Margot Patisserie

Profile

Though its rich pastries may seem to give the lie to those stories of Frenchwomen munching brioche and brie and staying eternally slender, hope springs eternal at this gracious little café. Small but light and airy, the room is both casual and elegant, welcoming well-coifed natives and weary shoppers alike to sit at one of the little marble-topped tables and sip a good strong cup of java while nibbling a pastry (or two). The selection is small: reasonably sized, cake-like muffins, floury scones, surprisingly baroque, multi-layered cookies, and an assortment of tarts. (The caramelized-apples-on-an-almond-crust version finds stiff competition from the classic French clafouti made with black cherries.) Like any French pastry shop worth its salt, Margot's also has buttery croissants. If you're a lady who wants to lunch, light sandwiches and the occasional soup provide some savor to offset the sweetness. — Jessica Branch

Cakes, wedding cakes, tarts and miniatures can be special ordered.