Breakfast, lunch or dessert, this neighborhood bakery cafe with homemade breads and Mediterranean-influenced entries is the concealed jewel.
From the traditional to vegetarian options and Mediterranean flavors, there is a lot of variety. The location is typical for the San Fernando Valley by being on a strip mall, but don’t be fooled by the unassuming facade. Tucked away from the street, the façade is a burgundy awning with a few tables on a make shifted patio right in front of the bakery.
The ambiance is slightly reminiscent of a mom and pop corner bakery from “back east,” but with an obvious Southern California vibe and a nod to a European bakery. The music playing is one of French language that has a jazz feel.
Breakfast is served all day, also a pleasant surprise is that there are many more options on the menu then listed on Yelp. My waiter is extremely attentive and friendly.
The latte is perfection. Even though it is 11:30 a.m. on a Wednesday, there is a steady stream of customers. Another waiter while passing by my table checks to see if I need anything.
Every table is served a basket of their signature homemade bread that comes with feta cheese crumbles mixed with herbs, kalamata olives, jam and butter.
Breakfast first, their house specialty, Shakshuka a Mediterranean-style eggs served with chopped cucumber and tomato salad. This dish has a hint of an Italian pizzaiola sauce with the stewed tomato base, onions and spices, but served with poached eggs instead of the traditional steak of chicken filet.
The bakery gets more and more busy as lunch hour approaches. Onto the second course of the smoked salmon salad, served with dill mustard drizzled on top and tossed with house vinaigrette.
To round off the trio is a chocolate raspberry layer cake. It’s like a rainbow of sight and flavor. In its pretty package of geometric layered slices it looks more like a sculpture then a piece of cake. An exploration in your mouth, and the perfect combination of chocolate and raspberry.
A great vegetarian option is the brie sandwich, which comes on a choice of The Baker’s homemade olive bread, served with crispy stick french fries. The sandwich has a fresh but hearty taste and is accompanied by the house dressing.
Address: 21600 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Phone: 818.340.1987
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Free delivery: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. weekdays
