Darshan Bakery

This charming little French pastry shop is a must visit when in Encinitas. I stumbled upon it a few years back after visiting the nearby meditation gardens and I make a point to come back whenever I'm in the area. They're known for their almond croissants and chai tea, but everything is wonderfully made with only the best ingredients. All of their pastries are made right there in the small kitchen by the owner and his small crew of patissiers. I love their quiche and seasonal fruit tarts, and any of the croissants. If you have time, grab a small table and enjoy the peaceful and positive energy that this cafe provides.

I had not been to Darshan's in a few years due to declining quality of their almond croissants.
I gave them another shot and was throughly disappointed.
The almond croissant and the chocolate almond croissant were both over baked and lacked an adequate amount of filling.The croissants were lacking in flavor and it was early in the morning.
Needless to say, I will not be back!

The woman with the currly dark hair is extremely rude and has terrible attitude and spirit. Not sure why'd they hired such a person for a cute little cafe. Will never return after two years of coming here

The food is the winner at thisEncinitas gem. All items are organic high quality delicious made on premise or at their Del Mar location.
10 stars for the Masala Chai.
Other yummy choices are 3 choices of sandwiches, seasonal soup, quiches,
and a wide array of French pastries.
Courteous service as well as indoor/outdoor seating within the hours of 07:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. every day. It is situated right next to the Self Realization Fellowship Temple on Second Street in downtown Encinitas.
Great place to meet friends and enjoy the ambiance. jill w.

I went there again as a customer (in the recent past), and it was terrific. The staff was friendly; the pastries, sandwiches and chai lattes were all so yummy; the ambiance was quiet and gentle. I am grateful for Darshan bakery being back online, so to speak. YAY! It is a sweet spot, and I look forward to supporting it more w/ my business. Namaste & One Love, Kat

The BEST and freshest croissant I've had in a long time! The man tried a cinnamon roll, of which he is a connoisseur, and said it was wonderful.

Wish we lived closer to enjoy this gem!!

THE best pastries!! The mushroom quiche is my fav along with the pull apart french toast. Coffee is yummy too!

In the past I have written rave reviews for Darshan, it used to be my favorite bakery. The croissants, chai and pastries are still terrific, but since the ownership changed it has gone severely downhill. The server always seems to be highly stressed - whoever it is. Perhaps because they are doing the work that used to be done by three or more people. The trays of goods are often empty. And my questions about that have been met with plain rudeness. But the last couple of times the rudeness has become hostility. I really don't need that kind of atmosphere with my coffee. A tragic demise for a bakery where things used to be made with love. It must be a difficult job, but something is seriously wrong.

i purchased a "buche de noel" from the del mar Darshan bakery
on 16 december and was told i could pick it up on the 24th after 2:00pm. i paid $72.50 for this desert which was supposed to be central to our Christmas dinner. when i arrived at 3:00 the shop was closed. there was a sign taped to the window saying that the hours, daily, were 7:00 - 4:00.

I embarked on a campaign to reach the owners/staff and was pleasantly surprised that they contacted me almost immediately. The back-story was complicated, but, this morning, the owner arrived with two compensatory deserts: A French Apple pie and a Carmel-Apple Cake.
Plus two freshly-baked baguettes.

Truly, a "wrong made right". They look scrumptious

roger r.

I was seriously tempted to keep this bakery a secret. Their pastries are absolutely delicious, with freshness obvious with every bite. The manager is helpful and accommodating. We go early and sit along the tree lined street to enjoy our selections. Chai is especially good. Enjoy!

Stopped in for some iced coffee. The quiches and desserts looked very delicious and are no doubt the star (there was a chocolate cake that would have busted my diet but looked SCRUMPTIOUS).

Iced coffee is good - not the best I ever had, but just fine to drink. The regular is $3 and was smaller than I expected. There are lots of choices in this neighborhood; I would probably get a cappuccino here next time. If you're thinking of a pastry, though, this is your spot!