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When Sweet Melissa opened its doors in Cobble Hill in 1998, savvy locals might’ve guessed that it heralded a flood of new yuppie-oriented restaurants. Today, the bakery cafe is a neighborhood institution. Decorated in florid, floral patterns with Earl Grey-and-scone Edwardian details, this life-sized dollhouse has a manicured garden area that’s easily the prettiest greenscape in a neighborhood full of “garden” restaurants. In 2006, a second branch—less frilly and less cramped—opened in Park Slope, also with a back garden. Though both shops get a weekend-lunchtime rush, Sweet Melissa’s built a solid rep as a pâtisserie, and the seasonal menus of fruit tarts, buttery pastries, and rich, chocolate desserts have droves of take-out devotees. But don't miss the surprisingly hearty soups and a surprisingly tasty chicken salad, along with other humble but filling lunch entrées like quiches and baguettes stuffed with thick slices of juicy filet mignon and sweet onion relish. — Michael Y. Park

Custom Cakes

Sweet Melissa offers custom cakes and pies; like the chocolate-bourbon pie and chocolate souffle cake. In the summer, try the key lime pie. Wedding cakes are also available, and the shops can be rented for birthday parties and special events.

Recommended Dishes

Tarragon chicken salad, $10.95; roasted pear tart, $6.95; chocolate-peanut butter indulgence, $6.50

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