Little France Bakery

Having developed the single best French-style dessert bakery in Orange County, Shokuh Patisserie’s owners created a second location in Dubai – then left to run it full time, selling the Newport Beach space to a Mission Viejo-based competitor named Little France Bakery. Today, Shokuh has become Little France’s second store, where the small chain’s owner works the counter, informing customers that his pastries are favorites of Elton John, and reassuring past Shokuh fans that the departed chef trained under him. In other words, don’t worry, just enjoy the pastries.

Although the space has been completely redecorated, losing Shokuh’s clean, simple lines in favor of something… different, much of the menu thankfully remains intact under new ownership. Most of Shokuh’s glossy mini cakes, the undisputed stars of the prior show, can still be had at Little France at around 85% of their prior flavor and texture, while new desserts have joined them, including a Samba coffee mousse, peach mousse, and apple tarte tatin, all good. Basic coffees and teas are also available, either for takeout or enjoyment at one of several small tables inside.