This is a small, quaint, charming cafe that serves bakery goods and sandwiches. I recommend coming for the desserts, since that’s what I have when I go there. They have a large selection of decadent cakes which are soooo good! I’ve had a few, and they are great because they are so light and not overly sweet. This bakery also has really good tarts and little minature cookies. So if you’re watching your figure you can buy some mini madelines :)

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{ AMBIENCE }

I went to Susina Bakery & Cafe for the first time on a sunny Saturday morning at around 10am to meet up w/ a couple of friends. There is stacked parking in a lot behind Susina (2 cars deep), with signs that indicate which spots customers can park in for each establishment that shares it. They look like very leggy picket signs, resembling tall, languid flowers. (I guess I thought the signs were kinda funny in a charming way. It sort of looked like the parking lot was on strike because there were SO MANY signs.) ANYWAY…

The bakery/cafe is bright and well-lit, lending an atmosphere of a welcoming friendliness. At the time that I arrived, there were probably just about a half dozen patrons there, ages ranging from their 30’s to 60’s.

What appealed to me was the unpretentious feel of the place, and the un-“L.A.-ness” of it. The service was very friendly and relaxed, and as I do believe that the trickle-down theory applies to management, I’m assuming that the owner’s vision was to create a neighborhood cafe that appealed not so much to snotty, self-obsessed, celeb-wannabes, but for people who wanted a warm, laid-back atmosphere in which to enjoy a pastry and a warm beverage, whether to read the paper, to compose that brilliant piece of work, or to meet up w/ friends.

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{ THE PASTRIES }

This pastry fiend was in heaven when gazing lustfully at the display case full of beautiful cakes, scones, and other pastries. My friend told me that everything is made in-house, and the baked goodies definitely look it…they look like they were made very lovingly.

I felt that a lot of the pastries were calling out to me, but the scones looked particularly inviting. They were displayed in the top row of the case, and I could’ve stood there for probably an hour doing the eeny-meeny-myney-mo thing, because they all looked equally good. I decided to put an end to my indecisiveness by selecting the chocolate cherry scone…the others will have to wait until my next visit, which I’m already looking forward to.

The wedge-shaped scone was beautifully-browned on the outside (unlike its albino counterpart in most supermarkets), w/ a slight shine from the eggwash. The scone looked light and slightly crusty, which showed that the dough probably wasn’t overworked. I guessed from looking at the exterior that this was going to be a tender scone, and it didn’t disappoint. I broke off a piece to reveal the interior’s moist crumb…a perfect balance. The chocolate and cherries were evenly distributed, so each egalitarian bite was equally enjoyable. I think I was enjoying the scone so much that I was even picking up the crumbs on my plate w/ a moistened fingertip…it was literally good to the last crumb, and my friends, who took a sample, agreed.

One friend ordered the chocolate croissant, and though it was good, she didn’t find it to be memorable. Another friend ordered a regular croissant, some of which I tasted for myself, and I liked the texture. It was light, flaky, and moist. Susina’s pastries probably range on the milder side when it comes to sweetness, so it never becomes cloying.

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{ THE TEA }

The tea I ordered was brought to my table in a single-serve coffee/tea press. I allowed the leaves to steep for several minutes before I depressed the plunger to the bottom, and poured into my dome-shaped cup (perfect for dipping pastries into) the freshly-brewed, Jasmine Pearl tea. It gave off an intoxicating aroma, foreshadowing its flavors. I took a sip, and the tea was delicate and the flavor complex. It had a gentle, natural sweetness to it, and I let out an audible “mmmmm…” w/ each sip. For my next visit, I’m planning on ordering the Japanese Cherry tea. I loved it at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (had it as a latte there), and I think it would make such a perfect pairing w/ another one of their scones.

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I rarely feel compelled to return to an eating establishment, but Susina Bakery & Cafe, which is my friend’s favorite neighborhood cafe, has instantly become mine, as well (though more in spirit, since it’s not my neighborhood). So many of their offerings seem so tasty that it would be hard to pick a favorite.

Came here on a Saturday morning and luckily the place was not busy.

I order a double macchiato (yes it was that kind of a morning) and a chocolate croissant (I wasn’t feeling adventurous enough just yet). Both were good not out of this world.

Then a friend ordered the Japanese Cherry Tea and a Cherry Scone – oh wow now those were delicious. The scone was perfectly well made, the tea was awesome. They do have other savory and sweet scones including Polenta, hhm I don’t know about Polenta as I am not a huge fan.

I really like the ambiance of this venue, it’s peaceful, great vibe unlike the Starbucks in every corner…

Great place to start the weekend mornings.

yummy… nice place for some dessert and studying! Banana cream pie!

Susina is a fave neighborhood hangout for many people and feels like a little piece of Paris in L.A. There are comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Oddly enough, it is right next to Starbucks and we can tap into the free wireless from them. It’s decorated in a cosy yet elegant french belle epoch style with glass chandeliers, wooden beams, and high backed booths. Their bakery case is enticing and very attractive. My eyes always go to the gleaming chocolate dipped strawberries.

Susina has excellent coffee and espresso drinks. There are tarts, cakes, cookies, toothsome croissants, scones, dipped orange peels, fluffy cakes, candies, and much more. Their morning pastries are varied and lovely. They also serve foccacia sandwiches and salads. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Their berry cake is delicate and fresh. Staff are friendly and helpful.

I didn’t give 5 stars only because I love chocolate cakes and I think they taste a liittle dry.

Fantastic charming cafe where the food is amazing and the service is warm and friendly. Reminds me of Italian cafes in NYC.

The wedding cakes and birthday cakes taste amazing too.