Beard Papa's - Pacific Square Shopping Center

If you are a dessert enthusiast in Southern California, particularly in the South Bay area, you know that sometimes only a perfectly-executed, creamy, and fresh pastry will satisfy a sweet craving. Nestled within the bustling Pacific Square Shopping Center in Gardena, you’ll find a global sensation that has mastered the art of the perfect cream puff: Beard Papa's. This popular Japanese chain has built a worldwide reputation on its commitment to delivering an unparalleled dessert experience, focusing on what they call "Fresh and natural cream puffs." For California locals seeking a unique and indulgent treat, a visit to this Gardena location, situated inside the Tokyo Central and Main Supermarket, offers a delightful stop during your shopping trip.

Beard Papa's is not just another bakery; it's a specialty store that elevates the humble cream puff to a gourmet level. Their signature product is famously distinguished by its two-layered shell—an inner layer of light, airy choux pastry encased by a crispy, outer shell that is often described as pie-crust-like or cookie-crunchy. The secret to their incredible taste is that the custard filling is piped into the shell only upon order. This ensures that the shell remains wonderfully crisp and the custard is fresh, cool, and velvety smooth with every bite. The popularity of the concept, which originated in Osaka, Japan in 1999, has led to over 550 stores worldwide, and the Gardena location proudly carries on that tradition of quality and freshness right here in Los Angeles County.

The experience at Beard Papa's is highly customizable, which contributes significantly to its appeal. Customers get to choose from a variety of shell types and a rotating selection of creamy custard fillings, allowing for a new flavor adventure with every visit. Whether you're a purist who prefers the classic vanilla or an adventurous taster looking for the latest seasonal offering, this dessert spot in Gardena provides a consistent, high-quality product that makes it a standout destination for local sweet-treat lovers.

The customer feedback often praises the firm-yet-tender shells and the explosion of fresh cream that makes each puff a memorable experience. It's often recommended as an excellent alternative to traditional cakes or pies for gifts or gatherings because of the superior quality and unique, crowd-pleasing format. While some pricing comments suggest a slight premium compared to mass-produced alternatives, the general consensus is that the freshness, quality, and variety of the offerings fully justify the cost for a truly satisfying indulgence.

The commitment to baking and filling the pastries fresh on-site daily truly sets Beard Papa's apart in the competitive California dessert scene. This dedication is evident in the taste and texture of the cream puffs, which hold their structure and flavor well, even hours after purchase, though they are always best consumed right away for optimal crispness. This location is a true gem for those who appreciate high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation in their confectionery treats.

The Beard Papa's experience extends beyond their famous puffs, making it a perfect spot to satisfy a wide range of sweet-tooth desires. They often feature other Japanese-inspired desserts and pastries, offering a more complete and diverse menu than a typical single-item specialty store. This variety helps make it a destination for all types of dessert enthusiasts in the South Bay.

The convenience of its location within a major Asian supermarket complex also adds to its draw, allowing patrons to easily grab a delightful dessert after completing their grocery shopping, or simply making a quick trip for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up or a surprise treat for the family. The inviting display case, filled with beautifully crafted pastries, is often the first thing to catch the eye of passersby, successfully tempting even the most discerning dessert lovers.

While the overwhelming majority of reviews focus on the deliciousness of the products and the friendly service, a single customer review mentioned an issue with a promotional card, which resulted in disappointment for that patron due to the card's conditions not being honored as expected. The staff were described as polite, though unable to resolve the issue without a manager. This isolated experience highlights a potential point of attention for the local business regarding clarity on promotions, but it does not detract from the consistent praise for the quality of the actual cream puffs and the general cleanliness and friendly atmosphere of the counter.

Overall, for locals in Gardena and the surrounding areas like Torrance, Carson, and Lawndale, Beard Papa's at the Pacific Square Shopping Center is a must-try dessert destination. It offers a fresh, unique, and consistently delicious option for personal indulgence, an elegant gift, or a satisfying end to a local food tour.

Location and Accessibility

The Beard Papa's location is strategically placed for maximum convenience for the local California community. It is situated inside the popular Tokyo Central and Main Supermarket, making it an easy-to-find spot within the larger Pacific Square Shopping Center.

The specific address is:

1620 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247, USA

Accessibility is a significant advantage for this location:

• The store is located in Gardena, California, making it easily accessible for residents across the South Bay area.
• It is housed within the Tokyo Central and Main Supermarket, providing a familiar and convenient retail environment.
• There is plenty of parking available in the shopping center's lot, ensuring a hassle-free visit for customers arriving by car.
• The store front counter is well-positioned and consistently maintained, offering a clean and inviting atmosphere.

For direct contact, the phone number is:

Phone: (310) 538-2909

Mobile Phone: +1 310-538-2909

Services Offered

• Freshly Baked Cream Puffs with customizable shell and filling options.
• A variety of cream puff shell options, which may include Original, Dark Chocolate Eclair, Green Tea Eclair, OREO® Cookie Crumble Eclair, Honey Butter Eclair, Reese's Eclair, and more (shell selection may rotate).
• A selection of custard fillings, typically including Original Vanilla, Chocolate, and Green Tea, with additional specialty and seasonal flavors that rotate monthly.
• Mini Puff Assortments, offering smaller versions of their popular treats.
• Seasonal and limited-time featured flavor promotions, such as Ube Eclair or Dubai Chocolate Puff, to keep the menu exciting.
• Takeout and Grab-and-Go options, perfect for quick pickups.
• Catering and party orders for larger events.

Features / Highlights

• Specializes in the Japanese-style cream puff, known for its patented two-layer shell—a crunchy exterior and a soft inner choux pastry.
• Custard filling is injected into the shell upon order, guaranteeing the utmost freshness, crispness of the shell, and a cool, smooth cream.
• The best-selling item is the Original Cream Puff, filled with the classic vanilla custard cream.
• Located inside the well-known Tokyo Central and Main Supermarket, offering a combined grocery and dessert stop.
• Known for high-quality, rich custard made with imported vanilla beans and an overall refreshing taste that is not overly sweet.
• Staff are generally described as polite and attentive, contributing to an enjoyable customer experience.
• Provides a unique and upscale alternative to traditional cakes and pies for gifts and personal desserts.

Contact Information

For local patrons in Gardena and the Los Angeles area looking to plan a visit or place an order, the contact details are as follows:

• Address: 1620 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247, USA
• Phone: (310) 538-2909

What is Worth Choosing

For first-time visitors or loyal fans, what truly makes the Gardena Beard Papa's a worthwhile choice is the opportunity to taste the world-famous "World's Best Cream Puffs," an experience built upon quality and innovation. The value is found in the meticulous preparation—specifically, the patented, fresh-baked shell combined with the on-demand, light, and flavorful custard filling. This dedication to freshness is what ensures the iconic textural contrast that Beard Papa's is celebrated for.

The standout choice for any patron is undeniably the Original Cream Puff. This is the brand’s specialty and best-selling item for a reason, featuring the signature crisp shell filled with the velvety, vanilla bean-flecked custard. It serves as the perfect introduction to the Beard Papa's experience, providing the ideal balance of crunch, creaminess, and authentic flavor.

Beyond the classic, exploring the rotating Specialty Eclair Shells and Seasonal Fillings is highly recommended. Shell options like the Dark Chocolate Eclair, OREO® Cookie Crumble Eclair, or the Churros Cinnamon offer creative twists on the original. Pairing a seasonal filling, such as Green Tea or a monthly featured fruit flavor, with a unique shell allows customers to craft a custom treat that caters exactly to their current craving. The Mini Puffs are also an excellent choice for those looking to sample a variety of flavors or for light snacking.

In a region saturated with dessert options, Beard Papa's offers a singular, high-quality, and consistently satisfying Japanese-inspired pastry experience. Whether you are buying a single puff as a personal reward or a box to share, choosing a Beard Papa's cream puff means choosing a dessert celebrated globally for its unmatched freshness and delectable quality right here in Gardena, California.

Beard Papa's - Pacific Square Shopping Center

1620 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247, USA