"You’ll see the line for Arsicault before you even spot the bakery itself. It’s basically a permanent sidewalk fixture, and for good reason—the pastries are phenomenal. Once you get to the front, you’ll take your pick from a short menu of pastries like kouign amann, morning buns, and croissants, which are the crown jewels of the Richmond bakery. Each crackly outer layer of these buttery masterpieces is so delicate it practically melts when you touch it, and the fillings, from chocolate or almond to ham and cheese, are rich and decadent. The croissants are all fantastic, but our favorite is the almond with its powdered sugar coating and perfectly caramelized bottom. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Food Rundown photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Almond Croissant The gold standard. No one does it better. Ham & Cheese Croissant If you’re sugared out, go for this. It’s filled with thinly sliced prosciutto cotto and comté, and it’s fantastic. Plain Croissant Still good, but not their strongest. You’re better off going with the almond, chocolate, or ham & cheese. photo credit: Carly Hackbarth Kouign Amann This place may be known for their croissants, but they do a damn good kouign amann, too. Overlooking this sugar-bottomed pastry would be sacrilege." - Julia Chen
