Pâtisserie Rotha: Experience Exquisite French Pastries in Albany, CA

The best advice you'll get from anyone is to SHOW UP EARLY. There is a long line on the sidewalk and they run out of stuff quick. We showed up maybe 1.5-2 hrs before closing, and they had already had a sign that they ran out of croissants - our one goal that morning. We obviously opted for something else since we waited already. The pastries are like food art. They taste great. The facility looks very clean and orderly. I just wanted a French croissant. It's rare these days to find a legit one, comparable to those in Paris. 11/21 update: They were DELICIOUS. It was like being in France again. If you don't care about all the butter that went into it, or you throw out all the rules of ettiquette and lick every bit of croissant flake off your plate, no one will judge you. I ate these so slow, listening to every flaky crunch. Standing in this line is 150% totally worth it.

A small store with no seating, selling handcrafted French pastries. Items appear to be made in small batches, and curated from the owner’s memories. Tasty, rich and best savored with a good coffee.

Ok after an early morning of fishing near the Albany Beach, I was feeling a little hungry and decided to look up nearby cafe’s/bakeries - Patisserie Rotha came up and it was highly rated - so that was the spot plus it was close by. There was a line out the door - so I was thinking this place has to be good right. I asked a few customers ahead of me if this place was good and they gave it a big thumbs up. When I got in the door man there was not much left (They only bake so much and close when they run out) However, I was lucky there was still a few Croissants and tarts left. YAY!! I purchased a Croissant-tart-chocolate cake (not sure of the name) I just want to say these are one of the best Croissants I had in the Bay Area and they are only 3.75ea that is one of the best deals out there. The tart was also very good both 5 stars. I would give the cake 4 stars but still good. Overall if you are looking for one of the best Croissants in the bay at one of the best prices look no further but get there early before they sell out. This place is highly recommended.

Really impressive & authentic pastries, the croissants are flaky and buttery, almond croissants delicate and not too sweet, and the egg tart is far superior to others we’ve had in the area. We loved everything we got! The line moves reasonably quickly (weekend around 830am) and the owner was very kind and patient.

This place is insanely good. There is always a line out the door and they sell out fast, get there at opening!! The chocolate almond croissants are to die for and are better than anything I’ve ever had, even in Paris!!!

the summary: very Berkeley bakery, not my favorite style of almond croissants but good if you're into the rustic meets refined baking style The verdict: it's good. Worth a line? No. Top of mind must try or go again? Not for me. I would give it 3 stars if rating for my preference but giving 4 stars taking into account if others would like it. The details: this place always has a line and has been heard to have better almond croissants than fournee (also not my favorite almond croissant but considered one of the best for Berkeley) so was interested to try. Finally had a chance to try and wasn't a little let down (just like fournee). The style is rustic with a lot of glaze and flattened, which is a first for me. They were pretty skimpy on the frangipane on the inside which is a big nono for me. Just tasted like a flattened croissant with glaze and powdered sugar. Not much almond. The best part was the tips, which with the glaze was actually a fun chewy/crunchy bite. Would guess their kouign-amannes would be good based on that but didn't get.

Very good pastries, go early since they sell out! I liked everything I tried except the almond croissant (which I found a bit too flat/undercooked) and the flan (which was rubbery and lacked some flavor). But the seasonal and plain croissants were great as was the Bostock.

I stopped at Pâtisserie Rotha on my way to try another bakery. (Keep in mind, I very seldom have treats). I ordered one croissant. I had in inclination to get another. I’m glad I did. I took one bite… light flaky crust, gentle butter, immense love and care fell on the center of my palette. If there were outside seating, I would have gotten a treat for someone else. This place is too good to keep to oneself. I’ll be back.