There appears to be some agreement, if likes are to be taken for consensus on this forum, that La Cabra has *the* (or among the) best croissants in the city. I got excoriated a few months ago for praising l’appartement 4f and so I figured I’d give it a shot. After all, in the last few months I also tried Breads Bakery and Brooklyn French Bakers to compare. So La Cabra was in my sights.
This croissant was formally perfect. This is the most exquisite puff pastry work of all the ones I’ve tried. It had a wonderful “crunch” to it, and the insides were pillowy and soft. It had the right amount of flake to it, where Breads had too much.
But I thought it was bland. Brooklyn French Bakers was a touch sweet for my tastes but that allowed the butter flavor to shine. Breads also had a rich butteriness to it, but this didn’t have that note: it was very very plain. A dreamy mouth experience, but the palate was left wanting.
It would be great with some jam, but today I had it plain.
by haribobosses
14 Comments
Agree that it’s technically perfect but I personally enjoy a buttery flavor. Same way I feel about Supermoon. Julien Boulangerie has a good buttery croissant.
L’appartement 4F looks like a Costco croissant compared to this. Can’t believe the owners have the audacity to say there wasn’t good croissants/baguettes in nyc before them
Should definitely give Nick and Sons a try, their shaping is not quite as immaculate but the flavour is a really great balance of the slightly sweet/milky honeycomb structure and the artisan baked flakey outside. Also their danishes are pretty f*cking amazing imo
I liked La Cabra, but my favorite croissants are almond croissants. The one I’ve enjoyed most in the city is actually Cafe Bilboquet
I had their canele… My god, it was something else.
I’m surprised to hear that you couldn’t get buttery notes from their croissaint. That stinks.
I’m not a croissant connoisseur but La Cabra’s version impressed me. The shell is incredibly flakey while being light. It’s impossible not to make a mess shattering crumbs everywhere.
I see where you’re coming from regarding the taste. The butter flavor is pretty subtle but I think I prefer it. It definitely tastes lighter and pairs well with their more complex light roasted coffees.
Librae has the best croissant in the city for me.
Have you been to Cannelle Patisserie in either LIC or Jackson Heights? It’s my favorite -crispy, buttery and slightly sweet. It’s the closest I’ve found to the ones I had in Paris but I’m no expert. I also love their almond croissants. They also cost less than the ones in Manhattan. I have not been to La Cabra but it’s on my list just because of how often it’s mentioned here. My old favorite was Arcade Bakery before they closed. I don’t care for the ones at Breads bakery.
This looks tremendous and good on you for posting the cross section.
La Bicyclette > everything. But La Cabra is solid and worth a visit.
How does it compare to Breads Bakery or Orwashers?
The answer is Bread Story. But La Cabra is good too.
Le French Tarte is my faves
Rich