"Absolutely horrible, make sure to check your food carefully before leaving. I drove for an hour to come purchase many food items from this bakery. One of those items was the quiche Lorraine from their quick service area. When I got home I discovered both of the quiche's had mold growing all over them due to the bakery not safely storing their refrigerated goods that were obviously left out over the weekend. This is a major health hazard and I may even report it to the health department. After I complained I was refunded but nothing was done to compensate for this issue. Essence Bakery did not offer to replace the food items or comp my bill as a properly managed food establishment should. I recommend finding another bakery to eat at if not, eat here your own risk for food poisoning."

"I’ve been coming to Essence for years, lovingly. Today I had a bad experience that I felt obligated to share and I am open to the side I might be incorrect. I am older though and come from a different world I guess. I ordered food with a coffee and when asked for milk I said yes do you have almond milk and was told yes. I then tipped and got my receipt and saw I was charged $1.20 for the almond milk. I went to the counter and politely said, if you charge an extra $1.20 for almond milk you should tell that to the customer. The employee looked at me like I was crazy and said that every place charges extra for almond milk. I asked for a manager and waited about ten minutes and nobody came. I had to get back in line and wait and ask for a manager and when the manager came out she mocked me as well stating that it’s on the menu. I asked her to show me where on the menu it says this and she looked and realized it was not up there. So she said I don’t make the prices I don’t know what you want me to do. So I said, you should put it on the menu or tell your employees to mention the extra fee. She chuckled at me and said everyone charges extra for specialty milk. I said, so you could charge me $30 extra for milk technically and there’s nothing I could do about it? She laughed and said yes exactly. I then asked for her name (Antonia) and said that she and her employee both should have simply offered an apology rather than to mock me and said I am sorry but I have to leave them a bad review. I said this was just terrible. I feel bad because up until today this was one of my favorite places to eat. I felt nickel and dimed. But maybe times have changed and I am Karen. I know it’s only 1.20. It’s the principal to me."

"I've been a fan ever since they were located in Tempe. The prices are a bit high, but it's totally worth it. You know the saying, "You get what you pay for." And if you want the BEST pastries around, this is where you'll get them. Trust me. Or don't, I'm sure that every review here is just as good as mine. This place is the real deal. Go there, try it, you'll see. Oh yeah. Awesome breakfast too."

"Love coming here, even though it’s far from where I live. They have the BEST French macarons in town and the most incredible Gruyère croissants. The macarons come in two sizes, and we always go for the big ones, every flavor is rich, decadent, and delicious in every bite. And the croissants truly make you feel like you’re in Paris. Whenever our family wants to indulge, this is our first choice. The service has always been great. My only complaint? They’re closed Monday through Wednesday (just kidding!). See you soon! 😋"

"Trying some new bakeries and breakfast spots around Arcadia and stopped by Essence for a bite this past week. I ordered the Egg Sandwich and thought it was delicious. The bun was so soft and eggs were cooked perfectly. The French Scrambled Eggs went well with the baguette, which also came with a jam that was to die for. I could eat this breakfast every day! The coffee and pastry didn’t disappoint either!"