We went to the French Corner Bakery this weekend and it was lovely. The staff were super friendly and helpful. The atmosphere and tables were clean, tidy, and cute. I had a blueberry Danish and my partner had a ham and cheese on a croissant. Both were delicious. My husband said his latte was excellent as well.
James Manning
Oct 17, 2025
5
An Essential Durham Gem: Where French Technique Meets Mexican Heart
If you are in the Triangle area and haven't experienced The French Corner Bakery in Durham, you are seriously missing out—especially on their cannoli. I can confidently say this bakery has the best cannoli around, striking the perfect balance between a crisp shell and a rich, creamy filling.
But this bakery is so much more than just a superb pastry case. Owned by Norma Garcia and her sons, Kevin and Alex, the warmth and passion you feel here are rooted in a family legacy of baking that started in Pahuatlan, Puebla, Mexico. They carry on the tradition of their grandparents, who ran a mountainside bakery for their community.
After moving to Durham, the family refined their craft by apprenticing under Chef Benjamin Massaoui, mastering authentic French techniques. This incredible journey is why The French Corner Bakery’s offerings are so unique: you can enjoy a perfect baguette or croissant right alongside a phenomenal, traditional Tres Leches cake.
The atmosphere is just as charming as the pastries. The interior, with its miniature Eiffel towers and antique sewing machines repurposed as cozy tables, creates a comfortable and welcoming spot that invites you to stay a while. Since Norma, Kevin, and Alex took over in January 2023, they have built something truly special.
For authentic flavors, a welcoming spirit, and, of course, that world-class cannoli, The French Corner Bakery is an absolute must-visit!
Ashley Hester
Oct 9, 2025
5
Authentic, delicious French flavors made with a love you can taste. It's been my favorite bakery for years now and has spoiled me for anywhere else. They have the absolute best blueberry scones and cinnamon rolls I have ever had the privilege of eating. The croissants and turnovers are so flaky and crunchy. Their bread loaves are AMAZING. Plus the place is adorable, and the bakers are incredibly friendly. It's just a wonderful place I hope everyone can experience.
Amy Crapo
Aug 31, 2025
5
This place is a gem. The breads are to die for the cranberry pecan is one of my favorites. They have coffees and pastries. You can’t go wrong with anything you choose. The Ladies are wonderful and so sweet! The atmosphere and vibes are great, the tables are old sowing tables. The strawberry croissant was so refreshing. 10/10 you should definitely come here!
Wyatt Christiansen
Jul 25, 2025
5
Adorable quaint little shop that smells so good once you walk in (especially after being in the aquarium shop in the same complex). Got an iced vanilla latte that was that great combo of strong espresso, sweet, and creamy. And the ham and cheese croissant was so damn good. Absolutely will go back!
Michael Blair
Jul 20, 2025
5
Excellent apple turnover and a great latte. The pastry was so light and fluffy, you almost needed to tie it down to keep it from floating away. Nice peaceful respite on a hot Sunday afternoon. Server was great, polite and welcoming. And how often can you eat your pastry seated at a treadle sewing machine.
Pattie McAlister
Jun 22, 2025
5
Fantastic little spot hidden away around the corner. The pastries are delicious, the mouse cake is velvety and rich, the black and white cookie is good too. It has a good atmosphere. There are 7 old sewing machine tables converted to cafe tables and countless Eiffel Towers. It’s very cozy and comfortable. They also make custom cakes. Give it a try.
James McLoughlin
Jun 8, 2025
5
The staff was super friendly and the prices are insanely low. I got five different desserts and they were all so damn good. Absolutely cannot recommend this place enough.
Samantha Mieszanek
Jun 1, 2025
5
I placed a catering order for a baby shower and WOW, everyone loved the food! The sandwhiches may be one of the best I’ve ever had. And all the desserts were absolutely delicious. Not to mention the staff was incredibly nice and professional. I can’t wait to come in the bakery and try more!!
Maria Elena Martinez
Apr 19, 2025
5
good desserts! location looks unassuming but dont let it fool you, food & pastries are delish 😊
Sheryl Alston
Apr 1, 2025
5
I found this place just by chance a while ago but had the opportunity to visit this past weekend (3/29/25). I went in for a piece of cheesecake and I found myself enjoying the Turkey sandwich, so much that I ordered one to let my husband experience it. I also walked out with a bag and a box of assorted desserts. Everything was so delicious. I shared the experience with a couple of people before I even got home.
My husband and I made plans to go back Monday (3/31/25) then I realized they are closed on Monday’s. All I can say is I looking forward to experiencing this place again real soon!!!
Jenni Buoni
Feb 7, 2025
3
Based on other reviews, I was excited to have taste the fare; particularly, a croissant, which is one of my favorites. We arrived this afternoon, 2ish. The ambiance is super. We looked at the menu, what was in the case, and decided on almond croissants that weren't visible. The guy who assisted us was very friendly. When he handed us the almond croissants we were surprised as they weren't light and fluffy but more brown and flat. The overall taste was sweet with little almond flavor. The texture was heavy, almost as if not cooked enough, though the outer shell was very brown.
We'll try the bakery again, hoping it was just an off day.
Ken Ray (mrkenray)
Jan 15, 2025
5
A charming place to get authentic French desserts, pastries and breads. The interior is cutely decorated with the tables being old repurposed sewing machine tables. The owner is almost always on hand. This is a family business owned by locals. There is no better place in Durham to spend your money. Plenty of accessible parking. A great place to bring your kids.
Annemarie Graham
Dec 27, 2024
5
One of the cutest shops ever! The service is always top tier, the employees are always so friendly and helpful. The croissant sandwich was delicious and they have a decent selection of vegetarian food and pastries to choose from. Espresso and coffee is good as well!
Terry S
Dec 18, 2024
5
This is a charming bakery with amazing pastries. The Yule Logs are beautiful and big and the coffee is so smooth and rich like velvet. Everything in the display cases was picturesque and perfect. Staff are very friendly and prices are reasonable. This will be my go-to for all bakery items from now on.
