Isabelle Briens French Pastry Cafe

127 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA

Address:	127 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA
Phone:	+1 760-942-7891
Site:	ibcafe.com
Rating:	4.7
Working:	7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–7PM 7AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 16

J Dixx

Take a step into an authentic French café at Isabelle Briens in Encinitas. The atmosphere is filled with pictures of France, French paintings, small iron patio tables, French music playing in the background and ladies speaking French behind the counter. The walls are filled with pictures of Isabelle’s family and her award-winning photography. The bustling atmosphere and the aroma of sweet, homemade pastries truly gives you the taste of France. The favorite pastries at Isabelle Briens Café are the Gluten-Free Almond Cookie, the Almond Croissant, the Chocolate Bomb and the Palmier. Isabelle was very excited about the new addition of the Gluten-Free Almond Cookie. She thought of the recipe in a dream and they have gained tons of popularity. She let me try one and I finished it right away. The melted inside and the healthy almond taste was truly delectable. She also gave me a cup of Moto coffee to help me polish off the cookie. More tasty breakfast items include the ‘Monaco’, scrambled eggs with ham and cheese in a croissant and the Cordon Omelet, blue cheese, chopped onion and tomato. The lunch menu at Isabelle Brien’s has crepes, sandwiches, paninis and amburguers/ hamburgers. Isabelle let me sample the Brigitte Bardot, a panini light on olive oil, brie, melted Swiss & Blue cheese, tomato, garlic and basil. It was the best decadent grilled cheese I had ever tasted! The most popular panini is the Marie-Antoinette, roast beef, mayo, tomato, grilled onions & Swiss cheese. Isabelle’s explains, “My personal favorite are the menu items with almond. Very tasty! I love the croissants and the gluten-free almond cookies. For dessert, my Crème Brule is to die for!” Open since 2006, Isabelle Brien’s Café has such an authenticity it makes it a very special place in Encinitas. There is nowhere else that you can get such a wonderful menu of authentic French cuisine, especially for breakfast. Isabelle states, “After coming from Versailles, France in 1995, my cousin taught me how to be a pastry chef and soon after I opened Isabelle Briens. I have such a passion for people and it gives me so much joy to offer them my pastries. Everyone leaves with a smile on their face! My new gluten-free almond cookie will make me famous one day. It is truly amazing. I also have an amazing staff that have been here for almost as long as we have been open. We just celebrated our 5th year anniversary with free cake and coffee. We know our customers by their first name and they are truly happy to see us.” Isabelle Briens also offers beautiful cakes for any occasion as well as yule logs, which have gained a lot of attention. Isabelle uses a special rice paper for each cake design. The detail is amazing. She uses all kinds of fun art and fruit to decorate the cakes, even a palm tree made out of kiwis! Take some time out of your morning, skip your run to Starbucks and go get a truly pleasurable experience from Isabelle Briens French Pastry Café in the Trader Joe’s Shopping Center. Who knows you may run into one of Isabelle’s regulars, Richard Dreifus or Tony Hawk!

Noel Meza

With service as sweet as the pastries, and pastries that melt in your mouth, this local, cute French bakery and cafe offers delicious cakes, pastries, gourmet panini sandwiches, and lots of other tasty goodies. The cafe bakery is named after and owned and operated by Mrs. Isabelle Briens, who is a French native and long-time San Diego resident. Mrs. Briens is the daughter-in-law of the famous Mr. Stan Chambers. Mrs. Briens worked for years at her cousins famous Del Mar French Pastry Cafe. In 2006 she opened the French Pastry Cafe in Encinitas and used her cousins authentic recipes to make delicious almond croissant, chocolate croissant, and apple turnovers, helping Mrs. Briens to gain a reputation for offering consistent quality, a warm atmosphere, and plenty of tasty treats for all occasions. This authentic French cafe bakery features scrumptious, freshly cooked and prepared foods for all occasions. Start the day with gourmet coffees, egg dishes, and/or fruit-filled crepes. Or choose a delicious breakfast pastry or warm butter croissant. The pastries are light, fluffy, and soft, especially the muffins. Other delicious pastries that I have personally tried include: custard brioche buns, strawberry cream cheese turnovers, coconut macaroons, blueberry and rasberry muffins, blueberry scones, almond croissants, and chocolate crossaints. Each are delightful and packed with sweet flavor. French music plays in the background in this little seat-yourself cafe bakery, with portraits and pictures of Mrs. Brien, her family, and France decorating the walls and creating a laid-back, casual ambiance. The warm, casual atmosphere is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert with a friend or loved one or both The helpers are always courteous and sweet. Shout out to Lara and Ezequiel! They rock. If you want a genuine taste of France, and are looking for authentic, home-made, delicious pastries, then Isabelles is your place!

Zed star

My wife and I have been here many times since moving to Solana Beach.The cappuccinos have been pretty good so we decided to give the lunch menu a go.We ordered a couple of the paninis from their extensive menu board.The sandwiches are named after famous French actors etc which adds a fun element.Both our grilled sandwiches were extremely tasty and surprisingly large for around $8 each.Our cappuccinos were pretty good ...pretty strong but with good flavor.We even bought a couple of freshly baked plain croissants for our breakfast the next morning and they were superb.Its a good cafe for a fresh tasty meal or nice coffee that doesnt cost the earth......and Isabelle the owner is a a very friendly hands on person who loves to chat with her patrons.

A Private User

Just went for our first time today! Not only was the service very friendly and personable, but everything was delicious (hot chocolate and chocolate croissant). Love the pictures of things related to France on the wall. And Isabelle is such a sweetie! I will be going there again for sure. The menu looked delicious! (Feb. 24, 2012)

Sandy Hill

Crepes, pastries, desserts, lunch and breakfast. This shop does everything well. The desserts are sublime. She makes them so that they taste amazing and not overly sweet. Her eggs are never over cooked and the espresso is delightful. Ham and cheese croissant is so rich I may have one once a year.

Tim Mellberg

Gluten free crepes are excellent. My wife has celiacs disease. We decided to share to crepes. As a non gluten free eater I thoroughly enjoyed them. Staff was super friendly. #awesomeness

A Private User

Hard to find words to describe the exquisite French home-baked taste. Perhaps a free, TSA-free, flight to Paris might hint at the joy of tasting Isabelles delicious creations. Bravo!

Dawn Hill

Lots to choose from. Pleasant service from all of the staff. Francophiles unite at this quaint little place.

Charles Wallace

Very friendly place with totally authentic French bakery food. Come here to practice your French.

Owen Walther

Great service, great food, good prices. Crepes are a must have, along with everything else!

Kate K

Meh. Not much selection, not much seating, drinks were made from mix.

Kyleigha Beckmann

Closest to real French pastries locally I could find! Yummy!

Shannon Anderson

Croissants as good as if not better than in Paris!!