Awesome Pastries Okay Service, 11/19/2009
Reviewer: Ixchelle
from Santa Barbara, CA
The pastry here is AMAZING! By far the best in town. They are different than anything I have had, delicate, carefully crafted, and absolutely delicious! The service however was lacking. The girl at the register was nice at first but then they forgot to call me after my to-go order was ready. There were only a few people in the restaurant and she wasn't smart enough to ask if anyone was waiting for an order. So I waited and waited for 40 minutes I waited until I finally asked and the girl handed me my cold pasta.
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Excellent food, service and dining., 8/2/2009
Reviewer: Martha Richman
from Santa Barbara, CA
Having stopped by at different times of the day for breakfast, lunch or a coffee, I have found the food to always be fresh, delicious and nicely presented.
The staff is always friendly, efficient, attentive, and focused on giving good customer service.
I enjoy the ambience of eating outside with the nice patio tables, padded chairs, umbrella, and nearby fountain.
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Not very good, 7/29/2009
Reviewer: Julie
from Santa Barbara, CA
I was really excited to go to this place, and my mood was entirely ruined after going here. The service was well...there was no service. The lady behind the counter didn't smile and was too busy talking to someone else next to her. The desserts were way too sweet even though they looked so good behind the glass. Me and my friend didn't even get to eat anything because they stopped serving food at 2:30. Horrible... I was so disappointed. Never again.
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Amazing!, 3/18/2009
Reviewer: Andrew
from Santa Barbara, CA
My friend took me here in an effort to expand my horizons. Wow the food was outstanding. Try the chicken sandwich. Service was simple.
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I don't understand people's rating on service, 3/2/2009
Reviewer: Hajir Sailors
from Santa Barbara, CA
Time after time I have walked into Renaud's sometimes to sit down for a Renaud and a cappuccino, sometimes to grab a couple chocolate croissants and some macaroons, or sometimes to pick up a cake for a special occasion. More than half the time Mrs. Gonthier is standing there at the register with one of her employees with a smile on her face, when I walk in a "Hello Hajir, how have you been, haven't seen you in a while" or an "Oh, this morning's croissant wasn't enough" is always in order. While Renaud's is not a full service restaurant, as many Santa Barbara native's apparently demand, the service is always friendly and reliable. For their service to live up to their pastries they'd need employee's opening the doors and ushering you into seats where chocolate mousse appears on a gold platter in front of you. This is a patisserie, not a full service restaurant in montecito.
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Amazing pastries, service....not even close, 3/2/2009
Reviewer: Shannon
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been going to Renaud's since they opened the doors for those delicious almond croissants. Renaud is obviously a true artist however, his wife ruins the entire experience. She should stay away from the front of the house entirely for the business to be successful. Customer service is just as important as quality.
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what's happening to santa barbara, 2/27/2009
Reviewer: lizzy
from Santa Barbara, CA
I visit my friend here every month and come for coffee and a croissant in the morning.I now try to get to Renaud's before the grumpy owner gets in. What is WITH her? Never a smile and if she does it looks forced and labored. May I suggest a LONG walk on the beach before work? And all these new faces behind the counter. What happened to the old staff? Bring them back and I'll come back.
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Renaud's is great, 2/4/2009
Reviewer: Brandon
from Santa Barbara, CA
I love this place, just had a salad special with duck liver, baby mache, shallots and a potato pancake that was soooo tasty, with such attention to detail, typical of this great restaurant. We're lucky to have Renaud's in Santa Barbara.
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Delicious Food & Service, 1/26/2009
Reviewer: Alexandra
from Santa Barbara, CA
My husband and I go here every weekend and get the same breakfast and we love this place. Their coffee is organic and when they say their orange juice is fresh squeezed it really is! I love to get the French toast and my husband gets the fried egg sandwich. The people at the counter are always nice and helpful. Thanks Renauds for being the best Santa Barbara has to offer in terms of bakery items.
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Atrocious service, 1/22/2009
Reviewer: Alyssa
from Santa Barbara, CA
I called almost a week in advance to place an order for one of the tarts on their website and was told that they do not have the size on their website, they measure by how many people it feeds. I asked to order the tart that feeds 8 people and explained that treats go a long way in our office. The woman I spoke to did not seem to know what she was talking about. She thought it would be $40 but she would call back to confirm-never called. I called the next day and spoke with another rude woman who said the order had been placed for a 12" but said, "if you think you're going to feed everyone with that, you're wrong." I explained that, in the past, we've had cake for weeks because people in our office eat small portions. She condescendingly explained that they use a 12" pan for the tart (duh?). I confirmed that this was the size I wanted and she laughed. If this had not been a birthday order for someone in my office, I would have canceled it based on their poor service. P.S. we had leftovers.
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A special place, 1/16/2009
Reviewer: stuart o.
from Santa Barbara, CA
Now this place is special! A real Paris Bistro. Delicious Croque Monsieur sandwich. The pastries look heavenly. The coffee was self serve with several choices but a small cup. Unfortunately the place is so small it could be hard to get a table at mealtime. The staff was very friendly which I guess make not entirely a french experience :>).
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Nice Surprise, 1/14/2009
Reviewer: Elizabeth
from Santa Barbara, CA
We have lived in San Roque 40 years and at last we have a real French Bakery to visit! Merci beaucoup. We have been lamenting the exit of Napoleon's downtown and reluctant to try another in case of being disappointed yesterday we took the plunge , and after browsing at Chaucers we stepped into Renaud's. No more to grieving over Napolean's ! Renaud's is indeed the very essence of French cuisine. We indulged in their wonderful Quiche Lorraine followed by delightful pastries. No complaints other than the slice of the Quiche was much too small :-) We plan to make Renaud's a regular place to visit after our next stroll around Loreto Plaza. We received excellent service. All the staff were kind, helpful and very patient. Many many thanks to you all for making our visit perfect.
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heart and soul, 1/6/2009
Reviewer: kathleen
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been coming to Renauds since they opened last January. The menu is interesting and fairly priced but what I really enjoyed about Renauds was the staff, namely Amy and Andrea. They have both left and I find myself missing them. They were the heart and soul of the place. They treated all the customers like family and really cared about making us all feel welcomed and important. The girls they have now are nice enough but I feel like it's just a job for them. I hope the owners recognize that a restaurant is more then the food produced. Its the people that keep the engine oiled.
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Service Improving! But, they need to learn how to cook eggs!, 1/3/2009
Reviewer: Christina
from Santa Barbara, CA
My boyfriend and I I have been to Renaud's several times. The food has always been excellent, but the service and the set up has been poor. It was especially annoying when we would be ordering our food while the available table we spotted was stolen by people in line behind us! I was happy to see that Renaud's now assists you in finding a seat. What a pleasant change! One disappointment is that I ordered my eggs "over medium". They came out with the yolk completely cooked. They graciously took them back and brought me more that were cooked the exact same way ("over hard")! So, once again they graciously brought me more. This time they were on the side of "over easy", but I didn't want to send them back again. They gave me a free croissant, which of course was excellent, but cooking eggs should be easy! Overall, we will definitely go back, but I will probably stick to the baked goods!
By the way, my boyfriend says that Renaud's has the best paper napkins in SB (they really are nice!!)
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Awesome in Every Way!, 1/1/2009
Reviewer: RK
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been to Renauds about a dozen times, and every time the food and service has been great.
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Thank you Renaud's for by far the best pastries in all of SB, 12/21/2008
Reviewer: J P Hamilton
from Santa Barbara, CA
Everything at Renaud's is instantly addicting, be it the pastries or the menu items. They have the best plain croissants in SB for sure, and possibly tops in all of California. Their almond and chocolate croissants are absolutely soul-satisfying as well. The macaroons are melt in your mouth fantastic (and don't expect coconut anywhere in a French macaroon!). They have homemade nougat that makes me feel good to be alive as soon as it hits my tongue. I could go on and on about the Fleur de Sel, Mille-feuille, Rum Baba, Eclairs and the surprisingly amazing cookies, but you need to try them for yourselves. As for the service, people need to lighten up. What local small business have you been in lately where the owner doesn't have the look of a deer in headlights these days? I saw in a span of three hours on a Saturday at least three hundred different customers come in and was amazed at how only three people behind the counter got them all in and out. I did overhear a few grumbles at having to wait in line or that they wanted table service but you could tell they all drove over from Montecito and are used to being catered to. The funny thing is I have seen the same grumblers several times since, so obviously the proof is in the pudding, or in this case the amazing croissants. Thank you Renaud's for all the time and energy you put into this lost art. There are many of us who truly appreciate all you do!
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Good Food,Understandable Behavior, 12/21/2008
Reviewer: Carlos
from Santa Barbara Co.
I come here often, with only once incident that marred the ex perience (I paid for three pastries and only received two).
I find the proprietors to be amiable,but running a restaurant in this rather small location can be daunting.They don't suffer dawdlers.
The food is worth it. I also enjoy seeing the small redheaded daughter sometimes venturing into the dining area. It clearly is a family affair and that makes it a interesting, worthwhile experience. The pastries are to die for, the croissants are perfect and all the food is extremely tasty. IMHO, the only real drawback is the small available space.
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Fabulous Croissants, Grumpy Service, 12/20/2008
Reviewer: Susan
from Santa Barbara, CA
As good as Paris, but missing friendly Santa Barbara service. The main person behind the counter should act as if she were glad you were there, instead of it being an imposition!
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Amazing., 12/15/2008
Reviewer: Austin Hunt
from Santa Barbara, CA
I go to Renaud's quite often with my friend Michael who first introduced me to the chocolate eclairs filled with chocolate and I love it. Ever since then it has been one of my favorite patisserie's in town. The prices are a little steep, but it's definetely worth it!
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What an amazing meal!, 12/9/2008
Reviewer: Wendy
from Los Angeles, CA
This was our first trip to Renaud's;I can't believe we've missed it on our previous trips to SB. My husband ordered the croque monsieur and I the chicken sandwich. As usual when they came to the table, we wanted what the other had ordered. They were BOTH delicious! Naturally we had to have two of the beautiful desserts. I don't recall what his was called but it was fantastic. I had the chocoloate croissant and can't wait until I get another. The service was great! The people were great. It's so cute and delightful. We'll be back-VERY SOON. Thank you!! What a nice end to our weekend.
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mad owner, 12/9/2008
Reviewer: liz
from Santa Barbara, CA
About a week ago my friend and I came in for lunch but ordered off the breakfast menu. Our food came very late and my friend didn't even get her's.Instead of being sincerely sorry, she was just mad. We understand that mistakes happen but to have such a bad attitude wasn't what we expected.In these times I would think one would do what owners could to keep the customers happy and coming back. How disappointing.
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Construction almost finished at this French gem, 11/23/2008
Reviewer: jinelle
from Santa Barbara, CA
The plain croissants here have to be better than even in France; they are that good. The construction is almost done and it looks like there will be a patio outside seating going in fairly soon. An absolutely wonderful find for French bakery goodies.
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tea fire
Reviewer: Elizabeth
from Santa Barbara, CA
Early Friday morning on Nov 14 a young lady behind the counter let me in before they opened.I told her I had to evacuate my home due to the Tea fire. She was very sympathetic and reached into her pocketbook and paid for my coffee and almond croissants. She told me it was the least she could do.
It really made my day. What a wonderful testament to our kind citizens that live in this fabulous community. Here's to Renaud's, baked goods made with love and their wonderful staff.
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Food and service great
Reviewer: JO
from Santa Barbara, CA
The food is sublime. This is counter service which is truly not my favorite, but everyone from the owner Nicole to All the other wonderful people are doing their best it is always crowded! so expect a wait. I noticed an earlier review about someone who wanted free samples. If only all restaurants let us take a bit of the stuff in the counter oh- but that would be a buffet right. Omelets are great so light!
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Amazing Croissants
Reviewer: Nicole
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been a huge fan of Renaud's for about 6 months. I agree the service could use some help but the croissants are just amazing. However I would not recommend going there until they finish the construction. They keep everything closed during that time and there is almost no light inside. Outside is nicer but there's no where to sit. Once they are done remodeling it'll be a great place to be again!
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Extremely rude....
Reviewer: Robyn
from Santa Barbara, CA
For months I have heard the greatest things about Renaud's. I finally went in and was shocked at the rude service I received. The woman who appeared to be in charge was extremely snippy with me. I asked for a sample of a macaroon and was declined. When I seemed disappointed the manager/owner snapped at me for appearing upset at her policy. I understand the need for this kind of policy, I only wish the woman would have handled the situation in a more professional way.
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Renaud-My Impressions
Reviewer: Carlos
from Santa Maria CA
I like this restaurant/patisserie for its incredible pastries. The service is friendly, but I think the proprietors/staff find it hard to work in the too small resaturant. They need a bigger space. But the food is great. I've had breakfast here and have bought tons of pastries, but and have found it to be of the highest quality. IMHO, it seems this establishment and Via Maestra 42 (just around the corner) suffer the same problem.
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The best croissant I've ever had.
Reviewer: Ambershawn Ruse
from Santa Barbara, CA
Yes, better than Paris. I am a lover of croissants, and try them everywhere I go. Renaud's has the flakiest, most buttery croissants I've ever had. Yes, on a whole, they are a tad expensive. (Though just a croissant and a cup of coffee is under $5- its the quiche and fancy pastry that costs) And I agree, on the whole, they are a bit rude, and the service is only so-so. However, I'm willing to overlook it, and it seems so is everyone else - most mornings the place is packed. (They make an awe inspiring chocolate chip cookie as too!) Try to go early in the morning (7-9am) for the best service - they aren't as busy.
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lovely breakfast and treats
Reviewer: chee
from Santa Barbara, CA
my friend and I went to Renaud's on a Sunday morning, and we found that the place was packed solid with patrons. we only had to wait a few minutes before a table opened up, so that was great. our food was quite delicious--hot coffee; fluffy, buttery, and light brioche; fresh fruit; crispy and sweet macaroons; highly seasoned and tender potatoes; flaky and savory croissant sandwich. given the busy-ness of the restaurant, some of the waitstaff seemed a bit brusque, but others were more willing to offer recommendations to my friend and I. our breakfast was a steal with our discount card (2 entrees for $10!). I'll definitely come back again, especially after the plaza has completed its renovation and the outdoor seating is reinstated.
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Renaud's is going downhill....
Reviewer: Kari
from Santa Barbara, CA
I have been going to Renaud's ever since they opened for their amazing almond croissants.... The service has always been extremely rude, but we have put up with it for the croissants. The last 3 times I have gone, they have gotten worse and worse (1 time no almond paste inside, and the last 2 times totally burnt). For what they charge and for the bad service, this is not worth it at all. I am done going there.....
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Best French pastries in Santa Barbara
Reviewer: Erin
from Santa Barbara, CA
Renaud's makes, quite simply, the BEST French pastries I have tasted since being in France. The croissants are light, crispy and oh so buttery. Yes, they are pricey, but quality is worth the price, isn't it? The almond croissant is the best of the pastry bunch, and their quiche is delicious. The only downside to this charming place is the slooooow service, but if you can deal with that, it's absolutely worth every bit of the wait.
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stop complaining about the cost for great, real food!!!
Reviewer: Jack Simmons
from Santa Barbara
Renaud's is one of a kind in Santa Barbara and I think everyone should be glad that there are still skilled chefs, pastry chefs and bakers in this town that are able to create amazing food.
I think Renaud's is a great place and if it's too expensive for you just do it every once in a while as a special treat or go somewhere were you get the cheap , frozen stuff you might be looking for in the first place.
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Amazing French Patisserie
Reviewer: Debby Peterson
from Santa Barbara, CA
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Best bakery, worst service
Reviewer: David
from Santa Barbara, CA
Renaud's continually produces great baked goods. Their goods are overpriced, but I'd rather pay extra for a good croissant than to get a poor one anywhere else.
The thing that will continue to keep them from reaching the top is their abysmal service. The girl continues to exhibit a "i don't care attitude" and seems bothered when you ask her for assistance. I've noticed similar issues with the other workers. In fact, it seems like the only kind employees are the ones with the least experience and seniority.
Renaud needs to learn that a successful eatery does not rely entirely on what's accomplished in the kitchen.
Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro - Upper State writes:
Dear David,
We were sorry to read that you were disappointed with the service here. We are not sure who assisted you yesterday, but would like to speak with you regarding your experience. Rest assured that is not the type of service that we would like to convey to the public and we appreciate your honesty and candor. Please feel free to contact us directly at renaudspatisserie@gmail.com. Very Respectfully, Nicole and Renaud Gonthier
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Absolutely AMAZING!
Reviewer: Michael Harte
from Santa Barbara, CA
Over the past few months I have been to Renaud's dozens of times and each and every time I go I am continually amazed and impressed by the quality of the food, the pastries, the selection, the atmosphere, and just the entire experience of Renaud's. Me and my friends often make multiple trips to Renaud's in a given day. Their chocolate croissants are amazing, as are the eclairs, the macaroons, the cakes, the french toast, and the sandwiches. All fabulous! I have never once had a bad experience. I'm disappointed by the construction that is going on (not their fault), and I hope customers will look past the plywood exterior. Treats from Renaud's make great gifts to surprise people in a "just because" sort of way. I would recommend Renaud's to anyone who enjoys an incredible ambiance, fantastic food and amazing deserts, and a great french experience. Renaud's is truly one of a kind.
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Paris in Santa Barbara
Reviewer: Jill Brouillard
from Santa Barbara
Visited Renaud's for the first time for lunch. The croissants are equal to any you would find in France. I have never had one this good in the states. Lunch menu could have a little more variety. Decor is lovely. Nice addition to uptown!
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At long last...LOVE
Reviewer: Anthony
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've had two fabulous dining experiences at Renaud's. Had their fried egg sandwich for breakfast. It was a culinary experience, cheese, mushrooms - in short a taste sensation. Then at a lunch, had the chicken sandwich - it was an out-of-body experience. The best ever. Staff was helpful and friendly. They're currently experiencing facade renovations at the Plaza, so ignore the temporary plywood facade. Once inside, it's a sensational experience. My companion had a croissant and said it was the best she's ever tasted. We also liked the fact that there's a choice of four different coffee brews, all organic. We'll be repeat customers for sure.
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good food but the price is too high
Reviewer: Alyse
from Santa Barbara
We went there today and ordered lunch for two and ended up paying $30 for something that might have qualified as an appetizer. This is no white table cloth dining experience and there is not even table service! The food is pretty good but I cannot recommend this place unless you are looking for a small tasty snack and don't care about the cost.
Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro - Upper State writes:
We wanted to respond to the review by Alyse in Santa Barbara. We were sorry to hear that you were disappointed in the quantity of the food and the fact that we don't have white table cloths on our tables. If you could please contact me directly and let me know what you had for lunch I can further investigate the small portion size you mention. If there is a problem with the kitchen please allow me the opportunity to correct it for you, so that you feel you can refer people to our bistro. Our direct email address is renaudspatisserie@gmail.com. Very Respectfully, Nicole & Renaud Gonthier
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so yummy
Reviewer: diana michaelson
from santa barbara
fabulous pastries. so excited to see macarons here...thought we would have to travel back to france to have these. the only issue that we have is with the long line. actual service is great (once you are done waiting!). but they should seriously consider taking a cue from d'angelos - have customers simply take menus and seat themselves for dine-in, and to-go orders can use the counter. one register doesn't seem like enough, for the number of customers that frequent this place.
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Food awesome, svc kinks need to be worked out
Reviewer: Jess
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've eaten lunch here twice now and had a croissant for breakfast and can't get over how delicious everything is. The only difficulty seems to be that the place can't yet handle how much business it has gotten. But despite the little kinks in service the product is well worth a little patience. I've never had a better croissant.
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Great Santa Barbara addition
Reviewer: Ginny Doehler
from Santa Barbara
Welcome to Santa Barbara - just what I've craved - fresh, warm croissants better than it seems I've had in France. You must try the almond croissant and the croque monsieur - fabulous. Service is great in that pastries to go are nicely done in a box with a tie, so taking them to someone's house you feel happy at your presentation. And, once they taste what you've brought, you're always welcome to come with a box from Renaud's.
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Terrible Service!
Reviewer: Vicky
from Santa Barbara, CA
The woman behind the counter taking orders was SO RUDE! I went to lunch on a Sunday with 3 other friends and she told me that our party could not sit together because they couldn't put 2 small tables together for us even though there were only 4 people in our party! When I gave her my food order she wouldn't acknowledge me and started taking the next person's order behind me in line. I told her to that we are not paying together and she gave me a dirty look then said "I just don't put your orders together then. I'll separate them later". I have no idea how that makes any sense but I told her to cancel my order and we left.
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Good croissants, Ok service.
Reviewer: Susy
from San Luis Obispo
I visited this place last Saturday with some friends; we ordered some breakfast and pastries. The food was tasty but greasy and what's with the mixed greens for breakfast? Their croissants are great but if you like to have some jam with it this won't be free, they charge you for it. Service is ok.
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Best Breakfast in SB!
Reviewer: Nicole
from Goleta
I went to Renaud's last Saturday for an early morning breakfast and totally fell in love with it. The croissants are delicious! I ordered a plain croissant and an almond one since they were fresh out of the oven. Both were amazing and complemented their delicious organic coffee quite well. The service was good, but they need two cash register's and a few more tables to keep the flow of customers going.
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kitchen staff goes home earlly
Reviewer: nhavandj
from san luis obispo
Arrived Saturday afternoon around 2:40pm. Ordered only to be told curtly that "kitchen closes at 2:30pm." This from an establishment that closes at 5:00pm. No signs around about kitchen hours. No info about kitchen hours on website either. Clients have to rely on their hunches. There were only about three almond tarts left. What do these guys sell for over two hours? Coffee?
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delicious fresh food and pastries
Reviewer: Tina
from Santa Barbara
My boyfriend and I loved the croissant and brioche we got -- really just perfect and buttery and fresh. Going to eat there was also really successful -- the brioche french toast with strawberry jam is deliciously soggy (I love it this way, others may not). My boyfriend's croissant sandwich with egg and cheese and ham was also very yummy. We got a chocolate tart at the end of the meal that was pretty dry, but the ganache on top was perfect and delicious. I ill definitely return.
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Delicious!
Reviewer: Emily
from Santa Barbara, CA
I ordered about 4 dozen pastries for an event on Tuesday morning. The woman at the counter was extremely helpful and very detailed with my requests. When I picked up the pastries the next morning they were ready, still a bit warm, and absolutely delicious. Everyone raved about them, especially the almond croissant. These crossaints are seriously amazing, better than ones I have had in Paris.
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the reviews are good for a reason
Reviewer: Ruth
from Santa Barbara
Had the most satisfying wonderful lunch on a cold windy day. Homemade soups are amazing and sandwiches are to die for. Finally Santa Barbara has a great lunch spot! Pastries are out of this world and as close to France as you can get here. For Steve, the reviewer below, to even mention this place and Costco in the same sentence is insulting. You can get fish sticks at Costco too but you go to Brophy's for the good stuff - know what I'm saying? It is a must try for sure!The owners are really nice too and the only reason I gave it 3 stars for service is because you do order at the counter then they bring you the food, not quite full service but the place ain't that big either.
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Finally a true butter croissant!
Reviewer: Heather
from Santa Barbara, CA
After a recent trip to Paris, I was reminded of how much I love a true butter croissant...the slight crunch of the outer layer met with a soft buttery interior. Oh, and the size is much smaller than our American version. When Renaud's finally opened, I was thrilled to try their croissant, and I was in heaven when I did! Renaud's only uses European butter and the best ingredients possible. Their pastries are phenomenal...every singe one that I've tried! Merci Renaud and Nicole for opening SB's first true French patisserie!
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Excellent food, nice owners
Reviewer: Nancy
from Santa Barbara, CA
We had sandwiches for lunch. Though the menu is small, the food is so good! It was like a flavor explosion in the mouth. Then we had the best macaroons for dessert. Perfect meal in a serene atmosphere. Also, the owners are very nice. I hope they do very well.
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FINALLY A REAL BRIOCHE IN SB
Reviewer: Mark Brownstein
from Santa Barbara, Ca
My wife and I are so happy, we live in San Rocque and now we have this great bakery, Besides things looking great, they are making real Brioche, Sweet ones, that are perfect in the morning or at tea time, I have not had such nice rich breads since having them at La Brea Bakery in La. I plan being a loyal customer, we also had a perfect omellete there, more French style, The Tarte Tatin looks parfait.
Cheers, Foodhunter mark Brownstein
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Renaud's
Reviewer: Brandon
from Goleta, CA
Everything I've tried from this new bistro has been superb in quality and delicious. The croissants are perfectly large enough; while they may not be as large as Costco's, they are many times tastier. The breakfast and lunch sandwiches have been delicious and I've been blown away with their pastries and sweets. Haven't had a cappuccino here, but the coffee is very high quality and the service is wonderful. Quality across the board is superb. Very nice addition to S.B.
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It is not very good,except the less than sizeable croissants
Reviewer: Steve
from sb
The topping on the quiche we had was over cheesed, the body not at all thick enough, and the crust overdone and hard. The cappuchino was poor and bland tasting....not up to the quality of many great coffee places in S.B. Reds has much better service and coffee stuff....even Steves Patio cafe....they make an interesting cappo if you ask for it strong and not too much milk. Fair enough....the croissant was very good...if a bit too small...even Costco makes a nice large pretty good tasting one for 50 cents....so you better at least be generous in size when you serve this .... better to be 25 cents more and be adequate in size. Service was a person learning and needing a bit of help. Good luck...but not truely French in quality. Sorry.
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worth the price, even though steep, for GREAT pastries
Reviewer: Hajir Sailors
from Santa Barbara, CA
the pastries at Renaud's are absolutely amazing. One of the few places to actually have chocolate eclairs that are filled with chocolate. most places fill it with the white cream that is really not that good. The prices are steep, but the chocolate croissant is a good enough price for a good enough breakfast and you're not goign to be able to maek this at home or find it anywhere else, so really it's worth it. If you have your breakfast here, lunch at pacific crepes, drive out to Chocolats du calibressan out in Carp, then you go to mimosa for dinner, you've had a good french day!
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Great pastry, but a day old
Reviewer: Kat
from Santa Barbara
Went to Renaud's patisserie after much great reviews and response. Renauld's is a much welcome respite from the previous bakery located in this spot.
Arrived on Saturday morning, and took 2 pain de chocolate and a baguette home with us.
The pastry was not fresh. I believe it was a day old, even after lightly heating in the oven, it was a bit tough, but the flavor was good. If I had to compare it to D'Angelo's, unfortunately, I would give D' the heads up. And the baguette, although nice, lacked the sour taste and texture of a true french sour dough bread baguette.
I did not have a chance to try any of their pastries. I will make a trip back and give them a try, but I would go back to D'Angelo's before I came back here. Sorry.
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SUIRPISE
Reviewer: Virginie
from santa barbara
I have never tasted a "Mille Feuille" or "Napoleon" like this in the 23 years I have lived in Santa Barbara. I can't wait to try the other pastries.
It is as authentic as it can be, considering that the based ingredients are completely different than in France. Amazing.
Chapeau au patissier! Merci d'honorer notre panse.
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Follow your bliss
Reviewer: Cathy Sargent
from Santa Barbara, CA
Congratulations Renaud..when you follow your bliss doors will open where you didn't think there would be doors.
From Cathy
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Tres Fantastic!
Reviewer: Betsy
from SB
Must try their authentic French pastries. Croissants are light, flaky, tender & buttery. Rum Baba is divine. Really delicious quiche. The owner lady is friendly. Can't wait to go back and have lunch there. The ambience is stylish & chic.
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Real French Patisserie
Reviewer: Michael Guthrie
from Santa Barbara,CA
A real French Patisserie in Santa Barbara. I never belived it would happen. Hey, they even make their soup from scratch served with garlic bread.
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Addicted To The Croissants
Reviewer: Amy
from Santa Barbara, CA
I've already visited this place 3 times in the last week! Renaud's has the best croissants I've ever tasted and I find myself constantly craving one. Baked fresh daily, you stand a very good chance of getting one still warm from the oven if you go around 7am when they first open. If you're not a croissant fan though, they also have a very tempting display of other pastries, of which I highly recommend the cafe eclair. Yum! I can't go without mentioning the great service here also. I have gotten the pastries to go, and they do a great job of packaging them so that it looks like a present. A great addition to SB, I wish Renaud's lots of success!
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So Happy
Reviewer: Brandon
from Goleta
How very nice to find such delicious french pastries and bistro food in this town. Very high attention to detail and so tasty. I'm already in love with this place. :)
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delicious pastries and friendly staff
Reviewer: lemonjelly
from santa barbara, ca
This shop is a great addition to Loretto Plaza, which desperately needs some revitalization. I walk in on a sunny morning and the place is warm and inviting. Neighborhood people are having coffee and people in front of me in the queue are already repeat customers. The people behind me are first timers and very excited to give the place a try.
The almond croissant ($3.00) was delicious, mine especially so because it came straight from the oven. The chocolate macaroons are like crisp meringue on the outside and flourless chocolate torte on the inside ($2.00), the green pistachio macaroon is also good, but if you're only going to get one, get the chocolate.
My assortment of pastries were boxed up prettily and wrapped in raffia, great presenation. I cannot fault the food and counter service for a single thing so they get top marks from me!
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A real French Bistro cafe in Santa Barbara
Reviewer: Marla S Wilson
from Santa Barbara
It is not easy to make a croissant. ( do not confuse it with a crescent roll)
Timing must be perfect, you can't rush the dough, you have to layer the right temperature of sweet butter between each layer of pastry dough. Until now Santa barbara did not have real croissants. There are some excellent bakeries here and some even do a passable croissant but not a real French quality. - I usually drive up to San Francisco to bay Breads, or fly to NY to Payard or to Pain Dor'e in Montreal- A little far alas... But now, my breakfast experience is complete. An egg and a perfect buttery croissant- a little sweet butter and perhaps some jam, a warm latte or cafe au lait in a large cup, Are you feeling my bliss yet? No? Well go to Renauds and you will.
not into breakfast then try the Croque Monsieur yum....
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