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ZipPicks Awards
Best Bakery in Westwood
Best Breakfast in Westwood
Best Brunch in Westwood
Best French in Westwood
Master Critic Review
Elysee Bakery & Cafe
7.7
Opened in 1979, this corner bakery-café anchors the north side of Westwood Village with a mix of croissants, danishes, and a full breakfast-and-lunch menu. It’s a convenient stop for hearty plates, strong coffee, and a pastry case that runs from classic muffins to layered cakes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, French toast, Quiche Lorraine
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Decades-old Westwood Village bakery-café with a deep pastry case and full meals.
Who should go: Students and locals wanting big breakfasts or pastry-and-coffee breaks.
When to visit: Weekday mornings or midafternoon lulls between UCLA rushes.
What to order: Almond croissant, French toast plate, slice of quiche with salad.
Insider tip: Grab a window seat for people-watching when Gayley traffic is buzzing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Gayley and nearby Village streets is available but competitive during UCLA class changes; the Broxton public garage is the most reliable low-stress option.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — workout gear, student wear, and relaxed everyday outfits all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate during peak breakfast and lunch; still easy enough to hold a normal conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the café focuses on daytime hours and typically clears out by early evening.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes depending on UCLA rush; often no wait midafternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including pastries, breakfast plates, salads, and sandwiches can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and simple sides; baked goods and breakfast plates skew dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: A handful of salads and egg dishes work gluten-free, but pastry case offerings are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual daytime meet-up with coffee and pastries, but the busy café vibe is better for low-pressure hangs than romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Arrive outside the UCLA rush (midmorning or midafternoon) for the best odds of grabbing a quieter corner or window seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the menu has approachable breakfast and pastry options, and the room is informal enough for younger kids. Strollers fit best at the outdoor tables when available.
Best For
Better for: A fuller sit-down breakfast and broader comfort-food menu than most Westwood pastry shops, plus decades of neighborhood familiarity.
Skip if: You want artisanal pastries with specialty coffee or a quieter, design-forward café — this is a classic café-bakery with heavier dishes and lots of foot traffic.
Hours
Monday7am - 10pm
Tuesday7am - 10pm
Wednesday7am - 10pm
Thursday7am - 10pm
Friday7am - 10pm
Saturday7am - 10pm
Sunday7am - 10pm