Masse's Pastries

The woman who seems to manage this place is so rude I will never return. I watched her fly off the handle and begin to yell based on nothing that I, or anyone else, could see. It was outrageous and nothing any customer could have said could justify her response. In talking to others about what I saw I have learned that several people I know have seen or experienced the same thing, and will not go back. The pastries are pretty good, but there are other great specialty bakeries that treat customers well. I will go to those in the future. more

I must say when I first went to Masse's I liked it, as the pastry chef iskind, talented, and the reason we went. But his wife is really rude and pushy, making the experience far from pleasant. . I went to sit at the only large table (it seats four) since we had four people, when I was told by his wife that I had to leave that table, and take a seat at a smaller table as she was expecting a couple who wanted to look at wedding cakes. No doubt that's big money for them at 6 or so dollars a slice. After moving with my husband, I noticed that no couple ever came, and my children were pushed aside as another couple sitting looking at wedding pictures took up an entire table with their notebook of pictures. Clearly if his wife is more interested in the business side, she should set up a specific table, and put a big sign on it ""RESERVED."" My husband may want to come back, but it's difficult as we have easily spent 30 dollars in one sitting, and then to be treated this way...... Pros: some wonderful pastries, beautifully done Cons: Often no seating, and the wife of the pastry chef/owner is often rude more

My husband and I spent five years in Zurich, Swizerland and finally discovered a place where deserts are made just like in the cafes of Zurich. The pastry chef Paul, worked in Zurich, so it is no surprise. I was really surprised at the negative reviews regarding service. The service has always been good, and the staff very nice so I personally don't know what that was about. Anyways, it's a must for anyone who wants a delicious cappucino and tart! more

Masse's does have good cakes and cookies but their ""service"" tends to be very off-putting. Having gone there on many occations for the good pastries, I have seen the inconsistencies in their service. One minute the managerial staff will be super- polite and gracious and the next, be downright rude/snobby with particular clients for no real reason. Although I have not had any peronal run-ins, I have stopped going because it sours my experience and find others have too. Pros: good pastries Cons: , credit card minimum more

Don't believe the hype. The cakes at Masse's are expensive, even by Bay Area standards, and for the money, they just aren't that good. Also, I have on several occassions seen the management act quite rudely toward customers and staff alike. Just my two cents... Pros: location, good coffee drinks Cons: , over-priced more

If you are in Berkeley or even in the bay area, I *urge* you to stop by. Their desserts are so good it should be illegal. One time I had a white and strawberry cake that was so exquisite I almost passed out in my chair! Take it from a person who is very particular about her desserts... this is absolutely top notch! If the food wasn't enough, the service and ambience are extra cherries on top. The shop is soooo cute and the staff couldn't be any nicer. Typically you can only get dessert this good in a snooty restaurant but at Masse's you get the dessert and the relaxed, casual atmosphere! What more can you ask for?!?! more

I first encountered Masse's two years ago when they did the cake for my wedding. My family and friends still rave about the quality of that cake. Since my wedding, I have bought birthday cakes for my husband and family. The cakes and pastries are so sinfully good, I'll always by my cakes from there. Plus The Masse's are great people. You can tell that they really enjoy bringing smiles to their customer's faces. Pros: Quality ingredients, Flexible , nice people Cons: usually crowded, expensive more

Beautiful and incredibly delicious cakes and pastries, whether you want to stop in for a quick snack (they are just up the street from Chez Panisse and Black Oak Books), a dessert that will blow your guests' minds, or a wedding cake that everyone will remember. They are great people, and the personal attention can't be beat. more

I tried one of each of the breakfast pastries they had available on Saturday morning. While it was very good, it definitely was not the best in this area. For best French breakfast pastries (like the kind you get in Paris), go to Tartine in San Francisco. I can't speak for the desserts, as I didn't try any and they did look very lovely. Service was excellent and overall quality was very good. Pros: Good service, Good varieties Cons: Not the best in area more