a place that you have bookmarked on Unilocal for so long? I do! Finally! I finally went and ate here at Pitchoun Bakery!
I love Downtown LA and love that all these places are opening up but I HATE the TRAFFIC and hate PARKING. Since there are all these place in downtown I want to eat at, I have to suck it up. Lol! With that being said, I parked bellow Pershing Square, $ 2 per every 15 min, $ 16 for all day parking! Yeah pretty steep!
Pitchoun is actually located across the street from Pershing Square. I love that it had outside seating. They have these vibrant orange table and chairs outside. You walk inside and their are abundance of goodies! Pastries, muffins, quiches, Kouign Amann and so many other! Too many to mention! I was drooling already!
There are also many places to sit inside. The place has a nice ambiance and very cozy! We decided to sit outside next to the fake fireplace.
Thank goodness I came with a friend so this way I can get to taste more goodies. We decided to get a quiche, the almond croissant, strawberry tart, toast with ham and brie and a Kouign amann. I also got a medium latte and she got a machiatto.
That medium latte was huge! It was such a great portion for $ 4! I’m telling you it was a bowl! The latte was so good! The quiche was so cheesy and savory! Yum! A must try! The almond croissant was also delicious! I see why so many are racing about it! My ultimate favorite was the Koughn Amann!!! So flaky and buttery! It all went so well with my latte! I’m not a huge fan of Brie so that toast was my least favorite. You really have to try this place! So many great pastries and the ambiance is nice!

So frenchy! Quand on débarque aux US et que le bacon/​œufs brouillés au petit déj’, ça passé pas, on est gavé content de trouver Pitchoun! Rien que de voir marqué dans la vitrine de la boulangerie «Chocolatine», ça vous rend heureux :) Sinon les viennoiseries (testées par mon Chéri) sont délicieuses, le pain comme à la maison, le personnel très gentil et la déco vintage à la française. Une très bonne adresse pour un prendre son café croissant le matin ou pour l’heure du goûter. Classé of course dans les Coups de coeur à L.A. sur le Blog :)

I thought this was a small bakery but it’s fairly large and not only has pastries but a full menu. I came here specifically for the almond croissant. Everyone was raving about it, and I came later in the afternoon hoping it wasn’t sold out. Luckily, I was able to grab one.
The croissant was slightly crunchy on the top and really soft and moist on the inside and bottom. It’s filled with chocolate and an almond paste inside.
I’ll be back to try their other pastries and breakfast or lunch items. They all sound promising!

Un plaisir des yeux et des papilles. Comment trouver une bonne boulangerie made in France en plein coeur de downtown à Los Angeles. Très bon accueil. À conseiller à tte personne.

Un je né sais quoi from France… so goooood! Tout est comme la-bas…l’accueil est excellent et tout est bon! See you soon!

What s a beautiful place un LA? Nous sommes de passage en vacances à los angeles et quelle heureuse surprise de trouver une boulangerie pâtisserie typiquement française downtown LA! La Deco est splendide! Nous y sommes allés pour le brunch: un vrai délice! Des œufs benedicte aux macarons en passant par l opéra et les tartes! Nous avons essayé de goûter le maximum de plats! Et toujours un régal! Félicitations et quel plaisir!

The almond croissant here is amazing, probably the best one I’ve had ever. Ask for it warmed. It’s so delightfully crispy on the outside, the filling is delicious and overall it’s not too sweet. The tartines are pretty good as well.
Free Wi-​Fi for an hour.