Cafe de Paris

For residents across the Twin Cities and the South Metro area of Minnesota, the search for truly authentic, European-style pastries often requires a special trip. Fortunately, Apple Valley is home to Cafe de Paris, a highly acclaimed local bakery and cafe that brings the delicate flavors and fresh-baked traditions of a classic Parisian boulangerie right to your neighborhood.

Cafe de Paris is far more than just a typical bakery. It is a fusion of culinary passion, specializing in two distinct but equally delicious offerings: authentic French Viennoiserie (baked goods like croissants) and fresh, flavorful Vietnamese-style sandwiches, most notably the Banh Mi. This unique combination is a reflection of the owner's extensive background and culinary journey, with the owner, Chef Tang Vang, having grown up in Paris, France, giving him a genuine mastery of authentic French baking techniques.

Since its opening, Cafe de Paris has quickly become a local sensation. Customers consistently rave about the incredible freshness, lightness, and authentic crispiness of the croissants and pastries. The commitment to making everything from scratch is evident in every bite, whether you’re enjoying a buttery, oversized croissant or biting into a hearty, freshly baked loaf of bread. The atmosphere is friendly and professional, often described as having a welcoming, 'uncle's shop' feeling, cementing its status as a beloved community hub on Galaxie Avenue. It is the perfect spot for Minnesota locals seeking a luxurious breakfast treat, a satisfying lunch, or a full-size, elegant cake for any celebration.

Cafe de Paris is ideally situated to serve the communities throughout Apple Valley and the surrounding South Metro suburbs of Minnesota, offering convenient access for both quick stops and leisurely visits.

The bakery is located at: 15322 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA.

This address places the cafe in a prominent commercial area, known as the Shops on Galaxie, which provides great visibility and ease of entry. One of the most significant benefits for local users is the ample parking. The location offers a free parking lot, which is a major convenience, especially during busy morning hours or on weekends when customers flock to pick up their freshly baked goods.

Located just two blocks from Dakota County Highway 42, the bakery is easily accessible for Minnesota residents traveling from nearby cities like Eagan, Burnsville, and Lakeville. The deli-style showcase at the front makes for an easy and efficient ordering process, even when the shop is busy, which is a common occurrence given its popularity.

Cafe de Paris offers a diverse and comprehensive menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, spanning classic French baked goods and hearty lunch options.

• Authentic Viennoiserie: A selection of buttery, flaky French pastries including Butter Croissants ($4.75), Almond Croissants ($5.25), Chocolate Croissants ($4.95), and unique seasonal variations like Banana Chocolate and Apricot Croissants.
• Cold Pastries and Desserts: Elegant French confections such as Mousse Cake ($6.50), Opera Cake ($6.75), Mille-Feuille ($6.25), Paris Brest ($5.75), Eclair, Creme Brulee, and Tiramisu.
• Freshly Baked Breads: Daily baked European-style breads, including the signature Cafe De Paris Baguette, Mini Baguette, Country Bread, Multi Grain Bread, and Sourdough Bread.
• Full Size Cakes: Whole cakes for celebrations, featuring classic French and European styles like Black Forrest ($50.00), Fraisier ($50.00), Fruit Tart, Opera, and Charlotte ($50.00).
• Savory Sandwiches: A highly-rated selection of sandwiches served on their freshly baked bread, including the traditional French Jambon Beurre (Ham and Butter), Pan Bagnat, and various options like Chicken, Roast Beef, Tuna, and a Veggie option ($7.95).
• Vietnamese Fusion: Famous for the authentic traditional Banh Mi sandwich, which features homemade Vietnamese head cheese (giò thủ), fresh pickled vegetables, pâté, and mayo on their soft, lightly toasted bread.
• Gourmet Coffee and Tea: A full offering of beverages including Americano, Cappuccino, Espresso Shot, Cold Brew, Hot Chocolate, and unique specialty drinks like Vietnamese Coffee ($3.93), Thai Coffee ($3.93), Matcha Latte ($6.95), and fun options like Creme Brulee and Mangonada signature drinks.

The features of Cafe de Paris that make it a standout local favorite in Minnesota center on the dual-cuisine authenticity and the high quality of its ingredients and preparation.

• Authentic French Croissants: Customers consistently praise the croissants as being incredibly fresh, light, and crispy, highlighting the authentic French technique brought by the Paris-raised owner, Chef Tang Vang.
• Exceptional Banh Mi: The traditional Banh Mi sandwich is a major highlight, featuring authentic ingredients like homemade Vietnamese head cheese, fresh pate, and pickled vegetables, served on the bakery's perfectly soft and toasted house bread.
• Family-Run Feel: The owner is known for his friendly demeanor and engaging with customers, fostering a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that patrons compare to visiting a beloved family shop.
• Diverse and Unique Beverage Menu: Beyond standard coffee, the cafe offers a specialized selection of signature drinks, including Thai Tea, various Fruit and Milk Teas like Tiger Milk Tea ($6.93), and the creamy Creme Brulee signature drink.
• Full-Service Offering: It serves as a true bakery and cafe, providing everything from a quick morning coffee and pastry, to a satisfying deli-style sandwich for lunch, to a full-size elegant cake for a major celebration.
• High Volume and Demand: Even on opening days, the lines were long, a testament to the high quality and demand for their authentic baked goods among discerning Twin Cities customers.

Cafe de Paris is easily reachable for placing orders, checking on item availability, or simply confirming hours before your visit to Apple Valley.

Address: 15322 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA

Phone: (952) 388-1020

For Minnesota locals, choosing Cafe de Paris is worth it for the rare blend of European authenticity and culinary duality that is difficult to find elsewhere in the South Metro. This establishment successfully masters two complex culinary worlds: the precision of French patisserie and the fresh, bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

What is particularly worth choosing here is the Viennoiserie and the Banh Mi. When customers report that the croissants are "extremely fresh, light and crispy" and that they can tell "how authentic the baked goods are," it speaks to the high-level French training and experience the owner possesses. You are guaranteed a pastry experience that genuinely transports you to a Parisian cafe. The sheer size of the croissants, which have been humorously described as "as big as my head," also offers fantastic value for the quality.

On the savory side, the traditional Banh Mi is a must-try. The combination of fresh-baked, soft French bread—the direct result of the bakery's primary function—with the authentic, homemade Vietnamese fillings is a synergy of flavors that is truly special. The ability to grab an authentic French pastry and a traditional Vietnamese sandwich in one spot, all while enjoying a specialty drink like a rich Vietnamese Coffee or a creative Matcha Latte, is a unique and compelling reason to make the trip to Apple Valley.

This bakery represents a genuine culinary gem in the Twin Cities region. It is a local business where you feel a personal connection with the friendly owner and leave with a bag full of truly world-class, freshly baked goods. For an authentic taste of international baking expertise right here in Minnesota, Cafe de Paris is the clear choice.