Café Dear Leon - Baltimore

Drove 25 minutes out of my way at 6am on a Sunday to try this spot I've been stalking on Instagram and it did not disappoint! This cute Cafe is bright and invit... read more Drove 25 minutes out of my way at 6am on a Sunday to try this spot I've been stalking on Instagram and it did not disappoint! This cute Cafe is bright and inviting with super helpful and friendly staff! I ordered the Ham and Cheese Croissant along with a Cream Cheese Blueberry Muffin. The croissant was perfectly savory and flaky with warm gooey cheese. The muffin was sweet and moist with bit of crunch from the topping. Perfect mix of sweet and savory to the day!

Possibly one of the best bakeries in the entire country? Forget crab cakes; when you’re in Baltimore, you must visit Café Dear Leon, like how a foodie trip to S... read more Possibly one of the best bakeries in the entire country? Forget crab cakes; when you’re in Baltimore, you must visit Café Dear Leon, like how a foodie trip to SF is not complete without Tartine.I was struck by how much better CDL is than even the top bakeries in NYC. They’ve mastered the art of the laminated dough—croissants, kouign amanns, danishes, quiches. Also, their scones are the best I’ve ever had.CDL releases baked goods on a strict schedule. Check their website. Once an item has sold out for the day, that’s it. The most popular items are completely gone in less than an hour on a weekend. During the colder months, CDL doesn’t have any seating as they need the space to keep guests warm while queueing.The pastries do retain their crispness throughout the day, but obviously they’re much better when fresh out of the oven.I’ll be haunted by the fact that I can’t just hop over to CDL whenever I have a craving for pastries.

Amazing bakery definitely recommend if you're in the area. The staff is so friendly and everything we had was perfectly baked. My favorite was the creme brulee... read more Amazing bakery definitely recommend if you're in the area. The staff is so friendly and everything we had was perfectly baked. My favorite was the creme brulee tart, but I also really enjoyed the financier and ham cheese croissant. Would absolutely go back! A quick warning though: there can be quite a long line, so I would normally recommend going early but their menu (at least in November 2023) is time based so they don't have all of the items available at any given time.Parking: Easy to street park nearby in my experience!

A true treasure tucked in Baltimore, Café Dear Leoné stands tall as the city’s best bakery. From flaky, buttery pastries to hearty savory bites, every item here... read more A true treasure tucked in Baltimore, Café Dear Leoné stands tall as the city’s best bakery. From flaky, buttery pastries to hearty savory bites, every item here is crafted with care, precision, and flavor. The breakfast sando is an absolute showstopper—crispy, golden shokupan wrapped around a fluffy spinach omelet, gooey cheddar cheese, and a smoky chipotle mayo. Every bite hits with warmth and boldness, setting the tone for a perfect morning. Among the sweet offerings, the financiers shine with their nutty brown butter richness—delicate, soft, and deeply comforting. The coconut chocolatine is a revelation: extra crispy, layered with coconut frangipane and just the right hit of rum—an indulgent twist on a classic viennoiserie. The chausson aux champignons, a flaky, golden pastry filled with a blend of mushrooms and cheese, may not be for everyone, but mushroom lovers will be thrilled. Pair it with truffle aioli, and it easily ascends to something special. Don’t skip the coffee brioche—pillowy soft and generously filled with coffee custard cream. It's the kind of pastry that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. Drinks here deserve a mention too. We tried the cherry cola flat white, a seasonal limited-edition beverage that was surprisingly delightful—balanced, creative, and fun. They also welcomed us with a sampler featuring blood orange, a refreshing and thoughtful touch to begin the experience. From start to finish, Café Dear Leon offers a morning that’s both elegant and deeply satisfying. It’s not just a bakery—it’s a ritual worth repeating. Service: Takeaway Meal type: Breakfast Price per person: $1–10 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Bakery, Crab Dip Bagel, Financier

The hype is realvery boutique, small batch-its an artisan shop-elevated, deliberate and intentionally thoughtful pastries and beverages. The crab dip bagel was... read more The hype is realvery boutique, small batch-its an artisan shop-elevated, deliberate and intentionally thoughtful pastries and beverages. The crab dip bagel was delightfulthe mix of sweet, savory, airy bagel creamy with touches of corn and oldbay with the beauty notes of crab meat! The chocolate croissant had a crystal sugar coating and the most precise layers! Out tasted the ones we had in Québec! Hands down our new go-to bakery Service: Takeaway Meal type: Brunch Price per person: $10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Crab Dip Bagel Vegetarian offerings: Not sure Vegetarian options: Cute outdoor dining space!