While regularly driving through Oceanside on Coast Highway, I keep an eye out for restaurants that may not be generating a lot of buzz but remain open during challenging times. Petite Madeline Bakery and Bistro is one such place I recently noticed, always bustling with activity.
Despite its name, Petite Madeline’s only French influence is its extensive croissant and pastry selection. Breakfast and lunch offerings are more of an eclectic mix of delicious options.
During my first visit at lunchtime, the specialty sandwiches caught my eye. As a fan of chicken salad, I was drawn to their Chicken Salad Sandwich, which includes chicken, celery, onion, sherry wine-soaked cranberries, mayo, Dijon mustard, and cayenne.
I opted for rustic whole wheat bread and a side salad. The sandwich was sizable, providing enough for both lunch and dinner. It was one of the best chicken salad sandwiches I’ve had.
Other appealing options on the sandwich menu include the Fried Chicken Sando, featuring panko-crusted, buttermilk-brined thigh, house-made spiced pickle, honey-chipotle sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a brioche bun.
On my second visit, I tried the Chicken Pesto sandwich with bechamel sauce and pesto on rustic bread. The Crustless Veggie Quiche with mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and Gruyere cheese is another winner.
Breakfast at Petite Madeline is a big draw, with offerings such as Benedicts, Breakfast Bowls, Crepes (both savory and sweet), omelets, and scrambles. I sampled the Greek Egg Bowl, which includes scrambled eggs, spinach, artichoke, onion, tomato, feta, lemon crema, hashbrowns, and added Black Forest Ham. It was among the best breakfast bowls I’ve had.
Breakfast sandwiches served on house-made croissants, like the Smoked Salmon Croissant sandwich with scrambled eggs, tomato, capers, and red onions, are also noteworthy.
The pastries and desserts are the real stars at Petite Madeline, so be sure to save room. I encountered my friend Joe Manfredi, a former chef, who raved about their Vegan Pop Tart. Manfredi described it as “as big as a small book with a diagonal glaze design and colorful sprinkles.”
He appreciated that the raspberry jam paired well with the firm, flaky crust and was not overly sweet. Joe’s description of enjoying the pop tart with a cup of coffee was spot on.
My own samplings included a spectacular Almond Croissant, Carrot Cake, and, of course, a Madeleine. I plan to return for the Tres Leches, Fruit Tart, Red Velvet Cake, Key Lime Tower, Chocolate Pyramid, Caramel-Turtle Cheesecake, Eclair, and the savory Ham and Cheese Croissant.
Petite Madeline is also known throughout San Diego as a premier bakery for special event cakes, offering cakes from six to fourteen inches with three layers of cake and two layers of filling, with extensive filling options.
Don’t forget their cookies, which are also exceptional. Even though I don’t eat a lot of sweets, biting into one of their splendid cookies was a delightful experience. The list includes Lemon Oatmeal Pecan, Ginger Molasses, Coconut Macaroon, Brown Butter Chocolate Chip, and Peanut Butter.
The beverage menu is robust, with several barista specials, an espresso bar featuring Vietnamese Coffee, a variety of gourmet teas, and champagne mimosas with fresh juices for those inclined to indulge.
Located at 223 N. Coast Highway in Oceanside, Petite Madeline Bakery and Bistro offers a sweet and savory experience that includes people-watching.
Learn more at www.lepetitemadelinebakery.com.
