Best French Bakery in Columbia

"Whenever someone asks me to recommend a brunch spot, my go-to is consistently Miss Shirley’s Café. With three locations in Roland Park, downtown Baltimore, and Annapolis, Miss Shirley’s has become a Baltimore staple since its opening in 2005. Miss Shirley’s is well-known for their amazing service, beautiful presentation, and award-winning dishes."

"Topping the list is the Inner Harbor's Miss Shirley's Cafe, situated at 750 E. Pratt St. With four stars out of 2,480 reviews on Yelp, the cafe, breakfast, brunch and traditional American spot has proven to be a local favorite."

"The first meal of the day should be fun as well as nourishing. After a night out in Baltimore, Maryland, you should get a table at Miss Shirley’s Cafe. There’s hardly a better spot in town for breakfast or brunch."

"At the sister spot to well-known restaurant Woodberry Kitchen, it’s no surprise Artifact Coffee serves up unique breakfast and lunch meals like veggie Bahn Mi or seasonal frittatas, all easily paired with a coffee of your choice. The menu features options like cold brew, pour over or Chai latte, as well as spiked apple cider, come fall. The concept is known for straying from the norm, even offering CBD add-ons for hot and cold beverages and also rotating the menu options every single day."

"Artifact Coffee is a charming coffee shop with its location in an old industrial building and the vintage and rustic vibes inside. At this hip spot, you can get your caffeine fix with just about anything here as they serve coffees to lattes to espresso-based drinks as well. If you’ve come here for a swift kick to start your day, then get the Spike-I-Atto."

"Adorable and charming place for a good cup of coffee and some light food. Outdoor seating was perfect for good weather days. The place is quite small but..."

"This market was founded in 1782, thereby making it the oldest market in the United States of America. Lexington Market has served the Baltimore community for centuries, as it offers a variety of foods and wares for sale that you can’t get anywhere else. Lexington Market is also housed in the downtown area of Baltimore City, blocks away from Camden Yards."

"In reality, it’s something much more: Vaccaro’s is a testament to the institution that is dessert. Perfect as a date spot but just as viable for a late night dessert binge, the glass case is stacked with a whole variety of options, the most notable of which being the cannoli cake. The alternating layers of the richest cannoli cream and ethereally light cake will bring a single tear to your eye as you stare, dumbfounded, across the still waters of the Inner Harbor."

"Open for more than 60 years, Vaccaro's serves some of the best desserts and coffee in town. The cannolis are legendary."

"Here's a story that tells you a little bit about Baltimore’s relationship with crabs. Last summer, PETA posted a billboard near Baltimore’s Shot Tower featuring a still-living crab and the message: “I’m ME, Not MEAT. See the individual. Go vegan.” In response, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, a proudly family-run operation that opened in 1974, took out a billboard of their own, near I-295."

"Jimmy’s Famous Seafood features an on-site restaurant for dining as well as catering and wholesale services for businesses. Buy in bulk or enjoy a meal at the restaurant. It offers a menu that has a wide array of seafood offerings including Maryland crab cakes, burgers, and sandwiches, sushi, seafood classics, combos and fresh fish, sides, and more."

"Filicori Zecchini is a world-renowned Italian coffee brand that has been producing, serving, and selling coffee since 1919. The family-owned and operated business has coffee shops, cafés, and bars around the world, all of which serve the top-quality brand of coffee, which is ‘Espresso Italiano Certificato’ certified, including espressos, cappuccinos, and macchiatos, along with seasonal specialty drinks. Menus of light fare and freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and other snacks are available throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon bites."

"While new pizza spots seem to be pushing their way to the limelight, this classic chain opened its doors in 1955. The unique square pizzas and thick pepperoni are trademarks of the brand. You can almost taste the history in each bite."

"Diners on the outdoor patio at Stone Mill Bakery & Cafe enjoy the sylvan setting at Green Spring Station in Luthervile. Stone Mill Bakery & Cafe, 10751 Falls Road, 410-821-1358, stonemillbakery.com(Elizabeth Malby, Baltimore Sun)"

"Baltimore’s Little Italy has a plethora of choices for carbo-loading, but for home-style Sicilian cooking with generous portions and a touch of Baltimore influence, look no further than La Scala. Since he opened the restaurant in 1995, the chef/owner has been checking on diners to see if they like the Maryland twist to veal scaloppini (crab meat), need more cheese for their pasta, or want a bottle of imported olive oil. The hospitality extends beyond the table, too: you can make new friends over the indoor bocce ball court before hopping on the complimentary shuttle back to the harbor."

"Lobster Regina is Jasmine's go-to dish at La Scala — Photo courtesy of Brian Cicioni. There are more than a dozen different Italian restaurants and cafes in Little Italy, but Jasmine keeps going back to La Scala. As a Baltimore native, she's been visiting the area since childhood."

"If it was good enough for the Vikings, it’s good enough for East Baltimore. Located in the city’s Johnston Square neighborhood, Charm City Meadworks draws Baltimoreans looking to purchase mead, an ancient alcoholic beverage made from honey, water and yeast. Comes in flavors including basil lemongrass, elderberry and more."

"Very bad customer service… don’t know how to treat a customer very bad attitude.. chef speaks abusing about customers with his server it was really disap..."

"Case in point, their creative spin on chicken and waffles: jerk duck and cornbread waffles. These mouthwatering waffles are paired with a bite of seasoned duck, poached egg, and a delicate touch of powerful orange marmalade. If that’s got you salivating then just wait until you see the rest of the incredibly inventive menu…"

"This comfort food favorite has been loved by locals for years and has even gained fame with the likes of Queen Latifah. The Upper Fell’s Point restaurant opened in 2006 and expanded in 2019 to make room for more diners. Expect dishes like barbecue shrimp and grits, raisin bread French toast and stuffed breakfast burritos."

"With two locations in Baltimore, the downtown location of Café Poupon offers a small breakfast and lunch menu, and while it may not have a ton of options, everything they serve is fantastic. It is also a full bakery that takes orders for weddings and events, and offers baked goods to eat in or to take out. Its cakes are extravagant, unique, and made with great attention to detail, and the sweet treats in the shop are baked to perfection."

"Located in Belvedere Square Market, this popular kitchen emphasizes natural, homegrown ingredients. Hearty sandwiches are served on delicious from-scratch house breads, such as walnut cumin, kalamata olive, cherry pecan and peasant wheat, and the menu also features a selection of homemade soups. The cozy interior offers counter seating, and all items are available for takeout."

"Known for its breads, soups and salads, local fast-casual chain Atwater’s began in Catonsville and now has five locations. It’s is no slouch in the dessert department, either. The Pimlico cake — fluffy chiffon cake layered with Bavarian cream and topped with chocolate ganache and walnuts — is pretty much perfect."

"Sometimes you just want to roll out of bed and go somewhere easy. If that’s your jam, head to Atwater’s. There’s rarely a wait, the menu isn’t overwhelming, the pricing is reasonable, and the food is quality you can count on."