Best Croissant in the U.S.? Miami Bakery Makes Foodie List

A small French bakery hidden in a South Miami warehouse has become such a mecca for artisanal croissants that it is receiving national attention.

Just six months after New Times featured Casa Bake in a viral story, its golden and buttery-flaked croissants have earned national recognition. Restaurant publication the Infatuation has named the South Miami bakery among its 11 picks for the best croissants in the U.S.

"The warehouse bakery is whipping up some insanely light and flaky plain croissants," the Infatuation writes, praising Casa Bake's $3.50 classic croissant and recommending them for dipping in the bakery's cappuccino. The publication also noted the rare combination of high-quality pastries and accessible pricing.

"Honored to be mentioned as one of the best croissants in the country," Casa Bake posted on Instagram, receiving congratulatory messages from customers praising the recognition as "well deserved." Followers flooded the comments with excitement and praise; others celebrated with applause and heart-eyed emojis. Regular customers echoed the Infatuation's review, with one commenting that Casa Bake produces "amazing baked decadence."

From Home Classes to Lines Out the Door

French pastry chef Benoît Pagliardini's baking career started in France, where he cooked alongside his family before moving to Miami and teaching at-home pastry classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pagliardini then led the pastry team at Miami mainstay Atelier Monnier before partnering with bread baker Monica Sarmiento-Stadlin to open Casa Bake.

The South Miami bakery tucked away in a warehouse at 7165 SW 47th St. shot to local fame in June 2024 after Mr. Eats 305, New Times' "Best Influencer" of 2024, posted an Instagram Reel praising its pastries. The glowing Instagram review sparked daily lines forming at 7 a.m., with sellouts by 9 a.m. – even on weekdays.

However, the menu at Casa Bake stretches beyond the acclaimed plain croissants to include almond, chocolate, and pistachio cream variations. The bakery also offers artisanal breads for $8 and special-order cakes and tarts serving six to eight people for $45 to $55.

Sweet Dreams Start at 3 a.m.

Starting at 3 a.m. daily, the team makes each intricate pastry by hand. "There is fermentation involved, so it's long, and it's a process that you have to respect," Pagliardini told New Times in June. "We make everything from scratch and by hand."

For aspiring bakers, Casa Bake hosts croissant-making classes for $100 per person on Saturdays and French macaron and cookie classes for $50 on Wednesdays. Each class includes small bites, drinks, and take-home pastries.

Casa Bake. 7165 SW 47th St., Ste. 316, Miami; casa-bake.com.