The croissant’s history dates back to 17th century Europe, possibly originating in Vienna, Austria, during a siege. It was brought to France by Marie Antoinette and transformed into the buttery, flaky pastry we know today. Since then, it has become a beloved staple of French cuisine and enjoyed by people all over the world. 

Juny’s Baked, a charming French bakery, made its debut last year at The Shops at Santa Anita. Nestled on the first floor near the Nordstrom entrance, adjacent to the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, this cozy cafe exudes warmth with its inviting atmosphere and ample natural light. Specializing in mouthwatering croissants, Juny’s Baked is definitely a must-try bakery.

“I was surprised to see a small bakery located in that area of the mall,” said junior Avik Kumar. “When I walked in, the staff was very welcoming and recommended the garlic croissant.” 

The display case beckons with all manner of golden pastries, small cakes, and brownies. Its signature pastry is a flattened, savory croissant that tastes like garlic bread with a dollop of sweet cream cheese in the center. The sweetness of the cream cheese complements the garlicky base. Besides this savory croissant, they also offer a wide variety of pastries such as strawberry and cream croissant, nutella supreme croissant, matcha supreme croissant, Thai tea croissant, almond croissant, pistachio croissant, strawberry Danish and much more. Each pastry is around $5 to $7. To pair along with the croissant, Juny’s Baked also offers a wide range of various types of drinks such as espresso, milk teas, and fruit teas. 

I had the pleasure of trying a delightful assortment of croissants from Juny’s Baked. Among them, three stood out prominently: the strawberry and cream croissant, the Nutella supreme croissant, and the matcha supreme croissant. The strawberry and cream croissant boasted a velvety layer of cream and fresh strawberries, striking a perfect balance of flavors without overwhelming sweetness. It quickly became my favorite due to its harmonious blend of creaminess and fruity goodness. The Nutella supreme croissant was enveloped in a rich chocolate coating and generously filled with luscious Nutella, creating a decadent treat. As for the matcha supreme croissant, its vibrant matcha chocolate exterior was visually stunning. Despite its slightly misleading name, the matcha custard filling leaned more towards a classic custard flavor than distinct matcha notes. Nevertheless, all of these croissants shared a common trait: a flaky, buttery texture that elevated them to some of the finest pastries I have tried in Arcadia. 

“My favorite croissant was the strawberry and cream croissant,” said junior Emma Wang. “The strawberries and cream filling really complimented each other.” 

All in all, Juny’s Baked offers some of the most delectable variety of pastries and is definitely a hidden gem. If you find yourself in need of a quick shopping break or seeking breakfast options for the next morning, I highly recommend stopping by Juny’s Baked.