Petitgrain Boulangerie

Petitgrain Boulangerie has quickly cemented its status as a must-visit destination for pastry aficionados and discerning diners across Los Angeles, particularly those located on the Westside. Situated in Santa Monica, this artisan bakery is not merely a place to grab a morning treat, but a commitment to the fine art of traditional French baking, elevated by the bounty of California’s local ingredients. It is a true 'boulangerie by the sea,' combining classic European technique with a fresh, regional focus.

The bakery is the brainchild of industry veterans Clémence de Lutz, co-owner of the renowned Gourmandise School, and seasoned chef Tony Hernandez. Their combined expertise results in a product that critics and local patrons alike have called some of the absolute best pastries in Los Angeles. Petitgrain is especially lauded for its mastery of 'viennoiserie'—rich, laminated dough pastries that include world-class croissants. The quality here is paramount, with a dedication to techniques like a long fermentation process (up to three days for some breads) and the use of 'fancy French butter,' which is evident in every flaky layer.

What makes Petitgrain so beloved is its unwavering focus on the essentials: high-quality ingredients, traditional preparation, and a commitment to flavor. This dedication has turned a relatively new business into a local phenomenon, often drawing lines from well before its opening time—a sure sign that what's inside is truly worth the wait.

Location and Accessibility

Petitgrain Boulangerie is conveniently located on a major thoroughfare in Santa Monica, serving as a bright, aromatic beacon on Wilshire Boulevard. Its prime Westside location makes it an easy stop for residents and those commuting through the area, especially for those seeking a quick and high-quality breakfast or lunch.

The exact location is:

1209 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA.

For visitor convenience, the location is designed to be accessible and efficient for a quick visit:

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LI Wheelchair accessible entrance ensures ease of access for all patrons.

LI Paid street parking is available nearby, though visitors are advised to plan for typical Santa Monica parking conditions.

LI Both Credit cards and Debit cards are accepted, providing modern payment flexibility.

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Services Offered

Petitgrain Boulangerie provides a full range of services centered around high-end, freshly baked goods and specialty coffee.

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LI Onsite Services and Takeout: The bakery offers counter service for both quick takeout and a limited onsite experience to enjoy your treats immediately.

LI Masterful Viennoiserie: A comprehensive selection of laminated dough pastries, including the highly-rated Croissant Au Beurre, Pain Au Chocolat, Croissant Aux Amandes, Kouign Amann, and seasonal danishes.

LI Artisan Breads ('Les Pains'): Offering a variety of house-baked pan loaves, including Classic Sourdough Loaf, Seeded Sourdough Loaf, and unique options like Shokupan (Japanese sweet potato milk bread) and Sourdough Brioche.

LI Savory & Lunch Offerings: Daily options include substantial items like the Jambon Gruyere croissant, savory quiche slices (Quiche Lorraine or Market Veg Quiche), and freshly made Daily Sandwiches.

LI Signature Coffee Bar: A full menu of espresso-based drinks and other beverages, including Flat White, London Fog, Cold Brew, and house-made specialties like Cherry Limeade and Iced Mint Espresso.

LI Desserts and Hand Pies ('Le Goûter'): Offering cookies like the Triple Choc Walnut and Chocolate Chip Cookies, as well as seasonal items such as Cherry Almond Hand Pies and Lemon Pie Squares.

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Features / Highlights

Petitgrain Boulangerie stands out in the crowded Los Angeles bakery scene through a combination of expert craftsmanship and a focus on transparency and quality sourcing.

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LI The Open Kitchen Experience: The bakery features an open kitchen design at the back, allowing patrons to witness the process firsthand. This transparency fosters an immediate connection, letting you watch the bakers 'sheet out croissant dough' and breathe in the rich, intoxicating aroma of 'fancy butter wafting' through the air.

LI Unrivaled Croissant Quality: Petitgrain's plain croissant is frequently hailed as among the best in Los Angeles. It is characterized by its technical perfection—a delicate honeycomb interior, lacy, brittle layers, and a profound, distinctly buttery flavor profile. It is often described as 'crackly' and 'flawless.'

LI High-Quality, Locally Sourced Ingredients: The bakery is dedicated to using the best ingredients, including locally sourced flour varieties, milk from Straus Family Creamery, seasonal fruit from the Santa Monica Farmers Market, and premium imported French butter. This commitment ensures a higher quality you can taste.

LI Fusion of French and Californian Flair: The menu successfully blends traditional French pastries with California-sourced seasonal produce, along with unexpected, delightful items like Blue Corn Conchas (a popular Mexican sweet bread), demonstrating a broad culinary expertise.

LI Artisan Atmosphere: Reviewers note the cozy, aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, described as a 'small artisan bakery with flour sacks and jars of homemade jam everywhere,' making the experience of visiting feel personal and authentic.

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Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about their daily availability, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1209 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA

Phone: (424) 229-5155

What is Worth Choosing

Petitgrain Boulangerie is worth choosing because it represents the highest tier of artisanal baking available in Southern California. For local users, this bakery offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience European-level baking precision, made with a Californian sensibility.

It is important to note the nature of their pastries: they are technically perfect because they embrace the foundational richness of classic French methods. If you are seeking a truly authentic, buttery, and richly flavored laminated pastry—one that 'ruins' you for all other croissants—then Petitgrain is a must-try. This is a place for those who appreciate that flavor often comes from a generous hand with high-quality ingredients, particularly the 'fancy French butter' that gives their pastries their signature taste.

Be sure to visit early, as their exceptional reputation means popular items like the Jambon Gruyere and classic croissants frequently sell out before mid-morning. However, the expert staff often perform a second 'drop' of freshly baked goods later in the afternoon, providing another opportunity to secure their legendary products. From the savory Boursin and herbes scone to the delightful Kouign Amann with its caramelized bottom layer, a visit to Petitgrain Boulangerie is an investment in a truly superior bakery experience on the Westside.

Petitgrain Boulangerie

1209 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA