The macaroons are insane. Life changing, really- in that way that make your pants fit tighter. Do yourself a favor and get a pistachio and coconut. I am not trying to tell you want to do, but seriously. These little guys are a $1.50 a pop... the little pops that they are. The 4 stars is on the 'roons alone. I could take or leave about everything else in this place. It is a bit pretentious (though everyone is very nice) and overpriced. If you want to do a good day in German Village (when it is not freezing out)- walk through the Book Loft, get a sandwich to-go at Katzinger's (or the Brown Bag) and 2 macaroons at Pistacia Vera, and haul your literal and figurative cookies to Schiller Park and sit on the benches near the little girl with the umbrella fountain.
(4)
Tabitha F.
Hands down: my favorite place in Columbus. Every time I have an out of town visitor or hear a friend has never been, it gives me the perfect excuse to go! As if I need an excuse! You see, I am a serious "sweets" junkie.....as in, I need a twelve step program. Their Macaroons are simply amazing! The Chocolate Bombe is a chocolagasm in your mouth! Every thing I have had - trust me, I have had some of almost everything they serve - has been sooooo good. Never had of a chocolagasm? OH MYYYYYY! Why are you still reading this? You should totally be on your way already! Experience the chocolaty goodness for yourself! PS. I realize a heavy use of exclamation points in this review; they are warranted.
(5)
Alexis D.
Fabulous bakery. Try the frangipan and the eclairs. The almond croissant is heaven and the chocolate buttermilk loaf is unreal: so rich and moist. You can't go wrong. The macarons are artfully done. They even helped me put them in a rainbow to celebrate gay marriage! Great people, fabulous shop.
(5)
Colleen R.
I'm obsessed. I cannot get enough of Pistacia Vera. I've had the croissants, palmier, maple pecan twist, chocolate chip pistachio cookie, iced coffee and macarons. Everything I've tried has been fantastic. I've tried most of the macaron flavors, but pistachio is hands-down my favorite. I could probably eat 10 in one sitting. Everyone at the German Village store is so friendly! I've never received bad customer service, and all of the employees were happy to answer any questions I had. Pistacia Vera is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth.
I lived in German Village for a while and one of the absolute best things to do with out of towners during a visit would be to walk up to the Book Loft, find some treasures, and then head up the street to Pistacia Vera for coffees, macarons, and reading/conversation. Multiple times for parties I have bought one of each big dessert from the case- it's always a beautifully presented pastry in the European style, tasty, elegant, and sure to impress. In fact, we like the shop so much, that we ordered several hundred of their famous macarons (DO NOT CONFUSE WITH MACAROONS) as our wedding favors. People loved them. I enjoy how the macaron flavors change seasonally- it's such a creative little surprise. Brunch here is very good too- I enjoy the baked eggs, among other things. Please give them a try, if you haven't already. You won't regret it.
(5)
Sarah H.
I love,love,love the macaroons here. I fell in love with them when I first had them and I think about them often. They have the perfect crunch on the outside with a cake like chew in the center and a lovely buttercream. I can't say enough good things.
(5)
Carrie D.
Love this place! Everything I've tried was delicious! My favorite is the Orange Nutella Bostock.
(5)
Aaron H.
Oh my, I cannot say enough about this place. I found out about Pistacia Vera through a blog my boss found on the internet. The blogger--apparently a huge macaron fan--wrote on the post that she's been everywhere including New York and even France to try macarons, but this place had the best ones! That right there gave me a reason to try it out the same day I saw the blog! Plus, living in Columbus was all the more reason to go! Right from the start, they have a few(2~3) parking spots right next to the building AND across the street(6~10 can't remember). How awesome is that!! Although it gets pretty crowded from time to time, I usually find a parking space in either places. Their macarons are absolutely amazing--to die for!! At all times they have twelve different kinds and a few of them changes throughout the year. For example, during football seasons, they always have the buckeye macarons. Also they have an assortment of macrons neatly packaged so it's a great gift for someone special--or for yourself. I have bought these assorted ones on multiple occasions. One time, I sent an assortment to a friend in New York. First, they freeze it until the UPS guy picks it up and sends it through second-day air. So by the time it arrives, it has thawed but not melted. The delivery price can be a bit expensive; I think I paid about $12 for the delivery. Also the price varies by location. Oh, and they don't deliver during summer season since the high temperatures may ruin the quality. Overall, It has become one of my favorite food places in Columbus! If you are in the area or if you have a car, you should definitely check it out!
(5)
Stephanie H.
My husband and I were in Columbus for a wedding. We decided to stop in for a couple of lattes and take a break from wedding festivities. First, parking is a bit difficult. We drove around for awhile before we found a spot. A short walk later and we were at Pistacia Vera. We opted not to get any sweets because we just had lunch and a giant cookie from a cafe near Easton, but I wish we had space to try one of the macaroons. We decided to order our drinks and I asked if they offered almond milk. Sadly, the only alternative was soy milk, which doesn't do it for me. I asked if I could get a vanilla latte, but nope, no vanilla offered. I just had a regular latte and my husband had an iced latte. I think I must be incredibly spoiled with the coffee shops in North Carolina and I've developed really high standards when it comes to coffee and milk substitutes. This latte was totally below average and didn't wow me at all. I love counter culture beans that are offered in NC and I love that I can order an almond milk latte with vanilla. This was just boring and bland. My husband felt the same about his latte. Soooo I probably wouldn't recommend this shop if you're used to amazing lattes because that just didn't happen here. Three stars for friendly service and a nice interior. I hope this shop considers other milk substitutes for those who are health conscious - soy is terrible for you.
(3)
Elaine W.
I'm not a huge macaron fan--got over that phase, I think--but I will put one hand on the bakery counter and vouch for their croissants. The best thing is, if you need justification to indulge, they have RYE croissant. Back in the day when I was into macarons, and I discovered this elegant little shop on a quiet cobblestone street in the German Village, my two friends and I each got a macaron. When we sat down to dig in, we noticed that each was a different size! For some reason this was hilarious back then. But I think it just goes to show that they make everything fresh, in-house. I've seen people in line go a little crazy for the eclairs, so there must be something irresistible there, and I intend to try their breakfast one day.
(4)
Samantha S.
Usually I go to a pastry place knowing exactly what I want to get since they are known for one thing or another. This place though...everything is good. Which puts me in a really big dilemma! I love a good macaron which this place definitely does well. But if I were to come here again I would be inclined to keep trying new things. The hazelnut torte was about one of the best desserts I've had in a really long time. I got 4 macarons, I would say the best out of the bunch was the caramel pecan. I would have liked to try a couple of other things but I can only ingest so many pastry calories a day without starting to feel guilty.
(5)
Erica R.
Eh, this place is okay. It has a warm atmosphere and gluten-free macaroons but overall it is a little pretentious. I am also partial to Cherbourg's which is the greatest bakery in Columbus but this joint is in my neighborhood so I find myself here from time to time when I don't feel like making the trip to Bexley.
(3)
Mike B.
Thank goodness they got rid of the free wifi, the only complaint I ever had keeping it from five stars was that the german village mom club would always be here taking up all the seats. If you don't take it to go, politely finish and leave. German village is a beautiful place, walk down to schiller park and hang out with your friends if you need a place to chat. If you need wifi, there's always starbucks. That all being said, PV are masters of pastry, I have never had anything off the menu that has been any less than perfect.
(5)
Matt G.
Try everything on the menu! ...oh yeah, and the coffee. There's not much I can say that others haven't. So, here it goes: Make a selection from a wide-array of ever-changing pastries and goodies. I bought a caramel espresso tart - Duh-licious! Also, I indulged in the ham & cheese croissant - Good, yet very flaky and messy - You are warned. Along with my two selections, I purchased a delightfully tasting coffee and spent only around $15. It may seem a bit pricier but it is worth EVERY PENNY! To top it all off, the patio is a nice place to sit and read or just enjoy the weather. They also open up the entire side window section to make it the ultimate summer relaxation location. Every one there is very kind and friendly (an added bonus to the experience). I'll go back again and again! So many things I have yet to try!
I wandered into this place the first time I was in Columbus on business. We found it completely by accident and I can say that was a very happy accident. Both times I have come here I have order the Emmentaler Croque with strawberry preserve. It was amazing. So good in fact that I will be making a detour here anytime I can when I am here for work. I also got to try a bit of the Smoked Salmon Tartar and enjoyed it just as much. If you are nearby you should stop by for a bite. I don't think you will be disappointed.
(5)
Josie T.
Went here after an afternoon at the Cols Art Museum. It was snowy but still packed. There is a tiny parking lot across the street although I read here parking was on the street only. I loved the ambiance but this place is not a vegan bakery as advertised. There was one vegan "food" item - $8 gummy candies. I did not see any nutritional information posted. Macaroons were delicious but $1.50 each. I was surprised they didn't have a "sampler" I probably would have ordered more. Real food items are only served until 2pm, even on weekends. Prices of those items also seemed expensive since you purchased from a counter and had to wait for drinks. (Lemonade was served after we finished eating.) Seating was cramped, would have liked to be able to sit upstairs in the loft area.
(3)
Emma F.
I've only had the maraons here - but they are really good - not the best I've had - but maybe the best in Columbus!
(4)
Alien T.
Fantastic place for my first cold morning in the city of Columbus. Delicious brunch and a very good place to stop on the road trip. I found this place quite pleasing. I had pouched eggs with tomato, croissant and jam with a cup of coffee. It was, what I wanted on this long road trip. The staff is friendly and happy.
(3)
Nathan B.
Expensive, but a good latte and a great quiche and/or pastry (should be "and" - too much to go light here). They also have nice macaroons. Worth a taste but unless you're in love with the macaroons, you won't love the price of repeating the habit. The seating inside is well apportioned with nice and airy ceilings. Outside there's plenty of patio space, though folks tend to sit and linger on nice weekends. Not great for a full meal as it'll cost you more than it's worth, but certainly worth coffee and a pastry.
(4)
Mirabelle L.
To be honest, I still wasn't so sure about moving to Ohio until I walked into this dessert place. The desserts here are for sure comparable to many dessert places that I have been to in such as France, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Seattle, NYC, Chicago, to name just a few. I enjoyed every bite of it and planning on taking another visit soon to try some more of other things!
(5)
Claire R.
Pistachia Vera was one of the first places I was told I had to go when I moved to Columbus. They have a lot of items and a select few are done perfectly and thats what keeps me coming back. They have incredible quiches with really fresh, yummy salads which is the perfect breakfast. You have to get them before a certain time but its worth getting out there a little early. This is one of my favorite places to go when my parents are in town, or when getting breakfast with a friend, or even just by myself after wandering around the book loft. Great coffee. Food is a little pricey but worth it for the quality. They also have really, really good macaroons. I have had some amazing macaroons and some terrible ones and these are very good. Some of their flavors are not great but if you pick the right ones, they're winners. My favorite are the pistachio and anything with coconut. I only give four stars because some of their sweets are not 5 star and it is over all pretty pricey. I don't eat here often but every couple of months or so I start craving quiche and don't hesitate to come here (and stop over by Katzingers to pick up lunch for later!)
(4)
Carol C.
It's not every bakery that can successfully wed style with substance, but Pistacia Vera manages this miracle with seemingly effortless skill. Everywhere the clean lines of modern architecture suggest a simple beauty, not unlike the pure perfection in a bite of their freshly-baked bread. Within these red brick walls and tasteful window-lined alcoves, the air of culinary sophistication is no clever ruse: these chefs are artists working in the mediums of savory and sweet, with pleasure as their palette. As if I needed another excuse to indulge in my love of locally-made edibles, I recently decided to participate in a program called "Foodie Pen-Pals". My pal has a weakness for sweets but resides in the West Coast, which meant all treats must be both transportable and durable, in addition to being tasty. It's a tall order, but I instantly knew that Pate de Fruits would achieve every goal. Packaged in an attractive 8-pack, the ombre colored squares of sugared fruit "gems" are intensely flavored yet somehow never too sweet nor too sour, and are absolutely lovely to look upon. They'll easily survive the several day journey, and they're sure to please even the pickiest of pen-pals. My husband and I added two orders of cookies to the purchase, to spoil ourselves after a day's shopping well done. I chose the Bittersweet Fudgie, billed as the "best chocolate cookie ever", a dubious title, but I don't dare disagree. The mister declared it "The best cookie I have eaten, ever" after the first bite I gave him, and I could barely stand to share more. It was like a brownie, or a cookie, or the best parts of both cocoa-laced fantasy worlds: a fever dream of crisp-almost-crunchy crust, with a softly fudgy inner layer that might make you moan as it melts on your tongue. He chose a pair of madeleines, which we discovered were flavored subtly and seductively with lemon. They were almost cloudlike in their spongy tenderness, and sweet as lemonade on a summer afternoon. There is nothing I have tried here that doesn't rival my own baking, or best it. These desserts are among the very best that Capital City has to offer, and I'm inclined to inquire if their brunch might be likewise. As if I needed another excuse!
(5)
Bryant M.
What a sweet find! My friends and I went to lunch at El Arepazo, and we wanted a brownie from Sugardaddy's for dessert. Well, Sugardaddy's was closed. So then we wanted a cupcake from 3 Babes. And it was nowhere in sight. And that's how we found ourselves at Pistacia Vera! Even though it was kind of a last resort, it was not a let down! Liz M had brought me a box of their macarons a few months before, and I totally loved them; so I'm not sure why it took me this long to actually go to the store! Today we had a latte, an iced mocha, the chocolate cookies, the almond cookie, and a few macarons. Everything was beyond delicious. If you like semi-sweet or dark chocolate, then get the chocolate cookie - omg. But if you're more of a milk chocolate person, then maybe you should steer in another direction. I'll totally be going back to Pistacia Vera!
(5)
Leanna L.
The best macaroons I've ever had! So many flavors to choose from and very reasonably priced.
(4)
Alexander B.
Phenomenal quality and awesome presentation. Make someone's week by picking up a box of the macarons. They're pretty much perfection.
(5)
Ayesha K.
The macaroons are divine! Great pastry shop! Location is even better.
(4)
Regina M.
Came here as recommended by other reviews and I was not disappointed. The French Macarons are heavenly. Staff was very pleasant the decor and ambiance is beautiful. Would definitely come back when we get back to Ohio
(4)
Zachary M.
This place is dangerous! I work nearby and visit PV often. I love it!
(5)
David L.
Bumping rating up to 5 stars. I came here with my gf right before closing Saturday night. 1. Coconut guava yuzu chiboust, 24 Layers of coconut buttercake, gava yuzu curd, and coconut meringue mousse with a guava glaze. ~We got a terrine for my friend. Looked delicious, but I didn't get to try it :( 2. Chocolate bombe, 5 Chocolate buttermilk cake with semi-sweet chocolate mousse infused with tawny port, glazed with a chocolate ganache. ~Delicious. It got a bit smashed by the time we got home, but it was still good. 3. Pistachio macaron, 1.25 Pretty good. Not a big fan of macarons, but theirs are good. Tip: they have their own lot across the street if street parking is unavailable
(5)
Mike G.
Macarons. Eat them.
(5)
Vicky T.
Pricy and a bit rich (heavy). Despite the fact, their shelves are an orchestral arrangement of true hand-crafted goods. I've only had their caramel pecan twist? braid?, pistachio cookie, and an assortment of their macaroons. They are a genuine treat for a craving soul! I hope you enjoy whatever you select there! The store is a gem in town, please take a look around for yourself
(4)
Sara C.
BUCKEYE MACARON! ahem. Lea P. and I had a Yelp date here earlier this week. It's a cute little place on 3rd, within easy walking distance of Schiller Park. The ceilings are high and there are lots of windows and natural light, so despite the smallness of the shop and the crowdedness of the little tables, it still feels open and airy. It can be a little awkward when the tables are full and you are practically sitting in on someone else's conversation. Though other reviewers mention wifi, there are now little cards on the tables advising customers to limit their use of electronics in the dining room (it did not specify whether this is due to cell phone usage or laptop camping). I did see some folks with their tablet computers, though it wasn't particularly crowded on this weekday afternoon. It'd be a great place to people-watch (especially the tables at the front) or to work on my attempt to read "In Search of Lost Time," though it is tables only -- no cushy armchairs. It can get a little chilly on cold days due to the size of the room and the two entrances. Service was super polite and patient, especially since I was a little stunned by all the lovely pastries and glass cases of deliciousness. I ended up just getting the buckeye macaron and the peppermint chocolate macaron. The latter was acceptable, but I could have gotten a whole box of the buckeye ones (but resisted the temptation). I do know what I'm buying for Christmas gifts this year now, though. I also had an iced soy chai which was made well. Two macarons and the drink came to $6. I noticed that they do serve brunch, but it looked a little pricey for me right now. I'd rather spend that money on macarons anyway.
(4)
Aaron F.
Best Macarons, other than in Paris!
(5)
Jennifer J.
ok, what can anyone say other than this really is the best pastry in Columbus Ohio. also, they serve a great breakfast. And for those of us with dogs...they have wonderful outdoor seating in warmer weather, with water bowls for the pups. 5 star all the way. no disappointments here.
(5)
R R.
Never a good idea to earn a good reputation by having unique food items (shirred eggs). and them slowly take them out of the lineup. And then they start running out of the items on the menu!! Out of quiche lorraine at 8:00 on Sunday! Ate a hard macaroon today. Thought they are supposed to be nice and fluffy. Having been long term customers.... It's so disappointing!
I've been blessed/cursed with walking past Pistacia Vera every day on my way to work, and every day on my way home from work. It's a daily struggle not to empty my wallet and fill my face with perfect confections. It's like an art gallery for desserts. Their offerings might be more edited than other patisseries, but Pistacia Vera has perfected each item on the menu. You can stop in to share a dessert with a friend, grab a coffee, or pick up a gift. I love the pate de fruits-- intense flavor bombs for your tongue! And oh, the macarons! I love to pick some up to go with afternoon tea. I even boxed sets of four and gave them out as party favors at a baby shower once. Pick up one of their letterpress cards, and you have a "just thinking of you" gift ready to go. Or, you know, a "Thanks for writing such a sweet review, Catherine J." gift... amirite?!?! They even have "real food" ... two items available for brunch daily. There's a shirred egg dish and a smoked salmon dish. These are headlined with the description of being "gluten free." The whole "gluten free" thing kind of annoys me, as I feel like it's an over-blown trend. For those who have a legit allergy or intolerance to gluten, they probably know how to scan a menu and know that the dish is gluten free. For everyone else... I don't know why "gluten free" is being equated with some kind of health commandment, but there ya go. Not sure what about a wheat protein is so bad for those whose bodies can process it normally. I haven't tried either brunch item, but I plan on remedying this travesty very soon.
(4)
Allie L.
The best macarons in Columbus. I can only repeat Christina..."DROOL."
(5)
Jose P.
Best Sugar Lime Cookie Ever! Best Elephant Ears and Bear Claws in the area! Great place to chill and enjoy sweet treats!
(5)
Marcia C.
People. It's the Provençal Baked Eggs, hands down. Top it off with the pastry of your choice and some really good coffee. But it's the Baked Eggs.
(5)
Stella W.
OMG....their dessert was really good! We came here after a big lunch at the nearby jewish deli, so we all shared the chocolate mouse dome pastry. It was infused with tawny port, which you can taste from the chocolate mouse. The ganache was so smooth and rich that the combination of all the ingredients was just perfectly balance and satisfying! I already asked my friends to take us back there for brunch next time :D
(5)
Jennifer A.
Love this place and would recommend everyone to visit there for dessert and coffee.
(5)
Stephanie K.
yummm yuurrrm! This place is too cute. The pastries looked immaculate in the display cases. I tried 5 different macaroons: grapefruit, raspberry, nutella, pistachio, and pumpkin. The pistachio was probably my fav. The macaroons were that awesome just chewy consistency I love. I also tried a small pomegrante lychee pate for $1. The small gel like cube rolled in sugar reminded me of those sunkist gel candies I used to get as a kid. These however, were about a bajillionsmamillion times more delicious. I couldn't believe the intense flavor packed into that sucker. Soo mouthwatering good. I'm definitely coming back for more! I'd like to try some of the tartes, bombs and others.
(5)
Vivian Clair M.
I enjoy very much making trips to Columbus Ohio, and appreciate the many excellent chefs who are here. One place I always visit is Pistacia Vera. The croissants, bostock pastry, almond bearclaw, and chocolate bombe are simply divine. Sadly, I never got to try the "PISTACHIO APRICOT PINWHEEL ($4) sweet dough with pistachio frangipan with fresh apricots and glaze" which has just been removed from the menu. The ham and cheese croissant is very smoky tasting. I liked it, but not all in my party did. The macaroons are excellent, although macaroons in general are not my cup of tea. There are so many things left to try, including the Pain au Chocolate, the Apple Galette, Orange Brioche, etc. They had samples of the nougat and caramels out one morning I was there, and they were also excellent. This is definitely the real deal! Worth a special trip - go hungry!
(5)
Maria S.
Coffee shops often have desserts, but they aren't always the best quality, and I'm not a coffee drinker anyway. And going to a full service restaurant for just dessert makes me feel like a jerk. There aren't a lot of places in Columbus where you can go for just desserts; Pistacia Vera definitely fills that void and I love them for that. I am always amazed by how impeccably designed everything at Pistacia Vera is. Not only the gorgeous pastries they have on display, but the interior, employee uniforms, and packaging, too. They have wonderful, buttery, thick shortbread, fantastic macarons (the pumpkin pie one I had this fall was absurd), and every tart I've tried has been magnificent. The spiced pear tart I had somewhat recently makes me aspire to be a better person. This weekend, my husband and I walked over and picked up a pain au chocolat and a slice of apple galette, both of which were awesome. In fact, I don't think I've had anything here that isn't super amazing. The staff is always friendly and not stuck up about answering questions. Obviously, much has been said about Pistacia Vera, but I had to toss in my "review" just to say thanks to them for bringing some sweetness to Columbus! I only wish they were open later some days for my incessant after hours cravings!
(5)
Stephan J.
Pistacia Vera is a lovely French style patisserie worth a visit! This great place in German village has macarons which will blow your mind(they are gluten free too). I visited this place as part of a food tour and this was by far the highlight! You can see how passionate the sister and brother team of Anne and Spencer are about their business. Behind the scenes we saw the magic happening, as a fierce team of female chefs were preping confections and quiches. They bake all day long to provide freshly made items for their case throughout the day. This definitely will be a place I go out of my way to visit when I am in Columbus. The customer service is wonderful and they pull a mean macchiato too!
(5)
Brady S.
Hands down, delicious. I definitely want to try out their lunch menu.
(5)
Uğur Ö.
A little pricey but totally worth it for the desserts. Me and my wife we both love their desserts. But if you want to try their brunch keep in mind that their brunch selections are limited and portions are small and pricey. It's good if you are not too hungry and want to have coffee, a small dish and some desserts to go with it. But if you want a full blown brunch then it's not the best option. We would definitely recommend for their desserts.
(5)
Gabi M.
Pistacia Vera is the definition of classy. They define themselves as a "dessert boutique," and that's exactly what they are. With modern sleek decor, extremely friendly staff, an incredible array of fine looking treats, free wifi, and a central location in German Village, if you live in Columbus and haven't been here, you're missing out. As if all of the above isn't enough, take one bite of your favorite flavor macaron, and you'll be sold... I guarantee it! I went with a vanilla bean macaron and a cup of hot lemon ginger tea. It was the perfect light dessert after my lunch at Katzinger's Deli down the street. The macaron was so delicious, I swear - it's what "sweet dreams" are made of! And all of PV's macarons are gluten free to boot! I knew Christina C wouldn't steer me wrong when she took me here. I can't wait to return to Pistacia Vera on future trips to Columbus!
(5)
Alaina C.
I love this place so much. Everything I've ever eaten here has been outstanding! Their coffee is good, the croque Monsieur is wonderful and of course the macarons are orgasmic. Pricey but I can't stay away. My favorite macaron flavors are the lemon and the lavender.
(5)
Cherie R.
I just had the baked eggs this morning for breakfast - and I want them again. And again. It seems so simple! Baked eggs, butter, herbs, cheese, and tomatoes. But it was sooooooooooooooooooooo good! Their baked goods are top notch, as well as their brunch items. You won't regret visitng here! As someone who is allergy prone, I really appreciate their nut free and gluten free menus - it makes me feel a lot safer eating here than I usually feel at bakeries.
(5)
Kee V.
I love a good croissant and Pistacia Vera has good ones. Coffee was strong and freshly brewed. I wasn't in love with the canele though. It looked great but there was a overwhelming anise-like taste that I didn't enjoy. There was something just a little off about the flavor. All of the items looked great and I plan on getting a bunch of macarons before leaving Columbus in a couple days because they looked great. It's a great space and a great place to hang out and people watch.
(4)
Josh W.
The best bakery in Columbus!
(5)
Lydia W.
I live for pastries. To know that Columbus has a solid patisserie makes me so happy! LOVE the selection of cakes and tarts. Nothing looks undesirable. Come with a friend so you can try more than one slice of cake! I have had the passionfruit chambord mousse flourless chocolate cake, and it is truly divine. Its fruity tones are perfectly subtle against the incredible richness of the chocolate. The textures are perfect, but don't let it get too warm before you dig in! It's definitely better served chilled. The pistachio cake with fig and orange is also heavenly. Its flavor is a bit more complex and sophisticated, and I really appreciate that it's not overly sweet. Also there's a pistachio macaron on top for the macaron-lover who can't choose between macarons or cake. The biggest test for me came when I ordered a pain au chocolat. Acceptable! I am glad to know I can get a good croissant here. They also have rye croissants and whole wheat croissants in addition to regular croissants, which I find interesting but would probably never want to try. Oh their pistachio chocolate chip cookie? Buy one for the road. You're welcome.
(5)
David W.
Pistacia Vera is perhaps Columbus's best argument against becoming a vegan. This swanky dessert boutique (as per the website) is a local gateway to Parisian-style confectionery, with artifacts of buttercream and ganache so artisanly sculpted, they are far too pretty to be eaten. Located a stone's throw from Katzinger's Deli and the majestic Book Loft, PV is an obvious destination when happening to wander into the slumberous neighborhood of German Village. Macarons are the signature, and like a rainbow of color swatches they radiate behind the glass counter in their iridescent decadence. Coming in such flavors as buckeye, pistachio and mocha hazelnut, to more left-of-center varieties (say, yuzu pink guava), each sells for $1.25 a pop. On one of my visits, I was allowed to sample a cookie, but I'm not sure whether this is common practice, or if they already knew I wouldn't be leaving without buying something first. Apart from macarons, you'll find a gallery of other tasty treats. Most recently, I was exposed to the Brown Butter Pecan Cranberry, a shortbread crust comprised of almond franigpane and cranberry orange jam. Equally delicious is the Spiced Pear Franigpan. Order a chai or cappucino (Brioso coffee!) on the side to complement a hot date. When visiting Paris several years ago, I had the enjoyment of trying my first French macaron in the bustle of an open-air cafe. Pistacia Vera rekindles the magic of that seminal experience, without the pigeon shit. Treat yourself.
(5)
Sheila H.
We found the pastries to be exceptional. The coconut crème french macarons were heavenly. Absolutely loved this place and the staff was very helpful and friendly.
(5)
kristy m.
I am simply copying the review I wrote on Tripadvisor: You absolutely must visit Pistacia Vera if you are within 100 miles of the place. This is truly a destination in and of itself. You will create wonderful memories for your family if you bring them here and let them pick out a special treat. Amazing!! We tried a Passion Fruit Parisian Macaron and it was incredible. Lightly crispy outer layer, soft, lightly sweet, pleasantly fruity. Only $1.25 each and $15.00 for a beautiful travel box of their assorted flavors. Orange Brioche - lightly flavored, slightly sweet, moist. Perfection! $2.75 Pain au Chocolat, $3.50, and Almond , $4.00, both Heavenly. The pastry is the best I've ever had. The chocolate was very, very good and the almond filling was just delicious. My son chose the Lemon Sugar cookie and it was very good. We all tried it and the whole family thought it delicious. ($1.50) The Chocolate Chunk Pistachio cookie is crazy-good. Lots of nuts and yummy chocolate. Get this as an extra bonus. ;-). $1.50 My husband ordered the Plum Ginger Frangipan and that was oh so delicious. The plums were perfectly tender. The ginger flavor was just right. I can't figure out if it was on a pie crust or sugar cookie crust. Whatever, it was great. Whatever the cake or filling, it was so good. $5.00 Their coffee was very good. The espresso was especially excellent. We brought four children here and they were treated very well. I would say this is a family friendly. I would also say this would be a great date place. Since I visited Pistacia Vera in October I've had other macarons and none anywhere compare to the perfection in taste and texture of the ones from Pistacia Vera.
(5)
Beka H.
This place was incredible. I had the flavored macaroons and I was in heaven. I had also split a lemon tart. It was the best I ever had!
(5)
Elizabeth D.
I was recommended to visit this place by a fellow Twitter-foodie. I am SO glad he sent me here. The decor is super cute and carries a modern-chic feel. The chairs and tables are petite and metal. Which is why I'm giving Pistacia 4 stars and not 5. I like cafes to have a more comfy, resty, loungy atmosphere. This feels more like a place to have a business meeting or to spend time studying. But that's just my own personal opinion. It's not necessarily a bad thing. I ordered the baked eggs Provencale (I hope I spelled that right...) and a chocolate latte to start. The baked eggs were a tad bit under done for my liking, which was my own fault. I should've specified my doneness level desired. But they were delicious. The ragout was very flavorful. The croissant was bigger then I expected which was awesome, I love croissants, and it was all crispy toasted and hot. Mmmmm... The housemade preserves were really tasty and fruity. I wish they sold them by the jar. I'd be buying some every couple of weeks. After I let all that settle, I stared at the dessert case for 10-20 minutes trying to decide what I wanted. I finally chose the Chocolate Bombe. Talk about death death by chocolate. It was like a chocolate explosion in my mouth. A really, really good chocolate explosion with different textures. The mousse on the inside of it was the best chocolate mousse I've ever had. All in all I had a wonderful dining experience. The food was DELICIOUS. you should definitely give it a try sometime.
(4)
Soly Z.
MAN OH MAN WAS THIS PLACE DIVINE! Macaroons were just about as good as what I got on the streets of Paris at La Duree a few short months ago. The breakfast pastries were also perfect - not too rich, not too light, and the latte was a delicate balance of strong espresso and milk that was heated to the temperature that was just right. I only wish I bought more treats to take home and sample. I will most certainly be back next time I find myself in Columbus.
(5)
Jenna A.
AMAZING. I got a box of macaroons and so very much enjoyed them. So delicious, especially the raspberry and lavender ones. The staff was a little short with us, I don't know why, but still generally helpful. I will definitely be going back as soon as possible. The chocolate cake looks amazing!
(5)
Teresa C.
Stopped by for a small snack and totally enjoyed their Macarons. A slight crunch outside and moist goodness inside.
(5)
Chin C.
Tried my very first macarons (pistachio and lemon) a couple weeks ago while visiting Columbus, and love it! I also enjoyed the ambience of Pistacia Vera and their price is reasonable. The only thing that I can pick on was the cafe au lait that i ordered taste like latte, it was a good latte though.
(5)
Patricia C.
Best macaroons outside of Paris! Discovered Pistachio Vera after a trip to Paris and their macaroons are very comparable to those we devoured in France. I buy them as hostess gifts and special treats for guests, family, and friends. Love!!
(5)
Doug O.
Cute atmosphere, delicious pastries, a great brunch menu, and good coffee. A nice bakery and coffee shop for anyone in the German Village neighborhood.
(4)
Liz R.
Loved every second we spent in Pistacia Vera. Highly recommend you make this place a stop while you're in the area. Spotlessly clean. Relatively comfortable seating, inside and out. Gorgeous pastry jewels behind the glass. We came for the macarons (OK, I came for the macarons, but Ken actually had one too), but everything looked beyond edible. We were still stuffed from lunch, but the macarons were tiny. And yum! I chose nutella, and Ken went with vanilla. Mine was delicious - crispy, puffy meringue cookies with the smooth, creamy interior. I thought Ken made a huge mistake getting boring, old bland vanilla, but I must admit it was also quiet good. Not bland at all. It was difficult to only get the two macarons, no matter how full we were. I knew anything extra wouldn't hold up well in our hotel room (although the staff said they could give us frozen ones to give us more time in the heat - keep this in mind).
(5)
Jessica T.
Do you really need another review telling you why Pistacia Vera is awesome? Yes, yes you do. Pistacia Vera makes the most delicate and delicious baked goods I have ever had. Light and airy Parisian-style macarons. Amazing layered dacquoise cakes. Fruit tarts that will blow your mind. A chocolate bombe which looks so amazing, I'm afraid to try it because it might truly be the stuff of legend: actual death by chocolate. Their coffee is full-bodied and strong enough to really complement the sweet desserts. The espresso drinks are always top-notch. Heck, even their candy is delicious. They make these otherworldly cashew butter caramels that literally melt in your mouth. Only the $12-per-box price tag is enough to keep me from wolfing them down in one sitting. Their storefront is, of course, lovely as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in beautiful light and allow for excellent people watching. Their bathroom is totally gorgeous and belongs in a design magazine, not in a restaurant. I think the only thing that I am not a raving fan about is their brunch. I ordered a bacon, onion and spinach quiche, which had a thick, savory filling, but the crust wasn't very good. (Disclaimer: I'm really picky about crust.) It was kind of dry and bland, and not what I'd expect from a place with otherwise amazing baked goods. It wasn't overly disappointing, but next time I'll stick to the flaky and buttery pan au chocolat that's never let me down.
(5)
Meghann T.
I have always passed by this place, and always wanted to go, however, the parking was always a pain in the butt. I was lucky enough to find a spot to park my car and walk to the restaurant over the weekend. What a pleasant surprise. A cute, dainty little cafe in German Village. I walked in, and the place smelled of sugar and coffee (two of my favorite things)! There were tables with two chairs, a lit candle, and many people enjoying a treat over coffee and conversation. I asked the woman behind the adorned counter of sweets for her suggestions. She recommended the black cherry and the pistachio macarons. What a marvelous suggestion - I should have gotten a half dozen! One of each was not enough to satisfy my new found glory! The cafe is very tidy, and always busy. I plan on going back this weekend, perhaps at the ass crack of dawn to get a parking spot and my new favorite dessert.
(5)
Estera P.
Delightful place to grab a European-style snack.
(4)
Susan R.
I'm not sure if my previous experience with Pistacia Vera was just during an off time, or what, but today's visit to PV absolutely blew my mind. Hubs and I had a pain au chocolat (one each--no bloody way was I sharing), a couple of their delicious macarons, and a shortbread cookie. Everything was delicious, but the star was truly the pain au chocolat--flaky, tender, not oversweet, filled with good chocolate. I don't remember such a large selection of French-style baked goods last time I was there--it was mostly cookies and such besides what was in the dessert case--so this was a very, very welcome change. The selections in the case were far more impressive this time, too. I saw several things that I'd like to try. The lemon tart that I'd had last time was a little fancier-looking this time around, even if it still had that candied rind on top that distracted me so the first time. The only drawback? It was so busy that we had to take our food outside. We sat on a butt-freezing concrete bench while we scarfed down our goodies. But that's fine; I'd suffer a little numb-bottom any day to have another pain au chocolat.
(5)
Bonnie N.
So...I decided to visit this place in July when my BF visited from California. I've heard about it from a friend. I LOVE THIS PLACE! Will come back here again, prolly with my girlfriends, hehehe Pros: - high quality desserts and pastries! - flavors are rich and not too sweet (for my palate, atleast) - the decor of this tiny cafe is so cute that it made me feel like I am in Paris, lol! - must try the creme brulee pastry, its heaven! - friendly staff - price is not too bad (I was thinking that a macaroon will be like $4/piece) Cons: - limited parking - its all the way in German Village
(5)
Reuel K.
It's the only place for French macaroons. But they actually have more than that. They have other pastries and enough selections to make it one of my favorite places to go to. Another thing I like here is that they have very good breakfast too. The place is always clean and the people very pleasant.
(5)
S N.
On my touristy trip to Columbus, this cafe stood as a worthy competitor to the best and finest cafes of NY. Everything was great. I loved croque monsieur, buttermilk cake, strawberry preserve and latte. My family raved about their brunch as well (we ordered everything on the menu. Service was not perfect but taste, food et al.
(5)
Andrew S.
I have to eat gluten free (no wheat, barley, malt, rye) which usually means I have a difficult time finding anything to order in a pastry or desert shop/restaurant... So imagine my delight when I found out PV has a number of incredible delectable desert's that they make gluten free! Wow! Whether eating in or "to go" the friendly staff of "desert artisans" will guide you thru the many offerings.
(5)
Birdy N.
Wow - Columbus has arrived. This is world class desserts. The macaroons are to die for. As are many of their other desserts. The decor and service have always been top notch too.
(5)
Kristi H.
It's been a while since I've been to Pistacia Vera but I'm craving one of every macaroon they make. I can't drive four hours just to buy them, but I wish I could. So I'm writing a review instead. I came to Columbus with friends and one of those friends is obsessed with mastering the perfect macaroon. I'd never had a macaroon, so I wasn't sure what the fuss was over. We dropped by on a Saturday afternoon and the place was busy but not packed. We were served quickly and efficiently. We bought a sample of every macaroon flavor and then proceeded to try a bite of each one. They were light, fluffy, crunchy, sweetness with wonderful, subtle flavor combinations. I've had macaroons since then and they do not compare. The place is small, clean, cute and simple. Fair warning: the presentation of the baked goods will make you buy more than you intend. Which isn't really a problem.
(5)
Katherine B.
Had the croque monsieur, which had a delicious horseradish spread. My friend had the salmon on rye and every bit was gone. We also tried the macarons. I have never had such a delightful and flavorful dessert. Tried the chocolate cherry cordial and pistachio. Plan to make another trip to Columbus busy for this restaurant! The staff is super friendly and helpful. The restaurant is quite small. Brunch is only served 7am to 2:00pm. Don't leave without trying the Macaron (yes, that is the correct spelling).
(5)
Golnaz P.
There once was a girl who has a major sweet tooth. After thoroughly researching the dessert options in Columbus, Ohio, she decided Pistacia Vera was a must try. One cold night she set out for some dessert. Sadly, she got there 5 minutes after they closed. She peeked inside the place while the bright and decadent dessert were being put away. She pledged to herself that she will be back. And back she came, not once but twice! She paced the counter looking at the cakes, cookies, brownies, and everything enticing. The fig, cherry, and pistachio cake grabbed her eye. With a macaroon topped on the beautiful cake, how could she resist? Every bite filled her with happiness. She savored every bite that paired so perfectly with her coffee. The second time she visited this oasis of desserts, she ordered the pistachio chocolate chip cookies. Our story should have a happy ending, but this is not the case. For the girl does not live in Ohio and will not have Pistacia Vera near her. She can only relieve the memories in her head.
(5)
Meaggie B.
If you are looking for a coffee or latte and a quick bite to eat this is the place to get it in German village. They have multiple homemade desserts as well as Breakfast pastries. Their lattes are handmade and the coffee here is delicious.
(4)
E L.
I'm raving, really, really raving about the Pain Au Raisen and Maple Pecan Twist. I have been living in Columbus since '79 and these are the very best of best of best - sort of Danishes - that I have ever eaten anywhere. The best part is I don't get heartburn!!! What The Fork? 5 up....
(5)
Brian B.
Delicious and inexpensive macarons! All the flavors are wonderful--just amazing.
(5)
N S.
I have been to Pistacia Vera at least 15-20 times over the years. I was skeptical at first because years living in and traveling around Europe had made me come to realize that much of what is offered there is more showy than flavorful. One in ten, at most, pastry shops are worth it. Pistacia Vera is the exception to the rule. Everything is perfectly done. The flavors mate with the presentations. They are bold when they need to be, subtle when that works best. Incredible attention to every detail in every offering. This caring for every part of the process carries over to the staff; they are unstintingly smiling, courteous and efficient. Pistacia Vera would be a neighborhood favorite in any neighborhood in the world.
(5)
Andrea B.
The easiest five star decision ever. This place rocks and is always my first stop when I find myself in O-H-I-O. It is also the first thing out of my mouth when friends ask what they can bring me when they come to visit Chicago. My top recommendation would be to try the bostock. What is bostock, you ask? Exactly. That is why I skipped over it on my initial visits. Dumb. Should have been getting this from the get go. They vary the flavors of the bostock but the general idea is that it is brioche with almond filling baked on it. Make sure to ask them to warm it up. To date the holiday bostock had been my fave. Have yet to get anything here I didn't love. The coffee is superb to boot. On a final note, the shop is well lit and a nice place to enjoy a Sunday morning pastry. Even the bathroom is cool looking!!
(5)
Laurie S.
I'm only giving it 4 stars because I have only tried one menu item and the name escapes me! It was a flaky pastry with thin slices of...I want to say plum and it was GOOD! The coffee was also just right. The atmosphere was sleek and clean and the staff was SUPER, AMAZINGLY NICE! I was hoping for a cupcake and I don't even know if they have them on the menu here...but I would DEFINITELY go back. This is the friendliest and tastiest bakery I have been to in Columbus.
(4)
Jon T.
Beautiful bakery with excellent goods. Been going for years. Coffee is also excellent.
(5)
Ashley J.
An adorable and friendly bakery in German Village. They have some nice desserts, but the interior is a bit too small for me, honestly. Also, the selection isn't very board. Of course, this could be the time of day that I go (lunch time and late afternoon), so their selection may be limited by that point. They are a bit on the expensive side for a piece of a treat, but it's quite lovely!
(3)
Zach M.
The absolute class of Columbus bakeries or whatever you want to call them. I love the sort of sterile/clean environment almost as much as the food. But the food is really good. Everyone knows about the macarons - some flavors are better than others. Every single item on display looks amazing, making it really hard to decide on anything. Great place to take out of town visitors or to grab a quick dessert for dinner party.
(5)
Joshua K.
Wow! This is a gem in German Village. Had the pleasure of taking a kitchen tour and meeting the owners during a Columbus dessert tour. This place rocks in every way! The macaroons are simply amazing, probably the best I've had outside of France and quite possibly the best ever. I loved the atmosphere and the level of service was impeccable. The owners were very passionate about their family owned patisserie and staying true to the French style. It's a must do when you are in Columbus!
(5)
Kelly R.
I thought this place would be amazing after I heard all my friends rave. However, it is really expensive and the treats I had seemed old. I do appreciate how they have free water. The girls who were working seemed to be busy and not very helpful when I asked what to get. The macaroons were too rich. Not exactly my taste. However, if you are in to rich, this place is for you.
(2)
Vic W.
GREAT Boutique Bakery!
(5)
Rebecca O.
I thought my love for cupcakes transcended every other baked good on the planet. But then I met Pistacia Vera's macaroons, which gave cupcakes some stiff competition. I wouldn't consider myself a macaroon connoisseur, but I definitely know these are good. Not too sweet, not too bland. Not too big, not too small. Lots of gluten-free choices, too. I love coming here and purchasing macaroons as gifts; they're too pretty to resist. Prices are a bit high, hence the three stars.
(4)
S L.
I stopped by with my boyfriend last weekend and got 6 macarons and iced tea. They had Buckeye Macarons! That was the first time I had seen that flavor offered. I wish they had it all the time because my boyfriend and I both agreed that it was one of the best macaron flavors we've ever tried (and we've tried a ton!).
(5)
DeSean W.
Finally!...I made it to the #1 dessert pick of columbus!.Of course I had to try these constantly raved about macarons.It was my birthday, so I splurged!I got 3 macarons,(vanilla bean, mocha hazelnut&I can't think of the last one), an individual strawberry pistachio dequoise(hope I spelled that right), and an iced mocha.when I tasted that macaron,I knew that slight coffee, soft waifer tasting,kind of like a tiny sandwich and me were destined to be together....I ll make many more trips to get this delectable snack, next time,I may even try some baked eggs....just have.to figure out how to park:)
(5)
Ariel B.
This is my favorite bakery in the whole city... no, the whole state... wait, no, probably the whole country! The "chocolate bomb" has been my sweet infatuation for nearly a year now which I suppose makes it more of a committed relationship, really. I fantasize about a chic birthday party on a high rise terrace surrounded by family and friends when out comes a giant chocolate bomb embellished with sparklers. I'm more of a traditional macaroon kind of girl, but if they are your thing then you should come here and try their brightly arranged assortments. The tarts, cookies, and croissants will also blow your mind. Dine in AND get a to go box! I always do.
My husband & I were visiting from Akron. We wanted to go to the Book Loft and the only reason we stopped in Pistacia Vera was to get some iced coffee. I am so glad we did! The iced coffee was good, but the macarons blew me away. We each had a Nutella macaron. They were very airy & delicate, as they should be! The whole place was very clean and modern, and the colorful array of treats in the bakery case was very tempting. We will make a point to stop here on our future trips to Columbus. I definitely want to try a variety of the macarons, and also the pate de fruits.
(5)
Derek C.
Best desserts in Columbus!
(5)
elisa c.
So I'm a sucker for cakes and coffee and Pistacia Vera manages both with a tremendous amount of style and sheer awesomeness. I used the terrible excuse of "let's do something nice for someone else" today just to justify coming here to try it for the first time and it was heaven. Love the Opera cake, love the German Chocolate Carmel cake, love the off street parking in the German Village... all around, beautiful. I will be coming back here, Oh, I bought a pre-packaged thing of macaroons they had done up with a bow and pretty colors and flavors - managed to buy the affection of the entire Fiscal department where I work. Kinda love Pistacia Vera right about now :)
(5)
Joy W.
Great brunch and croissant. Desert is a little bit over sweet to me.
(4)
Amanda H.
Dearest Pistacia Vera, Since last we met, some several fortnights ago, I have been visited endlessly by cravings for your miniature macaroons. Part of me had dismissed the possibility of ever enjoying such decadent baked goods again, but thanks to these tiny, gluten-free delights, I can stuff my face uncontrollably with sinful sweets once more. Allow me to share my undying gratitude to you for this gift. And to give you 5 stars. Humbly and irresistibly yours, ~a
(5)
Rachel G.
Cafe Au Lait was really good. The mushroom and leek quiche was amazing. I tried a bite of the ham & cheese croissant and it was OK- I thought the cheese was a little chewy, and the croissant a little greasy. I will definitely be back to try more of the goodies and breakfast treats.
(4)
Spencer M.
Wicked good coffee and wonderful service! A tad pretentious but what isn't in GV? Good place to visit and have a cup.
(4)
Danielle F.
I've only been to Pistacia Vera once, but it's pretty much not even up for debate that they have and sell -excellent- desserts. The dessert I bought had gold leaf on it, by the way. Talk about impressive. Here is a short anecdote about Pistacia Vera/how 'expensive' it is: I stopped by Pistacia Vera with two friends after eating at Schmidt's. Both saw all the price tags and were indignant that I'd actually pay that much for sweets. Three months later, my friend asked me if I'd ever heard of Pistacia Vera. His friend had bought him a cake from there and it was SO INCREDIBLY AMAZING. He decided that, even though it's kind of expensive, it's SO GOOD it's totally worth it!!! It took me a minute to remind him that he had in fact been to Pistacia Vera with me a few months earlier, where he scoffed at the prices! That was, of course, before he tried the desserts ;). Now he is completely on board.
(5)
Lily C.
Best macarons in the whole world! Even better than the ones I've tried in Paris!
(5)
Aja S.
I love pastry shops and moving to Columbus from a smaller city three states over I figured there would be a nice assortment to choose from. Sadly, there aren't very many places here and I've come to understand that you really have to look through the hype of a place in this city to see for yourself whether it's worth spending money or time on. That being said, I was CRAVING macarons and having tried make them myself I know they can be a little hard to master. Knowing this I thought I would need to save my craving until the next time we traveled. When we stumbled upon Pistacia Vera I was very excited too see all the beautiful pastries and goodies. The atmosphere is very nice, although I'm not one to easily fall for the look of a place before I've sampled the food (far too many times in this city have I felt like I was paying to be seen instead of the food of my plate...). I told my mother, a few states away (who also has a thing for pretty pastries) about this place and she was kind enough to treat me to a gift card! She went on to the website, ordered the card and we waited. And waited and waited. Since I live in the same city I was thinking three to four days at the most. But it NEVER came. I had to get the order number from my mom and then email the receipt to them and go in to get my card. No one had heard anything about this card, so it was never sent out. EVER and if we never called, nothing would have gotten done. Now, my parents have always owned a small business. So I understand that things just go unseen or forgotten when things are busy. Things where ultimately straightened out and for that day my boyfriend and I had a nice time. I got box of macarons and he got one of those chocolate bomb cakes. We came out with still a little balance left on the card. So a few weeks later, we go back again. I ordered more macarons and few other things. I am not a FANCY person by any means. But I know the difference between a coconut macaroon like my granny used to buy at the local market and a French macaron. However, I'm NOT French and I do not speak French. When I order macarons I say, "I will have two of each MACAROON except for anything with strawberry (I'm allergic to that cute little fruit, you see)." I come from middle America and although I am very well traveled and know a thing or two about different foods and cultures, I have nothing to prove. Yes, I have been known to twang or countrify a few words here or there just to stress a point. YET I was constantly corrected by the girl behind the counter, whom may I add seems to have the same news rooms worthy accent that I have. She kept saying "MAHK-RHONS" as if the back of her throat should be have started the "R" sound but then just felt insecure about itself and decided to be an "H" instead. I have heard MANY people say it this way, and I know, understand and respect that it's a way to differentiate between the two baked goods. Frankly though I feel silly trying to fake a French accent for one word. Bottom line, I felt it was very rude of this girl to continually say it loudly and as if I were an idiot. *Takes a breath* Despite all of this. I had two of each type of macaron (other then the strawberry) now twice and they are just a little hit or miss. A good macarons shell is one that is like a chewy meringue. These are just very poofy so they look pretty. But once you bite into it you are wearing all of the shell. It just crumbles all over the front of you and is a little dry. The flavor is so so on the ones that aren't as puffy. Although I can't really taste the difference in the taste, a lot of the time. Often I'm left saying, "I think this was lemon...maybe vanilla. Probably lemon because it's yellow..." The Chocolate bomb cake that I had a bite of seemed very rich and lovely. I think they are very pretty and they seem to be a very quality product. I will still go back to see about the other selections. I just feel that they push the macarons very hard and they are little disappointing. I haven't found another place in or around Columbus that sells macarons and it seems to me that someone that hasn't had VERY well made macarons would come to think that these are the BESTEST. Which I understand because you have nothing to compare it to. I think that being the only game in town makes puts them at number one automatically and that just seems unfair. Recently I've made my own macarons after lots of trial and error and obsession I've made some pretty good ones. Which now makes me wonder more and more about a place like Pistacia Vera. I wonder why a place that makes so many at one time can make such a common and easily fixed mistake. Making un-poofy macarons should be very easy after you do it for so long... If you know of any other places that sells macarons PLEASE message me! I'd love to try them!
(3)
Stephanie M.
Stopped by for a light brunch with friends...and the only thing keeping this from being 5 stars is the order chaos at the front counter. While they have more than enough counter folk, the space is a tad cramped when the joint is packed, so your ability to really walk along the entire counter and view all the goodies you want to view are quickly snapped up by waiting customers. Outside of this, FANTASTIC stuff. Between our party, both pastries and savories were ordered and everything was good. You won't receive a heavy-handed flour-laden grocery-story pastry here. The eclairs are delicate masterpieces. The carrot cake mille fuille is amazing. Eggs? Perfect runniness next to beautifully toasted croissants. Homemade preserves? Could have eaten them alone with a spoon for-EV-er. You want to know about the Macarons? They're every bit as fantastic as everyone says. I could have eaten 30 of the lemon ginger & matcha ones and been happy all day. But I didn't. Because I'm a responsible adult or some such nonsense. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a treat from Pistacia - just expect weekend brunch-time to be a bit hectic!
(4)
Laura R.
Such a unique shop! All of their desserts are delicious and not bad priced. Very chic, I would go there everyday if I could ! Great coffee as well. Try their chocolate bomb, to die for!
(5)
M C.
Never a disapointment. From coffee to rye croissants to shirred eggs..! Magical
(5)
Kati K.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Pistacia Vera yet! This is truly one of my favorite places in Columbus. Their macarons are authentic Parisian and delicious -- light, airy, tasty. The coffee is delicious. The atmosphere is a nice coffee-shop. Go here, and you won't look back!
(5)
Cheryl H.
A friend told me that the "choocolate bomb" - that is, a chocolate buttermilk cake with semisweet chocolate tawny port mousse glazed with a chocolate ganache - was like "God cumming in your mouth." ...he was right. Oh, and I also had a Cafe Mocha (liquid happiness! so rich!) and a tiny little chocolate truffle ball that was packed with choco-goodness completely disproportionate to its size.
(5)
Lidiya Z.
While I am indifferent to macaroons in general, the tortes here are exceptional. Highly recommend!
(5)
Daniel O.
From in-house made deserts and baked goods, to their fine coffee drink selection, the modern but "vintage" take of the location... A very cozy looking "Coffee Shop" with friendly faces and warm atmosphere!
(5)
Valerie B.
I can make some mean cupcakes. I make awesome cookies and brownies. I can even manage a layer cake. Pistacia Vera is all the bakery wonderFULL goodness that you will probably never be able to master at home. And why on earth should you when you can go to Pistacia Vera in German Village or pop into the North Market? I am straight up addicted to the almond croissant and the rye croissant with butter (thanks to friends Kayla and Andy). Don't let the brown exterior fool you. This is the tasty, flaky, buttery, layered way that croissant should be. The macarons are sublime. The fudgies are potent. The almond/amaretti like cookies are spot on. The fruit gelees are bursts of fruity flavor. The cakes are out of this world. Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookie? Browned Butter Cashew Macaron? Sign this girl up! If you have a more refined palate, this is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth. BONUS: Gentlemen, if you're in the doghouse....this is your way out.
(5)
Crystal P.
Two words: Buckeye Macarons!
(5)
Jenn A.
Everything here looks and tastes heavenly and beautiful! It's like stepping into a cafe over in Europe(duh). I visited about three weeks ago and I can still taste the best $2 Americana I've ever had in my life! I brought my 6 year old and it was a little too much richness for his tastebuds so next time I'll get him a cake pop. This was the German village location. Divine!
(5)
Mary S.
I love the macaroons. After a particularly stressful week its nice to walk around German Village and then pop in. Honestly everything Pistacia Vera makes is wonderful. They make these great croissants with big pieces of chocolate. Speaking of chocolate they have some decadent chocolate cakes. So i'll buy a pastry, and pair it with a hot tea. Grab a table, and watch people walk by on the sidewalk. Super peaceful.
(5)
Sarah P.
YUMMY!!! I sent my mom their macaroons as a thank you gift (she loves macaroons) and she said they were the best she ever had. The staff their also give excellent customer service and are all VERY nice. Would definitely recommend if you like awesome macaroons. Their cake is good as well.
(5)
Sheena W.
I love me some french macarons so of course when I was visiting Columbus I had to stop at Pistacia Vera and taste what they had to offer and boy was I in Heaven! You can get a dozen of their seasonal flavors for $18, which is what I did and I thoroughly enjoyed tasting such flavors as Mocha Hazelnut, Caramel Pecan, and Strawberry Lillet. Mmm!
(5)
Celine S.
A tad bit overpriced, but in the summer there is no lovelier way to pass your time than to sit outside with some macaroons and read/talk to your friends. The desserts are gorgeous. Every time I visit they have something different and it's all almost too beautiful to eat! The drinks are something that I can either take or leave, it depends on the person making them. Overall, a great business. I can't ever go downtown without craving it.
(5)
Geneva B.
Wow!!! Great great pastries!! We had the chocolate bomb which was simply delectable. The bitter cocoa coating paired with the super sweet light and fluffy filling was quite an experience. I'm glad I live far away. The Chocolate raspberry torte was great too! The eclair was different but wonderful in its own right. The coconut cream pie tart was so so good!
(5)
Walt S.
Pisticia Vera gets the additional 4th Star for YAY! I'm a Fan category for one simple reason: Ladies Love The Place!!! As for PV's place... smallish, quaint and totally chic. There are two areas for dining with only a few 4-top tables and a handful of 2-top tables. It's tight but if you're doing a coffee grab it's cool. The dine-in mugs are plentiful in size so there's no arguing petite servings. What grabbed me was the super-delicious looking pastry and cake counter presentation. There were at least 3 - 4 "never heard of that before" baked goodies that had all the glaze of a sugar on sugar surprise. Loads of fruit toppings and inclusions making it all mouth-watering. No standard fare if you're thinking doughnuts. Nope! This is croissant-ville and delights. And they have a breakfast menu. My friend and I met there and she ordered a breakfast that was two eggs served in a porcelain skillet type bowl....and it was bubbling when served. I was salivating but stuck to the coffee. Later I got take-out at departure that included a syrup-soaked cake for another friends birthday. I got a pistachio-chocolate-oatmeal cookie. Yowzah!! That was tasty with my coffee to go driving to the office. This place, Pistacia Vera, deserves your attention. It's a small slice of baking and coffee that will snap your taste buds to attention. DO IT!
(4)
Morgan M.
I have long loved Pistacia Vera but I hadn't written a review until this most recent time! I don't know why, but better late than never! My sister (from out of town) wanted the macarons and we met a friend for coffee. I got the chocolate croissant, got an orange brioche for my toddler and we drank Americanos. Aided by my unexpectedly well-behaved toddler we had a really great time. I just love the calm but bustling atmosphere and the bright lighting! As far as food goes it's all really good and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they offer real food and a good brunch (i've had a couple of the items, all good!). The desserts are delicious and beautiful. A few cakes make a great centerpiece at a bridal or baby shower! Anyway, they are such a fun place and I can't wait to see what they come up with for their North Market location!
(5)
Nk C.
So fresh, so delicious, so YUMMY! I tried their macaroon, pistachio chocolate chip cookie, and ham & cheese croissant! Freshness and quality make this place a must try! They are busy on the weekends in the morning until noon so it's take a little time to find a parking spot. Their parking lot only fits 3 cars and their parking lot across has about 10 spots. Street parking is 2 hr limit so there are options...just go early or after noon :)
(4)
Emily L.
Full disclosure. I had not tried a macaron until this past Sunday when I came to Pistacia Vera. I had seen them online and heard friends talk about them forever, but never found a place that sold them(or sold some that seemed to be good quality). My friend Kelsey insisted that we rectify this crime against my taste-buds and go to Pistacia Vera. We let my boyfriend tag along for our lady date. When you walk in, there is a huge glass case filled with every kind of beautifully crafted pastry your little heart could want. The macarons are so colorful and the variety is amazing. My boyfriend and I got a 12 pack, which is 1 of every single flavor. I'm pretty sure this is meant to be a gift box...but whatever. If I was doing this, I was doing it right. We also got some ham and cheese croissants and coffees. The croissants were delicious and flakey. I had crumbs everywhere, which I think is the true test of an awesome croissant. As for the coffee, I had a cafe mocha and it was rich and not too sweet. Pretty perfect. And then...on of the main event! We haven't even tried all the macarons yet, but of the ones we've had, we've loved them all. Of the twelve flavors, we have tried: Buckeye, Pistachio, coconut creme, mint chocolate, chocolate cherry cordial, and milk chocolate passion fruit. I'm not a huge coconut fan, but that was my favorite so far. That might change once we finish off the other 6. The macarons are all very satisfying and not too sweet, which is sometime I appreciate(I don't like my mouth feeling like cavities are forming as I eat my treats). They were the perfect price at $1.25 a piece and I can see coming here for coffee and few on a regular basis. I'll need to try more treats here, but I could not have been happier with my first go-round. If you come on a nice day, sit outside! Even with the little fall chill in the air, the coffee warmed us right up and it was a real treat. STOP READING THIS AND COME HERE ALREADY!
(5)
Megan S.
Ever since switching to a job in German Village, Pistacia Vera has become my go-to for quiet, but important, meetings and coffee dates with friends. The macrons are of course wonderful, but this place is so much more. They have a great selection of teas and pastries, and great foodie gifts that are great for party hostesses or gifts for colleagues and friends. I love the light in the place so if you're looking the perfect Instagram location, this is it :) Also, they don't have wifi - this is usually a big negative, but it keeps people focused on what's most important - each other, not their computers.
(4)
Jessica D.
At one point, I thought no, there is no possible way people would drop their pants for pistacia vera. Ladies and gentleman, I was wrong. Very wrong. I could write a novel, just about the lone matcha macaroon I ordered! All pastries (including mr macaroon) are baked fresh daily and I assume, throughout the day. At 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon, the place was still electric with customers and chatter, showing no sign of slowing down. Despite such a small location, there are a surprising number of tables to commandeer... Although parking is a bit tight. NONETHELESS you WILL find a spot because the macaroons are just that good. There's this Nutella cake that I also suggest you split with a hubbie. My god. Did my birthday come early? It's a sin something this delicious even exists in an unregulated form. Next time I'll probably indulge in some local tea or coffee, which they spruce locally from cafe Brioso and others, or a seemingly divine brunch. With their window-friendliness, this place will be perfect for Sunday mornings after church or a run. Love love love.
(5)
Dawn K.
Based on Yelp reviews and the online menu, my husband wanted to stop by Pistacia Vera for a birthday gift for someone. We, of course, had to sample the treats ourselves! My husband tried the chocolate bomb. I only needed one bite- it was too rich for me. But he loved it! It is exactly what a chocolate bomb sounds like it should be- chocolate indulgence! I had the fresh fruit tartlette, which was light and amazing! It had a creamy custard with fresh raspberries and blackberries. Delightful! We also each tried a couple macarons- the nutella and the vanilla bean. Both yummy. Definitely stop by Pistacia Vera if you're in the German Village area. If you're not in the area, but need a good treat, take a trip that way!
(5)
Lisa S.
You could sell Pistacia Vera out of a cardboard box on the corner of a dirty street and I would still buy their delicious macrons. Artisan doesn't even begin to describe the care and craft that goes into making the sweet treats at Pistacia Vera. What magnifies the entire experience is actually purchasing your treats at Pistacia Vera, and not at the aforementioned cardboard box. The inside is like a museum or art gallery dedicated to the artful pastries found delicately arranged inside glass display cases or on top of platters, tempting you to purchase and then consume. And I consumed a sampling of nearly everything Pistacia Vera had to offer me! I purchased a handful of macrons, all of which are gluten free much to the delight of my friend. The flavors vary - some are staples and offered all year round which others are seasonal, enticing you to return. There was also a flour-less raspberry chocolate torte that was sinfully delicious and would fool any flour-loving person. I sampled the cashew caramel and the pistachio honey nougat, but what really sealed the deal on my inaugural visit was the chocolate bombe, which I consumed selfishly by myself. Pistacia Vera is perfect for treating yourself or for treating someone special. Despite my confidence in the kitchen, I would even consider buying sweets from Pistacia Vera as a gift to a hostess throwing a nice party. Really, they're perfect for any occasion.
(5)
Sabrina L.
The first few times I attempted to eat at Pistacia Vera I inevitably showed up when it was closed. Luckily it seems they've expanded their days/hours because I haven't had this problem in the last year. I know I'm going to get the names wrong on the desserts that I'll recommend, but let me start by saying that I've never had anything here that was bad. It's all be above and beyond my expectations, so really, I doubt you could go wrong. It should be noted that there are two kinds of macaroons in the world. The nasty coconut cookies that have ruined the name, and the delicious and colorful sweets that evoke thoughts of European bakeries. By my five star rating it's probably obvious by now, Pistacia Vera carries the latter. The macaroons are absolutely perfectly. The cookie crust is like a meringuey sugar shell that hides the moist cookies and filling in between. They are brightly coloured and cheaply priced and make a great treat for yourself or a gift for someone else. They look expensive so you'll look good! I've also tried the round chocolate bomb looking thing, which was so rich that two of us split it with some left over even though it was small, and the almond cookies as well. Both were exactly what I'd hoped they would be. You won't regret a stop here and you'll be surprised how little you can spend to get something truly special.
(5)
Julianne D.
I stopped here purposefully to buy a gluten-free gift for a loved one. I ended up getting coffee, croissants, and brioche in addition to said gift (macarons). Ah-mazing. Patient, helpful staff. Really delicious baked goods. My cousin, the gift recipient, said the macarons were the most amazing thing she's had in years. She had to hide them in her house to prevent others from stealing them.
(5)
Emily D.
A Parisian cafe in the heart of Columbus. It's a beautiful little shop with to-die-for marcarons in a variety of flavors, as well as other baked goods and homemade items. The hot chocolate is absolutely sinful and the coffee is perfect. Sit at one of the little marble tables, bring a book, and enjoy! Parking is always an issue in German Village, but you can park across the street, on the street, or at one of the two parking spaces on site.
(5)
Lydia M.
Oh my gosh, absolutely amazing. Honestly, better macarons than Laduree in Manhattan. Delicious tarts and other sweets.
(5)
Roger C.
From the gourmet organic macarons in had in San Francisco to the authentic macarons I had in Europe, these are the best I've had. The flavors really come through and there's no guessing what flavor you're having. My wife and I splurged and got the sampler pack (one of each flavor) and so should you!
(5)
Benjamin B.
The croissants are amazing, their preserves are top notch, and if you feel like springing the extra cash get the shirred eggs, you will not regret it (have not tried any of the other premium breakfast items yet, but I would assume they were fabulous as well). The coffee is also top notch, both iced and hot. Bonus points for the never ending staff of cute girls.
(5)
Rachael L.
I have just one word - WOW!!! I heard from a co-worker that I just "have" to go check this place out, and then a couple of days later a friend was raving about it as well. So today I headed down to the village to see if it is as good as I had been hearing. The location is on 3rd - super convenient and I found parking to be really easy (street) I think I saw a lot with a couple of spots as well, but could be wrong. The space is open and absolutely gorgeous, I stood before the glass case filled with every type of decadent dessert you could ever want and could not bear to choose just one. My friend and I chose three (chambord manjari feuilletine, Key Lime something or other and then a praline something or other - apologies the last two seem to be new additions and are not listed on the online menu) to sample between the two of us. The service was friendly and efficient absolutely no complaints. It was a nice day so we opted to eat at one of the outdoor tables (more bonus points for outdoor seating). The service continued to be attentive and we had our water glasses refilled almost as soon as they were emptied. But none of this is as important as how AMAZINGLY good the desserts were. Every bite was so good. I would HIGHLY recommend you get yourself to Pistacia the next time you want an amazing dessert. You will not be disappointed! Hugs.
(5)
Rachel P.
This place was really cute, and a great introduction to my first Macron! At first, I thought that macarons and macaroons were the same thing. Honestly, nothing is worse to me than coconut treats. Coconut is my least favorite ....anything. Macaroons tend to be the only 'cookie' that's kosher for passover and I remember that dreaded week where my dad would always forget that I HATE Macaroons and slip them into my lunch. UGH SO GROSS. However, these are not Macaroons. These are Macarons. No coconut added. Jon R. and I went here for breakfast one day. The place is in a clean, modern and spacious building. Also, I'm on a big kick with this right now, but I couldn't help but notice how handicap friendly the store was with a huge wheelchair ramp and very accessible counter tops. Someone seriously put a lot of thought into this. Props! It took us a long time to decide what we wanted, but the staff was very patient and helpful. We settled on two croissants (one plain, one chocolate) and two macarons each. Might I add how gorgeous these macarons are sitting on display? Just beautiful. I also got my usual iced coffee. Honestly, this might have been the best iced coffee in Columbus. Ask for it sweetened; you won't be disappointed. It was heavenly. The croissants were good, but not incredible. The macarons were wonderful. I loved the black raspberry and double chocolate one. These things are so yummy and pretty that I felt so sophisticated eating them. It was like a tea party, but I was drinking (amazing) coffee and didn't have my teddy bear. Thanks for making a macaron fan out of me Pistacia Vera!
(4)
Jonathan S.
The Bittersweet Fudgie made with Valrhona chocolate is amazing. The pistachio strawberry dacquoise torte is amazing. The passionfruit chambord flourless torte is amazing. All of the macarons are amazing, with black raspberry being my absolute favorite. I drool just thinking about them. Need I say more? I also ordered a box of macarons to be mailed to NY for Christmas awhile back. $16 for a box of 12. They arrived in tip top condition, still fresh and tasty. Never had a bad experience here. Cannot wait to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Barbara C.
Oh my god, thank god I wandered into this place! I had a cafe au lait with my shirred eggs and croissant and it was absolute heaven. The eggs were flavorful and the croissant was perfectly buttery and flaky. The interior is very clean and uses a lot of natural light. Service was friendly... I wasn't sure what to try and they were very helpful in explaining what they offered. I will definitely be back again!
(5)
T H.
I'm hooked on the apricot pinwheels!
(5)
Pete C.
After walking by this German Village boutique over twenty times without giving it a second thought, I finally ventured in after work a few days ago to see what all the slick glass surfaces and clean, bold lines of this storefront were containing. Much to my surprise, I found out the wares that were on display were not, in fact, overpriced shoes or trendy designer couture items. Instead, they were some of the finest desserts my humble Ohioan eyes have ever embraced. And they were cheap! This came as a complete shock to me, especially after I just spent $2 on a stale cookie at the Cup O Joe two blocks down the street. "Screw it, " I said to myself. "I'm not on any kind of diet, so why not indulge my curiosity?" For a paltry $1.50, the fine young lady dressed in all white behind the counter set me up with one of the Lime Sugar cookies that were stored carefully behind the bright glass case that anchored the display area. to my surprise, it was both luxurious AND tasty. I'll admit that my taste in food and drink is incredibly lowbrow, which usually lends me to assume that food presented in this manner is more for show than it is for enjoyment. Boy was I wrong! The cookie was soft, rich, and tasted almost like a piece of key lime pie. And at $1.50, it was an absolute steal. I sincerely wish I had the stomach to take on more of the desserts here at Pistacia Vera, as I'm sure they're all a pleasant surprise to even the most uneducated taste buds. Don't let the looks of this boutique fool you- the price and the taste at Pistacia Vera are just right.
(3)
Laura G.
Oh la la ;) Incredible! The macarons, pain au chocolat, the jams. All A+. I wish I lived closer so I could go more often. It's a rare find to have such a high end bakery also be friendly and so much fun to visit. Couldn't love it more!
(5)
amy h.
The desserts are good, the macaroons are some of the best I've had, not overly sweet like you sometimes get, and the texture is just right. The desserts are beautiful, BUT unlike some bakeries where you get something that looks better than it tastes, here you get both which is definitely a major win. While this is not a "stop in on your way to work everyday" bakery, if you're looking for a fabulous dessert for party and willing to pay for it, this is definitely the place to go.
(4)
Kylie F.
Everything I've ever had here has been amazing. Macrons are heavenly, and so perfect to eat. So delicate and tasty, and come a ton of different flavors. I seriously love desserts, ESP from here
(5)
Seth D.
My favorite place for caffeine and a pastry Whether sitting to relax or feeling quite hasty The chocolate bomb will fulfill your chocolate dreams It's soft and rich and reminiscent of chocolate whipped creams If something less sweet with more substance you beseech I recommend trying their great mushroom quiche It's tender and filled with cheese and earthy mushroom flavor And you'll want to eat it slow so your grateful mouth can savor The dark brown croissants always look hard and dry Over cooked and burnt, not fit for a fly But one bite is all it takes to be certain They know exactly what they're doing in that wonderful kitchen They're soft and buttery and melt in your mouth Which leaves no need to add butter, they do quite fine without Their food is as good as it gets, take my word I implore But that's not all that I love, you will find there is more Their staff is always happy and helpful They enjoy their job and for their positions they are grateful This goes a long way for making a great experience And making you happy in every single circumstance The decor is also a nice little touch Clean lines, exposed brick, lots of windows an such And so to conclude I think I can say I wish I could come here every single day.
OMG. LOOOOVED this place. This place is so clean cut and refreshing to look at when you walk in. The darling girl behind that counter was SO welcoming when we came in and was very patient with us while we decided what we wanted. The husband got the Citrus Tart and a Black Raspberry Hibiscus Macaroon, and I got the Chocolate Bomb and a Nutella Macaroon. Yeah yeah, such little piglets I know ;) So worth it though. The quality of ingredients make the overall product AMAZING! I also got an Iced Coffee, and I was pleased to see that they had Soy Milk set out to add. (Usually places only have half/half and milk) The shop was smaller then I pictured it would be, but that was by no means a downfall. I would definitely go back and try more of the delicious treats they offer!
(5)
Alisha C.
This is my favorite place to get a special treat. The whole shop is quaint and airy and very clean. The macaroons are fun and I try a new flavor each time but I love their little berry tarts. The service is great. It's a great place to meet up with a friend to relax and indulge in a sweet treat.
(4)
Zack F.
I was sad when Pistachio closed in the Short North but Pistacia Vera is an impressively elegant space. Their desserts are delicately hand crafted with care and precision. It is like eating art. Everything I have had is delicious. I try to go here as often as I can.
(4)
Laura M.
I got an assortment of a half-dozen cookies, and each one has been better than the last (and the first one was fabulous!) Be sure to pick up a cashew caramel (or two or three or twenty) as well. Yummmmmmmm.
(4)
Alex K.
I met a professor of mine here to interview him for an article I was writing. He suggested the place (I had never heard of it) and he was obviously a regular, knowing the counter staff by name. I arrived early to prepare. The place was quiet enough to get work done but not silent. The atmosphere was very comfortable and productive with people studying/working etc all around. I ordered a cup of coffee and and almond bear claw. I enjoy going to coffee shops like this to study or get work done, and even deal with sub-par coffee and pastries just for the atmosphere. This place was far from that. The coffee was as good as anywhere and if there was a way to purchase every single almond bear claw they ever make I would. The prices are definitely a little expensive for a coffee shop, and you'll think that right up till the point where you actually taste the food, then it wont matter. Overall, I highly recommend Pistacia Vera and look forward to going back there many times to try the multitude of wonderful looking sweets they have.
(4)
Christin D.
I have seen the light that is Pistacia Vera. People here swear by the macarons, but I'm a bigger fan of the breakfast patries. Guys, the almond croissant is tragically, sublimely good. The outside is crisp, with just enough toasted almonds and powdered sugar, and the inside is dense, not too sweet, and very moist. I don't even want to think about how much butter is in that thing. If you get there too late in the day and find heartbreak in the form of an empty croissant tray, the pain au chocolat is always a good standby.
(5)
Emily U.
Super minimalist compared to every other bakery I've ever been to. Clean, simple, relaxing. Not a HUGE assortment, but the best. Although there are at least a dozen macaroons to choose from! Everything made just so and just so lovely. And with real flavors- the ginger is GINGER (for us real ginger lovers) Best ice tea I've ever had. Lovely gifts- all of witch I'd love to receive. Extra parking across the street helps too.
(5)
Michael U.
This place is already reviewed, wonderfully, by myself and others here: yelp.com/biz/pistacia-ve…
(5)
Daniel W.
Pistacia Vera never misses. Is it bad that my dentist and favorite confectionary are a few blocks away from each other? For a few bucks, you can enjoy a sweet treat any time of day. The macarons are a personal favorite, but I have yet to find a weak spot in their selection. Pistacia's seasonal specialties are always a hit as well. After moving location a couple years ago, to the always charming German Village, and changing their name from the everyday "Pistachio" to the scientific "Pistacia Vera", it is clear that a standard set early on is never compromised. According to pistachiohealth.com , the pistachio is good for your heart, important in weight management, and full of nutrients. Just like its nutty cousin, Pistacia Vera is packed with general goodness.
(5)
Eugene M.
Macarons are delicious with various flavors including nutella, apricot, lavender, etc. Various pastries and sweets with a great selection of coffee and teas. You can even watch how they make the pastries on the side of the building via the windows. Very nice place, clean and modern looking. I also like one of the girls behind the counter.
(5)
Harry N.
what a gem, rare find. This place is inviting, spacious, customer service oriented, clean, with good dessert and coffee products. I will definately return every time I am in this area. Very impressed. I would like to find more places like this. the pistachio cookie was delicious.
(5)
Michael H.
Delicious. Always Fresh. I had a crossiant and coffee this morning.
(4)
Heather T.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! Are you kidding me? Hey, if you like typical and bland, stand-offish, loud, rushed, and half-assed, then stay away from this place....more macarons for me! Hands down the best desserts in the city. Delicious coffee. I must go back to try the meals too, but I am as dessert freak and this is fantabulous. Favorites so far: the pistachio macaron (the pumpkin was awesome too) and "The Nun," which is a hazelnut dream dessert. Small (as in maybe 9 tables), a few little tables outside, a nice, clean spiffy bathroom, polite staff, bright clean atmosphere. I literally want to try everything this place offers.
(5)
Monica L.
Their Chocolate Chunk Pistachio cookie has saved my life! Whenever I'm feeling a little blue, I know that cookie and a cup of coffee will lift my spirits. Okay so maybe it's not a secret that Pistacia Vera has amazing confections, but their coffee stands out as well. I make a point to visit this gem at least once a week and if I've been a real good girl, I might indulge in one of their Chocolate truffles! The staff is warm and the bathrooms are clean, but best of all they even have parking in German Village!! If you are looking for a pick-me-up, look no further than Pistacia Vera!!
(5)
Jessica R.
Want to impress someone with a fantastic tasting and looking birthday cake? Head to Pistacia Vera immediately! I've had a taste of just about all of their cakes and they do not disappoint. My co-workers kept commenting how they felt like they were at a 5 star restaurant as we were eating the Pistachio Strawberry Dacquoise in our conference room. And the macarons. I don't know any place else you can get these delicious, colorful, super awesome treats in Columbus. They run $1.25 each or $15 for a box of all 12 varieties - my new go-to birthday, housewarming, etc. gift. Try a box and I know you will be hooked too! The store is quite simplistic but yet sophisticated in decoration. Plus there is sidewalk seating. It's a great place to hangout in German Village. And the question everyone always asks about places in GV, there are a few parking spots along the side of the building and several spots across the street. I've never seen it full so you should be able to get to park near-by.
(5)
Jeff P.
Most excellent! How long has this been here and I didn't know about it??? Excellent place to get your out-of-this-world, hand-crafted pastries, or...like I did, grab some tasty brunch and delicious coffee (of course with a side of awesome macaroons) and enjoy the sun outside. Great, friendly service too.
(5)
Brioche C.
I've been going to Pistacia Vera for years (since it was in the Short North). I've always liked anything they produced in the dacquoise or frangipan category. Others prefer the deep dark chocolate bombe. Though I appreciate the skill in producing the bombe and recognize its quality, its too strong for my taste. For breakfast I like the almond bear claw and maple pecan twist, but feel that the croque monsieur, while authentic to some I've had in Europe, are not nearly as nice as a fresh one from La Chatelaine. I rate Pistacia Vera 5 stars, not because I like everything, or because it's perfect (nothing is). But because compared to every other food establishment in Columbus, they come the closest to achieving the high standards they strive for.
(5)
Megan B.
I love their iced coffee! This is a great pit stop on my way to work. They are incredibly friendly and efficient servers. All of their treats look delicious and I can't wait to stop for an after dinner coffee and dessert sometime.
(5)
Lauren L.
not my kind of place.. I am really not one for sweets. but my GF is obsessed with this place, and the macaroons are growing on me. If GF is happy, everybody is happy.... so i give this place 5 stars
(5)
Chelsea P.
I just stopped by Pistacia Vera to order a basket of goodies for Easter... I honestly wanted to eat everything I saw! Everything is just beautifully presented... from the crisp clean interior design to the the pastries. Anne, one of the owners, helped me select a variety of sweets to take to my family on Easter in a custom little basket. If you want to brighten up your day I suggest visiting Pistacia Vera for both the wonderful pastries and friendly service. If you ever need a quick little gift to take to a party... there are some great hostess gifts at Pistacia Vera.
(5)
S. G.
Absolutely delicious and great little scene
(5)
Randy S.
Pistacia Vera is an upscale dessert house in German Village. It can seem a little overpriced on the surface. But I'll be honest here: For what you get, Pistacia Vera is very reasonably priced. We're talking gourmet tarts for $4. That's tough to beat. I do miss the old Short North incarnation of the shop, but I'll take what I can get. This place offers dessert as high art at a budget price. Rad.
(4)
Heather S.
Oh pistacia vera, how do I love you, let me count the ways... perfect macarons, divine sweets, and amazing cups of tea to go with it. A little get away to indulge in a cookie or maybe even a caramel, whatever tickles your sweet tooth, I'm sure pistacia has something for everyone. I will probably go every week if I have the dollars to spare
(5)
Emily B.
This amazing little shop is fantastic. Especially for the individuals out there with whom gluten is an enemy. At Pistacia Vera there are many gluten free options that are tasty, gorgeous, and down right sinful! How they make little gluten free treats taste so stinkin' good is a mystery to me, but they do!!! Their many macaroon options are delightful. The prices can be a wee bit high but for the scrumptiousness that you receive, it is worth it!
(5)
Tom P.
Very nice place for brunch. My brother told me about the baked egg dish and how it was amazing. I didn't believe him, because he is usually full of it. However, I thought it was excellent with the gooey cheese on top and the perfectly flavored tomatoes. Had a few deserts which were pretty nice. The only reason I gave this place 4 stars, is that there were very few options on the menu and they completely burned the croissant. Will definitely return.
(4)
Sandy M.
For our anniversary this year (one year), we wanted to get a delicious cake to share since we couldn't get our wedding cake mailed to us from back home. So, after researching a bit and from what I've heard from friends, we decided to go into Pistacia Vera. The decor is very modern and pristine. And, under the glass, there were delightfully colorful pastries and we couldn't really make up our mind. So, instead of buying one big torte ($35), we decided to try a few smaller ones. We ended up getting the passion fruit and coconut torte, chocolate bombe and the cassis flourless truffle torte. Then, we ended up getting two macarons: madagascar vanilla bean and white chocolate coconut. I couldn't wait to get home to satisfy my sweet tooth so I convinced my husband just to share one macaron so we had the white chocolate coconut one. It was quite good but a bit too sweet. I was honestly a bit scared about how the rest of the tortes would taste after that macaron but I shouldn't have! After dinner, we decided to have a little bit of each piece. The top of the passion fruit coconut torte hasa rich passion fruit flavor and the rest of the layers have a rich coconut flavor. It's absolutely delicious. The cassis flourless truffle was dense but the chocolate flavor was deep and rich. It really tastes like a truffle in cake form. But, our absolute favorite is the chocolate bombe. It reminded us of this chocolate mousse cake we had in Riviera Maya for our honeymoon and couldn't find back home. Although we promised to only have a couple bites of each piece, we finished the chocolate bombe and literally left a bite each of the rest of the pastries. It was a sweet idea!
(4)
J J.
Beautiful desserts and they are tasty too! They were a little on the sweeter side for my tastes but I still enjoyed the desserts.
(4)
Hannah M.
If you're looking for a true, authentic macaron-look no further!! This little coffee & dessert shop in German Village has THE BEST sweets & treats. I have tried nearly every delicious confection they offer but I am seriously addicted to the pistachio macaroons. Each and every one is absolutely heavenly but there's something extra special about the pistachio flavor! Love it!
(5)
Myra E.
Stopped in before checking out village valuables and didn't want to leave. The eclaires and macaroons were wonderful. I will be back for brunch and croissants in the future.
(5)
Nicole M.
PASSION FRUIT CHAMBORD TORTE. Get this for your best friend's birthday. Get this for an engagement party. Get this for your wife when she's on her period and she is inexplicably mad at you. Get this for your cousin after he finally kicked meth (for good this time). Get this for yourself when Fluffy dies. Get this because it's Tuesday afternoon.... all situations are made better with the passion fruit chambord torte.
(5)
Paul F.
I'd been past here many times on my way to/from Katzingers and the shelves looked a lot busier than they were when you're inside. So finally, I had dessert last night, something I'd never heard of. It was ramalamadingdong aka a seasonal frangipan. I have never heard of a frangipan but the owner (who is a charming lady) explained it to me. It's a little tart made with butter and flour and almonds and fruit. It was GREAT! Oh, I asked for a glass of water but they have NO ICE. Can you imagine a restaurant without an ice machine? I was going to knock off a star but decided not to.
(5)
Miss Rza M.
Wow. I dreamt about these last night. I had never had a Macaron before and so I didn't know what to expect. When biting into the strawberry macaron, I was surprised by the different textures. I ended up preferring the mint macaron because the strawberry was a little bit too sugary for my tastes. We also tried a vanilla bean torte and the chocolate dome dessert. Typically I favor one flavor over another in desserts, but I enjoyed both of these equally (my husband and I kept swapping bites). The vanilla bean torte was smooth, creamy, yet light. Every bite was full of flavor and bliss. The chocolate dome dessert fooled me again with the texture, and my first bite was a mixture of surprise and happiness for the chocolate explosion on my taste buds. The chocolate dessert was much richer and we could not finish that. We will return again tonight so we can try the pistachio thingy that other reviewers say is great. Honestly I was surprised at the price. Typically I would pay much more for something of that quality in Austin, TX. 2 big desserts and 2 macarons were only around 10.00. Not too bad at all! The only criticism I have.....is that there is not a location at home.
(5)
Mitch H.
Ever since I moved to Columbus from Chicago just shy of a year ago I've been searching for a bakery that would never disappoint me. There's Omega Artisan in North Market, amazing breads, but totally falls short of satisfying my very large and slightly snaggled sweet tooth. Mozart Bakery thoroughly defiles the name of such a prodigy, and Pattycake Vegan Bakery is... well, vegan. Pistacia Vera lives up to everything that titillates my fancy. The huge assortment of multicolored French Macarons is simply a delight to the eyes, ears, nose and throat. I fell passionately in love with the vanilla bean and pistacio flavors. (The chocolate was not the best in chocolate flavor and will not be purchased again.) The nougat was riddled with Pistachios and surrounded by the delicate hint of honey. I could pretty much go on for hours about this place. But needless to say, I will be back, and often.
(5)
Kristina B.
No matter what flavor...blood orange, red currant, strawberry, pistachio...always get a mini dacquoise. It's a mini orgasm bite after bite. Seriously.
(5)
Angela F.
My waistline and pocketbook are thankful that we live 350 miles from Pistacia Vera - the rest of me, not so much. After a sinful breakfast at German Village Coffee Shop, the family and I decided to keep the gluttony-train rolling by visiting Pistacia Vera to fortify ourselves with goodies before departing on our 6 hour drive home to Chicago. Annie welcomed us into her charmingly pristine shop, and could not have been more delightful. She took the time to explain the different confections, packaged our choices beautifully, and gave us clear instructions on how to store them in order to maximize their freshness. The macrons made us swoon - all that we tried were heavenly: vanilla bean, key lime coconut, black raspberry, buttermint, strawberry rose, and pistachio. But for me, the chicken dinner winner was the Grand Cru truffle. I've eaten a fair number of truffles in my day, but none as divine as this. The texture is what puts it over the top; lighter than air, creamy, melty, fudgy...just perfect. Pistacia Vera is an experience not to be missed (for dessert lovers, anyway). We will never visit Columbus without stopping in.
(5)
Marty M.
Great eye-candy (i.e., appealing baked goods visually) and an attractively converted store, but the taste of their pastries no longer match their looks / design (often multi-layered creations). Tried a mix of six (mini tarts / tortes and macarons) there with my wife and friends recently -- all but one of the items were very dried (stale?). We were especially fond of their cookie assortment and recipes when they were located in the Short North, but that selection has been reduced in variety and qualities since.
(2)
Zhong C.
splendid!
(5)
Rich S.
Tell the world you've made it with Pistacia Vera pastry. This stuff is grade-A rocket fuel for big timers.
(5)
Riri A.
Best place for cakes and its unique place to go. Must try at least
(5)
Caroline W.
This charming coffee shop will remind you of sitting in a small European shop, sipping coffee and enjoying the ambiance. The only problem is, it is small and a bit cramped...
(5)
Nicholas K.
Pain au chocolat... Pain au chocolat... Oh God, pain au chocolat...
(4)
Mary S.
I first went here in February late in the day, but they still had a lot of very delicious looking pastries in the case. I had heard about their macarons, and bought a half dozen to sample. Well, I died and went to heaven. The vanilla bean was my favorite, followed by the raspberry. My companion loved the coffee and chocolate. Biting into one was like eating a crackly cloud with a smooth center. I admit I took a few apart, like oreos, and licked out the buttercream center. But buy what you can eat in a day, because the airiness diminishes afterwards.
(5)
Lindsey S.
This is my favorite bakery. Expensive but the best quality you can get. I love their macarons, canells, palmiers, chocolate croissant, almond croissant and hot chocolate! Tried their baked egg dish for brunch which was a little undercooked but very tasty. I drive an hour and a half to come here.
(5)
Jo P.
OH.MY.GOD. Chocolate chip pistachio nut cookies are to DIE for! I'm glad I don't live that close!!!!! The milk chocolate macadamia nut praline cake was MMMMMM. Also, super nice and helpful people that work there. I asked them for a close-by restaurant recommendation, and the lady pulled out a book of menus and looked stuff up on the internet for us. Great!
(5)
Dave L.
In an attempt to walk off some of the sandwich I had just consumed at Katzinger's Delicatessen I found Pistacia Vera. I am thankful that I was stuffed because there were so many things that looked delicious. I settled on a dozen assorted macaroons. With the help of friends, we returned to the house, brewed some coffee and slaughtered the cookies. The tastes and consistency were amazing - I would have to go through another iteration (or 2) to determine my favorite - they were all excellent.
(5)
David F.
Absolutely amazing. From the Macarons to the hot chocolate, this place is really a star. Very clean, friendly and responsive staff and good lighting. Rush here. Now.
(5)
Morgan D.
I'm always hearing good things about Pistacia Vera in German Village (formerly Pistachio in the Short North). I'd seen their products many times before I actually tasted them. Each dessert item is made with care and an air of aestheticism. The flavors are classy and refined. My first bite was a gift, a small thank you from a co-worker. It was the lemon pistachio macaroon. Small and light, I was almost afraid to pick up this delicacy. The macaroon may have looked dainty, but its flavor was strong. I was hit over the head with lemon. It was like inhaling lemon air. That was where I found my qualm. The texture was the pitfall. It was too light. Usually, the desserts I go crazy for are rich and moist, ooey-gooey good. This macaroon was something new, and I wasn't sure if I liked it. My next encounter with Pistacia Vera was at a birthday party where an elegant pistachio cake was served. I was over the moon! I was about to chomp into the basic namesake of the bakery. The cake was lovely and decorated very professionally. The layers were even with big divisions of icing in between. I thought, "Sugar, sugar, sugar!" But the taste was super light, almost undetectable. If it's not one extreme, it's another. The cake was okay. I ate it without complaint. The chilled icing was actually quite good. But I don't think I would intentionally order a slice again. I would describe Pistacia Vera's products as frou frou. Next time I have a run in with Pistacia Vera, I hope it involves chocolate. Then we can really get down to business. Until then, I'm mainly aesthetically impressed.
(3)
Michelle F.
The hallmark of a good establishment: consistently delicious!
(5)
Tenzo D.
A unique quality find in a city that prides itself on being banael
(5)
Diana M.
It was good. I really liked the service and the wide variety of options
(4)
Melanie J.
It looks like the topic of the Parisian Macaroons has been drooled over here before. But, can I just add my little piece about how delectable these little melt-in-your-mouth rounds of deliciousness are? Just reading these previous reviews is making me want to leave work just to pick some up. I've also tried their chocolate flourless torte, Palmiers and the little fruit jellies (can't remember their proper name) and was very pleased. But, if you're going to try something other than the macaroons, make sure you take some home with you. You can thank me later.
(5)
M. D.
What an amazing treasure in German Village. Clean, modern, friendly service and delicious desserts. Ive been back several times since my first visit. The chocolate macarons, fruit gelees and cashew bar are among my favorites. The tea's and coffees are also complimentary to the fare. I trully recommend this bakery to anyone visiting the Columbus German Village neighborhood.
(5)
Brooke Q.
Hands down my favorite place for dessert in Columbus! Their french macaroons are packed with flavor and are perfect for a little treat! I also love their biscotti. SO tasty. Oh and their cookies. What can I say...everything I've had here has been a special treat and I try recommending this place to as many people as I can. I love how clean and perfectly displayed everything is in there. The presentation and detail of their baked goods is by far some of the best I've seen. The staff is also very friendly.
(5)
Daniel S.
The croissants are great. Chocolate ones are fantastic. I would say you could not go too wrong with anything in the store. Personal tastes could make something "off" but you would never regret trying. We love the macaroons and the truffles as well as the croissants.
(5)
Laurie M.
They have great customer service and the highest quality pastries. Their croissants are the best in town, maybe the best in the state! The macaroons are perfect. Very high quality food. They may not have everything you are looking for.... some may say they don't have a wide selection - but that is a GOOD thing! They don't try to be everything to everyone, but what they do is excellent... My review can not do them justice.
(5)
Claire B.
If this place was in my neighborhood, I'd be in serious trouble. It's the best bakery in town. Their savory pastries or their chocolate croissants or the macarons - it's all good enough to melt your face off. Delicious!
(5)
Erin R.
Gorgeous environment for a bakery. Sitting at one of their little tables when its sunny out devouring baked goods is pretty high up there on my list of fun things to do. I'm not spendy-crazy lately, so I only had a ginger sable and a vanilla macaron, but they were both amazing. I would eat two million ginger sables if I could prevent myself from also gaining two million pounds and two million dollars in debt. Helpful, friendly staff and many many delicious looking choices, available in minis for people like me to try, and full cakes, desserts, etc. I will be back to try more once I can foot the bill.
(4)
kate m.
You walk in to a beautiful open space. Gorgeous marble countertops are covered with the most beautiful deserts you can imagine. Next is a gleaming display cabinet filled with even more amazing deserts. Everything is spotless and clean, with the finest destails attended to. They even keep the wax paper in a decorative tin, lest you be distracted from the food by a *gasp* ordinary cardboard box. And you haven't even tried the deserts yet. There are seasonal deserts made with perfect fruit, peppermint chocolates with glittering blue peppermint sugar on top, macaroons so light and fluffy, yet rich and creamy at the same time. Ideally the next step in this food fantasy would be to sit in the perfectly chosen chairs by the windows and enjoy your amazing purchases. But wait! There is NO SITTING AREA!! You have to go back outside, get into your car and take them somewhere else! Surely they must have a perfect little plate back there to display this artwork on while you eat it? No? I have to take it home and put it on an ordinary old plate? (Oh who am I kidding, I'll eat it out of the box on my way home...) I guess Pistacia can still have 5 stars, although I would take them down to 4 1/2 for no place to sit!
(5)
Peter L.
This place is good. I'm not a huge sweets person, but their macarons are the real deal. One bite and I was taken from snowy Columbus to Laduree on Champs-Elysees... OK maybe not, but it was something like that. Lots of flavors to try that were all awesome. It's a nice place and the people there were helpful.
(5)
Brian K.
Yum. Great owners, friendly service. Great space for a dessert shop.
(5)
Ellen F.
First of all, Pistacia? How can you not walk into a place with Pistacia in the name. Mmmm. So when you do walk in you will immediately be blessed with the sensual scents of sweet baked wonderment. Then open your eyes and notice how clean and proper it is. I don't want to use the work pretentious, because that it most definitely is not! It's not your typical neighborhood bakery. You will not find glazed doughnuts, danishes or apple fritters. Instead you get to experience the pistachio honey nougat for $1.50, the orange clove shortbread tea cookie for $1, and the walnut marsala fig macaron for $1.25. Oh...the thought of it all makes me want to make a special trip right now! Don't be shy. Tell them what you want and ask to try it. They are more than willing to share the wealth with you. In fact, they are so eager to make your tongue dance with glee, they practically beg for flavor suggestions. I think they just like to (love to) experiment. Someone has to eat the oops. The Macaron's are gluten-free too! Made simply with sugar, egg white, and almond meal. The different varieties will add random other ingredients. But no wheat! Closed Monday's.
(5)
Jazz M.
Outstanding desserts. Love the design of the place inside and out. Staff seems very friendly each time I've been in. Delicious taste to the food and very unique. Wish they had more items to choose from though, that being my main/only issue thus far. Plenty of variety with the macarons - pistachio being the best, IMO. Fun, cute little place.
(4)
Crystal P.
Everything was amazing in the Dine Originals Week sampler. Only thing I didn't like was the fruit pate. It was too tart and sweet for my taste. I also had the cannelle, it's definitely a must try. I'd love to go back and try all of the macarons!
(4)
Vikki C.
Seriously amazing desserts. We had the chocolate bombe and the world's best chocolate cookies, with coffee before we went to ShadowBox Live. Slightly pricey, but top quality AND parking spaces!!
(5)
Ann S.
Splitsy day! Sigh, thanks to many people griping, they've changed their menu a bit. This means my coveted pau au chocolate has bitten the dust. *massive sigh* They now make a double pan au chocolate...a chocolate croissant with chocolate in the middle. It was good but we both agree we missed the buttery richness of the regular one because it complimented and intesified the chocolate inside. We still ate it though. You know, we didn't want to hurt it's feelings. We tried a cannele at a Yelper's urging. It was decent. We both felt like we'd tasted something similar before but couldn't put our finger on it. Nice and moist inside and carmelized outside. The rum infusion is barely noticeable but gives it flavor. We split a holiday spice butter sable. I assume the texture is supposed to be dry but as you chew it melts in your mouth. Great flavor and would be perfect for dunking! Mini chocolate bombe is a given...hello, I'm so in love it's my profile pic!
(4)
Katie T.
If I'm in a bad (or good) mood, I go to Pistacia Vera to make the day better. The macarons are like eating a piece of heaven. I can eat a dozen in a sitting if my hips would let me. Also try the chocolate fudgie, one of the best cookies in the city.
(5)
Steven S.
Amazing.... Try the chocolate bomb and the pistachio chunk cookies
(5)
Mike F.
Yes Yes Yes everything here is good! High quality ingredients and so well made. The portion sizes may -seem- small at first, but they are so filled will flavor that it's all you need. After you eat it you feel great. That's what dessert is supposed to do. Wifey and I usually split a small piece of pistachio cake and get something else, like nougat. The other cakes are good, too. Every time I go here, it seems like they have the old standbys and some specials. We always try a new thing when we go in and it's always good. Keep meaning to try the marshmallows. sometimes we eat our food here (instead of "to go") and we aren't sure whether to tip. We do, but is it customary? Great place to buy gifts for people, because the presentation is very classy. Go here.
(5)
Kevin M.
Still the best dessert bakery in Columbus, even with a new name and location. (For those not in the know, Pistacia Vera is the reincarnation of Pistachio, so look it up for my previous review.) I am saddened that they have moved farther away from me and no longer have tables to sit at, but nonetheless I may now have to invent excuses for going to the German Village. "We should go to a coffeeshop and do work... no no, not the 10 coffeeshops that are nearby, we should go across downtown to the German Village Cup o' Joe!"... which happens to be a block from Pistacia Vera. Yes, I see this in my future.
(5)
Trent C.
One of the most refreshing stores, not only in German Village, but Columbus. The desserts are to die for and the pastries are ridiculously good as well. The scones and the cinnamon sugar sweet rolls are a really great breakfast option. The almondine cookies are delicious. The Grand Cru chocolate truffles are simply divine. You place your order and then question whether you've asked for enough. Chances are, before you leave the parking lot, you will have already opened the box to get your fix. The tarts and tortes are incredibly delicious and unbelievably decadent. If you have any questions, the staff behind the counter are always willing to help. Expect to be able to chat with the chefs as well since they are usually near the counter anyway. No other place (except for Jeni's) can cure my sweet tooth the way that Pistacia Vera can.
(5)
el O G.
Not much more I can add to the place that hasn't been written, but I love coming here to get treats for myself, friends or family. I love the macarons and around the holidays buy gift boxes for the fam. The cookies are good, especially the pistacio chip. This saturday I tried the croissants and lattes this Saturday which were fantastic and good, respectively. Having had many of the desserts at special occassions I have never had something I didn't like here, though I'm known to have a sweet tooth! I never hesitate to bring out of towners here as I feel this bakery can compete with anyone around the country. Next up is to try the new breakfast offerings.
(5)
Karen S.
Best cookies I have ever had!! Wish I lived closer but am glad I don't as it would be a daily habit!! The macaroons are out of this world!
(5)
Shelby M.
Pistacia Vera now has iced espresso-based drinks! The first time I visited I had to pass up the hot coffee (I only do cold drinks). But now, you can enjoy a dessert & a light & smooth latte or iced coffee on the front patio.
(5)
Puneet S.
If I lived in German Village, I would have to try to avoid walking into this place all the time! Yes, it is a little pricey. However, their pastries are amazing! Each one is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, flavor, design, and moistness.
(5)
Suzanne M.
Pistacia Vera is one of my very favorite place in Columbus. This patisserie has beautiful, elegant and above-all, utterly delectable pastries and cookies. All of this in an amazing, light-filled building that now happily has chairs and tables inside it (it didn't initially). I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that I have had there, but here are a few all-time favorites: *Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Cookies. So much better than toll-house, and practically a steal at $1.50 *Lemon Pinenut Tart. I could eat immensely flavorful, yet surprisingly light dessert every day. *Apple Financier Tart. They introduced this in the summer--at the insistent behest of customers hankering for apples--even though apples are fall food. Having tasted it, I would say it's worth breaking the seasonal routine. *Lavendar Honey Macaron. My favorite macaron. It tastes like May in Provence. I would come here just fo rthe pastries, but I have to put in a good word for the service here. Everyone who works here, from the counter staff to the patry chef, to the owner/manager are such infectiously friendly, happy people that it makes you feel delighted to be there.
(5)
Diana U.
Best dessert place in Columbus. Great service, atmosphere, and AMAZING food. The pistachio macaron is to die for!
(5)
F Z.
Despite my mom saying that Pistacia Vera is simply 'a-okay' (Yelpism is contagious, what can I say?), I think the place far exceeded my expectations. The presentation made it difficult to decide what to get and what to skip. It's tempting to just have one of everything, since bakeries like these do not exist in Toledo. The macarons were a hit-or-miss, although I found most of them to be delightful. The strawberry balsamic and the walnut marsala fig particularly stood out (and I'm not a fan of fig, to be honest.) The mocha praline torte was mind-blowingly delicious and was neither too sweet nor too heavy of a treat. I vowed I'll come back just for the chambord manjari feuilletine next time. The cannele was the only disappointing factor to my entire selection, as I found it a wee bit too dry and crusty. It's a good thing that PV is a 25-minute drive from home-home (and a 2.5 hour drive from home) or else I'd be frequenting on a daily basis!
(4)
Veronica W.
I love the atmosphere of Pistacia Vera. The macaroons are delicious.
(4)
Elizabeth N.
I agree with everyone who has raved about the buttermilk chocolate cake. I'm particular about my chocolate to the point where I prefer to just make it myself for that perfect salty, sweet, and dark combination. I'm happy to say that Pistacia Vera's cake will save me hours in the kitchen when I want the perfect rich and moist and not too sweet chocolate fix. Also, their service is amazing! And they have things like raspberry chocolate jam for sale. Mmmm....
(5)
Pink C.
Easily the best bakery in Columbus, this place is really an amazing bakery. The desserts are sophisticated and complex. The macaroons, for instance, are usually really delicious mixes of flavors like apricot turmeric. This place manages to pull that off. The cakes are gorgeous looking and amazing tasting. There are full sizes and single servings. The cookies are all fantastic and really not any more expensive than any other bakery. My absolute favorite is the petit four, which I've had as both guava and apricot. The service is very nice and always wraps boxes in pretty ribbons. The store itself is also absolutely beautiful. There's a really small lot that could hold three cars right next to the building.
(5)
Jeff L.
Insanely amazing. I had the praline based cake and I can't remember eating a dessert that wonderful in Columbus. I hear they left the Short North for the German Village, and as a resident of the Short North who doesn't feel like gaining weight at some type of record pace, I suppose I should be happy about this.
(5)
LeeAnn T.
The French macarons are very flavorful and perfectly made. I was very impressed. My husband loved the chocolate dome dessert that he had and he is the pickiest chocolate snob that I know. I was extremely impressed with the friendliness of the staff. What a wonderful experience!
(5)
Kara K.
After lunch at Claddagh, I was in the mood for something sweet that both the BF & I would enjoy. At a $1.25/macaroon, it was the perfect choice. I went with the coconut & he chose the chocolate. Both were delicious without being too filling. I think I'll be leaving work more often for dessert.
(5)
Emily H.
Pistacia Vera calls itself a dessert boutique, and the name is fitting. The storefront looks like it belongs to a Chanel or Coach store on Madison Avenue. And of course the desserts are gorgeous - a bit pricey, but with great ingredients and flavors. The portions actually serve one, not like the seven-layer triple chocolate cake that every chain restaurant has nowadays. I'd prefer one of their tiny tiramisus or mini chocolate bombes anyday!
(5)
Josh Q.
I was so disappointed when Pistachio moved from its old location. I still visit on occasion, but not as often as I would like. The staff is always courteous and happy to help you out with a selection. A wonderful alternative to that mid-shelf bottle of wine your accustomed to bringing to a party.
(5)
Caroline D.
these macarons are the best ever. they used to have a lemon pistachio that was to die for. the plain pistachio one is pretty close though -- it is honestly delicious. well worth the price, seriously. the lime sugar cookie is amazing too. however, i have a hard time getting anything other than a box of macarons. a must try!
(4)
Brian B.
Every day on the weekends I come in and get a coffee and pastry or two. This place is amazing. Usually when you walk into a bakery and they have a classy setup where the baked goods are on display for all to see you expect that the actual taste will be lacking (at least this has been my experience), nothing could be further from the truth here. What looks great is often better when you are eating it. During the winter months they have hot dark chocolate which is the perfect thing to have while walking around in the cold. If you feel like something savory I highly recommend their rosemary parmesan scones. Their prices are very reasonable and worth every penny.
(5)
Courtney W.
OM NOM NOM!! Truly the only way to describe our experience. Parking here is a bit of a hassle, only 2 spots are actually attached to this establishment (w/ more across the street) but after a couple of tries we managed to find a spot! We hurried our way in and even though the place was busy it didnt take longer then a moment or two to be greeted by a friendly face. The hardest part here is deciding what to order. Everything looked so good it was hard to believe they were all edible! They had so many flavors of macrons, and lots of yummy looking tarts, croissants, cookies, etc. We ordered 4 macarons (strawberry lillet, blackberry violet, chocolate chambord, and matcha yuzu), an espresso tart, and some coffee. Everything was very tasty and nothing lasted very long; we were done by the time our coffee reached the table. Their macrons are what stand out the most to me with such a variety in flavors and fillings it really makes for a very tasty treat! Matcha Yuza was by far our favorite flavor we tried. Matcha is japanese for powdered green tea and a very popular flavor for just about everything over in japan and yuzu means tea. The flavor was mild and sweet and the macron itself was the best I've ever had by far. The blackberry violet was a preserve filling that simply melted in your mouth; the strawberry lillet was the same. The tart was creamy, rich, smooth, and had a wonderful espresso flavor that was matched perfectly by the crispy soft pie crust. I did agree with my husband that the crust was a bit dry although it did break apart with ease. I felt the same way about their lavender shortbread cookie; oh so yummy but dry. Their coffee is strong...STRONG...but paired nicely with their pastries. My favorite thing here though was the chocolate cake that they had up at the register; so perfect I wish I got a whole loaf! They have a very nice patio with a couple tables although the chairs are very tiny and leave your but a bit sore; granted we did sit here for a good hour just watching all the people walking by. German Village is like that, you tend to get lost in everything around you. The only downside to the whole morning were the prices; on the expensive side. Things really add up fast here.
(4)
Joe Y.
Very nice place! Just visiting so not 100% but this place I believe in located in German Village. Plenty of parking across the street or on the street. Once inside you see a lot of places to sit and a lot deserts to choose from. What's nice here is just about everything I saw was gluten free. However we came solely for the macaroons. I bought a bunch to go and we ate a few just to try from the hype. We had six all together and wow were some of them exceptional! Delicious all around and not disappointing. Great place to grab a coffee and a little desert. My only complaint is it is a little pricey but it's gluten free which I know typically hikes a price up so it's understandable.
(4)
Jared W.
Was really not blown away at all after my first visit to Pistacia Vera. I was only looking for something light, so I ordered a Buckeye macaron, a chocolate bittersweet fudge cookie, and coffee. The Buckeye macaron was a little soft and the peanut butter filling in the middle was surprisingly not very good. The chocolate fudge cookie was very chewy inside like a brownie but crisp around the edges- pretty good but nothing special, and the coffee was mediocre. Overall, I was pretty disappointed in what I got. Everything looks incredibly delicious, but my experience was average overall, especially when I paid $6 for 6 bites of food and a poor cup of coffee.
(3)
Aya R.
3/5 for their macarons... I know, they are extremely affordable! I could literally buy them all day everyday! :) But, I don't know if it was just the times I had been there, or what, but some of my macarons were too soggy. The passion fruit and the blackberry ones I had were... Soft... Too soft. :( I loved their coconut and their yuzu macaron! Don't get me wrong they can make some amazing macarons, but they aren't consistent. Whaaat... :( 5/5 for everything else! The atmosphere is fantastic, the girls working there are always ready to help take your order, and always open to questions. I didn't feel like I was standing around waiting forever to get help. The different iced teas they have are so delicious! Every one of them hit the spot. In summer, and again in the fall. I would definitely go back to sit, eat, sip on an iced tea, and just relax.
(4)
Jessica M.
The atmosphere of this place is quant and the desserts are amazing. Tried the pistachio macaroon, the raspberry passion fruit tart, and the fudge cookie. Everything was beautifully appealing to the eyes and tasted great. Sat outside and enjoyed beautiful Sunday weather while doing it. I'll be back for sure
(5)
Macarena G.
I have been to both locations- German Village and North Market. The products that they have are great. Their patisserie shows a lot of finesse and technique. I give them 4 starts because the bathroom was dirty. wet floor and lots of papers laying on the floor. Not what you would expect when you are paying 8 dollars for a piece of pie.
(4)
Andrew T.
it deserves a 5 star no doubt about it I came all the way from San Francisco this place is really nice definitely worth it to be put on the map be sure to try one of everything so come with your friend... try the Bostock... You also have to try the lemon tart. you gotta try it crispy crunchy and flaky on the outside warm and fluffy and crea and sweet on the inside just the right balance of all flavors
(5)
Angela B.
I first had these macaroons at a conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Columbus, OH. I walked right past the delicious savory dinner stations directly to the dessert table to find the most scrumptious macaroons of my life! I just had to go to the German Village location prior to flying out. What an excellent Easter present! Although they are not on the menu today, if the chance presents itself, get the Buckeye flavor (peanut butter), as it will change your LIFE!
(5)
Anthony N.
A cozy little bake shop known for their delicious macaroons! (Not the flaky coconut types, but the sandwich cookie.) A great place to grab a dessert and coffee in German Village, I've never been disappointed with their selections. You can even sample the macaroons before you take home a box (or two). I only wish macaroons could be made bigger because they go so quickly in a bite :(
(5)
Twila K.
Overall very nice atmosphere. Staff was very friendly. Mocha was good. A friend and I tried 3 different desserts but none really blew our mind...however the presentation was flawless. A bit pricey.
(3)
Birgitta S.
Fresh baked croissants, pan au chocolate, and light as air macrons. Great coffee too. Limited parking, but street parking is available. The staff is always cheerful. They will take a phone order in the am and set it aside if you can't get there until the pm. We plan our road trips so they route through Columbus just so we can stop here. These croissants are the best I've had stateside!
(5)
Sarah S.
Isn't is great when a place is just as good as you hoped it would be? Pistacia Vera is a gem, and if I lived in Columbus I would be here all the time. It's a great open space, with lots of tables and outdoor seating - perfect for a late afternoon cup of coffee and a book. Not to mention the FOOD! The dessert cases are just such beautiful works of art! Every cake and macaroon and cookie are just as visually pleasing as they are delicious - I wish I could spend a whole day trying everything in the store! From Yelp's recommendation, I came to try their macaroons, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. They have a great selection of flavors with something for everyone - from a classic Pistachio to a more out-of-the-box Yuzu Guava. All delicious. Perfectly crunchy outside, and either a sweet house-made jam or a creamy ganache on the inside. I came back before they closed and got more macaroons to go - plus a Pistachio Honey Nougat and an Almondine cookie to try! The customer service was also lovely, the woman behind the counter offered to make me an iced chamomile tea (even though it wasn't on the menu) and told me if it didn't come out just as I wanted, she would make it again. Needless to say, like everything I had here, it was great. If I had more time here in Columbus, I would come back for brunch, a galette, probably a croissant, hell ANYTHING and everything. In short: don't miss this place.
(5)
Nicholas C.
This is hands-down my favorite bakery in the Columbus area. My two favorites that stand out are the nutella Bostock and Almond Croissant. They tend to bake their croissants a little more "done" than other bakeries and that's just how I like it. Imagine biting into a cruncy croissant to reveal the gooiest, flakiest, almond-liqueur soaked goodness inside. Get one and a coffee. Best $6 you're going to spend in a while.
(5)
Corina P.
Portions are a bit on the big side for my taste (probably not for the average American endless stomach) and croissants are more brownish than what I am used to. Still, I love the place for coming to have a nice brunch once in a while. The flavors are immaculate and I just have not found anything similar in Columbus or in what I know of the Midwest for that matter. Worth visiting, at least once. But be warned: delicate pastry comes with a price, a big price.
(4)
Gwen W.
What the...!!!!!!! I can't believe I forgot to leave a review from my first visit here!?! I yi yiiii :) Well, my absolute LOVE for this hidden gem has not changed one bit!. My first time, I got the Mushroom Quiche and Lemon Tart. It was so good, this time around I got the exact same thing. Results? Perfect!! This time around, the quiche was in a small circle of crust, instead of cut like a pie of pie. And, YES, it was still as heavenly as ever. The cheese taste was not overpowering. I could smell and taste the mushroom slices. Mmmm!! And the login tart for dessert? Outstanding, as always!! True lemon taste is completely evident, but not to "tarty" for my liking :) a wonderful, scrumptious brunch!!
(5)
Sakura K.
I went there for a late birthday treat to get some macarons yesterday. The place closes at 7 and we got there around 630. I ordered one of each and was given a presorted box from the case. My boyfriend ordered a pain au chocolat. The total was $22 with the box being $18 for 12 macarons and the bread $4. Since we were going to dinner first, i didn't bother opening the box until today and discovered I was shorted one. I called them today and told them and they said they wouldn't give me the missing one since I didn't have proof of purchase. They never even gave me a receipt!
(2)
Erin N.
Being from the Burgh, I hadn't been here during any of our trips to Columbus, but Nationwide sent our office a box of their little "classic macarons" and I had to stop on our next journey. Some of the macaron flavors are a little much for most of my crew (elderflower, raspberry hibiscus?), but the vanilla bean macaron makes up for all the trendy flavors that may have been misses. They are perfect. Crisp and soft, perfect "feet" on the cookies. The store was a little crowded, and there were no tables outside, but we were just stopping by to grab a dozen. The staff was a little miffed with the busy Saturday afternoon, but generally helpful and polite. I do have one actual negative comment, other than German Village being a mess to drive. I also purchased two pistachio twists with my macarons, and they looked amazing and were HUGE. But they weren't great. Kind of burnt, mostly sticky bread. A disappointment for the price unfortunately. If you're sticking with macarons, A+. I have ordered these pups shipped to Pittsburgh. They're worth not only the drive through German mess, but apparently across the state.
(4)
Liz M.
So, I love Pistacia Vera. Friendly service, nice atmosphere, delicious perfect desserts. I never ever felt like I was paying too much there because the quality was worth it. My favorites are the macrons (pistachio flavor), the chocolate bombe, and any cake they offer, really. Service is always superb. I went this past Friday for brunch to-go and it really took the wind out of my sails. $12 a piece for a small brunch item and side salad. My friend had the bacon quiche and I had the croque monsieur. Her quiche was a generous size, but nothing overly special, my croque monsure had merit and the sauce was velvety smooth, but the ham was so smokey it over powered the whole dish and the bread was quite dark on the bottom imparting a burnt taste. The side salad consisted of 5% arugula and 95% frisee, which made for a bitter, poorly textured salad. The dressing was under seasoned and seemed to consist of olive oil, Dijon, vinegar , and shallots. I have never had an issue with paying a premium, but $12 left me more than a smokey burnt taste in my mouth. I will choose not to order a brunch item again. However, I will always choose to purchase pastries here as they're to die for!
(4)
Sally D.
Pricey but delicious! The portion was small but the taste was all there - we tried the bacon quiche for breakfast & loved it! This was the best quiche I can remember having...ever! Light, fluffy flavorful filling with chunky bits of bacon surrounded by a perfectly flaky pastry crust - yum yum yum! Definitely worth trying & enjoying!
(4)
Jamie M.
I'm amazed. I'm typically a cheesecake, ice cream, pie type of dessert person but this bakery is incredible! I got two macaroons, chocolate bombe, and a dessert I can't remember the name of. The macaroons were good but I'm not the biggest fan of macaroons but I was pleased. However the two other desserts were amazing! The chocolate bombe melts in your mouth, it was also rich but not too sweet. The other dessert was absolutely amazing as well, it had a crunchy base with a rich (but not over doing it) chocolate mousse topping. I can't wait to return and try all the other options! Don't pass this up if you're in columbus.
(5)
Gus W.
I finally got a chance to stop into Pistacia Vera's main spot in German Village this past Sunday. I had to have something to make up for my abysmal experience at Katzinger's, and they're only a couple of blocks from each other. I've been to the location at North Market several times and was a big fan of the desserts I'd tried there. As I said before though, I'm not a huge macaron fan, although I did give them another shot, and I think I liked them a little better this time! The original location here is so nice and cleanly, and the inside almost seems out of place compared to the outside of the building and the surrounding area. It's just so.. new. That's okay though. Not everything in German Village has to fit that old town feel. It was super clean, and the people behind the counter were very nice. I only went with the lemon pine tart, and my buddy tried some strawberry layered cake. I think the pricing is a bit much at $6, especially for mine, which was incredibly tiny, but I've already come to expect that from them, so I wasn't surprised. My lemon tart was awesome. I was expecting the filling to be a little firmer, but it's a very thin custard-y texture that melted in my mouth and went great with the crackery crust. My friend wasn't too keen on the pricing either, but he said if anything was going to be worth close to the $6, it was that strawberry layered tart (whatever you want to call it). He really enjoyed it. I'll probably stick to the North Market location, since it's more convenient for me, but I thought the original spot was very sleek. They also offer quiches that I don't believe North Market does, and they looked very tasty. If I'm back in the area some time, I'll have to check those out as well as the coffee.
(4)
Brad S.
I love this place for a quick pop-in, be it for breakfast or for a tasty treat to take to a party. The croissants (ham and cheese, chocolate, etc.) are great for a grab and go breakfast. The chocolate bomb never fails to amaze recipients. And the macarons are just perfect for a dinner-party-gift. I've always found the staff to be exceptionally helpful - the environment inside is bright and cheery, and that attitude bleeds over into the guests. It's a very community feel here, with chatter going on between tables of strangers.
(5)
LeeJee C.
Good lord where do I begin... Pistacia Vera is the best bakery in the world. I found this gem when I lived in Columbus a few years ago, and ever since, I dream of this place daily. I'm not a big brunch person, but their baked eggs are literally the best breakfast/brunch dish I've ever had! It comes in a hot skillet with tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, and the flavor is indescribable. I'm also not a big fan of croissants, but their ham and cheese croissant is pretty much the best version you'll ever find. Around Fall, they offer their house apple cider, which again, doesn't sound like anything crazy, but I promise you it's the best apple cider you'll ever try!
(5)
Peijean T.
Macarons, oui oui! Pistacia Vera may be located in the German Village area of Columbus, Ohio, but they definitely have this French macaron thing down. Here they've mastered the macaron: moist, slightly chewy wafers with a delicate crispy shell. Each pair of wafers sandwiches a light creamy center. I went in to buy six but couldn't resist the selection of flavors and walked out with nine. A few of them had stiffer fillings (older cookies?) like the cherry cordial and the cassis bergamot (similar to a tea flavor), but a few had ultra soft and smooth fillings that made the wafers slide a bit when you took a bite. I especially enjoyed the gingerbread macaron which had a very fresh and robust flavor. Each of the macarons had a delicate sweetness punctuated by their main flavor of fruit, chocolate, etc. I love that the macarons are only $1.50 each, when I'm used to paying over $2 for one of these back in California. Given that they have mastered the macaron, I was hoping that their pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant , $4) would be close to what I've had in Paris. I was disappointed it was too dry, although the flavor of the croissant was good and not too buttery. Of the items I tried nothing was overly sweet, which I liked. I also bought a chocolate loaf cake slice ($3) which had a perfect dark chocolate taste that was dense in texture but not saccharine. Overall, this is a terrific dessert shop with tons of variety from gourmet cake slices and artisan macarons to simplier bake-sale types of fare such as chewy cookies and loaf cake slices.
(4)
Candace M.
I've been trying to go through my Columbus bucket list recently, and you better believe Pistacia Vera was on there! We finally made it there after a great stop at the Book Loft. I'd heard about the macarons, but I hadn't heard how adorable the place itself is. We walked in and I was so impressed! Super clean and cozy, with bright wood floors and lots of windows, creating the feeling of open space. I can imagine that this would be a great space to study, work, or go on a date. I've only had a macaron once and wasn't feeling particularly adventurous, so I went with a safer bet, We had the chocolate bombe and the raspberry passion fruit truffle torte. They were both very good. I'd say the bombe was a bit better. There was complimentary filtered water which hit the spot with our chocolate-rich desserts. I would come again, and next time I'll have my sights set on one of their legendary macarons!
(4)
Carianne M.
Macarons! I can't/won't say much about anything else at Pistacia Vera because I haven't had much else. If I'm being honest, I stick to the desserts and then walk down to Stauf's for coffee...oh my...that's awful now that I wrote it all out... The Macarons are not to be missed. The pistachio (obviously) is amazing, but the miso is also so, so delicious. Their other baked goods are not to be missed - a chocolate fudge cookie won my heart. The lighting, location, parking, etc. are all amazing. I can see why folks would come here for brunch, but the tables are limited and a bit close together for my taste.
(4)
Yuri R.
Clean - beautiful - great customer service - delicious! Just very nice atmosphere! ;-)
(5)
Vicky N.
The best desserts in Columbus, without a doubt! Pistacia Vera specializes in gourmet, rich desserts that are so aesthetically pleasing, you have to take pictures to remember the gorgeous artwork you just devoured. The pastry chefs here are phenomenal at making each item on the menu as delicious as they look. I usually don't like my chocolate mixed with berries, but PV really complements the two flavors well. I have had the chocolate bombe, cherry pistachio feuilletine, the chambord torte (flourless), and a handful of their macarons, and they have yet to disappoint me! The pieces of cake may look small, but are packed with flavor. It's usually too much for me to finish. And at $1.25/macaron, it's a fair price for the cute French treats that to my knowledge aren't sold elsewhere in Columbus. I also go here to buy gifts for friends and family who have a sweet tooth too. The cafe is located in the heart of German Village, a perfect addition to this blooming area of Columbus. I love the atmosphere of the place - very comforting and open with a chic design. The staff are knowledgable about the items on the menu and are great at recommendations if you need help understanding those fancy words (like me). I would love to come back and try their brunch menu next time, but sometimes parking can be a hassle. Definitely go to the lot of the salon across the street first because the one attached to the building has only 2 spaces.
(5)
Dee M.
A bakery that serves macarons and croissants in German Village? How could Pistachio Vera be anything other than completely amazing? I live 4 blocks away and let me tel you, Pistacia Vera causes me sleepless nights in bed, lying awake, dreaming of the crunch and creamy sensations that fill my mouth after biting into one of their macarons. The croissants, too. Flaky, and buttery, the almond ones haunt my dreams. Every flavor is amazing, and I usually take a variety with me. The staff is simply wonderful, and they happen to make, IMHO, the best cappuccino in town. Sometimes I tell people that I moved to German Village solely because of this bakery. They usually think I'm joking. I'm not. My credit card is swiped religiously at Pistacia Vera, with no end in sight.
(5)
Rachel K.
Small location but seems so elegant and always kept clean. Their macaroons are to die for. I never even liked that type of treat before having the Pistacia Vera kind. They are a must have for any special occasion at my home! It's so nice to sit on their patio sipping coffee and having a pastry. Would definitely recommend!
(5)
Jackie K.
Yum! Their cookies are really good. The chocolate pistachio one is great as is the almond one.
(4)
Tabytha A.
I've been to the North Market location tons of times, and their macaroons are always to die for. I finally made it to the German Village location and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I had a great cup of hot chocolate, and of course, macaroons. Amazing desserts in a beautiful, but not pretentious environment. I can't wait to go back when they have the chairs outside in the summer!
(5)
Mer F.
I want to LOVE Pistacia Vera, which is why I return time and time again. I bring a different friend or friends each time, hoping that maybe I'll unlock the magic. My order varies each time. Still, I feel completely unwelcome here. Last time, the gal behind the counter was fantastically helpful to my friend who had never encountered a macaron before, explaining the different flavours and textures. I ordered a prepackaged variety box as a hostess gift on my trip out of town, and I was treated with a frown... I had to wrangle my drink order before a cold shoulder was turned on me. I'm starting to take this personally. Perhaps I'm not special enough for delicious pastry. The macarons held up beautifully to their 9 hour road trip. I only wish there was a guide to which flavor was which in the box, but the hostess savoured every bite!! Amaaaaazing pastry... if you're good enough!
(3)
Jenni H.
I am going to tagline my Pistacia Vera experience as "False Hope and Empty Promises". I was running late on my way to the airport and despite the rush I made a detour to pick up some presents: 4 macarons for three friends each. The person working behind the counter advised I purchase their prepackaged 12 piece box set. Perfect! One missed flight and several calls with Delta later, I sat down and unwrapped the box to inspect the toil of all my troubles. THERE WAS ONLY 11. The fastest and surest way to break a girl's heart is to under deliver on promises of macarons. For the person who prepackaged the box sets: You had one job! Do we need to revisit grade school arithmetic and learn how to count? On a side note, I have nothing but praise for the macarons itself. They are the perfect combination of crispy and chewy with delicious hints of flavors. Personal favorites are pistachio, vanilla, and grapefruit honey. Minus stars for the fail packaging and inaccurate charging. Plus stars for the redeeming macaron quality.
(3)
Evalyn C.
I have been hearing about Pistacia Vera since before I even moved to Columbus. I've listened to people rave about all the delicacies that can be procured here. I've seen friends literally jump up and down they were so excited to get hired on to the staff here. So, tell me why it took me until just now get in to this amazing place? No really. What was my problem?!? My husband and I went as an after brunch dessert trek on my birthday. We wanted to try some yummies that wouldn't leave us too terribly stuffed. So, we ordered 4 macarons and one mini chocolate bombe to split. If I'm being entirely honest, I've never really enjoyed macarons (at least not prior to these bad boys) but I kept reading reviews exclaiming that they were a "must try" and my husband seemed intrigued. If it hadn't been for all my fellow yelpers' reviews, I think I would have seriously missed out. You see, for the first time in my life, I can honestly say that I not only liked a macaron, I loved one. We ordered the passionfruit, lemon, coconut creme, and matcha yuzu flavors and I loved each and every one of them. So light, just the right amount of sweet, and those pops of flavors that have me salivating just thinking about them... Heaven. As for the chocolate bombe, I couldn't stop saying "Holy crap!" after ever bite. It was so freaking tasty! Just the right amount of dense and light and crunch and soft and oh-so decadently chocolatey. If you are a chocolate lover and you haven't had one of these before, you are really missing out. In fact, I may buy my chocoholic mother several for her birthday next month. ;-) I absolutely guarantee I will be back again soon.
(5)
Jen R.
Macarons, macarons, macarons! I wish some would appear if I said that three times. But until that happens, I'll go to Pistacia Vera. This place is so cozy and cute. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and coffee hits you as soon as you open the door and then when you actually SEE all of the croissants and pain au chocolat and macarons and desserts...sensory overload before you've even ordered. Everything I've tried here is scrumptious and extra points for the macaron gatekeeper who so patiently smiles with a box and tongs as I carefully select which of a zillion colorful, delectable concoctions I would like in said box. Oh yes, they also have delicious menu options other than baked goods :) If you haven't been here, go!
(5)
Ashley M.
Love this place! On a recent stop in Columbus, I only had time to try a couple of eateries and based on the reviews, Pistacia Vera was my one pick. I am so, so glad I made my way to try Pistacia Vera before my flight back to Atlanta! I stopped in here on a full stomach and shared a couple of macaroons and tried a fruit tart with a friend. Not a big fan of macaroons, I was incredibly skeptical but my, oh my---were they soooo delicious! I tried the Caramel Pecan and the Matcha. Both were the perfect temperature and surprisingly, the right texture--not too soft and not too hard. The Caramel Pecan was my favorite. These were so delicious that I ended up purchasing 6 more to go--to fly all the way back to Atlanta. I believe that speaks for itself.
(5)
Victor N.
There's really not much more to say about their desserts. Pretty much all you can think or ask about is written in one of the hundreds of reviews already. Their desserts are ALL delicious. Coffee and tea are also just as good here. My only gripe is that the macarons here are pppprrretty expensive -at $2.50 each ***Edit: I stand corrected - $1.50***? Plus side - they accept dine originals so that offsets them a little bit. I don't get them for myself regularly, but they do make GREAT gifts and they look awesome packaged up. Tons of flavors to choose from as well, all colored differently, so you get a rainbow inside a box.
Best macarons ever. Their other pastries are really good too.
(5)
Rasha H.
Very nice coffee and desert place, with some limited outdoor seating for good weather days...
(5)
Michael U.
It's fine but the regular food and brunch items are overpriced for what you get. For the rare sweet tooth I get it's good to satisfy that craving.
(3)
Laura K.
I tried a macaron for the first time. It was the best choice ever! Tried the mocha hazelnut and it was deeeeeelicious. Yes, those extra e's are necessary :) Thank you for being in Columbus, Pistacia Vera.
(5)
Rami M.
I love going to Pistacia Vera with my family. You will experience a friendly cafe environment, and everything I've had on their menu surpassed my expectations. They are known for their macarons, and I always get at least a half-dozen box to take home. They remind me of the macarons from La Duree. I love pairing it with their coffee or espresso; it's some of the best MADE coffee I've had. They have an extensive tea selection as well, with tea available for purchase to take home (try the Earl Grey Vanilla). Their quiches make for a wonderfully appetizing lunch, and the croissants are definitely the best in Columbus. If you still have a sweet tooth after all of that, try their assortments of house-made cakes and desserts. I'm glad such a place exists in Columbus!
(5)
Marissa C.
So... brunch and dessert are my two favorite courses. What does Pistacia Vera make? Yes, indeed, brunch and dessert. Obviously, this was already set up to be a match made in heaven. It's got a darling little location in historic German Village, with parking on available in lots on both sides of the street. The shop is on the small side, so if you want a table, you may have to watch and wait a bit. They do take out, though, so you can always get your fix and take it home... if you can wait that long.... When you walk in, your gaze immediately falls upon the wondrous glass case full of goodies. The signature macarons are amazing! So light and luscious with some amazing flavor choices. The cakes are quite good too, especially the Meyer Lemon Pistachio Dacquoise, and chocolate lovers should check out the Cassis Berry Flourless. Everything is as beautiful to the eye as it is delicious to taste. The savory brunch dishes include two types of quiches, baked eggs, smoked salmon, and a devilishly rich Croque Monsieur, and there are some delightful sweet and savory pastries. Gluten free and nut free folks can enjoy the shop too - the signs are all conveniently labelled accordingly, making it quick and easy to pick out what you want that fits your needs. There is also free Wifi available, and, of course, coffee for you coffee drinkers.
(5)
Edwin Y.
The best Chocolate croissant ever! It's flaky and buttery. Their macarons are the one of best in the country. Family and friends in NYC ask I bring some with me when I visit them in Manhattan. That's says a lot when Manhattan is known for their food.
(5)
A A.
Cobblestone streets lead to a trendy bakery in a historic section of Columbus. There are a myriad of tempting choices. I chose the cleverly crafted macarons in pistachio mocha & cranberry grapefruit. I also loved the chai latte. My companions chose the gingerbread macarons, and pain au chocolat. None of us had much to say as we devoured the sweet treats. The beautiful wall color (in pistachio green of course) adds to the feeling of tranquility and escapism.
(4)
Teri S.
This bakery has the best croissants . I was a little leary because they were browner than usual but after one bite , I was sold. Almond croissant melted in my mouth. The croissants are pricey but are large enough to share. They sell cafe brioso coffee which is my favorite roastery in town.
(5)
Mark H.
One of my favorite places to have a simple brunch. I've had two kinds of queche here with coffee to drink. The queche is served with a tasty mixed greens salad with a light oil-based dressing that makes brunch filling enough without the food coma. Of course, the Persian macaroons are their staple and they are no joke. The flavors rotate fairly often so each time I feel like I get to try a couple new flavors while enjoying some old favorites. I could eat a dozen in one sitting if it weren't for the calories! These truly are the next best thing to actually going to Paris!
(5)
Makiah D.
First time ever having macaroons was very impressed with the flavor! Can't wait to go back and try more
(5)
Robbie C.
Great local spot! Terrific coffee and espresso drinks, cute, modern interior, delicious food. The food i just a little on the pricey side, that's the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars.
(4)
Mohanish A.
Macrons were creamy ...a must try!!!
(5)
Nicole D.
I really want to like macaroons, I really do. They look cute, have a great variety of fancy flavors, but man they all taste like processed candy to me :( plus all macaroon are made with artificial food dyes :/ But Pistacia Vera have some interesting cakes that are definitely worth trying. They look more sophisticated and probably made with better ingredients.
(3)
Julie W.
I am absolutely enamored with this place! I sent my family Christmas gifts from here and everyone was delighted. Their coffee is amazing and the chocolate croissants are perfect on a Sunday morning. The staff is very dog friendly and always go outside to give my boys a treat while I'm inside drooling over the pastry case.
(5)
Emma O.
Macaron.Paradise. Here and here alone is where I get my circle slices of heaven. I love love love their macaroons and at 1.50 each they are not frightfully over priced. My personal favorite is the passion fruit macaron. I have not had the other desserts so that i cannot speak to, but my friends have and they seem to really enjoy the $1 chocolate cookies and the chocolate raspberry cake. The only reason my review is not five stars is because of the minimal parking by the store. They do have additional spaces behind the hair salon, but when I'm in a lazy bum sweet eating macaron mood, I don't really fancy a stroll. Other than that. I'm in heaven.
(4)
Autumn T.
Try ALL of their macarons. (And no, I did not say macaroons.)
(5)
Michelle H.
The flourless chocolate cakes are my favorite here! I like the pastries and macaroons here but don't care for the actual brunch menu as much. The shop is adorable and has character. Looking at the counter filled with sweet treats and bread makes your mouth water. The price is pretty steep in my opinion. On a cold weekend day, it's almost impossible to find a table for brunch. Parking lot is small and can fill up fast. I always ended up parking off street on one of the side streets.
(4)
Caitlin W.
Let me start off by saying, this was the best Valentine's Day because I got acquainted with Pistacia Vera. For the first time, I tried the macaroons. Unbelievably delectable and I can't believe I've gone this long without them in my life.
(5)
Jamie B.
Pistacia Vera macaroons are so good. They are light and fluffy - the lavender and raspberry flavors are particularly tasty. At risk of sounding snobbish, I compare all macaroons to the ones I had in Paris a few years ago, and Pistacia Vera lived up to my Parisian standards ~ oh la la. The North Market location is just as good, and the staff friendly and helpful. Even the prices are reasonable at a buck-fifty per treat. You can't go wrong with a stop at Pistacia Vera
(5)
Michael G.
Good as ever. But they don't serve baked eggs any longer. Boo. Something about taking too long to cook and some inconsistencies. They were so good, put them back on menu!
**Update: No more WiFi. It seems they want people to talk to one another. For your plugged in needs, try Stauf's down the street.** It's not a mystery that Pistacia Vera has beautiful little macarons. Their other pastries are excellent too, and the space is soothing with outlets for your computer and wifi for getting things done. I've never felt hurried to leave, even if all I've ordered is coffee and a croissant. Somebody has mentioned this below I'm sure but macaron = brightly colored, meringue sandwich cookie; macaroon = gooey coconut haystack. The Kitchn has a nice primer on this for those who want visuals.
(4)
Mark K.
Well, if you are really craving macarons, this is one of the places in town that has them. And maybe I'm spoiled because I was introduced to them in Paris, but these were only okay. The best ones there are incredible, and even the ones at McDonald's there were better than these. We had a vanilla, a buckeye, and a pistachio. And they were sweetie's first macarons, and she was not impressed. We also had a shortbread cookie that was okay, but not worth the price. For drinks we had a tropical tea that was good, and a pomegranate tea/lemonade that was distinctly flavorless. Service was decent. The atmosphere is nice, open, modern, but not really what I would call welcoming. If I have a macaron jones I might be back. Otherwise, with Kittie's down the street to satisfy my sweet tooth, there's no reason.
(3)
Shea H.
If you love macaroons, stop playing games and go to this place. Oh my goodness. The flavors were oh so very delectable. I couldn't even handle myself. I had to resist buying one of each (because frankly that would have set me back quite a bit of dough...haha dough). I have been meaning to get here for months. I had to make my way through the tight German Village streets and tricky alleyway parking, but as soon as I bit into the luscious, light, fluffy macaroon, I knew without a doubt, that it was worth it. Very very very nice bakery. I can't wait until I'm in the area again. It was popping (read: busy as heck) during lunch so maybe go really early or when everyone in the world isn't looking for nourishment. Parking will probably be easier then...
(5)
Madison R.
This was my first trip to German Village. It's a neat little area of tree-lined brick streets of little restaurants and bars. Outside PIstacia Vera there are tables for outdoor seating. This would be a nice place to sit and chat with friends, but it was just a little too hot today. For our first trip we decided to try a bit of everything. We ordered an almond croissant, one of each macaron, a chocolate caramel tart, a chambord berry flourless, a pistachio cake, a cappuccino, and an iced mocha. Everything was good, but my favorites were the chocolate berry flourless cake and the caramel macaron. The cappuccino was very strong, which I liked. The girls working there were all very polite and helpful. I probably won't go out of my way to eat here, but I'll come again if I'm in the area.
(4)
Amy F.
AH-mazing Macarons and Gluten Free options. Love!
(5)
Natalie H.
Simply lovely. Delicious macaroons, a peaceful & tastefully decorated shop, and very friendly staff. I had the lavender macaroon which was unique and delightful. Nice place to have a friendly meetup, to do some light afternoon laptop work. Only complaint is that I thought it would be a bit larger, with the crowds this place gets, the tiny space can get a bit cramped.
(4)
Meredith M.
I love this place. All the staff is super pleasant & helpful, even on really busy days. I have never had something that I don't like. I would not suggest take out coffee from here, otherwise, A+.
(4)
Kaya G.
This place is beyond ridiculous... Think explosions, think orgasms, think of your first kiss.... This is Pistacia Vera. We used this place for two meetings two days in a row... The first day it would have been rude to eat at the customer, so I didnt taste anything... But then - the night before our big breakfast we went over to place the order... I walked in and those macaroons were giving me the eye... I was unable to focus on anything, anything at all. I zoomed in and the colors were just electrifying, the smell overwhelming... Blocking out the person near me who was trying to arrange the breakfast choices (no eggs and cheese here, mind you) all I heard was my heart beating faster and faster as I took the steps closer to the display... I asked for one, a rasberry beauty and I could not for the life of me open my eyes and realize I was alive. The "died and gone to heaven" moment in my life happened. I had tears in my eyes, and saw angels. And when I ate the pistachio macaroon I almost blacked out from the pleasure on my palate, coursing through my veins. Breakfast was ordered and picked up at 6:45 with 2 boxes of joe. The baked goods were still smoking hot, so fresh... After our big meeting I went to town on the bear claws and some eclair version of a mini cake "CANNELÈ", nut-free caramelized baked custard tea cake infused with rum and blade mace, and life was too good. If all the world would have a macaroon there would only be eternal love, heaven, peace, love and no war.
(5)
Shawnie K.
One word. Macarons.
(5)
Holly C.
Such a lovely little European style cafe in German village! I love the macaroons here, and it's the best in Columbus. Their teas and coffees are fantastic as well, and their cakes are mouthwateringly delicious. I haven't tried all of them...yet, but I have no doubts they're all amazing, I'm a sucker for good sweets. I heard the brunch here is very good, but I haven't had a chance to try it.
(5)
Andrew B.
It seems like the macarons are their main attraction, but the cakes are what puts this place over the top. The Chocolate Bombe, in particular is amazingly moist and rich.
(4)
Finneus J.
I may be in the minority here, but I felt that the macaroons were waaaaaaay overhyped. I tried several different flavors and the fillings were heavy, and overly sweet. I also tried the lemon tart, and again- it was very heavy and overly sweet. On the bright side, they have a nice outdoor seating area, and the coffee was hot and delicious.
(3)
JaimeNScott G.
Love the mushroom quiche! Have visited several times and love taking people from out of town. Great coffee too! Friends have enjoyed the croque monsieur and the croissants are always a favorite. Don't try to count calories when you visit... just savor the flavors!
(5)
Eli R.
It was good. Macarons had a little bit of a refrigerator taste, but the chocolate bombe was pretty amazing
(3)
Aaron A.
Five supermassive red stars for Pistacia Vera. The Best of Columbus. Who has parking in German Village? Pistacia Vera has an impressive parking lot, which is crazy, but have fun with some no-brainer parking in the German Village for the first time in your life. Why are we standing around, admiring a stupid parking lot? There are cookies waiting for us! Ok, so we're inside, this place looks pretty fancy. Based on my experience with some other Columbus snack peddlers who shall remain nameless I'm guessing the people behind the counter are going to be pretty pretentious. But wait! They're not! They're just nice. This is way too easy. Parking, polite staff, where's the experience I'm paying for? If I don't have to search for parking, then stand in line for half an hour waiting for some kid to be a dick to me I don't know if I've had the true Columbus gourmet treatment. I've found one problem, the flow of traffic in the room is a little awkward with people going from the counter to the tables. Man, I just hand these five star reviews out to anybody. You can have the most beautiful pastry experience of your life and get out of here for less than five bucks. The Bittersweet Fudgie is the most amazing cookie I have ever eaten. The combination of textures leaves me speechless. I'm always overwhelmed by the array of techniques being employed to craft all of these stunning sweets. Everything one could expect a pastry chef to be capable of is done here with perfect execution. You seriously can not choose wrong. Pistacia Vera is my number one, absolutely perfect (except for the review ruining traffic fiasco) spot in Columbus. If you go one place, if you have time to do just one thing, this is it.
(5)
Jane S.
Awesome. This place is just awesome. Love all their sweets especially the macarons! The place is always packed when i visit. And the staffs are nice too. Its a bit pricy but i think it suits the quality of the desserts. The atmosphere is crowded most times but the design of the shop is modern and chic, very clean and cozy too.
(4)
Neha B.
Delicious macarons, pretty good gluten-free cake/terrine-things, and so-so coffee. I've tried most flavors of their macarons and find that they are consistently fresh and delicious. Word to the wise: even though technically you can refrigerate or even freeze macarons, they are best eaten fresh, when the thin outer shell fractures under the slight pressure of your teeth, revealing the chewy, almondy layer below, and giving way to the creamy filling in the center. Macarons, made well, are ethereal. Pistacia Vera's macarons are consistently ethereal. I've tasted a couple of the gluten-free cake-things: a strawberry/pistachip dacquoise and a cassis (blueberry) something. They were not bad; my boyfriend liked them enough to order them almost each time we visit, but I'm not particularly in love with them. I eat the macarons. By the dozen. (Almost.) The coffee's okay, nothing great, but not offensive. I like coffee to have nuance and personality, and for that, you have to have pourover, or similar, which PV doesn't do currently. The servers in the German Village cafe and the North Market stall are polite, not generally effusive in their friendliness, but always courteous. Have I mentioned that I adore their macarons? What, I haven't? Good heavens, what a grave oversight. People, I LOVE THEIR MACARONS. That is all.
(4)
Tiffany C.
After showing relatives who were in town around German Village, we decided to stop by this place based on solid yelp reviews and boy were we happy that we did! They specialize in both macaroons and croissants. They also have a variety of cakes to choose from. We each shared a macaroon (caramel pecan) - $1.50 each - and we found it to be full of flavor with a nice crunch. Jim had had these before at other places and this was by far the best yet. We also shared an almond croissant. It was soft, flaky (but not the stale flaky) and an ample size. This is easily shareable and the price is right ($4.00). Definitely recommend this place for a quick snack, or to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!
(4)
Liza V.
I'm not sure I could say anything about this place that hasn't been said. Everything i've tried is like a party in my mouth, and I just want more! Not only do the pastries and confections taste like they have been prepared for royalty, they are all so beautiful! everything I order, I photograph so I can make my fellow instagramers' mouths water. I've tried a handful of the desserts, and each time I think, "they can't possibly top this." Today I had the caramel eclair, and I was just as impressed. The coffee is consistently strong and fresh, and the staff are friendly and patient.
(5)
Carolyn K.
I finally made it to Pistacia Vera! After poring over the rave reviews for years (hyperbole), I found a few extra minutes to pop in and give it a try. Sorry to say, I wasn't wow-ed. I tried one of the buckeye macarons (on the house, that was very nice of them)... and ended up buying 4 + an eclair to take home. Both the macaron and the eclair were exorbitantly rich. I couldn't finish either of them. Perhaps I am being harsh, as I do tend to have more of a salty/savory palette instead of a sweet tooth. And perhaps the plethora of stellar reviews ended up setting the bar inordinately high for me. Regardless, I thought it was just OK. Although, the staff were incredibly friendly and the shop was adorably decorated.
(2)
Tarah W.
Holy decadence - I now have an unhealthy obsession with macarons. This place is amazing!
(5)
Karyn M.
This place is absolutely adorable. I love coming here on the weekends, although it can be a bit crowded. I usually get the 'one of every flavor' macaron boxes as gifts. They are usually tied with a cute little bow and look quite lovely. Their different assortments of cakes are beautiful and very tasty. I'm not sure if it has always been like this, but i've noticed that the macarons look a little grittier lately - like they've been using a coarser almond flour to make them, which makes them not as smooth and pretty but still tasty.
(5)
Molly S.
This place is dangerous!!! Every time I come in I want to buy pretty much everything on display - especially the macarons! They are to die for - they just melt in in your mouth - in fact I Lo e them so much they're a constant on my amazon wish list. I pretty much everything about this place - the funky lime green decor coupled with the polished, classy look, the patio, he brunch... I could go on and on. For me this is a go-to place to bring out of towers.
(5)
Q-Tay S.
After finding this gem, I fell in love with it. I was in search of macarons here in Ohio and came across Pistacia Vera after searching the web. I have brought my kids and many friends here to try it out. Not only is the staff friendly, but service is always great and food is wonderful. I enjoy the macarons and vanilla chai tea the best. However there menu has a variety of options. My only down side is brunch isn't always fulfilling. I wish there more meat dishes or bigger portions, or even sides/ add on items. I find myself still hungry unless I order double. My all time favorite brunch item was the baked eggs dish and when the menu changed they stopped offering that. I'd go just for that dish sometimes. I really hope they bring it back. I love this place and ifs great when the weather is warm or a beautiful fall day. Would even be nice for a 1st date. I def recommend and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do!
(5)
JioVanni J.
Great selection and the staple pistachio flavor is the best!
(5)
A D.
My second time here and it's simply perfect! Excellent desserts everything looks so beautiful and most are delicious too. I had the macaroons this time after the salmon tartare. Wow!!!! I'm definitely coming back the next time I'm in town on business!!!
(5)
Kate D.
The next time I feel like driving four hours, this is the place I am driving to! I visited one of my friends in Columbus and after driving by this place, then having some one tell us how amazing it was, we had to try. I got a piece of some sort of heavenly creation and a cappuccino. It was like a mini european vacation in my head and mouth. The dessert was lightly sweet and lemony fresh. I took some macaroons to go and was not disappointed. I normally am not a fan, but their flavors just pop! Sweet and savory and refreshing. I seriously think about driving from Indy all the time, but until next time I can't get this place outta my head!
(5)
Debi H.
Oh wow, try the croissants. These people know how to bake.. but, I ended up with heart burn, so a little heavy for mainly non-sweets eater like me. My kids and husband descended like ravenous wolves onto the box we brought home. I think my hand was grazed by a tooth. :)
(4)
Margie Q.
I love Pistacia Vera. I always get cakes from here to take to parties. People love it and all I did was walk into the shop and point at a whole cake because I never plan ahead. They even wrap the box in a pretty ribbon in a color I choose. Also, they can write happy birthday on a little chocolate disc that does not detract from the presentation of their cakes.
(5)
Lea P.
Why yes. It is another 5-star review of Pistacia Vera. They just do what they do so well. It's not even worth arguing against it. I don't typically eat dairy and eggs, so there's not a lot here I would nibble on an ordinary day, but their online menu is very detailed regarding several kinds of dietary restrictions (gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan), so I was able to plan ahead. So let's start with the pate de fruit, the only solid vegan food on the menu. These little squares of jelly-like fruit stuff are $1 apiece for barely a mouthful, but I decided to chance them the first time I came in and bought the full $8 gift box, which contains two of each of the four flavors. I opened it in the car on the way home, took a bite, and almost rear-ended someone. Oh wow, it was like fruit explosion. There might not be much food there, but the taste more than makes up for it. The texture is very gelatin-like, but a glance at the ingredients will assuage vegan concerns: the primary ingredient is sugar. Like, four different kinds of sugar. And no gelatin. ;) I couldn't stand having only tried one amazing thing, so I've also had the almondine cookie, which is listed as dairy-free but not vegan, so there might be eggs? honey? I'm not sure. But again what it *does* have is taste. Such great texture, too. A bit firm around the edges but not exactly crispy, and then the center is soft and just a delight to bite into. I've been in twice now, and the service has been invariably chipper. The young men and women working behind the counter look to be the same age as your average Starbucks barista, but they sparkle so much more. It's like they rode in on unicorns and got sprinkled with fairy dust laced with caffeine before they started their shifts. Ok, that may be an exaggeration. But they're very nice. When I visited with Sara C. a few months ago, they had those signs on the table asking that guests limit their use of electronic devices, but those signs were nowhere to be seen on my more recent visit. In their place were . . . electronic devices. Customers with laptops all over. Great, and the one time I left mine at home. The side patio is very pleasant for good weather. And so I'm happy to be entering Pistacia Vera's 218th review and their latest glowing one. And why not? They have unicorns and fairy dust on their side.
(5)
Shauna S.
Some of the best desserts I have ever tasted. It is a little pricey, but the ingredients and care that goes into baking these desserts are top notch! The macaroons are to die-for. They are very light and crunchy and are gluten free! The best treat is the Chocolate Bomb cake. Try it- you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Colleen R.
There is no better sugar rush in the city. The only way you'll order wrong is if you do not order. The mini chocolate bombe cake is out of this world. The macaroons are so good you want to eat them as slowly as humanly possible. The "world's best" chocolate cookie could quite possible be the best in the world. Brunch foods are pretty good too. Nice staff, wonderful natural lighting, indoor and outdoor seating. The only negative would be a small parking lot or on-street parking.
(5)
Travis Z.
This place makes some of the best deserts! Take a kitchen tour to see behind the scenes, it is worth it!
(5)
Patrick C.
CHOCOLATE BOMB! It's the number 1 reason I stop there. Chocolate bomb is this really interesting half sphere of fluffy chocolate covered in a hard chocolate shell. its fantastic! Such a weird little shop that resembles that of a coffee house, but sells all these amazing looking sweets. I really need to broaden my horizon here at this shop, I've always been interested in the Macarons, with all there different flavors and colors, they have always been appealing to me. Parking can be tricky in that part of town but that doesnt mean its impossible. Its good stuff, and the first stop I make when ever there is a birthday or a celebration of any kind.
(5)
Amanda S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places in Columbus and one I always take out of town guests to. It's simply perfect for breakfast, brunch or just a coffee/pastry. You can't go wrong here. My favorite dish is the tomato egg bake with a croissant and one of their homemade jams. It's literally the best breakfast meal I can think of as I love getting both sweet and savory. The quiche is also outstanding. Buy macaroons to go and you'll be happy later! GO HERE NOW! :-)
(5)
hollie w.
Macarons are so tasty! Pistachio flavor is my all time fave. Lots of other good pastries available but I stick with macarons everytime.
(5)
Artie I.
Always first-rate: from the kind, intelligent service to the delicious treats. Everything tastes even better than it looks -- and it looks like art! Don't hold back.
(5)
Emily Q.
Macarons, croissants, coffee and atmosphere are all superb!
(5)
Amasi B.
Incredibly amazing !!! i come here very often and can not get enough! everything is so delicious and well executed!! awesome service! the best in Columbus !
(5)
Jason Y.
I liked this place overall. It's a unique space and the staff were very friendly. The macaroons were okay, nothing spectacular, I was there an hour before close so they might have been from earlier in the day. The buckeye macaroon was probably the best out of all of the the ones I tried. I think that the stuff you really want to get is the cakes. I had the chocolate bombe and it was very good. I'm not a chocolate fanatic but I thought that it was great! I didn't get a chance to try the other cakes, but they looked pretty good.
If I lived in Columbus, I'm afraid I would have no choice but to spend every free moment of my time inside this lovely, wonderful, classy, modern cafe. My brother and I stopped in for a coffee and a little snack before church on Good Friday to tide us over until dinner later that night. Instead of a little snack, we left with an absolutely stunning silver filigree-etched box, tied with a big green bow, containing every flavor of their delicious and beautiful macarons. We oohed and ahhed over the presentation of these pastel treasures for about a second before we tore it apart and stuffed our faces like animals. It is nearly impossible to pick a favorite from all the different flavors we tried. I would say my Top 3 were the strawberry, pistachio and lemon. The employees were so friendly, and my soy chai was delicious! My brother, who lives in Columbus, did warn me that this place gets pretty busy and the line is pretty out of control on weekdays. I actually don't care - the macarons are worth it! Get in, get my cookies, pay up, get out. Quick and dirty. Can't wait. I'm in Columbus fairly often, and I am already looking forward to my next visit to this wonderful place!!!
(5)
Colin S.
Just a ridiculously amazing experience from start to finish. Top quality baked goods, happy, friendly, helpful service, nice layout and of course the Mecca of Macaroons with at least 10 or so flavors. There is a wicked variety of desserts, which are so good you end up taking a box home, so be prepared. The lemon and the marshmallow tarts were big hits with this reviewer. Great coffee and barista's who understand how to make a latte with extra-extra foam. !Level up points! I had a ham and cheese croissant which was well done with a perfect amount of filling (not overly stuffed or overwhelming). I think they could back off the egg wash during baking or then pull them out earlier, as they do look a little dark to me, but they don't taste like it. *I have to say the macaroons are worth the trip, just to sample this hard-to-make-but-easy-to-eat cookie sensation! Fire up your teleporter and set it Pistacia Vera! Yumza!
(5)
Jessica M.
One of the finest gems of Columbus! Pistacia Vera is on my Columbus tour whenever friends and family visit. Perfect hospitality, beautiful ambiance, excellent pastries, great brunch.
(5)
Tonya R.
Folks the stars do the talking when it comes to this place. Just run, don't walk and try it. My favorites are the Pain au Raisin pastry and the baked eggs. I go here every time I'm in Columbus...no questions asked. Seating can be tight, so don't come here in a rush unless you plan to do pick-up. Parking can be a pain, but that is German Village for you. Enjoy!!!!
(5)
Sarah M.
My husband and I frequent Pistacia. They have incredible brunch, pastries, and coffee! Every interaction with an employee makes me want to work with them. They all seem to genuinely enjoy their job and working with each other. My go to when ordering is an almond croissant and a latte. I would warn about going during peak times. There can sometimes be a shortage on seating, but that's just because everyone loves this place!
(5)
Katy B.
Love the macarons! A bit pricey but way less than other places around here. The tortes are decadent and also very elegant looking. I was hesitant to take a bite and ruin the dessert!
(5)
Janet D.
Very friendly staff. Small store, but had plenty of beautifully placed desserts. The macarons were just a-ok for me. I am going to have to say my favorite macarons are in the Bay area.
(3)
K F.
Wonderful coffee and pastries in a quant neighborhood setting. For the quality of the fare and location the prices were excellent. Service was friendly and prompt. A good stop with ample parking and seating on a Sunday morning. Lots of dogs to pet walking by.
(5)
Amber S.
I've only ever stopped in to get desserts or cookies. I have fallen in love with their Macarons. The Almondine Cookies are addicting. Seriously, it's difficult to eat just one. The Cashew Caramels are delicious. Tip 1: If you're going to travel across the country with a package of macarons, be sure to keep it refrigerated until you pack. Then bundle it up in lots of layers so they don't get crushed on the plane ride. Tip 2: They are a member of Dine Originals Columbus so twice a year you can get discounted gift certifcates to use there.
(5)
Joe B.
This is the vibe I'd love to emulate if I ever open my bakery/patisserie! It's beautiful and modern inside with an almost sparseness where everything looked bright and clean. The front counter was filled with gorgeous pastry most notably of which was the top shelf that was covered in a gallimaufry of macarons! For those of you unfamiliar, they're meringue sandwich cookies made with almond flour and filled. They're pronounced like macaroni without the "I" and nothing like our American macar"oon"s....try them, you'll freak out! I ordered one of each and worked my way through all of them over the next two days. These were really great although they weren't completely set the first day leaving them a tad gummy, the second day however they were just about perfect. I also ordered a Rye croissant having never seen one before along with one of their traditional croissant for good measure. I liked both but they were a little dry inside...I'm gathering it may have been because it was later in the day when I purchased them so they may have dried out while on display. They were flaky and large although they could've been a little more buttery! The Rye was fantastic with the caraway seed sprinkle and I can only imagine the amazing Reuben sandwich one could make with these gems. There were a ton of things I would try if I was in town again and I liked everything I had. The macaron flavors were all on point and well conceived of my favorites being the pistachio and the coconut FYI. Definitely worth a drop-in especially if you're from out of town and looking for something special for an in-town friend! The one thing I would've loved to see here was bread but perhaps they bake that on another day?
(4)
Skyler G.
Honestly, they have some of the best macarons I've ever tried in the U.S. They are delicious! I make sure to stop here every time I'm in German Village. All of their pastries are amazing, and their shortbread cookies make my day! You can tell that the pastry chefs here are authentic and hardworking, as they do such a wonderful job! Keep up the great work! : )
(5)
GirlOnTheOcean R.
Hands down, best in Columbus. The pastrys are yummy! The macarons are to die for yummy! The chai tea latte is yummy! evertyhing is very good. great place to sit and read a book or grab some goodies to go! highly recommed!
(5)
Joyce K.
Artisanal baking and pasteries! Love their macarons especially. Small cafe, I usually need to find street parking, as it's located in German Village. They have a lot of specialty coffees and desserts, super yummy. Definitely worth checking out!
(5)
Helen S.
Amazing. My bf and I came here to pick up a cake for a friend and to get desserts for ourselves. I got a pistachio macaron. Now, I'm a macaron fanatic, and while this wasn't the absolute best macaron I've ever had, it was still pretty high up there. I considered buying more to bring home, but I was afraid it would be too delicate because of the buttercream filling so I refrained from purchasing more. My bf chose the chocolate bombe. We didn't eat it until about a day later, by which point it had sorta exploded in my bag (no pun intended?). Although it wasn't pretty anymore, it tasted amazing. It consists of chocolate mousse and light chocolate cake, encased in chocolate ganache. And while it was incredibly rich, it was rich in a good way because I felt contented afterwards (instead of oh-god-too-much-chocolate kind of bloated). Om nom.
(5)
M Y.
I've had all of their macarons. I got a great look at how they make them on the German Village food tour, and quite frankly I'm surprised they don't charge more. They take so much effort for such a little bite. Excellent filling to cookie ratio. Also excellent light texture all around. My personal favorite would be the pistachio, but they are all tasty and pretty. The store itself also has a great vibe to hang out over a cup of coffee.
(5)
Maggie M.
I love Pistacia Vera. Such a charming cafe placed in historical German village, and the employees are very friendly. The croissants and macrons are to die for! But my favorite thing to order is the mushroom quiche. It melts in your mouth! You would be missing out if you passed up this Columbus gem.
(5)
Steven S.
I order a macaron gift box for Valentine's Day. And of the 12 we received at least 8 of them were stale. I understand they probably went through a high volume and it's difficult to make large amounts and keep them fresh, however for the cost they charge, I expected higher quality
(2)
Illa A.
While famous for their colorful macrons, their viennoiserie pastries are the true, underrated showstoppers of Pistacia Vera. Mastering the croissant is similar to a master painter being able to draw a perfect circle free-hand, and the croissants of Spencer Budros are archetypically exquisite, surpassing many of those I have eaten in France. Also worthy of praise are the nougat, which is beautiful to taste, their gem-like pate de fruit, and their strawberry preserves. Their tortes and little cakes are beautiful to behold but average in taste, so I would recommend avoiding them to instead indulge in the other menu items.
(5)
Kim K.
This place is incredible. It is all about quality. They have a wide variety of different desserts and pastries--always made fresh. They also serve brunch food. Their food menu only has a few items on it, and it seems like they change the menu about every month. I came here with my boyfriend and tried the bacon and kale quiche, which was perfection. It looks like a small portion (European portions) but it is very satisfying. The quiche was the perfect consistency (not too creamy, perfectly flaky crust) and came with a side salad that was delicious and fresh. My boyfriend got the ham croque-monsieur (which is a European-style grilled ham and cheese sandwich), which also came with a side salad. It was very tasty, and quite filling. Come to Pistacia Vera for top quality, European-style brunch and desserts! I have eaten here twice, and I am planning to go back often!!
(5)
Londres L.
I'm no longer a Columbus gal, but whenever I come to town, visiting Pistacia Vera is at the top of my list. These pastries are top notch--truly. Their macaroons are my favorite, especially the vanilla bean. I've been to Paris and Strasbourg, etc, and these macaroons are every bit as delicious as those from abroad. In the autumn, I love their apple cider--made from Ohio apples too! I've used Pistacia Vera for two events as well: they provided desserts for my wedding and a celebration to introduce my daughter. Especially for my wedding, they were unbelievable. I was a girl without much of a vision except that I didn't want the traditional hullabaloo. Their associate helped me come up with a plan and then worked with my venue to ensure everything would work. I still get comments about how delicious the desserts were!
(5)
Christopher M.
Excellent pasteries and macroons.
(5)
Janelle G.
So many of the items on the menu are tasty but the macarons are not to be missed! This is my go-to place when I need to pick up a cute gift for someone!
(5)
Amy M.
Excellent Bakery! Clean, friendly and good food. I am from NY and try to stop here every time I am in town. I always take home 5 or more bags of their Muslin. I have it everyday for breakfast on my yogurt. Macaroons are incredible. A must see in Columbus.
(5)
Amanda B.
I stopped here with some ladies prior to a group bike ride, and left wishing there was a location closer to me. The selection of baked goods looked so fantastic, I was tempted to make dinner out of it (but didn't.). The two macarons I had - Pistachio and Blackberry...something - were both delicious, though I was partial to the Pistachio for its creamy filling. They also had a nice selection of hot tea, which I regret not ordering a cup of. I don't make it to German Village all that often, but I'm sure I'll be stopping by here next time I do!
(5)
Ruby D.
I am literally obsessed with Pistacia Vera. I've been wanting to write this review but I am beyond intimidated because I don't think I've ever been as whole heartedly enthusiastic about almost any establishment. I feel the need to use words like "perfection" and "incredible"....I'm a 100% virgin in this total-endorsement-territory. The food is amazing. The pastries are amazing. The service is polite, respectful and pleasant. The interior is spotless, airy and bright. The food, again, mind blowing. I dream about the quiche, the salad (THE SALAD for gods sake, I generally don't give a fig about salads), the baked eggs, and the pastries. I recently moved away and nothing has supplanted Pistacia Vera as my hearts desire of breakfast. And I've been looking. Damn it.
(5)
Kassy M.
Atmosphere: Pistacia Vera is exactly the kind of place I want to spend my lazy Sundays. It's airy and gets lots of sunlight. Perfect noise level. You know it's good when it attracts all different kinds of people in very different age groups. I dare you to walk out of here without purchasing a couple macarons. Interior: I know the stairs leading to the second floor seem like it's another level of seating, but it's not. They just have an office up there. They really should convert it to more seating so they could accomodate more people at once! Service: The girls here are super friendly. I like that they have Pistacia Vera cards for frequent customers so that they could fill it up and just mention their name when they go to pay so it can just be deducted from their balance. The biggest issue is that they close at 7pm. They should be open till at least 9pm so people could come here for dessert and post-dinner coffee! It's the perfect place for it. Food: I have tried the "tomato provencal baked eggs" which they serve for brunch...and it's really fucking delicious. I think it's one of those contagious dishes where one person will get it and others will just HAVE to get it because it looks and smells amazing. Macarons: Their macarons deserve their own catagory because they are the best that I've ever had. They're only $1.25 each, which is insane to me. You cannot find macarons for that cheap in NYC. They're usually $1.50~$2.50 each, and they do not make them as big as they do here! Drinks: I've only tried their soy chai lattes but they are on par with the rest of the stuff they serve here.
(5)
Christopher M.
Not only do they have amazing pastries and coffee, it is an incredibly aesthetic atmosphere. I'm lucky to be visiting Columbus on a gorgeous summer day so I'm able to also enjoy their patio seating. Fantastic!
(5)
Van N.
Best quiche ever and the macarons melt in your mouth! Was in Columbus for a Hackathon that my company was sponsoring at the OSU and we went here for a quick brunch. It's a small little spot in German Village, but everything was delicious. The croissants definitely need to be mentioned as well because they were so flaky and tasty, even the whole grain one. If I ever come back to the area, I'm coming back here for sure!
(4)
Rachel L.
Some of the most delicious macarons I've ever had. Also tried their plum cardamom frangipan which was amazing as well. A bit on the pricey side, but I think it's still worth it.
(4)
Kathryn W.
I read so much about Pisatcia Vera, that I couldn't take it any more and had to go. I can say that the Macarons were enough to decide I HAVE to go back! :) We tried 6 different flavors and were in love with all of them. The buckeye one was the top out of all of them. Pistacia Vera has a great atmosphere. Reminds me of a restaurant you would see in a movie. We went there on a Saturday afternoon. They had amazing desserts, pastries, coffee, etc. We didn't know what we wanted because it all looked amazing! Everyone was very friendly and it was a very relaxing environment. When I need a macron fix or a foodie present, I will be visiting for sure.
(4)
Jenny H.
Oh Pistacia Vera, how I adore thee. My patronship borders between a foodie love affair and a fantastical obsession of whether I can seek permanent refuge in their sunlit, frosted-window bathroom. The macarons are scrumptious with varied offerings everytime I stop in. Whether it's a cup of valhrona hot chocolate on a chilly winter's day to a morning pastry or an entremet gift boxed for a deserving friend-- Pistacia Vera's always been my go-to place in german village.
(5)
Molly W.
I did love this place. The macaroons are spectacular, especially the Vanilla Bean macaroon. The coffee was great as well. I loved the atmosphere. The inside is relatively large with a good amount of seating, and there's outdoor seating as well. It was pretty crowded when we went, but we were able to find a table outside. The parking for this place is not great, but it's better than most places in the area. The only complaint I had was the waitress spilled hot coffee down my leg and didn't apologize, she just asked if I wanted a napkin.. Despite this, I would definitely come back.
(4)
David W.
Three words: Honey, Lavender, Macaroon. Not lying, that is the best thing I have ever tasted! My wife and I go here at least once a week for them. Must go here if you are coming to columbus. They have coffee and lots of other baked goods, but you HAVE TO GET THE MACAROONS!
(5)
Laura T.
I go in to order pastries to go pretty often. Your best bet is to just go in and see what they have that day and put together a little taster package. Everything is really top notch. The macarons are a given to try if you've never been and I am personally in love with their rye croissants. They are the best. I have never actually sat down to have brunch, but the plates of diners always look awesome when I pass through. Their typically very busy on weekend afternoons so be prepared to wait a few minutes. They also have a North Market location with a more limited selection, but is sometimes better for grabbing some things and being on your way.
(4)
Rob W.
Great Desserts!
(5)
Nicolas H.
It's really hard to say which flavor is the best because they are all so different and damn good. But man, easily the best macaron's I've ever had. Some of my favorites were the buckeye, cherry cordial and of course the pistachio...
(5)
Bonnie B.
I thought I was transported to Paris, but the hospitable service reminded me I haven't left Columbus. Lovely place. Incredible pastries and delicate brunch. Friendly service. What more could you want?
(5)
RB B.
Where to begin? I come to Columbus once a year and Pistacia Vera is on my list of places to go/people to see. The macarons are amazing. Perfect texture...so light and delicate, yet chewy. And every flavor is so unique and flavorful. The piece-de-resistance is most defintely the Cannelle. It's heavenly. Don't pass up the chance to indulge!
(5)
John G.
So... What can I say? The last trip here was underwhelming. Maybe just a bad Qi day for either me, Pistacia Vera or both. The owner was very courteous after my last experience and was genuinely concerned about making sure whatever happened never happened again. So she encouraged me to come back and give them another chance. My mom was in town so we sauntered down PV today as it used to be her favorite patisserie when visiting Columbus. We split a maple pecan twist and a lavender lemon tart. She had a lemonade tea and I had an iced coffee. Needless to say, the experience was a one-eighty from my last visit. The twist appears to be made from some kind of wonderful brioche-like bread and is one of the most divine carbohydrate experiences I have ever shoved into my pie hole. Ditto with the tart. The tart crust was divine and of high quality, the flavor was intensely lemon and the small pieces of candied lemon peel added just the right punch. Our drinks were superb and the overall experience was one worth remembering and repeating. This is the PV I remember. A wonderful recovery. Maybe a better Qi day for both of us. In a world of corporate-owned restaurant and food chains run by numbed, dumbed-down drones shoveling industrial, mass produced gruel out of the kitchen, my original experience and then the recovery experience at PV was refreshing and heart-warming. Mind-numbed, underpaid, under-motivated, corporate drones will never replace the experience of craft, artisanship and motivated, happy associates representative of responsible, caring, local ownership. Now if we could simply eject all corporate ownership of our entire food and agricultural system and instead return to a system where establishments like PV were the norm rather than the exception, our food culture would shine bright again. I'll be back.
(5)
Mack H.
Pistacia Vera is on my list of four or five of the best and most noteworthy things to experience in Columbus, Ohio. This is a real French patisserie whose confections are equal to what you might find in Paris or the finest New York City restaurants. If you are a visitor to Columbus Pistacia Vera is not to be missed. If you live in Columbus and haven't heard of Pistacia Vera or been there yet, go now. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Sophie B.
Honestly this place was just eh OK. I came from out of town visiting and someone recommended this establishment. They are way over price on their deserts and the customer service was awful. Saturday afternoon we arrived and the place was not busy at all. However it took 5 minutes for 1 of the 7 individuals standing behind the counter to even say hello. Then another 5 minutes on top of that even to have our order taken. I was really looking forward to trying this place out and in the end just all around disappointed.
(3)
Rachael S.
I am embarrassed at the number of times I drove past Pistacia Vera without going inside. Even just looking in the windows, I think I was a little bit in love. The macarons are unbeatable. My favorite is the Mocha Hazelnut, followed closely by Blackberry Violet and classic Vanilla bean. I think I have tried 3 or 4 other pastries and tarts, all of which were fantastic. I have yet to go in for brunch. I assume I will do another face palm for waiting so long to try that too. The North Market location is also very convenient for those of us in a more central part of town.
(5)
Haleh S.
Love Love Love this place . Delicious pastry , beautiful design , wonderful super friendly staff . A gem of a unique experience.
(5)
Sudharshan M.
The best pastry I have had till date. I could die for the French Macroons there especially the CashewNut and the Coconut Creme. Do Try the Eclair and Pista Cookie. I am pretty new to Columbus and my friend from pittsburgh took me to this place and for a foodie like me it was heaven on a plate. We ended up hogging the Macroons one of each flavor then the eclair then the Pista Cookie. Worth every penny you spend on the food here
(5)
Rachel C.
This is my favorite restaurant in the whole of Columbus. I've eaten my way through much of the vegetarian-friendly cuisine of the city, and Rigsby's, Alana's, Barcelona, even Skillet, all pale in comparison to Pistacia Vera. Part of this is undoubtedly the comparatively lower prices of Pistacia Vera. I occasionally drive out to German Village and indulge there on my own dime, while many other restaurants in the area require that I wait for my parents to visit and help me out. However, the quality of the food suffers not at all. The breakfast menu is relatively short and simple, but every dish on it is delicious. Pistacia Vera is traditionally known for dessert and pastries, but its breakfasts and brunches are outstanding as well. But it must be admitted that there is a reason Pistacia Vera is known throughout the city for croissants, macarons, and other delicious pastries. Everything there is perfect. It just is. The textures, the flavors, and the visual appeal is all just the best. I'm sorry if that seems like a copout of a description, but to try and explain the perfection with words just wouldn't do the place justice. Go get a croissant for breakfast, pair it with some coffee, treat yourself to a morning macaron to finish, and then you'll understand. The service and ambiance is excellent as well. There's free parking, the line moves fast, and they never disappoint. If you haven't been to Pistacia Vera, you need to go like right now, and then kick yourself afterward for how long it took you.
(5)
Roger S.
I could eat everything in this entire shop.
(4)
Alex K.
The strawberry macaroon tasted like Smuckers jam and soggy bread. Would not recommend.
(1)
Josh Y.
This is THE place for desserts in Columbus. Everything here is delicious. I'm especially a fan of the Chocolate Bombe and the Pear tart.
(5)
Sarah K.
I've heard only good things about this Pistacia Vera since moving to Columbus but it wasn't until someone sent a box of Macarons to my office that I went to see it for myself. The bakery itself is beautiful, a few old remnants of previous bakeries remain among the clean, modern look. I bought a sampler box of macarons for a gift and stayed to enjoy the eggs provencal for lunch - cooked wonderfully, with a large, warm croissant and house-made preserves (I would buy this by the jar if available). Nice lunchtime crowd for a workday but plenty of seats and not too loud. The service was very friendly. I would go back anytime.
(5)
Nijole T.
They were sold out of croissants which is what I came for but I did manage to get my second favorite pastry, an eclaire and a lemon tart. I would have bought more, but it is a bit pricey and I am not a fan of macaroons which they have a huge selection of. Its a very nice cafe, clean, white and open with a very nice staff. The eclaire was good and the lemon tart amazing! For a special occasion, girls day out of coffee and cake with mom this place is perfect, maybe a bit expensive to go to daily.
(4)
Teri D.
Good cookie! Good cookie! Good cookie! Really really good cookie! While taking a walkabout in the area for the first time I was feeling the need for a desert and here they were! We walked in and stared at the offerings and initially I was afraid that my allergic self could not partake of any of the lovely goodies.........but I was thankfully wrong! It came down to the french vanilla cookies or the citron tarte. After clearing it with them that neither had any of my allergens in them I opted for the cute little tarte and then just as I was about to pay I saw the lemon sugar cookie. I have never seen nor had one before and just had to get one. That cookie was pure bliss! Soft and chewy, sweet but not so much like some sugar cookies to set your teeth on edge, and just the ideal amount of lemon flavoring to make it ideal. The cookie just made it past their very nice looking patio....and then died an honorable death about 10 feet away. The tarte actually made it home (they packaged it in a very nice box and bag) and I almost broke a promise to hubs to share with him. The crust was soft but not too crumbly and you could taste the essence of butter in it and the filling was wonderful sweet lemon goodness. The candied citrus peel on top was a nice touch as well. All this goodness plus coffee and tea AND brunch? Why are you trying to sabotage my bikini diet, PV, why??????
(5)
Mindy W.
This bakery is visually stunning. They take care to be sure you feast with your eyes prior to feasting with your taste buds. Unfortunately, at least for me, I felt the food was prettier than it was tasty. The pasteries were good, but not as good as they appeared to be. We got macarons (little cookie sandwiches) which I felt were light on flavor. The texture was also deceiving, as the cookie almost seemed to disintigrate in your hand. We split a croissant, which practically jumped off the counter and into our mouths, it looked so scrumptious. We weren't disappointed, it was the best part of our "meal." I tried a shortbread cookie as well, and ended up throwing half of it away. It was very dry, to the point where you couldn't eat it without drinking something. Which brings me to the coffee. I got an Iced Latte with simple syrup and it was fantastic. Nice flavorful coffee. I'd like to go back and try some of their other items, the coffee and ambiance were worth it.
(4)
Matt W.
It's the smell that really hits you. It's one thing to see all the pretty pictures of the pastel macarons, the jewel toned fruit gels, and the lustrously dark chocolates, but one can resist the siren call of Pistacia Vera if you are simply indulging your eyes. "German Village parking can be a pain", you say. "I am trying to diet", you say. "I'd end up blowing the rent on macarons and gift boxes," you say. But if you're in the neighborhood and they've opened the windows onto their patio, or should you be walking past and decide just to step in for a coffee, perhaps, and maybe one -little- indulgence (a single macaron wouldn't be so bad, would it?), you're doomed. The moment your nose is tickled by the alluring aromas of their kitchen, caressing their way up to your brain with the velvety promise of delicious indulgences, you can't help but start to drool just a tiny bit. A look at each of the incredibly beautiful offerings in their case, combined with a smell that promises meltingly delicious flavors once the food reaches your tongue, takes you deeper and deeper into sweet seduction, with the fragrance of their freshly roasted coffee rounding it out with the promise of a dark savory brew to perfectly counterpoint the sweetness Fortunately, I was able to save myself from total moral and spiritual collapse by taking a friend along, and splitting their dessert sampler (part of their Dine Originals menu) was a wise move, allowing us to delight in a wide range of their offerings with just a bit of restraint. Though the chocolate bombe was excellent, with dark chocolate ganache encasing an almost delicate mousse and a foundation of sweet cake, the true star, and PV's signature, was their macarons. The sweet gluten free cookie is almost cakelike in texture, dissolving into a burst of flavor on your tongue that compliments and highlights the cream filling, before you melt into the companion cookie and the sweet candy coating that gives each one a beautiful pastel wrapper. The platter came with a raspberry macaron and an almond offering, and I have to admit that the raspberry came out on top for me. The almond wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but something about the perfectly captured fruit flavor really suits the Macaron's silky textures. The pistachio nougat is nutty, almost savory, with a nice toothsome texture, but not so much that you start to fear for your dental work, and the intense bursts of the fruit jellies almost make them more of a palette cleanser than a dessert choice, wiping away whatever was before them and leaving you with a lingering burst of fruity sweetness before you move on. The single chocolate truffle was almost an afterthought, and I have to admit that it pales in comparison to it's bigger bombe brother, but the bite sized treat is still well executed, with deep dark chocolate inside and out, and a satisfying crackle as the harder shell gives way to the soft sweetness within. PV also offers several savory offerings, including a their awesome croissants, but this is a place that will fire every neuron in your brain towards sweet indulgence, and I dare anyone to spend five minutes in that glorious aroma, surrounded by delicious treats and a staff willing to explain the appeal of each one in cheerful detail, and not give in to the urge to indulge.
(5)
Megan K.
Made a trip to Pistacia Vera today all the way from Marysville because of the great reviews and raves from a couple of my cousins & it sure didn't disappoint. I was lucky enough to snag a parking spot on the side of the building. I was entranced by all the brightly colored rows of gorgeous macarons. I honestly knew going in that's primarily what I wanted to try, so I did a sampler pack of a few of them. So far the ones that stick out are the vanilla, pistachio and nutella. Didn't care for the lime. The macarons itself are very delicate & crunchy on the outside but so moist and chewy on the inside, the perfect combination. I personally liked the macarons with the buttercream in the middle vs. the fruit gel (lime). The buttercream is light as a feather and silky smooth and oh so flippin good. I would love to snag a big ol spoonful of the vanilla buttercream - yeah it's THAT good. Also on high recommendation from my cousin, I had to try the butter cookies. They had a 6-pack so I grabbed one. Holy moly that sh!t is GOOOOOOOD. Probably the best damn butter cookie I've ever had. It's a thick vanilla butter cookie cut in the shape of a leaf and dusted with a very fine sugar sprinkled with vanilla beans. This cookie is very light & airy and truly melts in your mouth. My only goal is to resist temptation so I'll have a few of them left for tomorrow mornings coffee. This would be a great gift for any foodie you know. So if you have never been to Pistacia Vera or even if you have but haven't tried these cookies YOU HAVE TO!!!! Yeah it's not even an option. Thank me later. I did try one of their cashew butter caramels and wasn't that impressed. It didn't have a ton of flavor in my opinion, but you know I'm not going to let one little caramel dampen my love of PV. It was definitely worth the trek from Marysville and is definitely a place I'd take out of town guests for some coffee & desserts. I'm definitely a new fan!!
(4)
Pat M.
Awesome place. It is a little pricey, but the deserts are amazing. Well worth checking out if you're in German Village.
(5)
Meghan S.
Coffee is amazing! The service is always great, baristas are friendly and quick with orders.
(5)
Elise G.
Their macarons are very tasty and a great price ($1.25) given the size relative to other places I've gone to. My favorite was the vanilla and raspberry ones. I also had their pistachio fig braid, apple onion bacon croissant, and ham and cheese over the course of a week when I was in town. They all were fantastic. I was not expecting to find such a great pastry place in Columbus. The staff was very helpful and dud a great job packing up my macarons to take home with my on the plane, they made it in perfect condition.
(5)
Monty B.
Almond croissant is very good. Tasty and generous filling. Solid, flaky croissant. Pecan cinnamon twist was ok. Kind of like a donut.
(4)
R J.
Been here several times in the past year, never tried their baked eggs dish until just now. 2 eggs almost over-done instead of over-easy, well-salted and nicely seasoned, plus a toasted/sliced croissant and jam were included. I think this dish is a few $ overpriced for $11, and it appeals mainly to their elderly, or tourist, or soccer mom clientele. It is high quality, tasted fine, and I must complement their nice servers. But I'll stick with their ham and cheese croissant for half the price here in the future for quick breakfast bite in my neighborhood.
(4)
Raquelle Z.
This was a nice place for a girl with a sweet tooth. I had a butter cookie with a latte while I was in the restaurant, then a Chocolate Bombe in my hotel room. Both were delicious. The service was friendly and helpful. The prices are a big high however, I am willing to pay for quality, and freshly made desserts.
Pistacia Vera or PV is simply wonderful. Wonderful atmosphere, wonderful service and wonderful baked goods and espresso! If you haven't visited, then you should - soon.
(5)
Jason F.
Solid spot. Where sugar and flour met and decided to spawn. Really, too many good things to list. Great ambiance, really terrific pastries. If out and about in German Village it's a good look. The coffees are also top notch. I would suggest that they start a pour-over service as it would take their coffee-pastry amalgam to a whole new level. In any event, give these folks a go.
(5)
Jenny B.
When it comes to eating, I like my food with my sugar, so of course Pistacia Vera fits this mold to the T. For a long time I had been skeptical about macarons and thought that I didn't like them. I have an aversion to almonds, unless they are whole or almond butter. I hate amaretto and almond paste, so I just thought macarons fit into the same category. But that sure changed when I tasted the macrarons from Pistacia Vera. They are just melt in your mouth goodness. The subtle crisp crunch, airy lightness and variety of flavors of their macarons are unmatchable.
(5)
Roni B.
This place has amazing macaroons! Very tasty and unique flavors! I think I got the French vanilla, buckeye flavored one, and a few others! It was extremely crowded there though and parking is sparse! However there is a lot if street parking but can get filled up quickly make sure to bring cash or card to feed the meter!
(4)
Sayak R.
A nice and cozy place with awesome collection of confectionery. The cakes look delicious. I took a hot chocolate, and a chocolate crumb. It's a maroon dome filled with chocolate inside. The taste was simply sinful. I would recommend it to everyone living in columbus, and I am looking forward to try the other options.
(5)
Carin W.
I used to live in Columbus and sadly this wasn't an option until the last few years...it is as close to a European pastry shop as I've seen in the US...I have traveled extensively and their macroons are some of the best I have ever consumed. Their have lavender honey right now...enjoy because they change favors seasonally. I crave their mocha; it is not sweet and syrupy like Starbucks; it is rich, dark chocolate without the sugar and once you have it you won't want anything else.
(5)
Isabelle B.
The only place that comes close to the macaroons you can find in France, plus the atmosphere is great!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
I was in Columbus for just 2 days and went to this place twice. Why? High quality deliciousness aimed at adults abounded Ex: 1) the most magically delicious fudgy cookies - immensely chocolaty, not crazy sweet, and normal cookie size (not so giant I must either restrain myself - as if - or throw half of the cookie away), 2) delish delish lemon tarts - tangy sweet creamy custard filling, delicate shortbread crust, 3) minimally sweetened mochas with really great quality chocolate. This is ideal for those of us who want all of their coffee to have chocolate in it, but who also want a sweet treat with their coffee. Sweet treat + sweet drink = muddled experience with both; Pistacia Vera's wonderful iced mochas solved this problem perfectly for me. And last but absolutely not least, reason #4 why I love this place - the staff are just amazingly lovely and helpful. I'm a tough customer when it comes to my nibbles and both times I was there they were just so gracious in helping me find what I would like in their shop, and then with helping me find other things I'd like in German Village. Cudos to the hiring manager - you have a truly excellent staff here. The only thing that would make this place better? If they opened a second location near me in DC!
(5)
Silvia S.
Pistacia Vera is something you find in places like Boston or in California. Because it's so cute and stylish. Pictures of their desserts just do not do them justice. They are very beautiful in person. I had the Chocolate bombe and Praline caramel feuillitine to share with my sister. Neither of us finished either of the dishes, even though they were very small they were quite rich and packed a flavorful punch. The chocolate bombe was exactly that, an explosion of rich chocolate. I'm not exactly a fan of chocolate but both the texture and lightness of the inside were delicious to me. My sister really enjoyed the praline caramel feuillitine, though I thought the flavor was very muddled, I couldn't quite tell what was going on it was still delicious and so rich with every small bite it felt almost luxurious to eat. Needless to say I had to leave with a box of their highly rated macarons. I was very impressed, and I would surely come back just for every single flavor of them. Parking is sort of tricky if you aren't familiar with this part of Columbus, but even if you have to walk a block, Germain Village is a beautiful place to get lost on your way to Pistacia Vera.
(5)
Angie P.
It's always such a treat to go here. The desserts are all gorgeous, not to mention delicious, and I always pair my macaroon (or whatever I decide to try) with a cup of coffee. Today I tried the peppermint and pumpkin but I've had a few other flavors over the past year or two. I still think my favorite of all time is the Pistachio Mascarpone Dacquoise.
(5)
Joyce H.
Best place ever....... to go after running a 5k. Just kidding... but not really. The highlights for me were 1) the macarons and 2) the company! (friends in columbus that I don't get to see very often.) These French macarons were so, so perfect. Crisp shell with soft, tasty innards. My favorite flavors were definitely pistachio, black raspberry... I think there was a lavender flavored one if I'm remembering correctly. So delicious. The only downside was that we had a larger group of 8, and we didn't quite get favorable looks from the servers for moving a few tables around. They weren't so generous with refilling our waters either. 4 for the little macarons, 4 for the decor & space, but 3 for the service.
(4)
Kate Q.
This is a true Columbus gem! The pastry work here is unbelievably beautiful art. The staff is always friendly and helpful and you can usually find a place to park without much of a problem (usually). For me personally, I LOVE their allergy-friendly menu. Any place that I can go to and get something for dessert that is both gluten and dairy free is such a treat (I usually just have another cocktail while everyone else is enjoying their gluteny desserts). Their famous macarons are gluten-free (yes!) and make fantastic hostess gifts for holiday parties. I think I bought about 10 gift boxes of macarons last year to take to holiday parties. Big hit with everyone. I could keep writing, but honestly, this place is just lovely. I have nothing bad to say. Go there. Totally worth the trip and the calories.
(5)
Sammy T.
For years I've stared at the pastel colored macarons in fanciful dessert displays in cookbooks and on tv. They always look amazing and tempting but I never knew where to get them. I almost broke down and made them myself til I saw that almond flour is 11 dollars a pound. Then I found Pistacia Vera reviews saying they made the love confections. That fateful June 30th evening (hellish windstorm) I ran to the bakery and indeed there were probably 8 or so varieties of macarons. I ordered a sampler of 3 different flavors. Lemon, Vanilla cream and Chocolate Truffle. There were other pastries there but I was on a Macaron Mission and that was my only focus. The macarons were light and dainty , I think my favorite flavor was the tangy lemon with the vanilla coming in second. I was told that the vanilla was their most popular flavor. I was impressed by the space because it is very clean and organized. Everything looks pristine and well attended which lets me know that the kitchen/baking area is probably immaculate as well. -I'll be back!
(5)
Jessica S.
THIS place is why the city is beautiful. What a wonderful find! My sister, who lives in Chicago now, used to frequent this place with me. I've been able to ship her macaroons from here to her apartment for her birthday! My sister has been fortunate enough to visit Paris, France and she loves the macaroons at Pistacia Vera more than the ones she tasted in Europe. I'm a die-hard chocolate fan, and everything chocolate I have had here has tasted so divine, so incredibly delectable...do you remember the part in the second matrix movie where Monica Bellucci eats that piece of cake? It's like that. Their desserts are so delicious you'll think you're sinning. So go on, sin a little, try this place out. You won't be dissapointed. Bon Appetit.
(5)
Mary P.
Macarons are the new cupcake so the fact that columbus has a storefront now is evidence that someone is trying to make somewhere in Ohio hip. That being sad I'm an addict of these fancy french almond cookies and have eaten dozens of them from several places all over the country. These macarons definitely look better than they taste. The colors are great and the usual happiness instilling pastel chalk-like colors. Strawberry amaretto was the best flavor combination I tried and also my two favorite flavors of most things. Flavour isn't too strong so I had to think about it when I was eating each one. I tried Apricot sesame and lemon matcha I think and they were only so so because I could barely tell what I was eating aside from its color. They're also kept too warm and fall apart when you grab them. The middle part which is the glue holding the cookies together tastes like melted butter which is gross and I've never experienced that before. I really majorly disliked that. The texture of the cookie is just the right amount of chewiness though. Still I ate them all in one sitting. Plus a french vanilla shortbread cookie which was too crumbly for my taste. Maybe I was being picky that day. I'm still giving them a 4 because the atomosphere with its wood and modern clean lines makes this place a great place to hang out. Eventually they'll perfect their pastries and it'll become a hot place to hang out.
(4)
Christina C.
d r o o l It's true. My first trip to Pistacia was yesterday. It's been a long time coming - obv. But as you know, some things are so worth the wait. This was totally one of them. But why? "Gimme all the treats!!!!" is what I really wanted to scream. The sheer amount of time and dedication that goes in to preparing these masterpieces is beyond me. Most people know Pistacia as a destination for perfect pastries or majestic macarons but they also have some savory options too like quiche! I can vouch for to the macarons, by the way, which were light, fluffy and oh-so-satisfying. They are bite-sized and $1.25 a piece, but my goodness, they are perhaps my new preferred dessert. Perfect for curing a sweet tooth without over indulging! Wifi is free (just ask for the password), the coffee was fantastic and it was quiet enough to concentrate and do work. I've typically gone down the street to Cup O' Joe to settle in for a day of working at the"office" but no more. Pistacia is my new work-from-home destination! Let me know if you'd like to join.
(5)
Alison H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! They have a small brunch menu, but the quiche is the best I have ever had. It is the perfect portion and comes with a small salad. Delicious! And then comes the macaroons... the first time I was here with my boyfriend we each had one, the next trip we each got 2 and the next trip we bought a to-go box of 10. Each flavor is so delicious, but coconut is our favorite. The outside seating is a plus and I heard a rumor that they are expanding their seating.
(5)
Jina P.
Best desserts in columbus ohio. I love their macarons! I like their variety box - I like eating all different flavors!
(5)
Ken G.
Such a great little spot for excellent treats. I really like the fact that everything is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. I enjoyed the following: Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Slice - a very moist and chocolatey cake that isn't too sweet, but is very decadent. It's some of the best chocolate cake I've ever had. Bittersweet Fudgie - cross between a cookie and a brownie, it's a definite must for any chocolate fan. It's got a thin crusty outside and nice, moist and chewy inside. Cashew Caramel - a very nice, smooth and velvety caramel with the unique addition of salted cashews. It was an excellent way to satisfy that salty/sweet craving. Strawberry-Lychee Pates de Fruits - a sweet and fresh-tasting fruit pate...I liked the twist of the unique flavors - lychee with strawberry? Awesome! This is a fantastic spot, especially if you have a sweet tooth.
(5)
Maria P.
Excellent choice! The pistachio dessert, the lemon tart and the macarons are delicious! Fully recommended!
(5)
Anthony C.
This place is fantastic! That's all you need to know. If are going to take a nice girl out on a date but you don't want to spend a fortune on drinks and dinner take her here on a Sunday afternoon.
(5)
Dezerie S.
The macarons are delicious. My favorite item though is the maple pecan twist. Its sweet and light.
(5)
Michelle E.
I am 100% in LOVE with their macaroons! 12 different flavors, all to DIE for! Hibiscus elderberry and lemon are my favorites. $1.20 a piece, who can beat that? Will definitely be returning here next time I'm in German Village!
Outstanding place. The almond bear claws are wonderful. The service matches the quality of the food.
(5)
Eileen T.
Had my first macarons here, and they were so sweet. So much flavor for such small desserts. I'd love to try the other desserts...but they are on the expensive side. The $1.25 macarons are definitely worth it though.
(4)
Martha W.
If you are missing French/Euro pastries and need to postpone your trip to Paris this year, go to Pistacia Vera to get your fix. The croissants and macarons are almost exactly like their Parisian counterparts (slightly heavier, perhaps). The pistachio chocolate chunk cookie was delectable. I need to go back to try the cakes. As other Yelpers have said, the space itself is elegant and the presentation of the pastries is delightful - even sleek. Coming from D.C., I thought it would be hard to find places like this in Columbus. I was very pleasantly surprised!
(4)
Carlos G.
I stop by this place every time I am in Columbus. This was the first place outside of Paris that I found the macaroons. They are great! I used to order them and mail them to family and friends. I recently stopped by and ordered two boxes of 6 for some clients plus an apple pizelle for me. SO yummy! keep up the good work!
(5)
Cate M.
Amazing croissants!
(5)
Nathan S.
I've tried macarons elsewhere, even ones that had been featured on the Food Network, but none match Pistacia Vera's. I usually get a different variety each time, and they NEVER disappoint. Even the simplest flavors such as vanilla are incredibly flavorful. Also, sometimes I grab something from the Tarts & Torts menu--I don't know what most of them are so I go by how they look--again, everytime it's nothing but wonderful. Add a good cup of coffee or their super-chocolately hot chocolate, and you got yourself the best pastry cafe in Columbus.
(5)
Marie L.
The pastries are delicious and it is an ray location to access. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I also think Pistacia Vera is very fair priced for their pastries and I will be going back.
(5)
Jessica H.
I remember this place from when it was hidden away behind high street. Everything is tempting, the displays visually delicious. I walked in, simply hungry after a mid-morning meeting - hoping to find something inspiring and within a decent price point. The counter person suggested I try the croissants...one was plain, the other had ham and cheese I think. It took me a while, but I opted for the croissant (plain, as I am a veg). I had it with rhubarb jelly - homemade at that. I was skeptical. I hate a crappy, fakely greasy crisco-y nasty croissant. You know, the kind that leaves your tongue with a waxy, nasty coating? What I ended up with would make the angels sing in ecstasy. This was light, flaky authentically buttery goodness. It was everything I wanted and more. I was hoping to save it for home, but it didn't last the car ride, eaten in neanderthal fashion shoving bits and pieces into the tangy jelly at every red light. I was lucky enough to live in Europe for a time - this croissant is the best I've ever had since then. Oh, and the rest of the stuff looked good too. Their macaroons from a previous trip were excellent and well balanced. But that croissant. The only thing that might make it more authentic would be to wrap a smidge of Nutella in, to morph into molten chocolate hazelnut goodness in the oven.
(5)
Sarah S.
Literally, this is my go-to dessert place in Columbus. Everything I've ever gotten here is outstanding. Not joking, even the coffee and especially the hot chocolate are great. The shop is small, brightly lit with natural light, and has a nice array of tempting delicious goods. You can't go wrong. For first time diners, I always recommend the chocolate bomb. Trust me. Every person I've watched eat one of these (myself included) take a bite and then conclude, "OMG this is so good!". Watch for the specials they have during restaurant week each year and take a friend for the sampler platter. Parking is also easy, which is a rarity in german village. They have a small lot just across the street.
(5)
Laura C.
I've been wanting to try MACAROONS for some time, as they've been ALL THE CRAZE. Did nothing for me. They were visibly pleasing with their fun colors, but that's about it. I'll take a chocolate chip cookie over a macaroon any day. I guess I'd like them more if they were less than a dollar a piece - they seemed kinda pricey for the 2 bites-size.
The macaroons are AMAZING!-They even have a gift box of a dozen.
(4)
Kevin M.
Still the best dessert bakery in Columbus, even with a new name and location. (For those not in the know, Pistacia Vera is the reincarnation of Pistachio, so look it up for my previous review.) I am saddened that they have moved farther away from me and no longer have tables to sit at, but nonetheless I may now have to invent excuses for going to the German Village. "We should go to a coffeeshop and do work... no no, not the 10 coffeeshops that are nearby, we should go across downtown to the German Village Cup o' Joe!"... which happens to be a block from Pistacia Vera. Yes, I see this in my future.
(5)
Diana U.
Best dessert place in Columbus. Great service, atmosphere, and AMAZING food. The pistachio macaron is to die for!
(5)
F Z.
Despite my mom saying that Pistacia Vera is simply 'a-okay' (Yelpism is contagious, what can I say?), I think the place far exceeded my expectations. The presentation made it difficult to decide what to get and what to skip. It's tempting to just have one of everything, since bakeries like these do not exist in Toledo. The macarons were a hit-or-miss, although I found most of them to be delightful. The strawberry balsamic and the walnut marsala fig particularly stood out (and I'm not a fan of fig, to be honest.) The mocha praline torte was mind-blowingly delicious and was neither too sweet nor too heavy of a treat. I vowed I'll come back just for the chambord manjari feuilletine next time. The cannele was the only disappointing factor to my entire selection, as I found it a wee bit too dry and crusty. It's a good thing that PV is a 25-minute drive from home-home (and a 2.5 hour drive from home) or else I'd be frequenting on a daily basis!
(4)
Veronica W.
I love the atmosphere of Pistacia Vera. The macaroons are delicious.
(4)
Elizabeth N.
I agree with everyone who has raved about the buttermilk chocolate cake. I'm particular about my chocolate to the point where I prefer to just make it myself for that perfect salty, sweet, and dark combination. I'm happy to say that Pistacia Vera's cake will save me hours in the kitchen when I want the perfect rich and moist and not too sweet chocolate fix. Also, their service is amazing! And they have things like raspberry chocolate jam for sale. Mmmm....
(5)
Pink C.
Easily the best bakery in Columbus, this place is really an amazing bakery. The desserts are sophisticated and complex. The macaroons, for instance, are usually really delicious mixes of flavors like apricot turmeric. This place manages to pull that off. The cakes are gorgeous looking and amazing tasting. There are full sizes and single servings. The cookies are all fantastic and really not any more expensive than any other bakery. My absolute favorite is the petit four, which I've had as both guava and apricot. The service is very nice and always wraps boxes in pretty ribbons. The store itself is also absolutely beautiful. There's a really small lot that could hold three cars right next to the building.
(5)
Jeff L.
Insanely amazing. I had the praline based cake and I can't remember eating a dessert that wonderful in Columbus. I hear they left the Short North for the German Village, and as a resident of the Short North who doesn't feel like gaining weight at some type of record pace, I suppose I should be happy about this.
(5)
LeeAnn T.
The French macarons are very flavorful and perfectly made. I was very impressed. My husband loved the chocolate dome dessert that he had and he is the pickiest chocolate snob that I know. I was extremely impressed with the friendliness of the staff. What a wonderful experience!
(5)
David L.
Bumping rating up to 5 stars. I came here with my gf right before closing Saturday night. 1. Coconut guava yuzu chiboust, 24 Layers of coconut buttercake, gava yuzu curd, and coconut meringue mousse with a guava glaze. ~We got a terrine for my friend. Looked delicious, but I didn't get to try it :( 2. Chocolate bombe, 5 Chocolate buttermilk cake with semi-sweet chocolate mousse infused with tawny port, glazed with a chocolate ganache. ~Delicious. It got a bit smashed by the time we got home, but it was still good. 3. Pistachio macaron, 1.25 Pretty good. Not a big fan of macarons, but theirs are good. Tip: they have their own lot across the street if street parking is unavailable
(5)
Mike G.
Macarons. Eat them.
(5)
Sara C.
BUCKEYE MACARON! ahem. Lea P. and I had a Yelp date here earlier this week. It's a cute little place on 3rd, within easy walking distance of Schiller Park. The ceilings are high and there are lots of windows and natural light, so despite the smallness of the shop and the crowdedness of the little tables, it still feels open and airy. It can be a little awkward when the tables are full and you are practically sitting in on someone else's conversation. Though other reviewers mention wifi, there are now little cards on the tables advising customers to limit their use of electronics in the dining room (it did not specify whether this is due to cell phone usage or laptop camping). I did see some folks with their tablet computers, though it wasn't particularly crowded on this weekday afternoon. It'd be a great place to people-watch (especially the tables at the front) or to work on my attempt to read "In Search of Lost Time," though it is tables only -- no cushy armchairs. It can get a little chilly on cold days due to the size of the room and the two entrances. Service was super polite and patient, especially since I was a little stunned by all the lovely pastries and glass cases of deliciousness. I ended up just getting the buckeye macaron and the peppermint chocolate macaron. The latter was acceptable, but I could have gotten a whole box of the buckeye ones (but resisted the temptation). I do know what I'm buying for Christmas gifts this year now, though. I also had an iced soy chai which was made well. Two macarons and the drink came to $6. I noticed that they do serve brunch, but it looked a little pricey for me right now. I'd rather spend that money on macarons anyway.
(4)
Aaron F.
Best Macarons, other than in Paris!
(5)
Jennifer J.
ok, what can anyone say other than this really is the best pastry in Columbus Ohio. also, they serve a great breakfast. And for those of us with dogs...they have wonderful outdoor seating in warmer weather, with water bowls for the pups. 5 star all the way. no disappointments here.
(5)
R R.
Never a good idea to earn a good reputation by having unique food items (shirred eggs). and them slowly take them out of the lineup. And then they start running out of the items on the menu!! Out of quiche lorraine at 8:00 on Sunday! Ate a hard macaroon today. Thought they are supposed to be nice and fluffy. Having been long term customers.... It's so disappointing!
(1)
Catherine J.
I've been blessed/cursed with walking past Pistacia Vera every day on my way to work, and every day on my way home from work. It's a daily struggle not to empty my wallet and fill my face with perfect confections. It's like an art gallery for desserts. Their offerings might be more edited than other patisseries, but Pistacia Vera has perfected each item on the menu. You can stop in to share a dessert with a friend, grab a coffee, or pick up a gift. I love the pate de fruits-- intense flavor bombs for your tongue! And oh, the macarons! I love to pick some up to go with afternoon tea. I even boxed sets of four and gave them out as party favors at a baby shower once. Pick up one of their letterpress cards, and you have a "just thinking of you" gift ready to go. Or, you know, a "Thanks for writing such a sweet review, Catherine J." gift... amirite?!?! They even have "real food" ... two items available for brunch daily. There's a shirred egg dish and a smoked salmon dish. These are headlined with the description of being "gluten free." The whole "gluten free" thing kind of annoys me, as I feel like it's an over-blown trend. For those who have a legit allergy or intolerance to gluten, they probably know how to scan a menu and know that the dish is gluten free. For everyone else... I don't know why "gluten free" is being equated with some kind of health commandment, but there ya go. Not sure what about a wheat protein is so bad for those whose bodies can process it normally. I haven't tried either brunch item, but I plan on remedying this travesty very soon.
(4)
Allie L.
The best macarons in Columbus. I can only repeat Christina..."DROOL."
(5)
Illa A.
While famous for their colorful macrons, their viennoiserie pastries are the true, underrated showstoppers of Pistacia Vera. Mastering the croissant is similar to a master painter being able to draw a perfect circle free-hand, and the croissants of Spencer Budros are archetypically exquisite, surpassing many of those I have eaten in France. Also worthy of praise are the nougat, which is beautiful to taste, their gem-like pate de fruit, and their strawberry preserves. Their tortes and little cakes are beautiful to behold but average in taste, so I would recommend avoiding them to instead indulge in the other menu items.
(5)
Kim K.
This place is incredible. It is all about quality. They have a wide variety of different desserts and pastries--always made fresh. They also serve brunch food. Their food menu only has a few items on it, and it seems like they change the menu about every month. I came here with my boyfriend and tried the bacon and kale quiche, which was perfection. It looks like a small portion (European portions) but it is very satisfying. The quiche was the perfect consistency (not too creamy, perfectly flaky crust) and came with a side salad that was delicious and fresh. My boyfriend got the ham croque-monsieur (which is a European-style grilled ham and cheese sandwich), which also came with a side salad. It was very tasty, and quite filling. Come to Pistacia Vera for top quality, European-style brunch and desserts! I have eaten here twice, and I am planning to go back often!!
(5)
Londres L.
I'm no longer a Columbus gal, but whenever I come to town, visiting Pistacia Vera is at the top of my list. These pastries are top notch--truly. Their macaroons are my favorite, especially the vanilla bean. I've been to Paris and Strasbourg, etc, and these macaroons are every bit as delicious as those from abroad. In the autumn, I love their apple cider--made from Ohio apples too! I've used Pistacia Vera for two events as well: they provided desserts for my wedding and a celebration to introduce my daughter. Especially for my wedding, they were unbelievable. I was a girl without much of a vision except that I didn't want the traditional hullabaloo. Their associate helped me come up with a plan and then worked with my venue to ensure everything would work. I still get comments about how delicious the desserts were!
(5)
Christopher M.
Excellent pasteries and macroons.
(5)
Janelle G.
So many of the items on the menu are tasty but the macarons are not to be missed! This is my go-to place when I need to pick up a cute gift for someone!
(5)
Amy M.
Excellent Bakery! Clean, friendly and good food. I am from NY and try to stop here every time I am in town. I always take home 5 or more bags of their Muslin. I have it everyday for breakfast on my yogurt. Macaroons are incredible. A must see in Columbus.
(5)
Amanda B.
I stopped here with some ladies prior to a group bike ride, and left wishing there was a location closer to me. The selection of baked goods looked so fantastic, I was tempted to make dinner out of it (but didn't.). The two macarons I had - Pistachio and Blackberry...something - were both delicious, though I was partial to the Pistachio for its creamy filling. They also had a nice selection of hot tea, which I regret not ordering a cup of. I don't make it to German Village all that often, but I'm sure I'll be stopping by here next time I do!
(5)
Ruby D.
I am literally obsessed with Pistacia Vera. I've been wanting to write this review but I am beyond intimidated because I don't think I've ever been as whole heartedly enthusiastic about almost any establishment. I feel the need to use words like "perfection" and "incredible"....I'm a 100% virgin in this total-endorsement-territory. The food is amazing. The pastries are amazing. The service is polite, respectful and pleasant. The interior is spotless, airy and bright. The food, again, mind blowing. I dream about the quiche, the salad (THE SALAD for gods sake, I generally don't give a fig about salads), the baked eggs, and the pastries. I recently moved away and nothing has supplanted Pistacia Vera as my hearts desire of breakfast. And I've been looking. Damn it.
(5)
Brooke Q.
Hands down my favorite place for dessert in Columbus! Their french macaroons are packed with flavor and are perfect for a little treat! I also love their biscotti. SO tasty. Oh and their cookies. What can I say...everything I've had here has been a special treat and I try recommending this place to as many people as I can. I love how clean and perfectly displayed everything is in there. The presentation and detail of their baked goods is by far some of the best I've seen. The staff is also very friendly.
(5)
Daniel S.
The croissants are great. Chocolate ones are fantastic. I would say you could not go too wrong with anything in the store. Personal tastes could make something "off" but you would never regret trying. We love the macaroons and the truffles as well as the croissants.
(5)
Colleen R.
I'm obsessed. I cannot get enough of Pistacia Vera. I've had the croissants, palmier, maple pecan twist, chocolate chip pistachio cookie, iced coffee and macarons. Everything I've tried has been fantastic. I've tried most of the macaron flavors, but pistachio is hands-down my favorite. I could probably eat 10 in one sitting. Everyone at the German Village store is so friendly! I've never received bad customer service, and all of the employees were happy to answer any questions I had. Pistacia Vera is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth.
I've been to the North Market location tons of times, and their macaroons are always to die for. I finally made it to the German Village location and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I had a great cup of hot chocolate, and of course, macaroons. Amazing desserts in a beautiful, but not pretentious environment. I can't wait to go back when they have the chairs outside in the summer!
(5)
Nathan B.
Expensive, but a good latte and a great quiche and/or pastry (should be "and" - too much to go light here). They also have nice macaroons. Worth a taste but unless you're in love with the macaroons, you won't love the price of repeating the habit. The seating inside is well apportioned with nice and airy ceilings. Outside there's plenty of patio space, though folks tend to sit and linger on nice weekends. Not great for a full meal as it'll cost you more than it's worth, but certainly worth coffee and a pastry.
(4)
Mirabelle L.
To be honest, I still wasn't so sure about moving to Ohio until I walked into this dessert place. The desserts here are for sure comparable to many dessert places that I have been to in such as France, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Seattle, NYC, Chicago, to name just a few. I enjoyed every bite of it and planning on taking another visit soon to try some more of other things!
(5)
Meg K.
I lived in German Village for a while and one of the absolute best things to do with out of towners during a visit would be to walk up to the Book Loft, find some treasures, and then head up the street to Pistacia Vera for coffees, macarons, and reading/conversation. Multiple times for parties I have bought one of each big dessert from the case- it's always a beautifully presented pastry in the European style, tasty, elegant, and sure to impress. In fact, we like the shop so much, that we ordered several hundred of their famous macarons (DO NOT CONFUSE WITH MACAROONS) as our wedding favors. People loved them. I enjoy how the macaron flavors change seasonally- it's such a creative little surprise. Brunch here is very good too- I enjoy the baked eggs, among other things. Please give them a try, if you haven't already. You won't regret it.
(5)
Sarah H.
I love,love,love the macaroons here. I fell in love with them when I first had them and I think about them often. They have the perfect crunch on the outside with a cake like chew in the center and a lovely buttercream. I can't say enough good things.
(5)
Carrie D.
Love this place! Everything I've tried was delicious! My favorite is the Orange Nutella Bostock.
(5)
Kylie F.
Everything I've ever had here has been amazing. Macrons are heavenly, and so perfect to eat. So delicate and tasty, and come a ton of different flavors. I seriously love desserts, ESP from here
(5)
Harry N.
what a gem, rare find. This place is inviting, spacious, customer service oriented, clean, with good dessert and coffee products. I will definately return every time I am in this area. Very impressed. I would like to find more places like this. the pistachio cookie was delicious.
(5)
Michael H.
Delicious. Always Fresh. I had a crossiant and coffee this morning.
(4)
Aaron H.
Oh my, I cannot say enough about this place. I found out about Pistacia Vera through a blog my boss found on the internet. The blogger--apparently a huge macaron fan--wrote on the post that she's been everywhere including New York and even France to try macarons, but this place had the best ones! That right there gave me a reason to try it out the same day I saw the blog! Plus, living in Columbus was all the more reason to go! Right from the start, they have a few(2~3) parking spots right next to the building AND across the street(6~10 can't remember). How awesome is that!! Although it gets pretty crowded from time to time, I usually find a parking space in either places. Their macarons are absolutely amazing--to die for!! At all times they have twelve different kinds and a few of them changes throughout the year. For example, during football seasons, they always have the buckeye macarons. Also they have an assortment of macrons neatly packaged so it's a great gift for someone special--or for yourself. I have bought these assorted ones on multiple occasions. One time, I sent an assortment to a friend in New York. First, they freeze it until the UPS guy picks it up and sends it through second-day air. So by the time it arrives, it has thawed but not melted. The delivery price can be a bit expensive; I think I paid about $12 for the delivery. Also the price varies by location. Oh, and they don't deliver during summer season since the high temperatures may ruin the quality. Overall, It has become one of my favorite food places in Columbus! If you are in the area or if you have a car, you should definitely check it out!
(5)
Stephanie H.
My husband and I were in Columbus for a wedding. We decided to stop in for a couple of lattes and take a break from wedding festivities. First, parking is a bit difficult. We drove around for awhile before we found a spot. A short walk later and we were at Pistacia Vera. We opted not to get any sweets because we just had lunch and a giant cookie from a cafe near Easton, but I wish we had space to try one of the macaroons. We decided to order our drinks and I asked if they offered almond milk. Sadly, the only alternative was soy milk, which doesn't do it for me. I asked if I could get a vanilla latte, but nope, no vanilla offered. I just had a regular latte and my husband had an iced latte. I think I must be incredibly spoiled with the coffee shops in North Carolina and I've developed really high standards when it comes to coffee and milk substitutes. This latte was totally below average and didn't wow me at all. I love counter culture beans that are offered in NC and I love that I can order an almond milk latte with vanilla. This was just boring and bland. My husband felt the same about his latte. Soooo I probably wouldn't recommend this shop if you're used to amazing lattes because that just didn't happen here. Three stars for friendly service and a nice interior. I hope this shop considers other milk substitutes for those who are health conscious - soy is terrible for you.
(3)
amy h.
The desserts are good, the macaroons are some of the best I've had, not overly sweet like you sometimes get, and the texture is just right. The desserts are beautiful, BUT unlike some bakeries where you get something that looks better than it tastes, here you get both which is definitely a major win. While this is not a "stop in on your way to work everyday" bakery, if you're looking for a fabulous dessert for party and willing to pay for it, this is definitely the place to go.
(4)
Alex K.
I met a professor of mine here to interview him for an article I was writing. He suggested the place (I had never heard of it) and he was obviously a regular, knowing the counter staff by name. I arrived early to prepare. The place was quiet enough to get work done but not silent. The atmosphere was very comfortable and productive with people studying/working etc all around. I ordered a cup of coffee and and almond bear claw. I enjoy going to coffee shops like this to study or get work done, and even deal with sub-par coffee and pastries just for the atmosphere. This place was far from that. The coffee was as good as anywhere and if there was a way to purchase every single almond bear claw they ever make I would. The prices are definitely a little expensive for a coffee shop, and you'll think that right up till the point where you actually taste the food, then it wont matter. Overall, I highly recommend Pistacia Vera and look forward to going back there many times to try the multitude of wonderful looking sweets they have.
(4)
Christin D.
I have seen the light that is Pistacia Vera. People here swear by the macarons, but I'm a bigger fan of the breakfast patries. Guys, the almond croissant is tragically, sublimely good. The outside is crisp, with just enough toasted almonds and powdered sugar, and the inside is dense, not too sweet, and very moist. I don't even want to think about how much butter is in that thing. If you get there too late in the day and find heartbreak in the form of an empty croissant tray, the pain au chocolat is always a good standby.
(5)
Emily U.
Super minimalist compared to every other bakery I've ever been to. Clean, simple, relaxing. Not a HUGE assortment, but the best. Although there are at least a dozen macaroons to choose from! Everything made just so and just so lovely. And with real flavors- the ginger is GINGER (for us real ginger lovers) Best ice tea I've ever had. Lovely gifts- all of witch I'd love to receive. Extra parking across the street helps too.
(5)
Michael U.
This place is already reviewed, wonderfully, by myself and others here: yelp.com/biz/pistacia-ve…
(5)
Daniel W.
Pistacia Vera never misses. Is it bad that my dentist and favorite confectionary are a few blocks away from each other? For a few bucks, you can enjoy a sweet treat any time of day. The macarons are a personal favorite, but I have yet to find a weak spot in their selection. Pistacia's seasonal specialties are always a hit as well. After moving location a couple years ago, to the always charming German Village, and changing their name from the everyday "Pistachio" to the scientific "Pistacia Vera", it is clear that a standard set early on is never compromised. According to pistachiohealth.com , the pistachio is good for your heart, important in weight management, and full of nutrients. Just like its nutty cousin, Pistacia Vera is packed with general goodness.
(5)
Eugene M.
Macarons are delicious with various flavors including nutella, apricot, lavender, etc. Various pastries and sweets with a great selection of coffee and teas. You can even watch how they make the pastries on the side of the building via the windows. Very nice place, clean and modern looking. I also like one of the girls behind the counter.
(5)
Andrea B.
The easiest five star decision ever. This place rocks and is always my first stop when I find myself in O-H-I-O. It is also the first thing out of my mouth when friends ask what they can bring me when they come to visit Chicago. My top recommendation would be to try the bostock. What is bostock, you ask? Exactly. That is why I skipped over it on my initial visits. Dumb. Should have been getting this from the get go. They vary the flavors of the bostock but the general idea is that it is brioche with almond filling baked on it. Make sure to ask them to warm it up. To date the holiday bostock had been my fave. Have yet to get anything here I didn't love. The coffee is superb to boot. On a final note, the shop is well lit and a nice place to enjoy a Sunday morning pastry. Even the bathroom is cool looking!!
(5)
Laurie S.
I'm only giving it 4 stars because I have only tried one menu item and the name escapes me! It was a flaky pastry with thin slices of...I want to say plum and it was GOOD! The coffee was also just right. The atmosphere was sleek and clean and the staff was SUPER, AMAZINGLY NICE! I was hoping for a cupcake and I don't even know if they have them on the menu here...but I would DEFINITELY go back. This is the friendliest and tastiest bakery I have been to in Columbus.
(4)
Jon T.
Beautiful bakery with excellent goods. Been going for years. Coffee is also excellent.
(5)
Ashley J.
An adorable and friendly bakery in German Village. They have some nice desserts, but the interior is a bit too small for me, honestly. Also, the selection isn't very board. Of course, this could be the time of day that I go (lunch time and late afternoon), so their selection may be limited by that point. They are a bit on the expensive side for a piece of a treat, but it's quite lovely!
(3)
Zach M.
The absolute class of Columbus bakeries or whatever you want to call them. I love the sort of sterile/clean environment almost as much as the food. But the food is really good. Everyone knows about the macarons - some flavors are better than others. Every single item on display looks amazing, making it really hard to decide on anything. Great place to take out of town visitors or to grab a quick dessert for dinner party.
(5)
Joshua K.
Wow! This is a gem in German Village. Had the pleasure of taking a kitchen tour and meeting the owners during a Columbus dessert tour. This place rocks in every way! The macaroons are simply amazing, probably the best I've had outside of France and quite possibly the best ever. I loved the atmosphere and the level of service was impeccable. The owners were very passionate about their family owned patisserie and staying true to the French style. It's a must do when you are in Columbus!
(5)
Kelly R.
I thought this place would be amazing after I heard all my friends rave. However, it is really expensive and the treats I had seemed old. I do appreciate how they have free water. The girls who were working seemed to be busy and not very helpful when I asked what to get. The macaroons were too rich. Not exactly my taste. However, if you are in to rich, this place is for you.
(2)
Vic W.
GREAT Boutique Bakery!
(5)
Rebecca O.
I thought my love for cupcakes transcended every other baked good on the planet. But then I met Pistacia Vera's macaroons, which gave cupcakes some stiff competition. I wouldn't consider myself a macaroon connoisseur, but I definitely know these are good. Not too sweet, not too bland. Not too big, not too small. Lots of gluten-free choices, too. I love coming here and purchasing macaroons as gifts; they're too pretty to resist. Prices are a bit high, hence the three stars.
(4)
S L.
I stopped by with my boyfriend last weekend and got 6 macarons and iced tea. They had Buckeye Macarons! That was the first time I had seen that flavor offered. I wish they had it all the time because my boyfriend and I both agreed that it was one of the best macaron flavors we've ever tried (and we've tried a ton!).
(5)
Eileen T.
Had my first macarons here, and they were so sweet. So much flavor for such small desserts. I'd love to try the other desserts...but they are on the expensive side. The $1.25 macarons are definitely worth it though.
(4)
Martha W.
If you are missing French/Euro pastries and need to postpone your trip to Paris this year, go to Pistacia Vera to get your fix. The croissants and macarons are almost exactly like their Parisian counterparts (slightly heavier, perhaps). The pistachio chocolate chunk cookie was delectable. I need to go back to try the cakes. As other Yelpers have said, the space itself is elegant and the presentation of the pastries is delightful - even sleek. Coming from D.C., I thought it would be hard to find places like this in Columbus. I was very pleasantly surprised!
(4)
Maggie M.
I love Pistacia Vera. Such a charming cafe placed in historical German village, and the employees are very friendly. The croissants and macrons are to die for! But my favorite thing to order is the mushroom quiche. It melts in your mouth! You would be missing out if you passed up this Columbus gem.
(5)
Steven S.
I order a macaron gift box for Valentine's Day. And of the 12 we received at least 8 of them were stale. I understand they probably went through a high volume and it's difficult to make large amounts and keep them fresh, however for the cost they charge, I expected higher quality
(2)
Carlos G.
I stop by this place every time I am in Columbus. This was the first place outside of Paris that I found the macaroons. They are great! I used to order them and mail them to family and friends. I recently stopped by and ordered two boxes of 6 for some clients plus an apple pizelle for me. SO yummy! keep up the good work!
(5)
Cate M.
Amazing croissants!
(5)
Nathan S.
I've tried macarons elsewhere, even ones that had been featured on the Food Network, but none match Pistacia Vera's. I usually get a different variety each time, and they NEVER disappoint. Even the simplest flavors such as vanilla are incredibly flavorful. Also, sometimes I grab something from the Tarts & Torts menu--I don't know what most of them are so I go by how they look--again, everytime it's nothing but wonderful. Add a good cup of coffee or their super-chocolately hot chocolate, and you got yourself the best pastry cafe in Columbus.
(5)
Marie L.
The pastries are delicious and it is an ray location to access. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I also think Pistacia Vera is very fair priced for their pastries and I will be going back.
(5)
Jessica H.
I remember this place from when it was hidden away behind high street. Everything is tempting, the displays visually delicious. I walked in, simply hungry after a mid-morning meeting - hoping to find something inspiring and within a decent price point. The counter person suggested I try the croissants...one was plain, the other had ham and cheese I think. It took me a while, but I opted for the croissant (plain, as I am a veg). I had it with rhubarb jelly - homemade at that. I was skeptical. I hate a crappy, fakely greasy crisco-y nasty croissant. You know, the kind that leaves your tongue with a waxy, nasty coating? What I ended up with would make the angels sing in ecstasy. This was light, flaky authentically buttery goodness. It was everything I wanted and more. I was hoping to save it for home, but it didn't last the car ride, eaten in neanderthal fashion shoving bits and pieces into the tangy jelly at every red light. I was lucky enough to live in Europe for a time - this croissant is the best I've ever had since then. Oh, and the rest of the stuff looked good too. Their macaroons from a previous trip were excellent and well balanced. But that croissant. The only thing that might make it more authentic would be to wrap a smidge of Nutella in, to morph into molten chocolate hazelnut goodness in the oven.
(5)
Sarah S.
Literally, this is my go-to dessert place in Columbus. Everything I've ever gotten here is outstanding. Not joking, even the coffee and especially the hot chocolate are great. The shop is small, brightly lit with natural light, and has a nice array of tempting delicious goods. You can't go wrong. For first time diners, I always recommend the chocolate bomb. Trust me. Every person I've watched eat one of these (myself included) take a bite and then conclude, "OMG this is so good!". Watch for the specials they have during restaurant week each year and take a friend for the sampler platter. Parking is also easy, which is a rarity in german village. They have a small lot just across the street.
(5)
Laura C.
I've been wanting to try MACAROONS for some time, as they've been ALL THE CRAZE. Did nothing for me. They were visibly pleasing with their fun colors, but that's about it. I'll take a chocolate chip cookie over a macaroon any day. I guess I'd like them more if they were less than a dollar a piece - they seemed kinda pricey for the 2 bites-size.
Finally!...I made it to the #1 dessert pick of columbus!.Of course I had to try these constantly raved about macarons.It was my birthday, so I splurged!I got 3 macarons,(vanilla bean, mocha hazelnut&I can't think of the last one), an individual strawberry pistachio dequoise(hope I spelled that right), and an iced mocha.when I tasted that macaron,I knew that slight coffee, soft waifer tasting,kind of like a tiny sandwich and me were destined to be together....I ll make many more trips to get this delectable snack, next time,I may even try some baked eggs....just have.to figure out how to park:)
(5)
Ariel B.
This is my favorite bakery in the whole city... no, the whole state... wait, no, probably the whole country! The "chocolate bomb" has been my sweet infatuation for nearly a year now which I suppose makes it more of a committed relationship, really. I fantasize about a chic birthday party on a high rise terrace surrounded by family and friends when out comes a giant chocolate bomb embellished with sparklers. I'm more of a traditional macaroon kind of girl, but if they are your thing then you should come here and try their brightly arranged assortments. The tarts, cookies, and croissants will also blow your mind. Dine in AND get a to go box! I always do.
My husband & I were visiting from Akron. We wanted to go to the Book Loft and the only reason we stopped in Pistacia Vera was to get some iced coffee. I am so glad we did! The iced coffee was good, but the macarons blew me away. We each had a Nutella macaron. They were very airy & delicate, as they should be! The whole place was very clean and modern, and the colorful array of treats in the bakery case was very tempting. We will make a point to stop here on our future trips to Columbus. I definitely want to try a variety of the macarons, and also the pate de fruits.
(5)
Derek C.
Best desserts in Columbus!
(5)
elisa c.
So I'm a sucker for cakes and coffee and Pistacia Vera manages both with a tremendous amount of style and sheer awesomeness. I used the terrible excuse of "let's do something nice for someone else" today just to justify coming here to try it for the first time and it was heaven. Love the Opera cake, love the German Chocolate Carmel cake, love the off street parking in the German Village... all around, beautiful. I will be coming back here, Oh, I bought a pre-packaged thing of macaroons they had done up with a bow and pretty colors and flavors - managed to buy the affection of the entire Fiscal department where I work. Kinda love Pistacia Vera right about now :)
(5)
Joy W.
Great brunch and croissant. Desert is a little bit over sweet to me.
(4)
Amanda H.
Dearest Pistacia Vera, Since last we met, some several fortnights ago, I have been visited endlessly by cravings for your miniature macaroons. Part of me had dismissed the possibility of ever enjoying such decadent baked goods again, but thanks to these tiny, gluten-free delights, I can stuff my face uncontrollably with sinful sweets once more. Allow me to share my undying gratitude to you for this gift. And to give you 5 stars. Humbly and irresistibly yours, ~a
(5)
Rachel G.
Cafe Au Lait was really good. The mushroom and leek quiche was amazing. I tried a bite of the ham & cheese croissant and it was OK- I thought the cheese was a little chewy, and the croissant a little greasy. I will definitely be back to try more of the goodies and breakfast treats.
(4)
Spencer M.
Wicked good coffee and wonderful service! A tad pretentious but what isn't in GV? Good place to visit and have a cup.
(4)
Phil R.
The macaroons are AMAZING!-They even have a gift box of a dozen.
(4)
Andrew S.
I have to eat gluten free (no wheat, barley, malt, rye) which usually means I have a difficult time finding anything to order in a pastry or desert shop/restaurant... So imagine my delight when I found out PV has a number of incredible delectable desert's that they make gluten free! Wow! Whether eating in or "to go" the friendly staff of "desert artisans" will guide you thru the many offerings.
(5)
Birdy N.
Wow - Columbus has arrived. This is world class desserts. The macaroons are to die for. As are many of their other desserts. The decor and service have always been top notch too.
(5)
Shea H.
If you love macaroons, stop playing games and go to this place. Oh my goodness. The flavors were oh so very delectable. I couldn't even handle myself. I had to resist buying one of each (because frankly that would have set me back quite a bit of dough...haha dough). I have been meaning to get here for months. I had to make my way through the tight German Village streets and tricky alleyway parking, but as soon as I bit into the luscious, light, fluffy macaroon, I knew without a doubt, that it was worth it. Very very very nice bakery. I can't wait until I'm in the area again. It was popping (read: busy as heck) during lunch so maybe go really early or when everyone in the world isn't looking for nourishment. Parking will probably be easier then...
(5)
Madison R.
This was my first trip to German Village. It's a neat little area of tree-lined brick streets of little restaurants and bars. Outside PIstacia Vera there are tables for outdoor seating. This would be a nice place to sit and chat with friends, but it was just a little too hot today. For our first trip we decided to try a bit of everything. We ordered an almond croissant, one of each macaron, a chocolate caramel tart, a chambord berry flourless, a pistachio cake, a cappuccino, and an iced mocha. Everything was good, but my favorites were the chocolate berry flourless cake and the caramel macaron. The cappuccino was very strong, which I liked. The girls working there were all very polite and helpful. I probably won't go out of my way to eat here, but I'll come again if I'm in the area.
(4)
Amy F.
AH-mazing Macarons and Gluten Free options. Love!
(5)
Kaya G.
This place is beyond ridiculous... Think explosions, think orgasms, think of your first kiss.... This is Pistacia Vera. We used this place for two meetings two days in a row... The first day it would have been rude to eat at the customer, so I didnt taste anything... But then - the night before our big breakfast we went over to place the order... I walked in and those macaroons were giving me the eye... I was unable to focus on anything, anything at all. I zoomed in and the colors were just electrifying, the smell overwhelming... Blocking out the person near me who was trying to arrange the breakfast choices (no eggs and cheese here, mind you) all I heard was my heart beating faster and faster as I took the steps closer to the display... I asked for one, a rasberry beauty and I could not for the life of me open my eyes and realize I was alive. The "died and gone to heaven" moment in my life happened. I had tears in my eyes, and saw angels. And when I ate the pistachio macaroon I almost blacked out from the pleasure on my palate, coursing through my veins. Breakfast was ordered and picked up at 6:45 with 2 boxes of joe. The baked goods were still smoking hot, so fresh... After our big meeting I went to town on the bear claws and some eclair version of a mini cake "CANNELÈ", nut-free caramelized baked custard tea cake infused with rum and blade mace, and life was too good. If all the world would have a macaroon there would only be eternal love, heaven, peace, love and no war.
(5)
Shawnie K.
One word. Macarons.
(5)
Finneus J.
I may be in the minority here, but I felt that the macaroons were waaaaaaay overhyped. I tried several different flavors and the fillings were heavy, and overly sweet. I also tried the lemon tart, and again- it was very heavy and overly sweet. On the bright side, they have a nice outdoor seating area, and the coffee was hot and delicious.
(3)
JaimeNScott G.
Love the mushroom quiche! Have visited several times and love taking people from out of town. Great coffee too! Friends have enjoyed the croque monsieur and the croissants are always a favorite. Don't try to count calories when you visit... just savor the flavors!
(5)
Eli R.
It was good. Macarons had a little bit of a refrigerator taste, but the chocolate bombe was pretty amazing
(3)
Aaron A.
Five supermassive red stars for Pistacia Vera. The Best of Columbus. Who has parking in German Village? Pistacia Vera has an impressive parking lot, which is crazy, but have fun with some no-brainer parking in the German Village for the first time in your life. Why are we standing around, admiring a stupid parking lot? There are cookies waiting for us! Ok, so we're inside, this place looks pretty fancy. Based on my experience with some other Columbus snack peddlers who shall remain nameless I'm guessing the people behind the counter are going to be pretty pretentious. But wait! They're not! They're just nice. This is way too easy. Parking, polite staff, where's the experience I'm paying for? If I don't have to search for parking, then stand in line for half an hour waiting for some kid to be a dick to me I don't know if I've had the true Columbus gourmet treatment. I've found one problem, the flow of traffic in the room is a little awkward with people going from the counter to the tables. Man, I just hand these five star reviews out to anybody. You can have the most beautiful pastry experience of your life and get out of here for less than five bucks. The Bittersweet Fudgie is the most amazing cookie I have ever eaten. The combination of textures leaves me speechless. I'm always overwhelmed by the array of techniques being employed to craft all of these stunning sweets. Everything one could expect a pastry chef to be capable of is done here with perfect execution. You seriously can not choose wrong. Pistacia Vera is my number one, absolutely perfect (except for the review ruining traffic fiasco) spot in Columbus. If you go one place, if you have time to do just one thing, this is it.
(5)
Jane S.
Awesome. This place is just awesome. Love all their sweets especially the macarons! The place is always packed when i visit. And the staffs are nice too. Its a bit pricy but i think it suits the quality of the desserts. The atmosphere is crowded most times but the design of the shop is modern and chic, very clean and cozy too.
(4)
Neha B.
Delicious macarons, pretty good gluten-free cake/terrine-things, and so-so coffee. I've tried most flavors of their macarons and find that they are consistently fresh and delicious. Word to the wise: even though technically you can refrigerate or even freeze macarons, they are best eaten fresh, when the thin outer shell fractures under the slight pressure of your teeth, revealing the chewy, almondy layer below, and giving way to the creamy filling in the center. Macarons, made well, are ethereal. Pistacia Vera's macarons are consistently ethereal. I've tasted a couple of the gluten-free cake-things: a strawberry/pistachip dacquoise and a cassis (blueberry) something. They were not bad; my boyfriend liked them enough to order them almost each time we visit, but I'm not particularly in love with them. I eat the macarons. By the dozen. (Almost.) The coffee's okay, nothing great, but not offensive. I like coffee to have nuance and personality, and for that, you have to have pourover, or similar, which PV doesn't do currently. The servers in the German Village cafe and the North Market stall are polite, not generally effusive in their friendliness, but always courteous. Have I mentioned that I adore their macarons? What, I haven't? Good heavens, what a grave oversight. People, I LOVE THEIR MACARONS. That is all.
(4)
Tiffany C.
After showing relatives who were in town around German Village, we decided to stop by this place based on solid yelp reviews and boy were we happy that we did! They specialize in both macaroons and croissants. They also have a variety of cakes to choose from. We each shared a macaroon (caramel pecan) - $1.50 each - and we found it to be full of flavor with a nice crunch. Jim had had these before at other places and this was by far the best yet. We also shared an almond croissant. It was soft, flaky (but not the stale flaky) and an ample size. This is easily shareable and the price is right ($4.00). Definitely recommend this place for a quick snack, or to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!
(4)
Puneet S.
If I lived in German Village, I would have to try to avoid walking into this place all the time! Yes, it is a little pricey. However, their pastries are amazing! Each one is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, flavor, design, and moistness.
(5)
Suzanne M.
Pistacia Vera is one of my very favorite place in Columbus. This patisserie has beautiful, elegant and above-all, utterly delectable pastries and cookies. All of this in an amazing, light-filled building that now happily has chairs and tables inside it (it didn't initially). I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that I have had there, but here are a few all-time favorites: *Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Cookies. So much better than toll-house, and practically a steal at $1.50 *Lemon Pinenut Tart. I could eat immensely flavorful, yet surprisingly light dessert every day. *Apple Financier Tart. They introduced this in the summer--at the insistent behest of customers hankering for apples--even though apples are fall food. Having tasted it, I would say it's worth breaking the seasonal routine. *Lavendar Honey Macaron. My favorite macaron. It tastes like May in Provence. I would come here just fo rthe pastries, but I have to put in a good word for the service here. Everyone who works here, from the counter staff to the patry chef, to the owner/manager are such infectiously friendly, happy people that it makes you feel delighted to be there.
(5)
Kristi H.
It's been a while since I've been to Pistacia Vera but I'm craving one of every macaroon they make. I can't drive four hours just to buy them, but I wish I could. So I'm writing a review instead. I came to Columbus with friends and one of those friends is obsessed with mastering the perfect macaroon. I'd never had a macaroon, so I wasn't sure what the fuss was over. We dropped by on a Saturday afternoon and the place was busy but not packed. We were served quickly and efficiently. We bought a sample of every macaroon flavor and then proceeded to try a bite of each one. They were light, fluffy, crunchy, sweetness with wonderful, subtle flavor combinations. I've had macaroons since then and they do not compare. The place is small, clean, cute and simple. Fair warning: the presentation of the baked goods will make you buy more than you intend. Which isn't really a problem.
(5)
Katherine B.
Had the croque monsieur, which had a delicious horseradish spread. My friend had the salmon on rye and every bit was gone. We also tried the macarons. I have never had such a delightful and flavorful dessert. Tried the chocolate cherry cordial and pistachio. Plan to make another trip to Columbus busy for this restaurant! The staff is super friendly and helpful. The restaurant is quite small. Brunch is only served 7am to 2:00pm. Don't leave without trying the Macaron (yes, that is the correct spelling).
(5)
Golnaz P.
There once was a girl who has a major sweet tooth. After thoroughly researching the dessert options in Columbus, Ohio, she decided Pistacia Vera was a must try. One cold night she set out for some dessert. Sadly, she got there 5 minutes after they closed. She peeked inside the place while the bright and decadent dessert were being put away. She pledged to herself that she will be back. And back she came, not once but twice! She paced the counter looking at the cakes, cookies, brownies, and everything enticing. The fig, cherry, and pistachio cake grabbed her eye. With a macaroon topped on the beautiful cake, how could she resist? Every bite filled her with happiness. She savored every bite that paired so perfectly with her coffee. The second time she visited this oasis of desserts, she ordered the pistachio chocolate chip cookies. Our story should have a happy ending, but this is not the case. For the girl does not live in Ohio and will not have Pistacia Vera near her. She can only relieve the memories in her head.
(5)
Meaggie B.
If you are looking for a coffee or latte and a quick bite to eat this is the place to get it in German village. They have multiple homemade desserts as well as Breakfast pastries. Their lattes are handmade and the coffee here is delicious.
(4)
E L.
I'm raving, really, really raving about the Pain Au Raisen and Maple Pecan Twist. I have been living in Columbus since '79 and these are the very best of best of best - sort of Danishes - that I have ever eaten anywhere. The best part is I don't get heartburn!!! What The Fork? 5 up....
(5)
Brian B.
Delicious and inexpensive macarons! All the flavors are wonderful--just amazing.
(5)
N S.
I have been to Pistacia Vera at least 15-20 times over the years. I was skeptical at first because years living in and traveling around Europe had made me come to realize that much of what is offered there is more showy than flavorful. One in ten, at most, pastry shops are worth it. Pistacia Vera is the exception to the rule. Everything is perfectly done. The flavors mate with the presentations. They are bold when they need to be, subtle when that works best. Incredible attention to every detail in every offering. This caring for every part of the process carries over to the staff; they are unstintingly smiling, courteous and efficient. Pistacia Vera would be a neighborhood favorite in any neighborhood in the world.
(5)
Autumn T.
Try ALL of their macarons. (And no, I did not say macaroons.)
(5)
Teri S.
This bakery has the best croissants . I was a little leary because they were browner than usual but after one bite , I was sold. Almond croissant melted in my mouth. The croissants are pricey but are large enough to share. They sell cafe brioso coffee which is my favorite roastery in town.
(5)
Mark H.
One of my favorite places to have a simple brunch. I've had two kinds of queche here with coffee to drink. The queche is served with a tasty mixed greens salad with a light oil-based dressing that makes brunch filling enough without the food coma. Of course, the Persian macaroons are their staple and they are no joke. The flavors rotate fairly often so each time I feel like I get to try a couple new flavors while enjoying some old favorites. I could eat a dozen in one sitting if it weren't for the calories! These truly are the next best thing to actually going to Paris!
(5)
Makiah D.
First time ever having macaroons was very impressed with the flavor! Can't wait to go back and try more
(5)
Robbie C.
Great local spot! Terrific coffee and espresso drinks, cute, modern interior, delicious food. The food i just a little on the pricey side, that's the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars.
(4)
Mohanish A.
Macrons were creamy ...a must try!!!
(5)
Nicole D.
I really want to like macaroons, I really do. They look cute, have a great variety of fancy flavors, but man they all taste like processed candy to me :( plus all macaroon are made with artificial food dyes :/ But Pistacia Vera have some interesting cakes that are definitely worth trying. They look more sophisticated and probably made with better ingredients.
(3)
Nicholas K.
Pain au chocolat... Pain au chocolat... Oh God, pain au chocolat...
(4)
Mary S.
I first went here in February late in the day, but they still had a lot of very delicious looking pastries in the case. I had heard about their macarons, and bought a half dozen to sample. Well, I died and went to heaven. The vanilla bean was my favorite, followed by the raspberry. My companion loved the coffee and chocolate. Biting into one was like eating a crackly cloud with a smooth center. I admit I took a few apart, like oreos, and licked out the buttercream center. But buy what you can eat in a day, because the airiness diminishes afterwards.
(5)
Angela F.
My waistline and pocketbook are thankful that we live 350 miles from Pistacia Vera - the rest of me, not so much. After a sinful breakfast at German Village Coffee Shop, the family and I decided to keep the gluttony-train rolling by visiting Pistacia Vera to fortify ourselves with goodies before departing on our 6 hour drive home to Chicago. Annie welcomed us into her charmingly pristine shop, and could not have been more delightful. She took the time to explain the different confections, packaged our choices beautifully, and gave us clear instructions on how to store them in order to maximize their freshness. The macrons made us swoon - all that we tried were heavenly: vanilla bean, key lime coconut, black raspberry, buttermint, strawberry rose, and pistachio. But for me, the chicken dinner winner was the Grand Cru truffle. I've eaten a fair number of truffles in my day, but none as divine as this. The texture is what puts it over the top; lighter than air, creamy, melty, fudgy...just perfect. Pistacia Vera is an experience not to be missed (for dessert lovers, anyway). We will never visit Columbus without stopping in.
(5)
Marty M.
Great eye-candy (i.e., appealing baked goods visually) and an attractively converted store, but the taste of their pastries no longer match their looks / design (often multi-layered creations). Tried a mix of six (mini tarts / tortes and macarons) there with my wife and friends recently -- all but one of the items were very dried (stale?). We were especially fond of their cookie assortment and recipes when they were located in the Short North, but that selection has been reduced in variety and qualities since.
(2)
Zhong C.
splendid!
(5)
Rich S.
Tell the world you've made it with Pistacia Vera pastry. This stuff is grade-A rocket fuel for big timers.
(5)
Riri A.
Best place for cakes and its unique place to go. Must try at least
(5)
Caroline W.
This charming coffee shop will remind you of sitting in a small European shop, sipping coffee and enjoying the ambiance. The only problem is, it is small and a bit cramped...
(5)
Julie W.
I am absolutely enamored with this place! I sent my family Christmas gifts from here and everyone was delighted. Their coffee is amazing and the chocolate croissants are perfect on a Sunday morning. The staff is very dog friendly and always go outside to give my boys a treat while I'm inside drooling over the pastry case.
(5)
Emma O.
Macaron.Paradise. Here and here alone is where I get my circle slices of heaven. I love love love their macaroons and at 1.50 each they are not frightfully over priced. My personal favorite is the passion fruit macaron. I have not had the other desserts so that i cannot speak to, but my friends have and they seem to really enjoy the $1 chocolate cookies and the chocolate raspberry cake. The only reason my review is not five stars is because of the minimal parking by the store. They do have additional spaces behind the hair salon, but when I'm in a lazy bum sweet eating macaron mood, I don't really fancy a stroll. Other than that. I'm in heaven.
(4)
Pat M.
Awesome place. It is a little pricey, but the deserts are amazing. Well worth checking out if you're in German Village.
(5)
Meghan S.
Coffee is amazing! The service is always great, baristas are friendly and quick with orders.
(5)
Morgan M.
I have long loved Pistacia Vera but I hadn't written a review until this most recent time! I don't know why, but better late than never! My sister (from out of town) wanted the macarons and we met a friend for coffee. I got the chocolate croissant, got an orange brioche for my toddler and we drank Americanos. Aided by my unexpectedly well-behaved toddler we had a really great time. I just love the calm but bustling atmosphere and the bright lighting! As far as food goes it's all really good and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they offer real food and a good brunch (i've had a couple of the items, all good!). The desserts are delicious and beautiful. A few cakes make a great centerpiece at a bridal or baby shower! Anyway, they are such a fun place and I can't wait to see what they come up with for their North Market location!
(5)
Nk C.
So fresh, so delicious, so YUMMY! I tried their macaroon, pistachio chocolate chip cookie, and ham & cheese croissant! Freshness and quality make this place a must try! They are busy on the weekends in the morning until noon so it's take a little time to find a parking spot. Their parking lot only fits 3 cars and their parking lot across has about 10 spots. Street parking is 2 hr limit so there are options...just go early or after noon :)
(4)
Emily L.
Full disclosure. I had not tried a macaron until this past Sunday when I came to Pistacia Vera. I had seen them online and heard friends talk about them forever, but never found a place that sold them(or sold some that seemed to be good quality). My friend Kelsey insisted that we rectify this crime against my taste-buds and go to Pistacia Vera. We let my boyfriend tag along for our lady date. When you walk in, there is a huge glass case filled with every kind of beautifully crafted pastry your little heart could want. The macarons are so colorful and the variety is amazing. My boyfriend and I got a 12 pack, which is 1 of every single flavor. I'm pretty sure this is meant to be a gift box...but whatever. If I was doing this, I was doing it right. We also got some ham and cheese croissants and coffees. The croissants were delicious and flakey. I had crumbs everywhere, which I think is the true test of an awesome croissant. As for the coffee, I had a cafe mocha and it was rich and not too sweet. Pretty perfect. And then...on of the main event! We haven't even tried all the macarons yet, but of the ones we've had, we've loved them all. Of the twelve flavors, we have tried: Buckeye, Pistachio, coconut creme, mint chocolate, chocolate cherry cordial, and milk chocolate passion fruit. I'm not a huge coconut fan, but that was my favorite so far. That might change once we finish off the other 6. The macarons are all very satisfying and not too sweet, which is sometime I appreciate(I don't like my mouth feeling like cavities are forming as I eat my treats). They were the perfect price at $1.25 a piece and I can see coming here for coffee and few on a regular basis. I'll need to try more treats here, but I could not have been happier with my first go-round. If you come on a nice day, sit outside! Even with the little fall chill in the air, the coffee warmed us right up and it was a real treat. STOP READING THIS AND COME HERE ALREADY!
(5)
Patrick C.
CHOCOLATE BOMB! It's the number 1 reason I stop there. Chocolate bomb is this really interesting half sphere of fluffy chocolate covered in a hard chocolate shell. its fantastic! Such a weird little shop that resembles that of a coffee house, but sells all these amazing looking sweets. I really need to broaden my horizon here at this shop, I've always been interested in the Macarons, with all there different flavors and colors, they have always been appealing to me. Parking can be tricky in that part of town but that doesnt mean its impossible. Its good stuff, and the first stop I make when ever there is a birthday or a celebration of any kind.
(5)
Amanda S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places in Columbus and one I always take out of town guests to. It's simply perfect for breakfast, brunch or just a coffee/pastry. You can't go wrong here. My favorite dish is the tomato egg bake with a croissant and one of their homemade jams. It's literally the best breakfast meal I can think of as I love getting both sweet and savory. The quiche is also outstanding. Buy macaroons to go and you'll be happy later! GO HERE NOW! :-)
(5)
hollie w.
Macarons are so tasty! Pistachio flavor is my all time fave. Lots of other good pastries available but I stick with macarons everytime.
(5)
Courtney W.
OM NOM NOM!! Truly the only way to describe our experience. Parking here is a bit of a hassle, only 2 spots are actually attached to this establishment (w/ more across the street) but after a couple of tries we managed to find a spot! We hurried our way in and even though the place was busy it didnt take longer then a moment or two to be greeted by a friendly face. The hardest part here is deciding what to order. Everything looked so good it was hard to believe they were all edible! They had so many flavors of macrons, and lots of yummy looking tarts, croissants, cookies, etc. We ordered 4 macarons (strawberry lillet, blackberry violet, chocolate chambord, and matcha yuzu), an espresso tart, and some coffee. Everything was very tasty and nothing lasted very long; we were done by the time our coffee reached the table. Their macrons are what stand out the most to me with such a variety in flavors and fillings it really makes for a very tasty treat! Matcha Yuza was by far our favorite flavor we tried. Matcha is japanese for powdered green tea and a very popular flavor for just about everything over in japan and yuzu means tea. The flavor was mild and sweet and the macron itself was the best I've ever had by far. The blackberry violet was a preserve filling that simply melted in your mouth; the strawberry lillet was the same. The tart was creamy, rich, smooth, and had a wonderful espresso flavor that was matched perfectly by the crispy soft pie crust. I did agree with my husband that the crust was a bit dry although it did break apart with ease. I felt the same way about their lavender shortbread cookie; oh so yummy but dry. Their coffee is strong...STRONG...but paired nicely with their pastries. My favorite thing here though was the chocolate cake that they had up at the register; so perfect I wish I got a whole loaf! They have a very nice patio with a couple tables although the chairs are very tiny and leave your but a bit sore; granted we did sit here for a good hour just watching all the people walking by. German Village is like that, you tend to get lost in everything around you. The only downside to the whole morning were the prices; on the expensive side. Things really add up fast here.
(4)
Joe Y.
Very nice place! Just visiting so not 100% but this place I believe in located in German Village. Plenty of parking across the street or on the street. Once inside you see a lot of places to sit and a lot deserts to choose from. What's nice here is just about everything I saw was gluten free. However we came solely for the macaroons. I bought a bunch to go and we ate a few just to try from the hype. We had six all together and wow were some of them exceptional! Delicious all around and not disappointing. Great place to grab a coffee and a little desert. My only complaint is it is a little pricey but it's gluten free which I know typically hikes a price up so it's understandable.
(4)
Jared W.
Was really not blown away at all after my first visit to Pistacia Vera. I was only looking for something light, so I ordered a Buckeye macaron, a chocolate bittersweet fudge cookie, and coffee. The Buckeye macaron was a little soft and the peanut butter filling in the middle was surprisingly not very good. The chocolate fudge cookie was very chewy inside like a brownie but crisp around the edges- pretty good but nothing special, and the coffee was mediocre. Overall, I was pretty disappointed in what I got. Everything looks incredibly delicious, but my experience was average overall, especially when I paid $6 for 6 bites of food and a poor cup of coffee.
(3)
Aya R.
3/5 for their macarons... I know, they are extremely affordable! I could literally buy them all day everyday! :) But, I don't know if it was just the times I had been there, or what, but some of my macarons were too soggy. The passion fruit and the blackberry ones I had were... Soft... Too soft. :( I loved their coconut and their yuzu macaron! Don't get me wrong they can make some amazing macarons, but they aren't consistent. Whaaat... :( 5/5 for everything else! The atmosphere is fantastic, the girls working there are always ready to help take your order, and always open to questions. I didn't feel like I was standing around waiting forever to get help. The different iced teas they have are so delicious! Every one of them hit the spot. In summer, and again in the fall. I would definitely go back to sit, eat, sip on an iced tea, and just relax.
(4)
Jessica M.
The atmosphere of this place is quant and the desserts are amazing. Tried the pistachio macaroon, the raspberry passion fruit tart, and the fudge cookie. Everything was beautifully appealing to the eyes and tasted great. Sat outside and enjoyed beautiful Sunday weather while doing it. I'll be back for sure
(5)
Macarena G.
I have been to both locations- German Village and North Market. The products that they have are great. Their patisserie shows a lot of finesse and technique. I give them 4 starts because the bathroom was dirty. wet floor and lots of papers laying on the floor. Not what you would expect when you are paying 8 dollars for a piece of pie.
(4)
Andrew T.
it deserves a 5 star no doubt about it I came all the way from San Francisco this place is really nice definitely worth it to be put on the map be sure to try one of everything so come with your friend... try the Bostock... You also have to try the lemon tart. you gotta try it crispy crunchy and flaky on the outside warm and fluffy and crea and sweet on the inside just the right balance of all flavors
(5)
Regina M.
Came here as recommended by other reviews and I was not disappointed. The French Macarons are heavenly. Staff was very pleasant the decor and ambiance is beautiful. Would definitely come back when we get back to Ohio
(4)
Zachary M.
This place is dangerous! I work nearby and visit PV often. I love it!
(5)
Sakura K.
I went there for a late birthday treat to get some macarons yesterday. The place closes at 7 and we got there around 630. I ordered one of each and was given a presorted box from the case. My boyfriend ordered a pain au chocolat. The total was $22 with the box being $18 for 12 macarons and the bread $4. Since we were going to dinner first, i didn't bother opening the box until today and discovered I was shorted one. I called them today and told them and they said they wouldn't give me the missing one since I didn't have proof of purchase. They never even gave me a receipt!
(2)
Erin N.
Being from the Burgh, I hadn't been here during any of our trips to Columbus, but Nationwide sent our office a box of their little "classic macarons" and I had to stop on our next journey. Some of the macaron flavors are a little much for most of my crew (elderflower, raspberry hibiscus?), but the vanilla bean macaron makes up for all the trendy flavors that may have been misses. They are perfect. Crisp and soft, perfect "feet" on the cookies. The store was a little crowded, and there were no tables outside, but we were just stopping by to grab a dozen. The staff was a little miffed with the busy Saturday afternoon, but generally helpful and polite. I do have one actual negative comment, other than German Village being a mess to drive. I also purchased two pistachio twists with my macarons, and they looked amazing and were HUGE. But they weren't great. Kind of burnt, mostly sticky bread. A disappointment for the price unfortunately. If you're sticking with macarons, A+. I have ordered these pups shipped to Pittsburgh. They're worth not only the drive through German mess, but apparently across the state.
(4)
Kate D.
The next time I feel like driving four hours, this is the place I am driving to! I visited one of my friends in Columbus and after driving by this place, then having some one tell us how amazing it was, we had to try. I got a piece of some sort of heavenly creation and a cappuccino. It was like a mini european vacation in my head and mouth. The dessert was lightly sweet and lemony fresh. I took some macaroons to go and was not disappointed. I normally am not a fan, but their flavors just pop! Sweet and savory and refreshing. I seriously think about driving from Indy all the time, but until next time I can't get this place outta my head!
(5)
Debi H.
Oh wow, try the croissants. These people know how to bake.. but, I ended up with heart burn, so a little heavy for mainly non-sweets eater like me. My kids and husband descended like ravenous wolves onto the box we brought home. I think my hand was grazed by a tooth. :)
(4)
Margie Q.
I love Pistacia Vera. I always get cakes from here to take to parties. People love it and all I did was walk into the shop and point at a whole cake because I never plan ahead. They even wrap the box in a pretty ribbon in a color I choose. Also, they can write happy birthday on a little chocolate disc that does not detract from the presentation of their cakes.
(5)
Megan S.
Ever since switching to a job in German Village, Pistacia Vera has become my go-to for quiet, but important, meetings and coffee dates with friends. The macrons are of course wonderful, but this place is so much more. They have a great selection of teas and pastries, and great foodie gifts that are great for party hostesses or gifts for colleagues and friends. I love the light in the place so if you're looking the perfect Instagram location, this is it :) Also, they don't have wifi - this is usually a big negative, but it keeps people focused on what's most important - each other, not their computers.
(4)
Lea P.
Why yes. It is another 5-star review of Pistacia Vera. They just do what they do so well. It's not even worth arguing against it. I don't typically eat dairy and eggs, so there's not a lot here I would nibble on an ordinary day, but their online menu is very detailed regarding several kinds of dietary restrictions (gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan), so I was able to plan ahead. So let's start with the pate de fruit, the only solid vegan food on the menu. These little squares of jelly-like fruit stuff are $1 apiece for barely a mouthful, but I decided to chance them the first time I came in and bought the full $8 gift box, which contains two of each of the four flavors. I opened it in the car on the way home, took a bite, and almost rear-ended someone. Oh wow, it was like fruit explosion. There might not be much food there, but the taste more than makes up for it. The texture is very gelatin-like, but a glance at the ingredients will assuage vegan concerns: the primary ingredient is sugar. Like, four different kinds of sugar. And no gelatin. ;) I couldn't stand having only tried one amazing thing, so I've also had the almondine cookie, which is listed as dairy-free but not vegan, so there might be eggs? honey? I'm not sure. But again what it *does* have is taste. Such great texture, too. A bit firm around the edges but not exactly crispy, and then the center is soft and just a delight to bite into. I've been in twice now, and the service has been invariably chipper. The young men and women working behind the counter look to be the same age as your average Starbucks barista, but they sparkle so much more. It's like they rode in on unicorns and got sprinkled with fairy dust laced with caffeine before they started their shifts. Ok, that may be an exaggeration. But they're very nice. When I visited with Sara C. a few months ago, they had those signs on the table asking that guests limit their use of electronic devices, but those signs were nowhere to be seen on my more recent visit. In their place were . . . electronic devices. Customers with laptops all over. Great, and the one time I left mine at home. The side patio is very pleasant for good weather. And so I'm happy to be entering Pistacia Vera's 218th review and their latest glowing one. And why not? They have unicorns and fairy dust on their side.
(5)
Shauna S.
Some of the best desserts I have ever tasted. It is a little pricey, but the ingredients and care that goes into baking these desserts are top notch! The macaroons are to die-for. They are very light and crunchy and are gluten free! The best treat is the Chocolate Bomb cake. Try it- you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Colleen R.
There is no better sugar rush in the city. The only way you'll order wrong is if you do not order. The mini chocolate bombe cake is out of this world. The macaroons are so good you want to eat them as slowly as humanly possible. The "world's best" chocolate cookie could quite possible be the best in the world. Brunch foods are pretty good too. Nice staff, wonderful natural lighting, indoor and outdoor seating. The only negative would be a small parking lot or on-street parking.
(5)
Travis Z.
This place makes some of the best deserts! Take a kitchen tour to see behind the scenes, it is worth it!
(5)
Jen R.
Macarons, macarons, macarons! I wish some would appear if I said that three times. But until that happens, I'll go to Pistacia Vera. This place is so cozy and cute. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and coffee hits you as soon as you open the door and then when you actually SEE all of the croissants and pain au chocolat and macarons and desserts...sensory overload before you've even ordered. Everything I've tried here is scrumptious and extra points for the macaron gatekeeper who so patiently smiles with a box and tongs as I carefully select which of a zillion colorful, delectable concoctions I would like in said box. Oh yes, they also have delicious menu options other than baked goods :) If you haven't been here, go!
(5)
Ashley M.
Love this place! On a recent stop in Columbus, I only had time to try a couple of eateries and based on the reviews, Pistacia Vera was my one pick. I am so, so glad I made my way to try Pistacia Vera before my flight back to Atlanta! I stopped in here on a full stomach and shared a couple of macaroons and tried a fruit tart with a friend. Not a big fan of macaroons, I was incredibly skeptical but my, oh my---were they soooo delicious! I tried the Caramel Pecan and the Matcha. Both were the perfect temperature and surprisingly, the right texture--not too soft and not too hard. The Caramel Pecan was my favorite. These were so delicious that I ended up purchasing 6 more to go--to fly all the way back to Atlanta. I believe that speaks for itself.
(5)
Victor N.
There's really not much more to say about their desserts. Pretty much all you can think or ask about is written in one of the hundreds of reviews already. Their desserts are ALL delicious. Coffee and tea are also just as good here. My only gripe is that the macarons here are pppprrretty expensive -at $2.50 each ***Edit: I stand corrected - $1.50***? Plus side - they accept dine originals so that offsets them a little bit. I don't get them for myself regularly, but they do make GREAT gifts and they look awesome packaged up. Tons of flavors to choose from as well, all colored differently, so you get a rainbow inside a box.
Best macarons ever. Their other pastries are really good too.
(5)
Kate H.
The macaroons are insane. Life changing, really- in that way that make your pants fit tighter. Do yourself a favor and get a pistachio and coconut. I am not trying to tell you want to do, but seriously. These little guys are a $1.50 a pop... the little pops that they are. The 4 stars is on the 'roons alone. I could take or leave about everything else in this place. It is a bit pretentious (though everyone is very nice) and overpriced. If you want to do a good day in German Village (when it is not freezing out)- walk through the Book Loft, get a sandwich to-go at Katzinger's (or the Brown Bag) and 2 macaroons at Pistacia Vera, and haul your literal and figurative cookies to Schiller Park and sit on the benches near the little girl with the umbrella fountain.
(4)
Tabitha F.
Hands down: my favorite place in Columbus. Every time I have an out of town visitor or hear a friend has never been, it gives me the perfect excuse to go! As if I need an excuse! You see, I am a serious "sweets" junkie.....as in, I need a twelve step program. Their Macaroons are simply amazing! The Chocolate Bombe is a chocolagasm in your mouth! Every thing I have had - trust me, I have had some of almost everything they serve - has been sooooo good. Never had of a chocolagasm? OH MYYYYYY! Why are you still reading this? You should totally be on your way already! Experience the chocolaty goodness for yourself! PS. I realize a heavy use of exclamation points in this review; they are warranted.
(5)
Alexis D.
Fabulous bakery. Try the frangipan and the eclairs. The almond croissant is heaven and the chocolate buttermilk loaf is unreal: so rich and moist. You can't go wrong. The macarons are artfully done. They even helped me put them in a rainbow to celebrate gay marriage! Great people, fabulous shop.
(5)
Angela B.
I first had these macaroons at a conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Columbus, OH. I walked right past the delicious savory dinner stations directly to the dessert table to find the most scrumptious macaroons of my life! I just had to go to the German Village location prior to flying out. What an excellent Easter present! Although they are not on the menu today, if the chance presents itself, get the Buckeye flavor (peanut butter), as it will change your LIFE!
(5)
Anthony N.
A cozy little bake shop known for their delicious macaroons! (Not the flaky coconut types, but the sandwich cookie.) A great place to grab a dessert and coffee in German Village, I've never been disappointed with their selections. You can even sample the macaroons before you take home a box (or two). I only wish macaroons could be made bigger because they go so quickly in a bite :(
(5)
Twila K.
Overall very nice atmosphere. Staff was very friendly. Mocha was good. A friend and I tried 3 different desserts but none really blew our mind...however the presentation was flawless. A bit pricey.
(3)
Jessica D.
At one point, I thought no, there is no possible way people would drop their pants for pistacia vera. Ladies and gentleman, I was wrong. Very wrong. I could write a novel, just about the lone matcha macaroon I ordered! All pastries (including mr macaroon) are baked fresh daily and I assume, throughout the day. At 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon, the place was still electric with customers and chatter, showing no sign of slowing down. Despite such a small location, there are a surprising number of tables to commandeer... Although parking is a bit tight. NONETHELESS you WILL find a spot because the macaroons are just that good. There's this Nutella cake that I also suggest you split with a hubbie. My god. Did my birthday come early? It's a sin something this delicious even exists in an unregulated form. Next time I'll probably indulge in some local tea or coffee, which they spruce locally from cafe Brioso and others, or a seemingly divine brunch. With their window-friendliness, this place will be perfect for Sunday mornings after church or a run. Love love love.
(5)
Birgitta S.
Fresh baked croissants, pan au chocolate, and light as air macrons. Great coffee too. Limited parking, but street parking is available. The staff is always cheerful. They will take a phone order in the am and set it aside if you can't get there until the pm. We plan our road trips so they route through Columbus just so we can stop here. These croissants are the best I've had stateside!
(5)
J J.
Beautiful desserts and they are tasty too! They were a little on the sweeter side for my tastes but I still enjoyed the desserts.
(4)
Hannah M.
If you're looking for a true, authentic macaron-look no further!! This little coffee & dessert shop in German Village has THE BEST sweets & treats. I have tried nearly every delicious confection they offer but I am seriously addicted to the pistachio macaroons. Each and every one is absolutely heavenly but there's something extra special about the pistachio flavor! Love it!
(5)
Myra E.
Stopped in before checking out village valuables and didn't want to leave. The eclaires and macaroons were wonderful. I will be back for brunch and croissants in the future.
(5)
Nicole M.
PASSION FRUIT CHAMBORD TORTE. Get this for your best friend's birthday. Get this for an engagement party. Get this for your wife when she's on her period and she is inexplicably mad at you. Get this for your cousin after he finally kicked meth (for good this time). Get this for yourself when Fluffy dies. Get this because it's Tuesday afternoon.... all situations are made better with the passion fruit chambord torte.
(5)
Paul F.
I'd been past here many times on my way to/from Katzingers and the shelves looked a lot busier than they were when you're inside. So finally, I had dessert last night, something I'd never heard of. It was ramalamadingdong aka a seasonal frangipan. I have never heard of a frangipan but the owner (who is a charming lady) explained it to me. It's a little tart made with butter and flour and almonds and fruit. It was GREAT! Oh, I asked for a glass of water but they have NO ICE. Can you imagine a restaurant without an ice machine? I was going to knock off a star but decided not to.
(5)
Miss Rza M.
Wow. I dreamt about these last night. I had never had a Macaron before and so I didn't know what to expect. When biting into the strawberry macaron, I was surprised by the different textures. I ended up preferring the mint macaron because the strawberry was a little bit too sugary for my tastes. We also tried a vanilla bean torte and the chocolate dome dessert. Typically I favor one flavor over another in desserts, but I enjoyed both of these equally (my husband and I kept swapping bites). The vanilla bean torte was smooth, creamy, yet light. Every bite was full of flavor and bliss. The chocolate dome dessert fooled me again with the texture, and my first bite was a mixture of surprise and happiness for the chocolate explosion on my taste buds. The chocolate dessert was much richer and we could not finish that. We will return again tonight so we can try the pistachio thingy that other reviewers say is great. Honestly I was surprised at the price. Typically I would pay much more for something of that quality in Austin, TX. 2 big desserts and 2 macarons were only around 10.00. Not too bad at all! The only criticism I have.....is that there is not a location at home.
(5)
Roni B.
This place has amazing macaroons! Very tasty and unique flavors! I think I got the French vanilla, buckeye flavored one, and a few others! It was extremely crowded there though and parking is sparse! However there is a lot if street parking but can get filled up quickly make sure to bring cash or card to feed the meter!
(4)
Sayak R.
A nice and cozy place with awesome collection of confectionery. The cakes look delicious. I took a hot chocolate, and a chocolate crumb. It's a maroon dome filled with chocolate inside. The taste was simply sinful. I would recommend it to everyone living in columbus, and I am looking forward to try the other options.
(5)
Heather S.
Oh pistacia vera, how do I love you, let me count the ways... perfect macarons, divine sweets, and amazing cups of tea to go with it. A little get away to indulge in a cookie or maybe even a caramel, whatever tickles your sweet tooth, I'm sure pistacia has something for everyone. I will probably go every week if I have the dollars to spare
(5)
Emily B.
This amazing little shop is fantastic. Especially for the individuals out there with whom gluten is an enemy. At Pistacia Vera there are many gluten free options that are tasty, gorgeous, and down right sinful! How they make little gluten free treats taste so stinkin' good is a mystery to me, but they do!!! Their many macaroon options are delightful. The prices can be a wee bit high but for the scrumptiousness that you receive, it is worth it!
(5)
Tom P.
Very nice place for brunch. My brother told me about the baked egg dish and how it was amazing. I didn't believe him, because he is usually full of it. However, I thought it was excellent with the gooey cheese on top and the perfectly flavored tomatoes. Had a few deserts which were pretty nice. The only reason I gave this place 4 stars, is that there were very few options on the menu and they completely burned the croissant. Will definitely return.
(4)
Sandy M.
For our anniversary this year (one year), we wanted to get a delicious cake to share since we couldn't get our wedding cake mailed to us from back home. So, after researching a bit and from what I've heard from friends, we decided to go into Pistacia Vera. The decor is very modern and pristine. And, under the glass, there were delightfully colorful pastries and we couldn't really make up our mind. So, instead of buying one big torte ($35), we decided to try a few smaller ones. We ended up getting the passion fruit and coconut torte, chocolate bombe and the cassis flourless truffle torte. Then, we ended up getting two macarons: madagascar vanilla bean and white chocolate coconut. I couldn't wait to get home to satisfy my sweet tooth so I convinced my husband just to share one macaron so we had the white chocolate coconut one. It was quite good but a bit too sweet. I was honestly a bit scared about how the rest of the tortes would taste after that macaron but I shouldn't have! After dinner, we decided to have a little bit of each piece. The top of the passion fruit coconut torte hasa rich passion fruit flavor and the rest of the layers have a rich coconut flavor. It's absolutely delicious. The cassis flourless truffle was dense but the chocolate flavor was deep and rich. It really tastes like a truffle in cake form. But, our absolute favorite is the chocolate bombe. It reminded us of this chocolate mousse cake we had in Riviera Maya for our honeymoon and couldn't find back home. Although we promised to only have a couple bites of each piece, we finished the chocolate bombe and literally left a bite each of the rest of the pastries. It was a sweet idea!
(4)
R J.
Been here several times in the past year, never tried their baked eggs dish until just now. 2 eggs almost over-done instead of over-easy, well-salted and nicely seasoned, plus a toasted/sliced croissant and jam were included. I think this dish is a few $ overpriced for $11, and it appeals mainly to their elderly, or tourist, or soccer mom clientele. It is high quality, tasted fine, and I must complement their nice servers. But I'll stick with their ham and cheese croissant for half the price here in the future for quick breakfast bite in my neighborhood.
(4)
Raquelle Z.
This was a nice place for a girl with a sweet tooth. I had a butter cookie with a latte while I was in the restaurant, then a Chocolate Bombe in my hotel room. Both were delicious. The service was friendly and helpful. The prices are a big high however, I am willing to pay for quality, and freshly made desserts.
(4)
Elise G.
Their macarons are very tasty and a great price ($1.25) given the size relative to other places I've gone to. My favorite was the vanilla and raspberry ones. I also had their pistachio fig braid, apple onion bacon croissant, and ham and cheese over the course of a week when I was in town. They all were fantastic. I was not expecting to find such a great pastry place in Columbus. The staff was very helpful and dud a great job packing up my macarons to take home with my on the plane, they made it in perfect condition.
(5)
Monty B.
Almond croissant is very good. Tasty and generous filling. Solid, flaky croissant. Pecan cinnamon twist was ok. Kind of like a donut.
Pistacia Vera or PV is simply wonderful. Wonderful atmosphere, wonderful service and wonderful baked goods and espresso! If you haven't visited, then you should - soon.
(5)
Jason F.
Solid spot. Where sugar and flour met and decided to spawn. Really, too many good things to list. Great ambiance, really terrific pastries. If out and about in German Village it's a good look. The coffees are also top notch. I would suggest that they start a pour-over service as it would take their coffee-pastry amalgam to a whole new level. In any event, give these folks a go.
(5)
Jenny B.
When it comes to eating, I like my food with my sugar, so of course Pistacia Vera fits this mold to the T. For a long time I had been skeptical about macarons and thought that I didn't like them. I have an aversion to almonds, unless they are whole or almond butter. I hate amaretto and almond paste, so I just thought macarons fit into the same category. But that sure changed when I tasted the macrarons from Pistacia Vera. They are just melt in your mouth goodness. The subtle crisp crunch, airy lightness and variety of flavors of their macarons are unmatchable.
(5)
Brady S.
Hands down, delicious. I definitely want to try out their lunch menu.
(5)
Sarah S.
Isn't is great when a place is just as good as you hoped it would be? Pistacia Vera is a gem, and if I lived in Columbus I would be here all the time. It's a great open space, with lots of tables and outdoor seating - perfect for a late afternoon cup of coffee and a book. Not to mention the FOOD! The dessert cases are just such beautiful works of art! Every cake and macaroon and cookie are just as visually pleasing as they are delicious - I wish I could spend a whole day trying everything in the store! From Yelp's recommendation, I came to try their macaroons, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. They have a great selection of flavors with something for everyone - from a classic Pistachio to a more out-of-the-box Yuzu Guava. All delicious. Perfectly crunchy outside, and either a sweet house-made jam or a creamy ganache on the inside. I came back before they closed and got more macaroons to go - plus a Pistachio Honey Nougat and an Almondine cookie to try! The customer service was also lovely, the woman behind the counter offered to make me an iced chamomile tea (even though it wasn't on the menu) and told me if it didn't come out just as I wanted, she would make it again. Needless to say, like everything I had here, it was great. If I had more time here in Columbus, I would come back for brunch, a galette, probably a croissant, hell ANYTHING and everything. In short: don't miss this place.
(5)
Nicholas C.
This is hands-down my favorite bakery in the Columbus area. My two favorites that stand out are the nutella Bostock and Almond Croissant. They tend to bake their croissants a little more "done" than other bakeries and that's just how I like it. Imagine biting into a cruncy croissant to reveal the gooiest, flakiest, almond-liqueur soaked goodness inside. Get one and a coffee. Best $6 you're going to spend in a while.
(5)
Corina P.
Portions are a bit on the big side for my taste (probably not for the average American endless stomach) and croissants are more brownish than what I am used to. Still, I love the place for coming to have a nice brunch once in a while. The flavors are immaculate and I just have not found anything similar in Columbus or in what I know of the Midwest for that matter. Worth visiting, at least once. But be warned: delicate pastry comes with a price, a big price.
(4)
Gwen W.
What the...!!!!!!! I can't believe I forgot to leave a review from my first visit here!?! I yi yiiii :) Well, my absolute LOVE for this hidden gem has not changed one bit!. My first time, I got the Mushroom Quiche and Lemon Tart. It was so good, this time around I got the exact same thing. Results? Perfect!! This time around, the quiche was in a small circle of crust, instead of cut like a pie of pie. And, YES, it was still as heavenly as ever. The cheese taste was not overpowering. I could smell and taste the mushroom slices. Mmmm!! And the login tart for dessert? Outstanding, as always!! True lemon taste is completely evident, but not to "tarty" for my liking :) a wonderful, scrumptious brunch!!
(5)
Elaine W.
I'm not a huge macaron fan--got over that phase, I think--but I will put one hand on the bakery counter and vouch for their croissants. The best thing is, if you need justification to indulge, they have RYE croissant. Back in the day when I was into macarons, and I discovered this elegant little shop on a quiet cobblestone street in the German Village, my two friends and I each got a macaron. When we sat down to dig in, we noticed that each was a different size! For some reason this was hilarious back then. But I think it just goes to show that they make everything fresh, in-house. I've seen people in line go a little crazy for the eclairs, so there must be something irresistible there, and I intend to try their breakfast one day.
(4)
Samantha S.
Usually I go to a pastry place knowing exactly what I want to get since they are known for one thing or another. This place though...everything is good. Which puts me in a really big dilemma! I love a good macaron which this place definitely does well. But if I were to come here again I would be inclined to keep trying new things. The hazelnut torte was about one of the best desserts I've had in a really long time. I got 4 macarons, I would say the best out of the bunch was the caramel pecan. I would have liked to try a couple of other things but I can only ingest so many pastry calories a day without starting to feel guilty.
(5)
Soly Z.
MAN OH MAN WAS THIS PLACE DIVINE! Macaroons were just about as good as what I got on the streets of Paris at La Duree a few short months ago. The breakfast pastries were also perfect - not too rich, not too light, and the latte was a delicate balance of strong espresso and milk that was heated to the temperature that was just right. I only wish I bought more treats to take home and sample. I will most certainly be back next time I find myself in Columbus.
(5)
Jenna A.
AMAZING. I got a box of macaroons and so very much enjoyed them. So delicious, especially the raspberry and lavender ones. The staff was a little short with us, I don't know why, but still generally helpful. I will definitely be going back as soon as possible. The chocolate cake looks amazing!
(5)
Teresa C.
Stopped by for a small snack and totally enjoyed their Macarons. A slight crunch outside and moist goodness inside.
(5)
Chin C.
Tried my very first macarons (pistachio and lemon) a couple weeks ago while visiting Columbus, and love it! I also enjoyed the ambience of Pistacia Vera and their price is reasonable. The only thing that I can pick on was the cafe au lait that i ordered taste like latte, it was a good latte though.
(5)
Patricia C.
Best macaroons outside of Paris! Discovered Pistachio Vera after a trip to Paris and their macaroons are very comparable to those we devoured in France. I buy them as hostess gifts and special treats for guests, family, and friends. Love!!
(5)
Doug O.
Cute atmosphere, delicious pastries, a great brunch menu, and good coffee. A nice bakery and coffee shop for anyone in the German Village neighborhood.
(4)
Liz R.
Loved every second we spent in Pistacia Vera. Highly recommend you make this place a stop while you're in the area. Spotlessly clean. Relatively comfortable seating, inside and out. Gorgeous pastry jewels behind the glass. We came for the macarons (OK, I came for the macarons, but Ken actually had one too), but everything looked beyond edible. We were still stuffed from lunch, but the macarons were tiny. And yum! I chose nutella, and Ken went with vanilla. Mine was delicious - crispy, puffy meringue cookies with the smooth, creamy interior. I thought Ken made a huge mistake getting boring, old bland vanilla, but I must admit it was also quiet good. Not bland at all. It was difficult to only get the two macarons, no matter how full we were. I knew anything extra wouldn't hold up well in our hotel room (although the staff said they could give us frozen ones to give us more time in the heat - keep this in mind).
(5)
Jessica T.
Do you really need another review telling you why Pistacia Vera is awesome? Yes, yes you do. Pistacia Vera makes the most delicate and delicious baked goods I have ever had. Light and airy Parisian-style macarons. Amazing layered dacquoise cakes. Fruit tarts that will blow your mind. A chocolate bombe which looks so amazing, I'm afraid to try it because it might truly be the stuff of legend: actual death by chocolate. Their coffee is full-bodied and strong enough to really complement the sweet desserts. The espresso drinks are always top-notch. Heck, even their candy is delicious. They make these otherworldly cashew butter caramels that literally melt in your mouth. Only the $12-per-box price tag is enough to keep me from wolfing them down in one sitting. Their storefront is, of course, lovely as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in beautiful light and allow for excellent people watching. Their bathroom is totally gorgeous and belongs in a design magazine, not in a restaurant. I think the only thing that I am not a raving fan about is their brunch. I ordered a bacon, onion and spinach quiche, which had a thick, savory filling, but the crust wasn't very good. (Disclaimer: I'm really picky about crust.) It was kind of dry and bland, and not what I'd expect from a place with otherwise amazing baked goods. It wasn't overly disappointing, but next time I'll stick to the flaky and buttery pan au chocolat that's never let me down.
(5)
Heather T.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! Are you kidding me? Hey, if you like typical and bland, stand-offish, loud, rushed, and half-assed, then stay away from this place....more macarons for me! Hands down the best desserts in the city. Delicious coffee. I must go back to try the meals too, but I am as dessert freak and this is fantabulous. Favorites so far: the pistachio macaron (the pumpkin was awesome too) and "The Nun," which is a hazelnut dream dessert. Small (as in maybe 9 tables), a few little tables outside, a nice, clean spiffy bathroom, polite staff, bright clean atmosphere. I literally want to try everything this place offers.
(5)
Monica L.
Their Chocolate Chunk Pistachio cookie has saved my life! Whenever I'm feeling a little blue, I know that cookie and a cup of coffee will lift my spirits. Okay so maybe it's not a secret that Pistacia Vera has amazing confections, but their coffee stands out as well. I make a point to visit this gem at least once a week and if I've been a real good girl, I might indulge in one of their Chocolate truffles! The staff is warm and the bathrooms are clean, but best of all they even have parking in German Village!! If you are looking for a pick-me-up, look no further than Pistacia Vera!!
(5)
Erica R.
Eh, this place is okay. It has a warm atmosphere and gluten-free macaroons but overall it is a little pretentious. I am also partial to Cherbourg's which is the greatest bakery in Columbus but this joint is in my neighborhood so I find myself here from time to time when I don't feel like making the trip to Bexley.
(3)
Vicky T.
Pricy and a bit rich (heavy). Despite the fact, their shelves are an orchestral arrangement of true hand-crafted goods. I've only had their caramel pecan twist? braid?, pistachio cookie, and an assortment of their macaroons. They are a genuine treat for a craving soul! I hope you enjoy whatever you select there! The store is a gem in town, please take a look around for yourself
(4)
Mike B.
Thank goodness they got rid of the free wifi, the only complaint I ever had keeping it from five stars was that the german village mom club would always be here taking up all the seats. If you don't take it to go, politely finish and leave. German village is a beautiful place, walk down to schiller park and hang out with your friends if you need a place to chat. If you need wifi, there's always starbucks. That all being said, PV are masters of pastry, I have never had anything off the menu that has been any less than perfect.
(5)
Matt G.
Try everything on the menu! ...oh yeah, and the coffee. There's not much I can say that others haven't. So, here it goes: Make a selection from a wide-array of ever-changing pastries and goodies. I bought a caramel espresso tart - Duh-licious! Also, I indulged in the ham & cheese croissant - Good, yet very flaky and messy - You are warned. Along with my two selections, I purchased a delightfully tasting coffee and spent only around $15. It may seem a bit pricier but it is worth EVERY PENNY! To top it all off, the patio is a nice place to sit and read or just enjoy the weather. They also open up the entire side window section to make it the ultimate summer relaxation location. Every one there is very kind and friendly (an added bonus to the experience). I'll go back again and again! So many things I have yet to try!
I wandered into this place the first time I was in Columbus on business. We found it completely by accident and I can say that was a very happy accident. Both times I have come here I have order the Emmentaler Croque with strawberry preserve. It was amazing. So good in fact that I will be making a detour here anytime I can when I am here for work. I also got to try a bit of the Smoked Salmon Tartar and enjoyed it just as much. If you are nearby you should stop by for a bite. I don't think you will be disappointed.
(5)
Josie T.
Went here after an afternoon at the Cols Art Museum. It was snowy but still packed. There is a tiny parking lot across the street although I read here parking was on the street only. I loved the ambiance but this place is not a vegan bakery as advertised. There was one vegan "food" item - $8 gummy candies. I did not see any nutritional information posted. Macaroons were delicious but $1.50 each. I was surprised they didn't have a "sampler" I probably would have ordered more. Real food items are only served until 2pm, even on weekends. Prices of those items also seemed expensive since you purchased from a counter and had to wait for drinks. (Lemonade was served after we finished eating.) Seating was cramped, would have liked to be able to sit upstairs in the loft area.
(3)
Emma F.
I've only had the maraons here - but they are really good - not the best I've had - but maybe the best in Columbus!
(4)
Kassy M.
Atmosphere: Pistacia Vera is exactly the kind of place I want to spend my lazy Sundays. It's airy and gets lots of sunlight. Perfect noise level. You know it's good when it attracts all different kinds of people in very different age groups. I dare you to walk out of here without purchasing a couple macarons. Interior: I know the stairs leading to the second floor seem like it's another level of seating, but it's not. They just have an office up there. They really should convert it to more seating so they could accomodate more people at once! Service: The girls here are super friendly. I like that they have Pistacia Vera cards for frequent customers so that they could fill it up and just mention their name when they go to pay so it can just be deducted from their balance. The biggest issue is that they close at 7pm. They should be open till at least 9pm so people could come here for dessert and post-dinner coffee! It's the perfect place for it. Food: I have tried the "tomato provencal baked eggs" which they serve for brunch...and it's really fucking delicious. I think it's one of those contagious dishes where one person will get it and others will just HAVE to get it because it looks and smells amazing. Macarons: Their macarons deserve their own catagory because they are the best that I've ever had. They're only $1.25 each, which is insane to me. You cannot find macarons for that cheap in NYC. They're usually $1.50~$2.50 each, and they do not make them as big as they do here! Drinks: I've only tried their soy chai lattes but they are on par with the rest of the stuff they serve here.
(5)
Christopher M.
Not only do they have amazing pastries and coffee, it is an incredibly aesthetic atmosphere. I'm lucky to be visiting Columbus on a gorgeous summer day so I'm able to also enjoy their patio seating. Fantastic!
(5)
Van N.
Best quiche ever and the macarons melt in your mouth! Was in Columbus for a Hackathon that my company was sponsoring at the OSU and we went here for a quick brunch. It's a small little spot in German Village, but everything was delicious. The croissants definitely need to be mentioned as well because they were so flaky and tasty, even the whole grain one. If I ever come back to the area, I'm coming back here for sure!
(4)
Rachel L.
Some of the most delicious macarons I've ever had. Also tried their plum cardamom frangipan which was amazing as well. A bit on the pricey side, but I think it's still worth it.
(4)
Kathryn W.
I read so much about Pisatcia Vera, that I couldn't take it any more and had to go. I can say that the Macarons were enough to decide I HAVE to go back! :) We tried 6 different flavors and were in love with all of them. The buckeye one was the top out of all of them. Pistacia Vera has a great atmosphere. Reminds me of a restaurant you would see in a movie. We went there on a Saturday afternoon. They had amazing desserts, pastries, coffee, etc. We didn't know what we wanted because it all looked amazing! Everyone was very friendly and it was a very relaxing environment. When I need a macron fix or a foodie present, I will be visiting for sure.
(4)
Jenny H.
Oh Pistacia Vera, how I adore thee. My patronship borders between a foodie love affair and a fantastical obsession of whether I can seek permanent refuge in their sunlit, frosted-window bathroom. The macarons are scrumptious with varied offerings everytime I stop in. Whether it's a cup of valhrona hot chocolate on a chilly winter's day to a morning pastry or an entremet gift boxed for a deserving friend-- Pistacia Vera's always been my go-to place in german village.
(5)
Molly W.
I did love this place. The macaroons are spectacular, especially the Vanilla Bean macaroon. The coffee was great as well. I loved the atmosphere. The inside is relatively large with a good amount of seating, and there's outdoor seating as well. It was pretty crowded when we went, but we were able to find a table outside. The parking for this place is not great, but it's better than most places in the area. The only complaint I had was the waitress spilled hot coffee down my leg and didn't apologize, she just asked if I wanted a napkin.. Despite this, I would definitely come back.
(4)
David W.
Three words: Honey, Lavender, Macaroon. Not lying, that is the best thing I have ever tasted! My wife and I go here at least once a week for them. Must go here if you are coming to columbus. They have coffee and lots of other baked goods, but you HAVE TO GET THE MACAROONS!
(5)
Laura T.
I go in to order pastries to go pretty often. Your best bet is to just go in and see what they have that day and put together a little taster package. Everything is really top notch. The macarons are a given to try if you've never been and I am personally in love with their rye croissants. They are the best. I have never actually sat down to have brunch, but the plates of diners always look awesome when I pass through. Their typically very busy on weekend afternoons so be prepared to wait a few minutes. They also have a North Market location with a more limited selection, but is sometimes better for grabbing some things and being on your way.
(4)
Rob W.
Great Desserts!
(5)
Christina C.
d r o o l It's true. My first trip to Pistacia was yesterday. It's been a long time coming - obv. But as you know, some things are so worth the wait. This was totally one of them. But why? "Gimme all the treats!!!!" is what I really wanted to scream. The sheer amount of time and dedication that goes in to preparing these masterpieces is beyond me. Most people know Pistacia as a destination for perfect pastries or majestic macarons but they also have some savory options too like quiche! I can vouch for to the macarons, by the way, which were light, fluffy and oh-so-satisfying. They are bite-sized and $1.25 a piece, but my goodness, they are perhaps my new preferred dessert. Perfect for curing a sweet tooth without over indulging! Wifi is free (just ask for the password), the coffee was fantastic and it was quiet enough to concentrate and do work. I've typically gone down the street to Cup O' Joe to settle in for a day of working at the"office" but no more. Pistacia is my new work-from-home destination! Let me know if you'd like to join.
(5)
Alison H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! They have a small brunch menu, but the quiche is the best I have ever had. It is the perfect portion and comes with a small salad. Delicious! And then comes the macaroons... the first time I was here with my boyfriend we each had one, the next trip we each got 2 and the next trip we bought a to-go box of 10. Each flavor is so delicious, but coconut is our favorite. The outside seating is a plus and I heard a rumor that they are expanding their seating.
(5)
Jina P.
Best desserts in columbus ohio. I love their macarons! I like their variety box - I like eating all different flavors!
(5)
Ken G.
Such a great little spot for excellent treats. I really like the fact that everything is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. I enjoyed the following: Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Slice - a very moist and chocolatey cake that isn't too sweet, but is very decadent. It's some of the best chocolate cake I've ever had. Bittersweet Fudgie - cross between a cookie and a brownie, it's a definite must for any chocolate fan. It's got a thin crusty outside and nice, moist and chewy inside. Cashew Caramel - a very nice, smooth and velvety caramel with the unique addition of salted cashews. It was an excellent way to satisfy that salty/sweet craving. Strawberry-Lychee Pates de Fruits - a sweet and fresh-tasting fruit pate...I liked the twist of the unique flavors - lychee with strawberry? Awesome! This is a fantastic spot, especially if you have a sweet tooth.
(5)
Maria P.
Excellent choice! The pistachio dessert, the lemon tart and the macarons are delicious! Fully recommended!
(5)
Anthony C.
This place is fantastic! That's all you need to know. If are going to take a nice girl out on a date but you don't want to spend a fortune on drinks and dinner take her here on a Sunday afternoon.
(5)
Dezerie S.
The macarons are delicious. My favorite item though is the maple pecan twist. Its sweet and light.
(5)
Michelle E.
I am 100% in LOVE with their macaroons! 12 different flavors, all to DIE for! Hibiscus elderberry and lemon are my favorites. $1.20 a piece, who can beat that? Will definitely be returning here next time I'm in German Village!
Outstanding place. The almond bear claws are wonderful. The service matches the quality of the food.
(5)
Lisa S.
You could sell Pistacia Vera out of a cardboard box on the corner of a dirty street and I would still buy their delicious macrons. Artisan doesn't even begin to describe the care and craft that goes into making the sweet treats at Pistacia Vera. What magnifies the entire experience is actually purchasing your treats at Pistacia Vera, and not at the aforementioned cardboard box. The inside is like a museum or art gallery dedicated to the artful pastries found delicately arranged inside glass display cases or on top of platters, tempting you to purchase and then consume. And I consumed a sampling of nearly everything Pistacia Vera had to offer me! I purchased a handful of macrons, all of which are gluten free much to the delight of my friend. The flavors vary - some are staples and offered all year round which others are seasonal, enticing you to return. There was also a flour-less raspberry chocolate torte that was sinfully delicious and would fool any flour-loving person. I sampled the cashew caramel and the pistachio honey nougat, but what really sealed the deal on my inaugural visit was the chocolate bombe, which I consumed selfishly by myself. Pistacia Vera is perfect for treating yourself or for treating someone special. Despite my confidence in the kitchen, I would even consider buying sweets from Pistacia Vera as a gift to a hostess throwing a nice party. Really, they're perfect for any occasion.
(5)
Estera P.
Delightful place to grab a European-style snack.
(4)
Sabrina L.
The first few times I attempted to eat at Pistacia Vera I inevitably showed up when it was closed. Luckily it seems they've expanded their days/hours because I haven't had this problem in the last year. I know I'm going to get the names wrong on the desserts that I'll recommend, but let me start by saying that I've never had anything here that was bad. It's all be above and beyond my expectations, so really, I doubt you could go wrong. It should be noted that there are two kinds of macaroons in the world. The nasty coconut cookies that have ruined the name, and the delicious and colorful sweets that evoke thoughts of European bakeries. By my five star rating it's probably obvious by now, Pistacia Vera carries the latter. The macaroons are absolutely perfectly. The cookie crust is like a meringuey sugar shell that hides the moist cookies and filling in between. They are brightly coloured and cheaply priced and make a great treat for yourself or a gift for someone else. They look expensive so you'll look good! I've also tried the round chocolate bomb looking thing, which was so rich that two of us split it with some left over even though it was small, and the almond cookies as well. Both were exactly what I'd hoped they would be. You won't regret a stop here and you'll be surprised how little you can spend to get something truly special.
(5)
Julianne D.
I stopped here purposefully to buy a gluten-free gift for a loved one. I ended up getting coffee, croissants, and brioche in addition to said gift (macarons). Ah-mazing. Patient, helpful staff. Really delicious baked goods. My cousin, the gift recipient, said the macarons were the most amazing thing she's had in years. She had to hide them in her house to prevent others from stealing them.
(5)
Emily D.
A Parisian cafe in the heart of Columbus. It's a beautiful little shop with to-die-for marcarons in a variety of flavors, as well as other baked goods and homemade items. The hot chocolate is absolutely sinful and the coffee is perfect. Sit at one of the little marble tables, bring a book, and enjoy! Parking is always an issue in German Village, but you can park across the street, on the street, or at one of the two parking spaces on site.
(5)
Lydia M.
Oh my gosh, absolutely amazing. Honestly, better macarons than Laduree in Manhattan. Delicious tarts and other sweets.
(5)
Roger C.
From the gourmet organic macarons in had in San Francisco to the authentic macarons I had in Europe, these are the best I've had. The flavors really come through and there's no guessing what flavor you're having. My wife and I splurged and got the sampler pack (one of each flavor) and so should you!
(5)
Benjamin B.
The croissants are amazing, their preserves are top notch, and if you feel like springing the extra cash get the shirred eggs, you will not regret it (have not tried any of the other premium breakfast items yet, but I would assume they were fabulous as well). The coffee is also top notch, both iced and hot. Bonus points for the never ending staff of cute girls.
(5)
Rachael L.
I have just one word - WOW!!! I heard from a co-worker that I just "have" to go check this place out, and then a couple of days later a friend was raving about it as well. So today I headed down to the village to see if it is as good as I had been hearing. The location is on 3rd - super convenient and I found parking to be really easy (street) I think I saw a lot with a couple of spots as well, but could be wrong. The space is open and absolutely gorgeous, I stood before the glass case filled with every type of decadent dessert you could ever want and could not bear to choose just one. My friend and I chose three (chambord manjari feuilletine, Key Lime something or other and then a praline something or other - apologies the last two seem to be new additions and are not listed on the online menu) to sample between the two of us. The service was friendly and efficient absolutely no complaints. It was a nice day so we opted to eat at one of the outdoor tables (more bonus points for outdoor seating). The service continued to be attentive and we had our water glasses refilled almost as soon as they were emptied. But none of this is as important as how AMAZINGLY good the desserts were. Every bite was so good. I would HIGHLY recommend you get yourself to Pistacia the next time you want an amazing dessert. You will not be disappointed! Hugs.
(5)
Rachel P.
This place was really cute, and a great introduction to my first Macron! At first, I thought that macarons and macaroons were the same thing. Honestly, nothing is worse to me than coconut treats. Coconut is my least favorite ....anything. Macaroons tend to be the only 'cookie' that's kosher for passover and I remember that dreaded week where my dad would always forget that I HATE Macaroons and slip them into my lunch. UGH SO GROSS. However, these are not Macaroons. These are Macarons. No coconut added. Jon R. and I went here for breakfast one day. The place is in a clean, modern and spacious building. Also, I'm on a big kick with this right now, but I couldn't help but notice how handicap friendly the store was with a huge wheelchair ramp and very accessible counter tops. Someone seriously put a lot of thought into this. Props! It took us a long time to decide what we wanted, but the staff was very patient and helpful. We settled on two croissants (one plain, one chocolate) and two macarons each. Might I add how gorgeous these macarons are sitting on display? Just beautiful. I also got my usual iced coffee. Honestly, this might have been the best iced coffee in Columbus. Ask for it sweetened; you won't be disappointed. It was heavenly. The croissants were good, but not incredible. The macarons were wonderful. I loved the black raspberry and double chocolate one. These things are so yummy and pretty that I felt so sophisticated eating them. It was like a tea party, but I was drinking (amazing) coffee and didn't have my teddy bear. Thanks for making a macaron fan out of me Pistacia Vera!
(4)
Jonathan S.
The Bittersweet Fudgie made with Valrhona chocolate is amazing. The pistachio strawberry dacquoise torte is amazing. The passionfruit chambord flourless torte is amazing. All of the macarons are amazing, with black raspberry being my absolute favorite. I drool just thinking about them. Need I say more? I also ordered a box of macarons to be mailed to NY for Christmas awhile back. $16 for a box of 12. They arrived in tip top condition, still fresh and tasty. Never had a bad experience here. Cannot wait to try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Meghann T.
I have always passed by this place, and always wanted to go, however, the parking was always a pain in the butt. I was lucky enough to find a spot to park my car and walk to the restaurant over the weekend. What a pleasant surprise. A cute, dainty little cafe in German Village. I walked in, and the place smelled of sugar and coffee (two of my favorite things)! There were tables with two chairs, a lit candle, and many people enjoying a treat over coffee and conversation. I asked the woman behind the adorned counter of sweets for her suggestions. She recommended the black cherry and the pistachio macarons. What a marvelous suggestion - I should have gotten a half dozen! One of each was not enough to satisfy my new found glory! The cafe is very tidy, and always busy. I plan on going back this weekend, perhaps at the ass crack of dawn to get a parking spot and my new favorite dessert.
(5)
Susan R.
I'm not sure if my previous experience with Pistacia Vera was just during an off time, or what, but today's visit to PV absolutely blew my mind. Hubs and I had a pain au chocolat (one each--no bloody way was I sharing), a couple of their delicious macarons, and a shortbread cookie. Everything was delicious, but the star was truly the pain au chocolat--flaky, tender, not oversweet, filled with good chocolate. I don't remember such a large selection of French-style baked goods last time I was there--it was mostly cookies and such besides what was in the dessert case--so this was a very, very welcome change. The selections in the case were far more impressive this time, too. I saw several things that I'd like to try. The lemon tart that I'd had last time was a little fancier-looking this time around, even if it still had that candied rind on top that distracted me so the first time. The only drawback? It was so busy that we had to take our food outside. We sat on a butt-freezing concrete bench while we scarfed down our goodies. But that's fine; I'd suffer a little numb-bottom any day to have another pain au chocolat.
(5)
Alaina C.
I love this place so much. Everything I've ever eaten here has been outstanding! Their coffee is good, the croque Monsieur is wonderful and of course the macarons are orgasmic. Pricey but I can't stay away. My favorite macaron flavors are the lemon and the lavender.
(5)
Cherie R.
I just had the baked eggs this morning for breakfast - and I want them again. And again. It seems so simple! Baked eggs, butter, herbs, cheese, and tomatoes. But it was sooooooooooooooooooooo good! Their baked goods are top notch, as well as their brunch items. You won't regret visitng here! As someone who is allergy prone, I really appreciate their nut free and gluten free menus - it makes me feel a lot safer eating here than I usually feel at bakeries.
(5)
Kee V.
I love a good croissant and Pistacia Vera has good ones. Coffee was strong and freshly brewed. I wasn't in love with the canele though. It looked great but there was a overwhelming anise-like taste that I didn't enjoy. There was something just a little off about the flavor. All of the items looked great and I plan on getting a bunch of macarons before leaving Columbus in a couple days because they looked great. It's a great space and a great place to hang out and people watch.
(4)
Josh W.
The best bakery in Columbus!
(5)
Marissa C.
So... brunch and dessert are my two favorite courses. What does Pistacia Vera make? Yes, indeed, brunch and dessert. Obviously, this was already set up to be a match made in heaven. It's got a darling little location in historic German Village, with parking on available in lots on both sides of the street. The shop is on the small side, so if you want a table, you may have to watch and wait a bit. They do take out, though, so you can always get your fix and take it home... if you can wait that long.... When you walk in, your gaze immediately falls upon the wondrous glass case full of goodies. The signature macarons are amazing! So light and luscious with some amazing flavor choices. The cakes are quite good too, especially the Meyer Lemon Pistachio Dacquoise, and chocolate lovers should check out the Cassis Berry Flourless. Everything is as beautiful to the eye as it is delicious to taste. The savory brunch dishes include two types of quiches, baked eggs, smoked salmon, and a devilishly rich Croque Monsieur, and there are some delightful sweet and savory pastries. Gluten free and nut free folks can enjoy the shop too - the signs are all conveniently labelled accordingly, making it quick and easy to pick out what you want that fits your needs. There is also free Wifi available, and, of course, coffee for you coffee drinkers.
(5)
Edwin Y.
The best Chocolate croissant ever! It's flaky and buttery. Their macarons are the one of best in the country. Family and friends in NYC ask I bring some with me when I visit them in Manhattan. That's says a lot when Manhattan is known for their food.
(5)
A A.
Cobblestone streets lead to a trendy bakery in a historic section of Columbus. There are a myriad of tempting choices. I chose the cleverly crafted macarons in pistachio mocha & cranberry grapefruit. I also loved the chai latte. My companions chose the gingerbread macarons, and pain au chocolat. None of us had much to say as we devoured the sweet treats. The beautiful wall color (in pistachio green of course) adds to the feeling of tranquility and escapism.
(4)
Katy B.
Love the macarons! A bit pricey but way less than other places around here. The tortes are decadent and also very elegant looking. I was hesitant to take a bite and ruin the dessert!
(5)
Janet D.
Very friendly staff. Small store, but had plenty of beautifully placed desserts. The macarons were just a-ok for me. I am going to have to say my favorite macarons are in the Bay area.
(3)
K F.
Wonderful coffee and pastries in a quant neighborhood setting. For the quality of the fare and location the prices were excellent. Service was friendly and prompt. A good stop with ample parking and seating on a Sunday morning. Lots of dogs to pet walking by.
(5)
Amber S.
I've only ever stopped in to get desserts or cookies. I have fallen in love with their Macarons. The Almondine Cookies are addicting. Seriously, it's difficult to eat just one. The Cashew Caramels are delicious. Tip 1: If you're going to travel across the country with a package of macarons, be sure to keep it refrigerated until you pack. Then bundle it up in lots of layers so they don't get crushed on the plane ride. Tip 2: They are a member of Dine Originals Columbus so twice a year you can get discounted gift certifcates to use there.
(5)
Joe B.
This is the vibe I'd love to emulate if I ever open my bakery/patisserie! It's beautiful and modern inside with an almost sparseness where everything looked bright and clean. The front counter was filled with gorgeous pastry most notably of which was the top shelf that was covered in a gallimaufry of macarons! For those of you unfamiliar, they're meringue sandwich cookies made with almond flour and filled. They're pronounced like macaroni without the "I" and nothing like our American macar"oon"s....try them, you'll freak out! I ordered one of each and worked my way through all of them over the next two days. These were really great although they weren't completely set the first day leaving them a tad gummy, the second day however they were just about perfect. I also ordered a Rye croissant having never seen one before along with one of their traditional croissant for good measure. I liked both but they were a little dry inside...I'm gathering it may have been because it was later in the day when I purchased them so they may have dried out while on display. They were flaky and large although they could've been a little more buttery! The Rye was fantastic with the caraway seed sprinkle and I can only imagine the amazing Reuben sandwich one could make with these gems. There were a ton of things I would try if I was in town again and I liked everything I had. The macaron flavors were all on point and well conceived of my favorites being the pistachio and the coconut FYI. Definitely worth a drop-in especially if you're from out of town and looking for something special for an in-town friend! The one thing I would've loved to see here was bread but perhaps they bake that on another day?
(4)
Skyler G.
Honestly, they have some of the best macarons I've ever tried in the U.S. They are delicious! I make sure to stop here every time I'm in German Village. All of their pastries are amazing, and their shortbread cookies make my day! You can tell that the pastry chefs here are authentic and hardworking, as they do such a wonderful job! Keep up the great work! : )
(5)
GirlOnTheOcean R.
Hands down, best in Columbus. The pastrys are yummy! The macarons are to die for yummy! The chai tea latte is yummy! evertyhing is very good. great place to sit and read a book or grab some goodies to go! highly recommed!
(5)
Joyce K.
Artisanal baking and pasteries! Love their macarons especially. Small cafe, I usually need to find street parking, as it's located in German Village. They have a lot of specialty coffees and desserts, super yummy. Definitely worth checking out!
(5)
Helen S.
Amazing. My bf and I came here to pick up a cake for a friend and to get desserts for ourselves. I got a pistachio macaron. Now, I'm a macaron fanatic, and while this wasn't the absolute best macaron I've ever had, it was still pretty high up there. I considered buying more to bring home, but I was afraid it would be too delicate because of the buttercream filling so I refrained from purchasing more. My bf chose the chocolate bombe. We didn't eat it until about a day later, by which point it had sorta exploded in my bag (no pun intended?). Although it wasn't pretty anymore, it tasted amazing. It consists of chocolate mousse and light chocolate cake, encased in chocolate ganache. And while it was incredibly rich, it was rich in a good way because I felt contented afterwards (instead of oh-god-too-much-chocolate kind of bloated). Om nom.
(5)
Jessica R.
Want to impress someone with a fantastic tasting and looking birthday cake? Head to Pistacia Vera immediately! I've had a taste of just about all of their cakes and they do not disappoint. My co-workers kept commenting how they felt like they were at a 5 star restaurant as we were eating the Pistachio Strawberry Dacquoise in our conference room. And the macarons. I don't know any place else you can get these delicious, colorful, super awesome treats in Columbus. They run $1.25 each or $15 for a box of all 12 varieties - my new go-to birthday, housewarming, etc. gift. Try a box and I know you will be hooked too! The store is quite simplistic but yet sophisticated in decoration. Plus there is sidewalk seating. It's a great place to hangout in German Village. And the question everyone always asks about places in GV, there are a few parking spots along the side of the building and several spots across the street. I've never seen it full so you should be able to get to park near-by.
(5)
Jeff P.
Most excellent! How long has this been here and I didn't know about it??? Excellent place to get your out-of-this-world, hand-crafted pastries, or...like I did, grab some tasty brunch and delicious coffee (of course with a side of awesome macaroons) and enjoy the sun outside. Great, friendly service too.
(5)
Brioche C.
I've been going to Pistacia Vera for years (since it was in the Short North). I've always liked anything they produced in the dacquoise or frangipan category. Others prefer the deep dark chocolate bombe. Though I appreciate the skill in producing the bombe and recognize its quality, its too strong for my taste. For breakfast I like the almond bear claw and maple pecan twist, but feel that the croque monsieur, while authentic to some I've had in Europe, are not nearly as nice as a fresh one from La Chatelaine. I rate Pistacia Vera 5 stars, not because I like everything, or because it's perfect (nothing is). But because compared to every other food establishment in Columbus, they come the closest to achieving the high standards they strive for.
(5)
Megan B.
I love their iced coffee! This is a great pit stop on my way to work. They are incredibly friendly and efficient servers. All of their treats look delicious and I can't wait to stop for an after dinner coffee and dessert sometime.
(5)
Lauren L.
not my kind of place.. I am really not one for sweets. but my GF is obsessed with this place, and the macaroons are growing on me. If GF is happy, everybody is happy.... so i give this place 5 stars
(5)
Chelsea P.
I just stopped by Pistacia Vera to order a basket of goodies for Easter... I honestly wanted to eat everything I saw! Everything is just beautifully presented... from the crisp clean interior design to the the pastries. Anne, one of the owners, helped me select a variety of sweets to take to my family on Easter in a custom little basket. If you want to brighten up your day I suggest visiting Pistacia Vera for both the wonderful pastries and friendly service. If you ever need a quick little gift to take to a party... there are some great hostess gifts at Pistacia Vera.
(5)
S. G.
Absolutely delicious and great little scene
(5)
Randy S.
Pistacia Vera is an upscale dessert house in German Village. It can seem a little overpriced on the surface. But I'll be honest here: For what you get, Pistacia Vera is very reasonably priced. We're talking gourmet tarts for $4. That's tough to beat. I do miss the old Short North incarnation of the shop, but I'll take what I can get. This place offers dessert as high art at a budget price. Rad.
(4)
Crystal P.
Everything was amazing in the Dine Originals Week sampler. Only thing I didn't like was the fruit pate. It was too tart and sweet for my taste. I also had the cannelle, it's definitely a must try. I'd love to go back and try all of the macarons!
(4)
Vikki C.
Seriously amazing desserts. We had the chocolate bombe and the world's best chocolate cookies, with coffee before we went to ShadowBox Live. Slightly pricey, but top quality AND parking spaces!!
(5)
Ann S.
Splitsy day! Sigh, thanks to many people griping, they've changed their menu a bit. This means my coveted pau au chocolate has bitten the dust. *massive sigh* They now make a double pan au chocolate...a chocolate croissant with chocolate in the middle. It was good but we both agree we missed the buttery richness of the regular one because it complimented and intesified the chocolate inside. We still ate it though. You know, we didn't want to hurt it's feelings. We tried a cannele at a Yelper's urging. It was decent. We both felt like we'd tasted something similar before but couldn't put our finger on it. Nice and moist inside and carmelized outside. The rum infusion is barely noticeable but gives it flavor. We split a holiday spice butter sable. I assume the texture is supposed to be dry but as you chew it melts in your mouth. Great flavor and would be perfect for dunking! Mini chocolate bombe is a given...hello, I'm so in love it's my profile pic!
(4)
Katie T.
If I'm in a bad (or good) mood, I go to Pistacia Vera to make the day better. The macarons are like eating a piece of heaven. I can eat a dozen in a sitting if my hips would let me. Also try the chocolate fudgie, one of the best cookies in the city.
(5)
Steven S.
Amazing.... Try the chocolate bomb and the pistachio chunk cookies
(5)
Mike F.
Yes Yes Yes everything here is good! High quality ingredients and so well made. The portion sizes may -seem- small at first, but they are so filled will flavor that it's all you need. After you eat it you feel great. That's what dessert is supposed to do. Wifey and I usually split a small piece of pistachio cake and get something else, like nougat. The other cakes are good, too. Every time I go here, it seems like they have the old standbys and some specials. We always try a new thing when we go in and it's always good. Keep meaning to try the marshmallows. sometimes we eat our food here (instead of "to go") and we aren't sure whether to tip. We do, but is it customary? Great place to buy gifts for people, because the presentation is very classy. Go here.
(5)
Trent C.
One of the most refreshing stores, not only in German Village, but Columbus. The desserts are to die for and the pastries are ridiculously good as well. The scones and the cinnamon sugar sweet rolls are a really great breakfast option. The almondine cookies are delicious. The Grand Cru chocolate truffles are simply divine. You place your order and then question whether you've asked for enough. Chances are, before you leave the parking lot, you will have already opened the box to get your fix. The tarts and tortes are incredibly delicious and unbelievably decadent. If you have any questions, the staff behind the counter are always willing to help. Expect to be able to chat with the chefs as well since they are usually near the counter anyway. No other place (except for Jeni's) can cure my sweet tooth the way that Pistacia Vera can.
(5)
el O G.
Not much more I can add to the place that hasn't been written, but I love coming here to get treats for myself, friends or family. I love the macarons and around the holidays buy gift boxes for the fam. The cookies are good, especially the pistacio chip. This saturday I tried the croissants and lattes this Saturday which were fantastic and good, respectively. Having had many of the desserts at special occassions I have never had something I didn't like here, though I'm known to have a sweet tooth! I never hesitate to bring out of towners here as I feel this bakery can compete with anyone around the country. Next up is to try the new breakfast offerings.
(5)
Karen S.
Best cookies I have ever had!! Wish I lived closer but am glad I don't as it would be a daily habit!! The macaroons are out of this world!
(5)
Shelby M.
Pistacia Vera now has iced espresso-based drinks! The first time I visited I had to pass up the hot coffee (I only do cold drinks). But now, you can enjoy a dessert & a light & smooth latte or iced coffee on the front patio.
(5)
Bonnie N.
So...I decided to visit this place in July when my BF visited from California. I've heard about it from a friend. I LOVE THIS PLACE! Will come back here again, prolly with my girlfriends, hehehe Pros: - high quality desserts and pastries! - flavors are rich and not too sweet (for my palate, atleast) - the decor of this tiny cafe is so cute that it made me feel like I am in Paris, lol! - must try the creme brulee pastry, its heaven! - friendly staff - price is not too bad (I was thinking that a macaroon will be like $4/piece) Cons: - limited parking - its all the way in German Village
(5)
Reuel K.
It's the only place for French macaroons. But they actually have more than that. They have other pastries and enough selections to make it one of my favorite places to go to. Another thing I like here is that they have very good breakfast too. The place is always clean and the people very pleasant.
(5)
S N.
On my touristy trip to Columbus, this cafe stood as a worthy competitor to the best and finest cafes of NY. Everything was great. I loved croque monsieur, buttermilk cake, strawberry preserve and latte. My family raved about their brunch as well (we ordered everything on the menu. Service was not perfect but taste, food et al.
(5)
Sally D.
Pricey but delicious! The portion was small but the taste was all there - we tried the bacon quiche for breakfast & loved it! This was the best quiche I can remember having...ever! Light, fluffy flavorful filling with chunky bits of bacon surrounded by a perfectly flaky pastry crust - yum yum yum! Definitely worth trying & enjoying!
(4)
Jamie M.
I'm amazed. I'm typically a cheesecake, ice cream, pie type of dessert person but this bakery is incredible! I got two macaroons, chocolate bombe, and a dessert I can't remember the name of. The macaroons were good but I'm not the biggest fan of macaroons but I was pleased. However the two other desserts were amazing! The chocolate bombe melts in your mouth, it was also rich but not too sweet. The other dessert was absolutely amazing as well, it had a crunchy base with a rich (but not over doing it) chocolate mousse topping. I can't wait to return and try all the other options! Don't pass this up if you're in columbus.
(5)
Gus W.
I finally got a chance to stop into Pistacia Vera's main spot in German Village this past Sunday. I had to have something to make up for my abysmal experience at Katzinger's, and they're only a couple of blocks from each other. I've been to the location at North Market several times and was a big fan of the desserts I'd tried there. As I said before though, I'm not a huge macaron fan, although I did give them another shot, and I think I liked them a little better this time! The original location here is so nice and cleanly, and the inside almost seems out of place compared to the outside of the building and the surrounding area. It's just so.. new. That's okay though. Not everything in German Village has to fit that old town feel. It was super clean, and the people behind the counter were very nice. I only went with the lemon pine tart, and my buddy tried some strawberry layered cake. I think the pricing is a bit much at $6, especially for mine, which was incredibly tiny, but I've already come to expect that from them, so I wasn't surprised. My lemon tart was awesome. I was expecting the filling to be a little firmer, but it's a very thin custard-y texture that melted in my mouth and went great with the crackery crust. My friend wasn't too keen on the pricing either, but he said if anything was going to be worth close to the $6, it was that strawberry layered tart (whatever you want to call it). He really enjoyed it. I'll probably stick to the North Market location, since it's more convenient for me, but I thought the original spot was very sleek. They also offer quiches that I don't believe North Market does, and they looked very tasty. If I'm back in the area some time, I'll have to check those out as well as the coffee.
(4)
Brad S.
I love this place for a quick pop-in, be it for breakfast or for a tasty treat to take to a party. The croissants (ham and cheese, chocolate, etc.) are great for a grab and go breakfast. The chocolate bomb never fails to amaze recipients. And the macarons are just perfect for a dinner-party-gift. I've always found the staff to be exceptionally helpful - the environment inside is bright and cheery, and that attitude bleeds over into the guests. It's a very community feel here, with chatter going on between tables of strangers.
(5)
LeeJee C.
Good lord where do I begin... Pistacia Vera is the best bakery in the world. I found this gem when I lived in Columbus a few years ago, and ever since, I dream of this place daily. I'm not a big brunch person, but their baked eggs are literally the best breakfast/brunch dish I've ever had! It comes in a hot skillet with tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, and the flavor is indescribable. I'm also not a big fan of croissants, but their ham and cheese croissant is pretty much the best version you'll ever find. Around Fall, they offer their house apple cider, which again, doesn't sound like anything crazy, but I promise you it's the best apple cider you'll ever try!
(5)
Alien T.
Fantastic place for my first cold morning in the city of Columbus. Delicious brunch and a very good place to stop on the road trip. I found this place quite pleasing. I had pouched eggs with tomato, croissant and jam with a cup of coffee. It was, what I wanted on this long road trip. The staff is friendly and happy.
(3)
Claire R.
Pistachia Vera was one of the first places I was told I had to go when I moved to Columbus. They have a lot of items and a select few are done perfectly and thats what keeps me coming back. They have incredible quiches with really fresh, yummy salads which is the perfect breakfast. You have to get them before a certain time but its worth getting out there a little early. This is one of my favorite places to go when my parents are in town, or when getting breakfast with a friend, or even just by myself after wandering around the book loft. Great coffee. Food is a little pricey but worth it for the quality. They also have really, really good macaroons. I have had some amazing macaroons and some terrible ones and these are very good. Some of their flavors are not great but if you pick the right ones, they're winners. My favorite are the pistachio and anything with coconut. I only give four stars because some of their sweets are not 5 star and it is over all pretty pricey. I don't eat here often but every couple of months or so I start craving quiche and don't hesitate to come here (and stop over by Katzingers to pick up lunch for later!)
(4)
Josh Y.
This is THE place for desserts in Columbus. Everything here is delicious. I'm especially a fan of the Chocolate Bombe and the Pear tart.
(5)
Lindsey S.
This is my favorite bakery. Expensive but the best quality you can get. I love their macarons, canells, palmiers, chocolate croissant, almond croissant and hot chocolate! Tried their baked egg dish for brunch which was a little undercooked but very tasty. I drive an hour and a half to come here.
(5)
Jo P.
OH.MY.GOD. Chocolate chip pistachio nut cookies are to DIE for! I'm glad I don't live that close!!!!! The milk chocolate macadamia nut praline cake was MMMMMM. Also, super nice and helpful people that work there. I asked them for a close-by restaurant recommendation, and the lady pulled out a book of menus and looked stuff up on the internet for us. Great!
(5)
Carol C.
It's not every bakery that can successfully wed style with substance, but Pistacia Vera manages this miracle with seemingly effortless skill. Everywhere the clean lines of modern architecture suggest a simple beauty, not unlike the pure perfection in a bite of their freshly-baked bread. Within these red brick walls and tasteful window-lined alcoves, the air of culinary sophistication is no clever ruse: these chefs are artists working in the mediums of savory and sweet, with pleasure as their palette. As if I needed another excuse to indulge in my love of locally-made edibles, I recently decided to participate in a program called "Foodie Pen-Pals". My pal has a weakness for sweets but resides in the West Coast, which meant all treats must be both transportable and durable, in addition to being tasty. It's a tall order, but I instantly knew that Pate de Fruits would achieve every goal. Packaged in an attractive 8-pack, the ombre colored squares of sugared fruit "gems" are intensely flavored yet somehow never too sweet nor too sour, and are absolutely lovely to look upon. They'll easily survive the several day journey, and they're sure to please even the pickiest of pen-pals. My husband and I added two orders of cookies to the purchase, to spoil ourselves after a day's shopping well done. I chose the Bittersweet Fudgie, billed as the "best chocolate cookie ever", a dubious title, but I don't dare disagree. The mister declared it "The best cookie I have eaten, ever" after the first bite I gave him, and I could barely stand to share more. It was like a brownie, or a cookie, or the best parts of both cocoa-laced fantasy worlds: a fever dream of crisp-almost-crunchy crust, with a softly fudgy inner layer that might make you moan as it melts on your tongue. He chose a pair of madeleines, which we discovered were flavored subtly and seductively with lemon. They were almost cloudlike in their spongy tenderness, and sweet as lemonade on a summer afternoon. There is nothing I have tried here that doesn't rival my own baking, or best it. These desserts are among the very best that Capital City has to offer, and I'm inclined to inquire if their brunch might be likewise. As if I needed another excuse!
(5)
Bryant M.
What a sweet find! My friends and I went to lunch at El Arepazo, and we wanted a brownie from Sugardaddy's for dessert. Well, Sugardaddy's was closed. So then we wanted a cupcake from 3 Babes. And it was nowhere in sight. And that's how we found ourselves at Pistacia Vera! Even though it was kind of a last resort, it was not a let down! Liz M had brought me a box of their macarons a few months before, and I totally loved them; so I'm not sure why it took me this long to actually go to the store! Today we had a latte, an iced mocha, the chocolate cookies, the almond cookie, and a few macarons. Everything was beyond delicious. If you like semi-sweet or dark chocolate, then get the chocolate cookie - omg. But if you're more of a milk chocolate person, then maybe you should steer in another direction. I'll totally be going back to Pistacia Vera!
(5)
Leanna L.
The best macaroons I've ever had! So many flavors to choose from and very reasonably priced.
(4)
Alexander B.
Phenomenal quality and awesome presentation. Make someone's week by picking up a box of the macarons. They're pretty much perfection.
(5)
Ayesha K.
The macaroons are divine! Great pastry shop! Location is even better.
(4)
Dave L.
In an attempt to walk off some of the sandwich I had just consumed at Katzinger's Delicatessen I found Pistacia Vera. I am thankful that I was stuffed because there were so many things that looked delicious. I settled on a dozen assorted macaroons. With the help of friends, we returned to the house, brewed some coffee and slaughtered the cookies. The tastes and consistency were amazing - I would have to go through another iteration (or 2) to determine my favorite - they were all excellent.
(5)
David F.
Absolutely amazing. From the Macarons to the hot chocolate, this place is really a star. Very clean, friendly and responsive staff and good lighting. Rush here. Now.
(5)
Morgan D.
I'm always hearing good things about Pistacia Vera in German Village (formerly Pistachio in the Short North). I'd seen their products many times before I actually tasted them. Each dessert item is made with care and an air of aestheticism. The flavors are classy and refined. My first bite was a gift, a small thank you from a co-worker. It was the lemon pistachio macaroon. Small and light, I was almost afraid to pick up this delicacy. The macaroon may have looked dainty, but its flavor was strong. I was hit over the head with lemon. It was like inhaling lemon air. That was where I found my qualm. The texture was the pitfall. It was too light. Usually, the desserts I go crazy for are rich and moist, ooey-gooey good. This macaroon was something new, and I wasn't sure if I liked it. My next encounter with Pistacia Vera was at a birthday party where an elegant pistachio cake was served. I was over the moon! I was about to chomp into the basic namesake of the bakery. The cake was lovely and decorated very professionally. The layers were even with big divisions of icing in between. I thought, "Sugar, sugar, sugar!" But the taste was super light, almost undetectable. If it's not one extreme, it's another. The cake was okay. I ate it without complaint. The chilled icing was actually quite good. But I don't think I would intentionally order a slice again. I would describe Pistacia Vera's products as frou frou. Next time I have a run in with Pistacia Vera, I hope it involves chocolate. Then we can really get down to business. Until then, I'm mainly aesthetically impressed.
(3)
Michelle F.
The hallmark of a good establishment: consistently delicious!
(5)
Tenzo D.
A unique quality find in a city that prides itself on being banael
(5)
Diana M.
It was good. I really liked the service and the wide variety of options
(4)
Melanie J.
It looks like the topic of the Parisian Macaroons has been drooled over here before. But, can I just add my little piece about how delectable these little melt-in-your-mouth rounds of deliciousness are? Just reading these previous reviews is making me want to leave work just to pick some up. I've also tried their chocolate flourless torte, Palmiers and the little fruit jellies (can't remember their proper name) and was very pleased. But, if you're going to try something other than the macaroons, make sure you take some home with you. You can thank me later.
(5)
M. D.
What an amazing treasure in German Village. Clean, modern, friendly service and delicious desserts. Ive been back several times since my first visit. The chocolate macarons, fruit gelees and cashew bar are among my favorites. The tea's and coffees are also complimentary to the fare. I trully recommend this bakery to anyone visiting the Columbus German Village neighborhood.
(5)
Liza V.
I'm not sure I could say anything about this place that hasn't been said. Everything i've tried is like a party in my mouth, and I just want more! Not only do the pastries and confections taste like they have been prepared for royalty, they are all so beautiful! everything I order, I photograph so I can make my fellow instagramers' mouths water. I've tried a handful of the desserts, and each time I think, "they can't possibly top this." Today I had the caramel eclair, and I was just as impressed. The coffee is consistently strong and fresh, and the staff are friendly and patient.
(5)
Carolyn K.
I finally made it to Pistacia Vera! After poring over the rave reviews for years (hyperbole), I found a few extra minutes to pop in and give it a try. Sorry to say, I wasn't wow-ed. I tried one of the buckeye macarons (on the house, that was very nice of them)... and ended up buying 4 + an eclair to take home. Both the macaron and the eclair were exorbitantly rich. I couldn't finish either of them. Perhaps I am being harsh, as I do tend to have more of a salty/savory palette instead of a sweet tooth. And perhaps the plethora of stellar reviews ended up setting the bar inordinately high for me. Regardless, I thought it was just OK. Although, the staff were incredibly friendly and the shop was adorably decorated.
(2)
Tarah W.
Holy decadence - I now have an unhealthy obsession with macarons. This place is amazing!
(5)
Karyn M.
This place is absolutely adorable. I love coming here on the weekends, although it can be a bit crowded. I usually get the 'one of every flavor' macaron boxes as gifts. They are usually tied with a cute little bow and look quite lovely. Their different assortments of cakes are beautiful and very tasty. I'm not sure if it has always been like this, but i've noticed that the macarons look a little grittier lately - like they've been using a coarser almond flour to make them, which makes them not as smooth and pretty but still tasty.
(5)
Molly S.
This place is dangerous!!! Every time I come in I want to buy pretty much everything on display - especially the macarons! They are to die for - they just melt in in your mouth - in fact I Lo e them so much they're a constant on my amazon wish list. I pretty much everything about this place - the funky lime green decor coupled with the polished, classy look, the patio, he brunch... I could go on and on. For me this is a go-to place to bring out of towers.
(5)
Natalie H.
Simply lovely. Delicious macaroons, a peaceful & tastefully decorated shop, and very friendly staff. I had the lavender macaroon which was unique and delightful. Nice place to have a friendly meetup, to do some light afternoon laptop work. Only complaint is that I thought it would be a bit larger, with the crowds this place gets, the tiny space can get a bit cramped.
(4)
Meredith M.
I love this place. All the staff is super pleasant & helpful, even on really busy days. I have never had something that I don't like. I would not suggest take out coffee from here, otherwise, A+.
(4)
Q-Tay S.
After finding this gem, I fell in love with it. I was in search of macarons here in Ohio and came across Pistacia Vera after searching the web. I have brought my kids and many friends here to try it out. Not only is the staff friendly, but service is always great and food is wonderful. I enjoy the macarons and vanilla chai tea the best. However there menu has a variety of options. My only down side is brunch isn't always fulfilling. I wish there more meat dishes or bigger portions, or even sides/ add on items. I find myself still hungry unless I order double. My all time favorite brunch item was the baked eggs dish and when the menu changed they stopped offering that. I'd go just for that dish sometimes. I really hope they bring it back. I love this place and ifs great when the weather is warm or a beautiful fall day. Would even be nice for a 1st date. I def recommend and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do!
(5)
JioVanni J.
Great selection and the staple pistachio flavor is the best!
(5)
A D.
My second time here and it's simply perfect! Excellent desserts everything looks so beautiful and most are delicious too. I had the macaroons this time after the salmon tartare. Wow!!!! I'm definitely coming back the next time I'm in town on business!!!
(5)
Aja S.
I love pastry shops and moving to Columbus from a smaller city three states over I figured there would be a nice assortment to choose from. Sadly, there aren't very many places here and I've come to understand that you really have to look through the hype of a place in this city to see for yourself whether it's worth spending money or time on. That being said, I was CRAVING macarons and having tried make them myself I know they can be a little hard to master. Knowing this I thought I would need to save my craving until the next time we traveled. When we stumbled upon Pistacia Vera I was very excited too see all the beautiful pastries and goodies. The atmosphere is very nice, although I'm not one to easily fall for the look of a place before I've sampled the food (far too many times in this city have I felt like I was paying to be seen instead of the food of my plate...). I told my mother, a few states away (who also has a thing for pretty pastries) about this place and she was kind enough to treat me to a gift card! She went on to the website, ordered the card and we waited. And waited and waited. Since I live in the same city I was thinking three to four days at the most. But it NEVER came. I had to get the order number from my mom and then email the receipt to them and go in to get my card. No one had heard anything about this card, so it was never sent out. EVER and if we never called, nothing would have gotten done. Now, my parents have always owned a small business. So I understand that things just go unseen or forgotten when things are busy. Things where ultimately straightened out and for that day my boyfriend and I had a nice time. I got box of macarons and he got one of those chocolate bomb cakes. We came out with still a little balance left on the card. So a few weeks later, we go back again. I ordered more macarons and few other things. I am not a FANCY person by any means. But I know the difference between a coconut macaroon like my granny used to buy at the local market and a French macaron. However, I'm NOT French and I do not speak French. When I order macarons I say, "I will have two of each MACAROON except for anything with strawberry (I'm allergic to that cute little fruit, you see)." I come from middle America and although I am very well traveled and know a thing or two about different foods and cultures, I have nothing to prove. Yes, I have been known to twang or countrify a few words here or there just to stress a point. YET I was constantly corrected by the girl behind the counter, whom may I add seems to have the same news rooms worthy accent that I have. She kept saying "MAHK-RHONS" as if the back of her throat should be have started the "R" sound but then just felt insecure about itself and decided to be an "H" instead. I have heard MANY people say it this way, and I know, understand and respect that it's a way to differentiate between the two baked goods. Frankly though I feel silly trying to fake a French accent for one word. Bottom line, I felt it was very rude of this girl to continually say it loudly and as if I were an idiot. *Takes a breath* Despite all of this. I had two of each type of macaron (other then the strawberry) now twice and they are just a little hit or miss. A good macarons shell is one that is like a chewy meringue. These are just very poofy so they look pretty. But once you bite into it you are wearing all of the shell. It just crumbles all over the front of you and is a little dry. The flavor is so so on the ones that aren't as puffy. Although I can't really taste the difference in the taste, a lot of the time. Often I'm left saying, "I think this was lemon...maybe vanilla. Probably lemon because it's yellow..." The Chocolate bomb cake that I had a bite of seemed very rich and lovely. I think they are very pretty and they seem to be a very quality product. I will still go back to see about the other selections. I just feel that they push the macarons very hard and they are little disappointing. I haven't found another place in or around Columbus that sells macarons and it seems to me that someone that hasn't had VERY well made macarons would come to think that these are the BESTEST. Which I understand because you have nothing to compare it to. I think that being the only game in town makes puts them at number one automatically and that just seems unfair. Recently I've made my own macarons after lots of trial and error and obsession I've made some pretty good ones. Which now makes me wonder more and more about a place like Pistacia Vera. I wonder why a place that makes so many at one time can make such a common and easily fixed mistake. Making un-poofy macarons should be very easy after you do it for so long... If you know of any other places that sells macarons PLEASE message me! I'd love to try them!
(3)
Stephanie M.
Stopped by for a light brunch with friends...and the only thing keeping this from being 5 stars is the order chaos at the front counter. While they have more than enough counter folk, the space is a tad cramped when the joint is packed, so your ability to really walk along the entire counter and view all the goodies you want to view are quickly snapped up by waiting customers. Outside of this, FANTASTIC stuff. Between our party, both pastries and savories were ordered and everything was good. You won't receive a heavy-handed flour-laden grocery-story pastry here. The eclairs are delicate masterpieces. The carrot cake mille fuille is amazing. Eggs? Perfect runniness next to beautifully toasted croissants. Homemade preserves? Could have eaten them alone with a spoon for-EV-er. You want to know about the Macarons? They're every bit as fantastic as everyone says. I could have eaten 30 of the lemon ginger & matcha ones and been happy all day. But I didn't. Because I'm a responsible adult or some such nonsense. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a treat from Pistacia - just expect weekend brunch-time to be a bit hectic!
(4)
Laura R.
Such a unique shop! All of their desserts are delicious and not bad priced. Very chic, I would go there everyday if I could ! Great coffee as well. Try their chocolate bomb, to die for!
(5)
M C.
Never a disapointment. From coffee to rye croissants to shirred eggs..! Magical
(5)
Kati K.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Pistacia Vera yet! This is truly one of my favorite places in Columbus. Their macarons are authentic Parisian and delicious -- light, airy, tasty. The coffee is delicious. The atmosphere is a nice coffee-shop. Go here, and you won't look back!
(5)
Cheryl H.
A friend told me that the "choocolate bomb" - that is, a chocolate buttermilk cake with semisweet chocolate tawny port mousse glazed with a chocolate ganache - was like "God cumming in your mouth." ...he was right. Oh, and I also had a Cafe Mocha (liquid happiness! so rich!) and a tiny little chocolate truffle ball that was packed with choco-goodness completely disproportionate to its size.
(5)
Lidiya Z.
While I am indifferent to macaroons in general, the tortes here are exceptional. Highly recommend!
(5)
Lydia W.
I live for pastries. To know that Columbus has a solid patisserie makes me so happy! LOVE the selection of cakes and tarts. Nothing looks undesirable. Come with a friend so you can try more than one slice of cake! I have had the passionfruit chambord mousse flourless chocolate cake, and it is truly divine. Its fruity tones are perfectly subtle against the incredible richness of the chocolate. The textures are perfect, but don't let it get too warm before you dig in! It's definitely better served chilled. The pistachio cake with fig and orange is also heavenly. Its flavor is a bit more complex and sophisticated, and I really appreciate that it's not overly sweet. Also there's a pistachio macaron on top for the macaron-lover who can't choose between macarons or cake. The biggest test for me came when I ordered a pain au chocolat. Acceptable! I am glad to know I can get a good croissant here. They also have rye croissants and whole wheat croissants in addition to regular croissants, which I find interesting but would probably never want to try. Oh their pistachio chocolate chip cookie? Buy one for the road. You're welcome.
(5)
David W.
Pistacia Vera is perhaps Columbus's best argument against becoming a vegan. This swanky dessert boutique (as per the website) is a local gateway to Parisian-style confectionery, with artifacts of buttercream and ganache so artisanly sculpted, they are far too pretty to be eaten. Located a stone's throw from Katzinger's Deli and the majestic Book Loft, PV is an obvious destination when happening to wander into the slumberous neighborhood of German Village. Macarons are the signature, and like a rainbow of color swatches they radiate behind the glass counter in their iridescent decadence. Coming in such flavors as buckeye, pistachio and mocha hazelnut, to more left-of-center varieties (say, yuzu pink guava), each sells for $1.25 a pop. On one of my visits, I was allowed to sample a cookie, but I'm not sure whether this is common practice, or if they already knew I wouldn't be leaving without buying something first. Apart from macarons, you'll find a gallery of other tasty treats. Most recently, I was exposed to the Brown Butter Pecan Cranberry, a shortbread crust comprised of almond franigpane and cranberry orange jam. Equally delicious is the Spiced Pear Franigpan. Order a chai or cappucino (Brioso coffee!) on the side to complement a hot date. When visiting Paris several years ago, I had the enjoyment of trying my first French macaron in the bustle of an open-air cafe. Pistacia Vera rekindles the magic of that seminal experience, without the pigeon shit. Treat yourself.
(5)
Sheila H.
We found the pastries to be exceptional. The coconut crème french macarons were heavenly. Absolutely loved this place and the staff was very helpful and friendly.
(5)
Laurie M.
They have great customer service and the highest quality pastries. Their croissants are the best in town, maybe the best in the state! The macaroons are perfect. Very high quality food. They may not have everything you are looking for.... some may say they don't have a wide selection - but that is a GOOD thing! They don't try to be everything to everyone, but what they do is excellent... My review can not do them justice.
(5)
Claire B.
If this place was in my neighborhood, I'd be in serious trouble. It's the best bakery in town. Their savory pastries or their chocolate croissants or the macarons - it's all good enough to melt your face off. Delicious!
(5)
kristy m.
I am simply copying the review I wrote on Tripadvisor: You absolutely must visit Pistacia Vera if you are within 100 miles of the place. This is truly a destination in and of itself. You will create wonderful memories for your family if you bring them here and let them pick out a special treat. Amazing!! We tried a Passion Fruit Parisian Macaron and it was incredible. Lightly crispy outer layer, soft, lightly sweet, pleasantly fruity. Only $1.25 each and $15.00 for a beautiful travel box of their assorted flavors. Orange Brioche - lightly flavored, slightly sweet, moist. Perfection! $2.75 Pain au Chocolat, $3.50, and Almond , $4.00, both Heavenly. The pastry is the best I've ever had. The chocolate was very, very good and the almond filling was just delicious. My son chose the Lemon Sugar cookie and it was very good. We all tried it and the whole family thought it delicious. ($1.50) The Chocolate Chunk Pistachio cookie is crazy-good. Lots of nuts and yummy chocolate. Get this as an extra bonus. ;-). $1.50 My husband ordered the Plum Ginger Frangipan and that was oh so delicious. The plums were perfectly tender. The ginger flavor was just right. I can't figure out if it was on a pie crust or sugar cookie crust. Whatever, it was great. Whatever the cake or filling, it was so good. $5.00 Their coffee was very good. The espresso was especially excellent. We brought four children here and they were treated very well. I would say this is a family friendly. I would also say this would be a great date place. Since I visited Pistacia Vera in October I've had other macarons and none anywhere compare to the perfection in taste and texture of the ones from Pistacia Vera.
(5)
Beka H.
This place was incredible. I had the flavored macaroons and I was in heaven. I had also split a lemon tart. It was the best I ever had!
(5)
Elizabeth D.
I was recommended to visit this place by a fellow Twitter-foodie. I am SO glad he sent me here. The decor is super cute and carries a modern-chic feel. The chairs and tables are petite and metal. Which is why I'm giving Pistacia 4 stars and not 5. I like cafes to have a more comfy, resty, loungy atmosphere. This feels more like a place to have a business meeting or to spend time studying. But that's just my own personal opinion. It's not necessarily a bad thing. I ordered the baked eggs Provencale (I hope I spelled that right...) and a chocolate latte to start. The baked eggs were a tad bit under done for my liking, which was my own fault. I should've specified my doneness level desired. But they were delicious. The ragout was very flavorful. The croissant was bigger then I expected which was awesome, I love croissants, and it was all crispy toasted and hot. Mmmmm... The housemade preserves were really tasty and fruity. I wish they sold them by the jar. I'd be buying some every couple of weeks. After I let all that settle, I stared at the dessert case for 10-20 minutes trying to decide what I wanted. I finally chose the Chocolate Bombe. Talk about death death by chocolate. It was like a chocolate explosion in my mouth. A really, really good chocolate explosion with different textures. The mousse on the inside of it was the best chocolate mousse I've ever had. All in all I had a wonderful dining experience. The food was DELICIOUS. you should definitely give it a try sometime.
(4)
Erin R.
Gorgeous environment for a bakery. Sitting at one of their little tables when its sunny out devouring baked goods is pretty high up there on my list of fun things to do. I'm not spendy-crazy lately, so I only had a ginger sable and a vanilla macaron, but they were both amazing. I would eat two million ginger sables if I could prevent myself from also gaining two million pounds and two million dollars in debt. Helpful, friendly staff and many many delicious looking choices, available in minis for people like me to try, and full cakes, desserts, etc. I will be back to try more once I can foot the bill.
(4)
kate m.
You walk in to a beautiful open space. Gorgeous marble countertops are covered with the most beautiful deserts you can imagine. Next is a gleaming display cabinet filled with even more amazing deserts. Everything is spotless and clean, with the finest destails attended to. They even keep the wax paper in a decorative tin, lest you be distracted from the food by a *gasp* ordinary cardboard box. And you haven't even tried the deserts yet. There are seasonal deserts made with perfect fruit, peppermint chocolates with glittering blue peppermint sugar on top, macaroons so light and fluffy, yet rich and creamy at the same time. Ideally the next step in this food fantasy would be to sit in the perfectly chosen chairs by the windows and enjoy your amazing purchases. But wait! There is NO SITTING AREA!! You have to go back outside, get into your car and take them somewhere else! Surely they must have a perfect little plate back there to display this artwork on while you eat it? No? I have to take it home and put it on an ordinary old plate? (Oh who am I kidding, I'll eat it out of the box on my way home...) I guess Pistacia can still have 5 stars, although I would take them down to 4 1/2 for no place to sit!
(5)
Peter L.
This place is good. I'm not a huge sweets person, but their macarons are the real deal. One bite and I was taken from snowy Columbus to Laduree on Champs-Elysees... OK maybe not, but it was something like that. Lots of flavors to try that were all awesome. It's a nice place and the people there were helpful.
(5)
Brian K.
Yum. Great owners, friendly service. Great space for a dessert shop.
(5)
Ellen F.
First of all, Pistacia? How can you not walk into a place with Pistacia in the name. Mmmm. So when you do walk in you will immediately be blessed with the sensual scents of sweet baked wonderment. Then open your eyes and notice how clean and proper it is. I don't want to use the work pretentious, because that it most definitely is not! It's not your typical neighborhood bakery. You will not find glazed doughnuts, danishes or apple fritters. Instead you get to experience the pistachio honey nougat for $1.50, the orange clove shortbread tea cookie for $1, and the walnut marsala fig macaron for $1.25. Oh...the thought of it all makes me want to make a special trip right now! Don't be shy. Tell them what you want and ask to try it. They are more than willing to share the wealth with you. In fact, they are so eager to make your tongue dance with glee, they practically beg for flavor suggestions. I think they just like to (love to) experiment. Someone has to eat the oops. The Macaron's are gluten-free too! Made simply with sugar, egg white, and almond meal. The different varieties will add random other ingredients. But no wheat! Closed Monday's.
(5)
Jazz M.
Outstanding desserts. Love the design of the place inside and out. Staff seems very friendly each time I've been in. Delicious taste to the food and very unique. Wish they had more items to choose from though, that being my main/only issue thus far. Plenty of variety with the macarons - pistachio being the best, IMO. Fun, cute little place.
(4)
Artie I.
Always first-rate: from the kind, intelligent service to the delicious treats. Everything tastes even better than it looks -- and it looks like art! Don't hold back.
(5)
Emily Q.
Macarons, croissants, coffee and atmosphere are all superb!
(5)
Dawn K.
Based on Yelp reviews and the online menu, my husband wanted to stop by Pistacia Vera for a birthday gift for someone. We, of course, had to sample the treats ourselves! My husband tried the chocolate bomb. I only needed one bite- it was too rich for me. But he loved it! It is exactly what a chocolate bomb sounds like it should be- chocolate indulgence! I had the fresh fruit tartlette, which was light and amazing! It had a creamy custard with fresh raspberries and blackberries. Delightful! We also each tried a couple macarons- the nutella and the vanilla bean. Both yummy. Definitely stop by Pistacia Vera if you're in the German Village area. If you're not in the area, but need a good treat, take a trip that way!
(5)
Caitlin W.
Let me start off by saying, this was the best Valentine's Day because I got acquainted with Pistacia Vera. For the first time, I tried the macaroons. Unbelievably delectable and I can't believe I've gone this long without them in my life.
(5)
Jamie B.
Pistacia Vera macaroons are so good. They are light and fluffy - the lavender and raspberry flavors are particularly tasty. At risk of sounding snobbish, I compare all macaroons to the ones I had in Paris a few years ago, and Pistacia Vera lived up to my Parisian standards ~ oh la la. The North Market location is just as good, and the staff friendly and helpful. Even the prices are reasonable at a buck-fifty per treat. You can't go wrong with a stop at Pistacia Vera
(5)
Michael G.
Good as ever. But they don't serve baked eggs any longer. Boo. Something about taking too long to cook and some inconsistencies. They were so good, put them back on menu!
(4)
Holly C.
Such a lovely little European style cafe in German village! I love the macaroons here, and it's the best in Columbus. Their teas and coffees are fantastic as well, and their cakes are mouthwateringly delicious. I haven't tried all of them...yet, but I have no doubts they're all amazing, I'm a sucker for good sweets. I heard the brunch here is very good, but I haven't had a chance to try it.
(5)
Andrew B.
It seems like the macarons are their main attraction, but the cakes are what puts this place over the top. The Chocolate Bombe, in particular is amazingly moist and rich.
**Update: No more WiFi. It seems they want people to talk to one another. For your plugged in needs, try Stauf's down the street.** It's not a mystery that Pistacia Vera has beautiful little macarons. Their other pastries are excellent too, and the space is soothing with outlets for your computer and wifi for getting things done. I've never felt hurried to leave, even if all I've ordered is coffee and a croissant. Somebody has mentioned this below I'm sure but macaron = brightly colored, meringue sandwich cookie; macaroon = gooey coconut haystack. The Kitchn has a nice primer on this for those who want visuals.
(4)
Mark K.
Well, if you are really craving macarons, this is one of the places in town that has them. And maybe I'm spoiled because I was introduced to them in Paris, but these were only okay. The best ones there are incredible, and even the ones at McDonald's there were better than these. We had a vanilla, a buckeye, and a pistachio. And they were sweetie's first macarons, and she was not impressed. We also had a shortbread cookie that was okay, but not worth the price. For drinks we had a tropical tea that was good, and a pomegranate tea/lemonade that was distinctly flavorless. Service was decent. The atmosphere is nice, open, modern, but not really what I would call welcoming. If I have a macaron jones I might be back. Otherwise, with Kittie's down the street to satisfy my sweet tooth, there's no reason.
(3)
Michelle H.
The flourless chocolate cakes are my favorite here! I like the pastries and macaroons here but don't care for the actual brunch menu as much. The shop is adorable and has character. Looking at the counter filled with sweet treats and bread makes your mouth water. The price is pretty steep in my opinion. On a cold weekend day, it's almost impossible to find a table for brunch. Parking lot is small and can fill up fast. I always ended up parking off street on one of the side streets.
(4)
Mitch H.
Ever since I moved to Columbus from Chicago just shy of a year ago I've been searching for a bakery that would never disappoint me. There's Omega Artisan in North Market, amazing breads, but totally falls short of satisfying my very large and slightly snaggled sweet tooth. Mozart Bakery thoroughly defiles the name of such a prodigy, and Pattycake Vegan Bakery is... well, vegan. Pistacia Vera lives up to everything that titillates my fancy. The huge assortment of multicolored French Macarons is simply a delight to the eyes, ears, nose and throat. I fell passionately in love with the vanilla bean and pistacio flavors. (The chocolate was not the best in chocolate flavor and will not be purchased again.) The nougat was riddled with Pistachios and surrounded by the delicate hint of honey. I could pretty much go on for hours about this place. But needless to say, I will be back, and often.
(5)
Kristina B.
No matter what flavor...blood orange, red currant, strawberry, pistachio...always get a mini dacquoise. It's a mini orgasm bite after bite. Seriously.
(5)
Danielle F.
I've only been to Pistacia Vera once, but it's pretty much not even up for debate that they have and sell -excellent- desserts. The dessert I bought had gold leaf on it, by the way. Talk about impressive. Here is a short anecdote about Pistacia Vera/how 'expensive' it is: I stopped by Pistacia Vera with two friends after eating at Schmidt's. Both saw all the price tags and were indignant that I'd actually pay that much for sweets. Three months later, my friend asked me if I'd ever heard of Pistacia Vera. His friend had bought him a cake from there and it was SO INCREDIBLY AMAZING. He decided that, even though it's kind of expensive, it's SO GOOD it's totally worth it!!! It took me a minute to remind him that he had in fact been to Pistacia Vera with me a few months earlier, where he scoffed at the prices! That was, of course, before he tried the desserts ;). Now he is completely on board.
(5)
Lily C.
Best macarons in the whole world! Even better than the ones I've tried in Paris!
(5)
Daniel O.
From in-house made deserts and baked goods, to their fine coffee drink selection, the modern but "vintage" take of the location... A very cozy looking "Coffee Shop" with friendly faces and warm atmosphere!
(5)
Valerie B.
I can make some mean cupcakes. I make awesome cookies and brownies. I can even manage a layer cake. Pistacia Vera is all the bakery wonderFULL goodness that you will probably never be able to master at home. And why on earth should you when you can go to Pistacia Vera in German Village or pop into the North Market? I am straight up addicted to the almond croissant and the rye croissant with butter (thanks to friends Kayla and Andy). Don't let the brown exterior fool you. This is the tasty, flaky, buttery, layered way that croissant should be. The macarons are sublime. The fudgies are potent. The almond/amaretti like cookies are spot on. The fruit gelees are bursts of fruity flavor. The cakes are out of this world. Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookie? Browned Butter Cashew Macaron? Sign this girl up! If you have a more refined palate, this is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth. BONUS: Gentlemen, if you're in the doghouse....this is your way out.
(5)
Crystal P.
Two words: Buckeye Macarons!
(5)
Jenn A.
Everything here looks and tastes heavenly and beautiful! It's like stepping into a cafe over in Europe(duh). I visited about three weeks ago and I can still taste the best $2 Americana I've ever had in my life! I brought my 6 year old and it was a little too much richness for his tastebuds so next time I'll get him a cake pop. This was the German village location. Divine!
(5)
Mary S.
I love the macaroons. After a particularly stressful week its nice to walk around German Village and then pop in. Honestly everything Pistacia Vera makes is wonderful. They make these great croissants with big pieces of chocolate. Speaking of chocolate they have some decadent chocolate cakes. So i'll buy a pastry, and pair it with a hot tea. Grab a table, and watch people walk by on the sidewalk. Super peaceful.
(5)
Sarah P.
YUMMY!!! I sent my mom their macaroons as a thank you gift (she loves macaroons) and she said they were the best she ever had. The staff their also give excellent customer service and are all VERY nice. Would definitely recommend if you like awesome macaroons. Their cake is good as well.
(5)
Sheena W.
I love me some french macarons so of course when I was visiting Columbus I had to stop at Pistacia Vera and taste what they had to offer and boy was I in Heaven! You can get a dozen of their seasonal flavors for $18, which is what I did and I thoroughly enjoyed tasting such flavors as Mocha Hazelnut, Caramel Pecan, and Strawberry Lillet. Mmm!
(5)
Celine S.
A tad bit overpriced, but in the summer there is no lovelier way to pass your time than to sit outside with some macaroons and read/talk to your friends. The desserts are gorgeous. Every time I visit they have something different and it's all almost too beautiful to eat! The drinks are something that I can either take or leave, it depends on the person making them. Overall, a great business. I can't ever go downtown without craving it.
(5)
Geneva B.
Wow!!! Great great pastries!! We had the chocolate bomb which was simply delectable. The bitter cocoa coating paired with the super sweet light and fluffy filling was quite an experience. I'm glad I live far away. The Chocolate raspberry torte was great too! The eclair was different but wonderful in its own right. The coconut cream pie tart was so so good!
(5)
Walt S.
Pisticia Vera gets the additional 4th Star for YAY! I'm a Fan category for one simple reason: Ladies Love The Place!!! As for PV's place... smallish, quaint and totally chic. There are two areas for dining with only a few 4-top tables and a handful of 2-top tables. It's tight but if you're doing a coffee grab it's cool. The dine-in mugs are plentiful in size so there's no arguing petite servings. What grabbed me was the super-delicious looking pastry and cake counter presentation. There were at least 3 - 4 "never heard of that before" baked goodies that had all the glaze of a sugar on sugar surprise. Loads of fruit toppings and inclusions making it all mouth-watering. No standard fare if you're thinking doughnuts. Nope! This is croissant-ville and delights. And they have a breakfast menu. My friend and I met there and she ordered a breakfast that was two eggs served in a porcelain skillet type bowl....and it was bubbling when served. I was salivating but stuck to the coffee. Later I got take-out at departure that included a syrup-soaked cake for another friends birthday. I got a pistachio-chocolate-oatmeal cookie. Yowzah!! That was tasty with my coffee to go driving to the office. This place, Pistacia Vera, deserves your attention. It's a small slice of baking and coffee that will snap your taste buds to attention. DO IT!
(4)
Nicolas H.
It's really hard to say which flavor is the best because they are all so different and damn good. But man, easily the best macaron's I've ever had. Some of my favorites were the buckeye, cherry cordial and of course the pistachio...
(5)
Bonnie B.
I thought I was transported to Paris, but the hospitable service reminded me I haven't left Columbus. Lovely place. Incredible pastries and delicate brunch. Friendly service. What more could you want?
(5)
RB B.
Where to begin? I come to Columbus once a year and Pistacia Vera is on my list of places to go/people to see. The macarons are amazing. Perfect texture...so light and delicate, yet chewy. And every flavor is so unique and flavorful. The piece-de-resistance is most defintely the Cannelle. It's heavenly. Don't pass up the chance to indulge!
(5)
Haleh S.
Love Love Love this place . Delicious pastry , beautiful design , wonderful super friendly staff . A gem of a unique experience.
(5)
Sudharshan M.
The best pastry I have had till date. I could die for the French Macroons there especially the CashewNut and the Coconut Creme. Do Try the Eclair and Pista Cookie. I am pretty new to Columbus and my friend from pittsburgh took me to this place and for a foodie like me it was heaven on a plate. We ended up hogging the Macroons one of each flavor then the eclair then the Pista Cookie. Worth every penny you spend on the food here
(5)
John G.
So... What can I say? The last trip here was underwhelming. Maybe just a bad Qi day for either me, Pistacia Vera or both. The owner was very courteous after my last experience and was genuinely concerned about making sure whatever happened never happened again. So she encouraged me to come back and give them another chance. My mom was in town so we sauntered down PV today as it used to be her favorite patisserie when visiting Columbus. We split a maple pecan twist and a lavender lemon tart. She had a lemonade tea and I had an iced coffee. Needless to say, the experience was a one-eighty from my last visit. The twist appears to be made from some kind of wonderful brioche-like bread and is one of the most divine carbohydrate experiences I have ever shoved into my pie hole. Ditto with the tart. The tart crust was divine and of high quality, the flavor was intensely lemon and the small pieces of candied lemon peel added just the right punch. Our drinks were superb and the overall experience was one worth remembering and repeating. This is the PV I remember. A wonderful recovery. Maybe a better Qi day for both of us. In a world of corporate-owned restaurant and food chains run by numbed, dumbed-down drones shoveling industrial, mass produced gruel out of the kitchen, my original experience and then the recovery experience at PV was refreshing and heart-warming. Mind-numbed, underpaid, under-motivated, corporate drones will never replace the experience of craft, artisanship and motivated, happy associates representative of responsible, caring, local ownership. Now if we could simply eject all corporate ownership of our entire food and agricultural system and instead return to a system where establishments like PV were the norm rather than the exception, our food culture would shine bright again. I'll be back.
(5)
Mack H.
Pistacia Vera is on my list of four or five of the best and most noteworthy things to experience in Columbus, Ohio. This is a real French patisserie whose confections are equal to what you might find in Paris or the finest New York City restaurants. If you are a visitor to Columbus Pistacia Vera is not to be missed. If you live in Columbus and haven't heard of Pistacia Vera or been there yet, go now. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
Sophie B.
Honestly this place was just eh OK. I came from out of town visiting and someone recommended this establishment. They are way over price on their deserts and the customer service was awful. Saturday afternoon we arrived and the place was not busy at all. However it took 5 minutes for 1 of the 7 individuals standing behind the counter to even say hello. Then another 5 minutes on top of that even to have our order taken. I was really looking forward to trying this place out and in the end just all around disappointed.
(3)
Rachael S.
I am embarrassed at the number of times I drove past Pistacia Vera without going inside. Even just looking in the windows, I think I was a little bit in love. The macarons are unbeatable. My favorite is the Mocha Hazelnut, followed closely by Blackberry Violet and classic Vanilla bean. I think I have tried 3 or 4 other pastries and tarts, all of which were fantastic. I have yet to go in for brunch. I assume I will do another face palm for waiting so long to try that too. The North Market location is also very convenient for those of us in a more central part of town.
(5)
Rachel C.
This is my favorite restaurant in the whole of Columbus. I've eaten my way through much of the vegetarian-friendly cuisine of the city, and Rigsby's, Alana's, Barcelona, even Skillet, all pale in comparison to Pistacia Vera. Part of this is undoubtedly the comparatively lower prices of Pistacia Vera. I occasionally drive out to German Village and indulge there on my own dime, while many other restaurants in the area require that I wait for my parents to visit and help me out. However, the quality of the food suffers not at all. The breakfast menu is relatively short and simple, but every dish on it is delicious. Pistacia Vera is traditionally known for dessert and pastries, but its breakfasts and brunches are outstanding as well. But it must be admitted that there is a reason Pistacia Vera is known throughout the city for croissants, macarons, and other delicious pastries. Everything there is perfect. It just is. The textures, the flavors, and the visual appeal is all just the best. I'm sorry if that seems like a copout of a description, but to try and explain the perfection with words just wouldn't do the place justice. Go get a croissant for breakfast, pair it with some coffee, treat yourself to a morning macaron to finish, and then you'll understand. The service and ambiance is excellent as well. There's free parking, the line moves fast, and they never disappoint. If you haven't been to Pistacia Vera, you need to go like right now, and then kick yourself afterward for how long it took you.
(5)
Barbara C.
Oh my god, thank god I wandered into this place! I had a cafe au lait with my shirred eggs and croissant and it was absolute heaven. The eggs were flavorful and the croissant was perfectly buttery and flaky. The interior is very clean and uses a lot of natural light. Service was friendly... I wasn't sure what to try and they were very helpful in explaining what they offered. I will definitely be back again!
(5)
T H.
I'm hooked on the apricot pinwheels!
(5)
Pete C.
After walking by this German Village boutique over twenty times without giving it a second thought, I finally ventured in after work a few days ago to see what all the slick glass surfaces and clean, bold lines of this storefront were containing. Much to my surprise, I found out the wares that were on display were not, in fact, overpriced shoes or trendy designer couture items. Instead, they were some of the finest desserts my humble Ohioan eyes have ever embraced. And they were cheap! This came as a complete shock to me, especially after I just spent $2 on a stale cookie at the Cup O Joe two blocks down the street. "Screw it, " I said to myself. "I'm not on any kind of diet, so why not indulge my curiosity?" For a paltry $1.50, the fine young lady dressed in all white behind the counter set me up with one of the Lime Sugar cookies that were stored carefully behind the bright glass case that anchored the display area. to my surprise, it was both luxurious AND tasty. I'll admit that my taste in food and drink is incredibly lowbrow, which usually lends me to assume that food presented in this manner is more for show than it is for enjoyment. Boy was I wrong! The cookie was soft, rich, and tasted almost like a piece of key lime pie. And at $1.50, it was an absolute steal. I sincerely wish I had the stomach to take on more of the desserts here at Pistacia Vera, as I'm sure they're all a pleasant surprise to even the most uneducated taste buds. Don't let the looks of this boutique fool you- the price and the taste at Pistacia Vera are just right.
(3)
Laura G.
Oh la la ;) Incredible! The macarons, pain au chocolat, the jams. All A+. I wish I lived closer so I could go more often. It's a rare find to have such a high end bakery also be friendly and so much fun to visit. Couldn't love it more!
(5)
Seth D.
My favorite place for caffeine and a pastry Whether sitting to relax or feeling quite hasty The chocolate bomb will fulfill your chocolate dreams It's soft and rich and reminiscent of chocolate whipped creams If something less sweet with more substance you beseech I recommend trying their great mushroom quiche It's tender and filled with cheese and earthy mushroom flavor And you'll want to eat it slow so your grateful mouth can savor The dark brown croissants always look hard and dry Over cooked and burnt, not fit for a fly But one bite is all it takes to be certain They know exactly what they're doing in that wonderful kitchen They're soft and buttery and melt in your mouth Which leaves no need to add butter, they do quite fine without Their food is as good as it gets, take my word I implore But that's not all that I love, you will find there is more Their staff is always happy and helpful They enjoy their job and for their positions they are grateful This goes a long way for making a great experience And making you happy in every single circumstance The decor is also a nice little touch Clean lines, exposed brick, lots of windows an such And so to conclude I think I can say I wish I could come here every single day.
OMG. LOOOOVED this place. This place is so clean cut and refreshing to look at when you walk in. The darling girl behind that counter was SO welcoming when we came in and was very patient with us while we decided what we wanted. The husband got the Citrus Tart and a Black Raspberry Hibiscus Macaroon, and I got the Chocolate Bomb and a Nutella Macaroon. Yeah yeah, such little piglets I know ;) So worth it though. The quality of ingredients make the overall product AMAZING! I also got an Iced Coffee, and I was pleased to see that they had Soy Milk set out to add. (Usually places only have half/half and milk) The shop was smaller then I pictured it would be, but that was by no means a downfall. I would definitely go back and try more of the delicious treats they offer!
(5)
Alisha C.
This is my favorite place to get a special treat. The whole shop is quaint and airy and very clean. The macaroons are fun and I try a new flavor each time but I love their little berry tarts. The service is great. It's a great place to meet up with a friend to relax and indulge in a sweet treat.
(4)
Zack F.
I was sad when Pistachio closed in the Short North but Pistacia Vera is an impressively elegant space. Their desserts are delicately hand crafted with care and precision. It is like eating art. Everything I have had is delicious. I try to go here as often as I can.
(4)
Laura M.
I got an assortment of a half-dozen cookies, and each one has been better than the last (and the first one was fabulous!) Be sure to pick up a cashew caramel (or two or three or twenty) as well. Yummmmmmmm.
(4)
Jose P.
Best Sugar Lime Cookie Ever! Best Elephant Ears and Bear Claws in the area! Great place to chill and enjoy sweet treats!
(5)
Marcia C.
People. It's the Provençal Baked Eggs, hands down. Top it off with the pastry of your choice and some really good coffee. But it's the Baked Eggs.
(5)
Stella W.
OMG....their dessert was really good! We came here after a big lunch at the nearby jewish deli, so we all shared the chocolate mouse dome pastry. It was infused with tawny port, which you can taste from the chocolate mouse. The ganache was so smooth and rich that the combination of all the ingredients was just perfectly balance and satisfying! I already asked my friends to take us back there for brunch next time :D
(5)
Jennifer A.
Love this place and would recommend everyone to visit there for dessert and coffee.
(5)
Stephanie K.
yummm yuurrrm! This place is too cute. The pastries looked immaculate in the display cases. I tried 5 different macaroons: grapefruit, raspberry, nutella, pistachio, and pumpkin. The pistachio was probably my fav. The macaroons were that awesome just chewy consistency I love. I also tried a small pomegrante lychee pate for $1. The small gel like cube rolled in sugar reminded me of those sunkist gel candies I used to get as a kid. These however, were about a bajillionsmamillion times more delicious. I couldn't believe the intense flavor packed into that sucker. Soo mouthwatering good. I'm definitely coming back for more! I'd like to try some of the tartes, bombs and others.
They were sold out of croissants which is what I came for but I did manage to get my second favorite pastry, an eclaire and a lemon tart. I would have bought more, but it is a bit pricey and I am not a fan of macaroons which they have a huge selection of. Its a very nice cafe, clean, white and open with a very nice staff. The eclaire was good and the lemon tart amazing! For a special occasion, girls day out of coffee and cake with mom this place is perfect, maybe a bit expensive to go to daily.
(4)
Vivian Clair M.
I enjoy very much making trips to Columbus Ohio, and appreciate the many excellent chefs who are here. One place I always visit is Pistacia Vera. The croissants, bostock pastry, almond bearclaw, and chocolate bombe are simply divine. Sadly, I never got to try the "PISTACHIO APRICOT PINWHEEL ($4) sweet dough with pistachio frangipan with fresh apricots and glaze" which has just been removed from the menu. The ham and cheese croissant is very smoky tasting. I liked it, but not all in my party did. The macaroons are excellent, although macaroons in general are not my cup of tea. There are so many things left to try, including the Pain au Chocolate, the Apple Galette, Orange Brioche, etc. They had samples of the nougat and caramels out one morning I was there, and they were also excellent. This is definitely the real deal! Worth a special trip - go hungry!
(5)
Maria S.
Coffee shops often have desserts, but they aren't always the best quality, and I'm not a coffee drinker anyway. And going to a full service restaurant for just dessert makes me feel like a jerk. There aren't a lot of places in Columbus where you can go for just desserts; Pistacia Vera definitely fills that void and I love them for that. I am always amazed by how impeccably designed everything at Pistacia Vera is. Not only the gorgeous pastries they have on display, but the interior, employee uniforms, and packaging, too. They have wonderful, buttery, thick shortbread, fantastic macarons (the pumpkin pie one I had this fall was absurd), and every tart I've tried has been magnificent. The spiced pear tart I had somewhat recently makes me aspire to be a better person. This weekend, my husband and I walked over and picked up a pain au chocolat and a slice of apple galette, both of which were awesome. In fact, I don't think I've had anything here that isn't super amazing. The staff is always friendly and not stuck up about answering questions. Obviously, much has been said about Pistacia Vera, but I had to toss in my "review" just to say thanks to them for bringing some sweetness to Columbus! I only wish they were open later some days for my incessant after hours cravings!
(5)
Stephan J.
Pistacia Vera is a lovely French style patisserie worth a visit! This great place in German village has macarons which will blow your mind(they are gluten free too). I visited this place as part of a food tour and this was by far the highlight! You can see how passionate the sister and brother team of Anne and Spencer are about their business. Behind the scenes we saw the magic happening, as a fierce team of female chefs were preping confections and quiches. They bake all day long to provide freshly made items for their case throughout the day. This definitely will be a place I go out of my way to visit when I am in Columbus. The customer service is wonderful and they pull a mean macchiato too!
(5)
Uğur Ö.
A little pricey but totally worth it for the desserts. Me and my wife we both love their desserts. But if you want to try their brunch keep in mind that their brunch selections are limited and portions are small and pricey. It's good if you are not too hungry and want to have coffee, a small dish and some desserts to go with it. But if you want a full blown brunch then it's not the best option. We would definitely recommend for their desserts.
(5)
Amasi B.
Incredibly amazing !!! i come here very often and can not get enough! everything is so delicious and well executed!! awesome service! the best in Columbus !
(5)
Jason Y.
I liked this place overall. It's a unique space and the staff were very friendly. The macaroons were okay, nothing spectacular, I was there an hour before close so they might have been from earlier in the day. The buckeye macaroon was probably the best out of all of the the ones I tried. I think that the stuff you really want to get is the cakes. I had the chocolate bombe and it was very good. I'm not a chocolate fanatic but I thought that it was great! I didn't get a chance to try the other cakes, but they looked pretty good.
If I lived in Columbus, I'm afraid I would have no choice but to spend every free moment of my time inside this lovely, wonderful, classy, modern cafe. My brother and I stopped in for a coffee and a little snack before church on Good Friday to tide us over until dinner later that night. Instead of a little snack, we left with an absolutely stunning silver filigree-etched box, tied with a big green bow, containing every flavor of their delicious and beautiful macarons. We oohed and ahhed over the presentation of these pastel treasures for about a second before we tore it apart and stuffed our faces like animals. It is nearly impossible to pick a favorite from all the different flavors we tried. I would say my Top 3 were the strawberry, pistachio and lemon. The employees were so friendly, and my soy chai was delicious! My brother, who lives in Columbus, did warn me that this place gets pretty busy and the line is pretty out of control on weekdays. I actually don't care - the macarons are worth it! Get in, get my cookies, pay up, get out. Quick and dirty. Can't wait. I'm in Columbus fairly often, and I am already looking forward to my next visit to this wonderful place!!!
(5)
Colin S.
Just a ridiculously amazing experience from start to finish. Top quality baked goods, happy, friendly, helpful service, nice layout and of course the Mecca of Macaroons with at least 10 or so flavors. There is a wicked variety of desserts, which are so good you end up taking a box home, so be prepared. The lemon and the marshmallow tarts were big hits with this reviewer. Great coffee and barista's who understand how to make a latte with extra-extra foam. !Level up points! I had a ham and cheese croissant which was well done with a perfect amount of filling (not overly stuffed or overwhelming). I think they could back off the egg wash during baking or then pull them out earlier, as they do look a little dark to me, but they don't taste like it. *I have to say the macaroons are worth the trip, just to sample this hard-to-make-but-easy-to-eat cookie sensation! Fire up your teleporter and set it Pistacia Vera! Yumza!
(5)
Jessica M.
One of the finest gems of Columbus! Pistacia Vera is on my Columbus tour whenever friends and family visit. Perfect hospitality, beautiful ambiance, excellent pastries, great brunch.
(5)
Tonya R.
Folks the stars do the talking when it comes to this place. Just run, don't walk and try it. My favorites are the Pain au Raisin pastry and the baked eggs. I go here every time I'm in Columbus...no questions asked. Seating can be tight, so don't come here in a rush unless you plan to do pick-up. Parking can be a pain, but that is German Village for you. Enjoy!!!!
(5)
Sarah M.
My husband and I frequent Pistacia. They have incredible brunch, pastries, and coffee! Every interaction with an employee makes me want to work with them. They all seem to genuinely enjoy their job and working with each other. My go to when ordering is an almond croissant and a latte. I would warn about going during peak times. There can sometimes be a shortage on seating, but that's just because everyone loves this place!
(5)
Kara K.
After lunch at Claddagh, I was in the mood for something sweet that both the BF & I would enjoy. At a $1.25/macaroon, it was the perfect choice. I went with the coconut & he chose the chocolate. Both were delicious without being too filling. I think I'll be leaving work more often for dessert.
(5)
Emily H.
Pistacia Vera calls itself a dessert boutique, and the name is fitting. The storefront looks like it belongs to a Chanel or Coach store on Madison Avenue. And of course the desserts are gorgeous - a bit pricey, but with great ingredients and flavors. The portions actually serve one, not like the seven-layer triple chocolate cake that every chain restaurant has nowadays. I'd prefer one of their tiny tiramisus or mini chocolate bombes anyday!
(5)
Josh Q.
I was so disappointed when Pistachio moved from its old location. I still visit on occasion, but not as often as I would like. The staff is always courteous and happy to help you out with a selection. A wonderful alternative to that mid-shelf bottle of wine your accustomed to bringing to a party.
(5)
Peijean T.
Macarons, oui oui! Pistacia Vera may be located in the German Village area of Columbus, Ohio, but they definitely have this French macaron thing down. Here they've mastered the macaron: moist, slightly chewy wafers with a delicate crispy shell. Each pair of wafers sandwiches a light creamy center. I went in to buy six but couldn't resist the selection of flavors and walked out with nine. A few of them had stiffer fillings (older cookies?) like the cherry cordial and the cassis bergamot (similar to a tea flavor), but a few had ultra soft and smooth fillings that made the wafers slide a bit when you took a bite. I especially enjoyed the gingerbread macaron which had a very fresh and robust flavor. Each of the macarons had a delicate sweetness punctuated by their main flavor of fruit, chocolate, etc. I love that the macarons are only $1.50 each, when I'm used to paying over $2 for one of these back in California. Given that they have mastered the macaron, I was hoping that their pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant , $4) would be close to what I've had in Paris. I was disappointed it was too dry, although the flavor of the croissant was good and not too buttery. Of the items I tried nothing was overly sweet, which I liked. I also bought a chocolate loaf cake slice ($3) which had a perfect dark chocolate taste that was dense in texture but not saccharine. Overall, this is a terrific dessert shop with tons of variety from gourmet cake slices and artisan macarons to simplier bake-sale types of fare such as chewy cookies and loaf cake slices.
(4)
Candace M.
I've been trying to go through my Columbus bucket list recently, and you better believe Pistacia Vera was on there! We finally made it there after a great stop at the Book Loft. I'd heard about the macarons, but I hadn't heard how adorable the place itself is. We walked in and I was so impressed! Super clean and cozy, with bright wood floors and lots of windows, creating the feeling of open space. I can imagine that this would be a great space to study, work, or go on a date. I've only had a macaron once and wasn't feeling particularly adventurous, so I went with a safer bet, We had the chocolate bombe and the raspberry passion fruit truffle torte. They were both very good. I'd say the bombe was a bit better. There was complimentary filtered water which hit the spot with our chocolate-rich desserts. I would come again, and next time I'll have my sights set on one of their legendary macarons!
(4)
Brian B.
Every day on the weekends I come in and get a coffee and pastry or two. This place is amazing. Usually when you walk into a bakery and they have a classy setup where the baked goods are on display for all to see you expect that the actual taste will be lacking (at least this has been my experience), nothing could be further from the truth here. What looks great is often better when you are eating it. During the winter months they have hot dark chocolate which is the perfect thing to have while walking around in the cold. If you feel like something savory I highly recommend their rosemary parmesan scones. Their prices are very reasonable and worth every penny.
(5)
Vicky N.
The best desserts in Columbus, without a doubt! Pistacia Vera specializes in gourmet, rich desserts that are so aesthetically pleasing, you have to take pictures to remember the gorgeous artwork you just devoured. The pastry chefs here are phenomenal at making each item on the menu as delicious as they look. I usually don't like my chocolate mixed with berries, but PV really complements the two flavors well. I have had the chocolate bombe, cherry pistachio feuilletine, the chambord torte (flourless), and a handful of their macarons, and they have yet to disappoint me! The pieces of cake may look small, but are packed with flavor. It's usually too much for me to finish. And at $1.25/macaron, it's a fair price for the cute French treats that to my knowledge aren't sold elsewhere in Columbus. I also go here to buy gifts for friends and family who have a sweet tooth too. The cafe is located in the heart of German Village, a perfect addition to this blooming area of Columbus. I love the atmosphere of the place - very comforting and open with a chic design. The staff are knowledgable about the items on the menu and are great at recommendations if you need help understanding those fancy words (like me). I would love to come back and try their brunch menu next time, but sometimes parking can be a hassle. Definitely go to the lot of the salon across the street first because the one attached to the building has only 2 spaces.
(5)
Dee M.
A bakery that serves macarons and croissants in German Village? How could Pistachio Vera be anything other than completely amazing? I live 4 blocks away and let me tel you, Pistacia Vera causes me sleepless nights in bed, lying awake, dreaming of the crunch and creamy sensations that fill my mouth after biting into one of their macarons. The croissants, too. Flaky, and buttery, the almond ones haunt my dreams. Every flavor is amazing, and I usually take a variety with me. The staff is simply wonderful, and they happen to make, IMHO, the best cappuccino in town. Sometimes I tell people that I moved to German Village solely because of this bakery. They usually think I'm joking. I'm not. My credit card is swiped religiously at Pistacia Vera, with no end in sight.
(5)
Rachel K.
Small location but seems so elegant and always kept clean. Their macaroons are to die for. I never even liked that type of treat before having the Pistacia Vera kind. They are a must have for any special occasion at my home! It's so nice to sit on their patio sipping coffee and having a pastry. Would definitely recommend!
(5)
Jackie K.
Yum! Their cookies are really good. The chocolate pistachio one is great as is the almond one.
(4)
Caroline D.
these macarons are the best ever. they used to have a lemon pistachio that was to die for. the plain pistachio one is pretty close though -- it is honestly delicious. well worth the price, seriously. the lime sugar cookie is amazing too. however, i have a hard time getting anything other than a box of macarons. a must try!
(4)
Mer F.
I want to LOVE Pistacia Vera, which is why I return time and time again. I bring a different friend or friends each time, hoping that maybe I'll unlock the magic. My order varies each time. Still, I feel completely unwelcome here. Last time, the gal behind the counter was fantastically helpful to my friend who had never encountered a macaron before, explaining the different flavours and textures. I ordered a prepackaged variety box as a hostess gift on my trip out of town, and I was treated with a frown... I had to wrangle my drink order before a cold shoulder was turned on me. I'm starting to take this personally. Perhaps I'm not special enough for delicious pastry. The macarons held up beautifully to their 9 hour road trip. I only wish there was a guide to which flavor was which in the box, but the hostess savoured every bite!! Amaaaaazing pastry... if you're good enough!
(3)
Jenni H.
I am going to tagline my Pistacia Vera experience as "False Hope and Empty Promises". I was running late on my way to the airport and despite the rush I made a detour to pick up some presents: 4 macarons for three friends each. The person working behind the counter advised I purchase their prepackaged 12 piece box set. Perfect! One missed flight and several calls with Delta later, I sat down and unwrapped the box to inspect the toil of all my troubles. THERE WAS ONLY 11. The fastest and surest way to break a girl's heart is to under deliver on promises of macarons. For the person who prepackaged the box sets: You had one job! Do we need to revisit grade school arithmetic and learn how to count? On a side note, I have nothing but praise for the macarons itself. They are the perfect combination of crispy and chewy with delicious hints of flavors. Personal favorites are pistachio, vanilla, and grapefruit honey. Minus stars for the fail packaging and inaccurate charging. Plus stars for the redeeming macaron quality.
(3)
Evalyn C.
I have been hearing about Pistacia Vera since before I even moved to Columbus. I've listened to people rave about all the delicacies that can be procured here. I've seen friends literally jump up and down they were so excited to get hired on to the staff here. So, tell me why it took me until just now get in to this amazing place? No really. What was my problem?!? My husband and I went as an after brunch dessert trek on my birthday. We wanted to try some yummies that wouldn't leave us too terribly stuffed. So, we ordered 4 macarons and one mini chocolate bombe to split. If I'm being entirely honest, I've never really enjoyed macarons (at least not prior to these bad boys) but I kept reading reviews exclaiming that they were a "must try" and my husband seemed intrigued. If it hadn't been for all my fellow yelpers' reviews, I think I would have seriously missed out. You see, for the first time in my life, I can honestly say that I not only liked a macaron, I loved one. We ordered the passionfruit, lemon, coconut creme, and matcha yuzu flavors and I loved each and every one of them. So light, just the right amount of sweet, and those pops of flavors that have me salivating just thinking about them... Heaven. As for the chocolate bombe, I couldn't stop saying "Holy crap!" after ever bite. It was so freaking tasty! Just the right amount of dense and light and crunch and soft and oh-so decadently chocolatey. If you are a chocolate lover and you haven't had one of these before, you are really missing out. In fact, I may buy my chocoholic mother several for her birthday next month. ;-) I absolutely guarantee I will be back again soon.
(5)
Liz M.
So, I love Pistacia Vera. Friendly service, nice atmosphere, delicious perfect desserts. I never ever felt like I was paying too much there because the quality was worth it. My favorites are the macrons (pistachio flavor), the chocolate bombe, and any cake they offer, really. Service is always superb. I went this past Friday for brunch to-go and it really took the wind out of my sails. $12 a piece for a small brunch item and side salad. My friend had the bacon quiche and I had the croque monsieur. Her quiche was a generous size, but nothing overly special, my croque monsure had merit and the sauce was velvety smooth, but the ham was so smokey it over powered the whole dish and the bread was quite dark on the bottom imparting a burnt taste. The side salad consisted of 5% arugula and 95% frisee, which made for a bitter, poorly textured salad. The dressing was under seasoned and seemed to consist of olive oil, Dijon, vinegar , and shallots. I have never had an issue with paying a premium, but $12 left me more than a smokey burnt taste in my mouth. I will choose not to order a brunch item again. However, I will always choose to purchase pastries here as they're to die for!
(4)
Rasha H.
Very nice coffee and desert place, with some limited outdoor seating for good weather days...
(5)
Michael U.
It's fine but the regular food and brunch items are overpriced for what you get. For the rare sweet tooth I get it's good to satisfy that craving.
(3)
Laura K.
I tried a macaron for the first time. It was the best choice ever! Tried the mocha hazelnut and it was deeeeeelicious. Yes, those extra e's are necessary :) Thank you for being in Columbus, Pistacia Vera.
(5)
Rami M.
I love going to Pistacia Vera with my family. You will experience a friendly cafe environment, and everything I've had on their menu surpassed my expectations. They are known for their macarons, and I always get at least a half-dozen box to take home. They remind me of the macarons from La Duree. I love pairing it with their coffee or espresso; it's some of the best MADE coffee I've had. They have an extensive tea selection as well, with tea available for purchase to take home (try the Earl Grey Vanilla). Their quiches make for a wonderfully appetizing lunch, and the croissants are definitely the best in Columbus. If you still have a sweet tooth after all of that, try their assortments of house-made cakes and desserts. I'm glad such a place exists in Columbus!
(5)
M Y.
I've had all of their macarons. I got a great look at how they make them on the German Village food tour, and quite frankly I'm surprised they don't charge more. They take so much effort for such a little bite. Excellent filling to cookie ratio. Also excellent light texture all around. My personal favorite would be the pistachio, but they are all tasty and pretty. The store itself also has a great vibe to hang out over a cup of coffee.
(5)
Roger S.
I could eat everything in this entire shop.
(4)
Alex K.
The strawberry macaroon tasted like Smuckers jam and soggy bread. Would not recommend.
(1)
Gabi M.
Pistacia Vera is the definition of classy. They define themselves as a "dessert boutique," and that's exactly what they are. With modern sleek decor, extremely friendly staff, an incredible array of fine looking treats, free wifi, and a central location in German Village, if you live in Columbus and haven't been here, you're missing out. As if all of the above isn't enough, take one bite of your favorite flavor macaron, and you'll be sold... I guarantee it! I went with a vanilla bean macaron and a cup of hot lemon ginger tea. It was the perfect light dessert after my lunch at Katzinger's Deli down the street. The macaron was so delicious, I swear - it's what "sweet dreams" are made of! And all of PV's macarons are gluten free to boot! I knew Christina C wouldn't steer me wrong when she took me here. I can't wait to return to Pistacia Vera on future trips to Columbus!
(5)
Carin W.
I used to live in Columbus and sadly this wasn't an option until the last few years...it is as close to a European pastry shop as I've seen in the US...I have traveled extensively and their macroons are some of the best I have ever consumed. Their have lavender honey right now...enjoy because they change favors seasonally. I crave their mocha; it is not sweet and syrupy like Starbucks; it is rich, dark chocolate without the sugar and once you have it you won't want anything else.
(5)
Isabelle B.
The only place that comes close to the macaroons you can find in France, plus the atmosphere is great!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
I was in Columbus for just 2 days and went to this place twice. Why? High quality deliciousness aimed at adults abounded Ex: 1) the most magically delicious fudgy cookies - immensely chocolaty, not crazy sweet, and normal cookie size (not so giant I must either restrain myself - as if - or throw half of the cookie away), 2) delish delish lemon tarts - tangy sweet creamy custard filling, delicate shortbread crust, 3) minimally sweetened mochas with really great quality chocolate. This is ideal for those of us who want all of their coffee to have chocolate in it, but who also want a sweet treat with their coffee. Sweet treat + sweet drink = muddled experience with both; Pistacia Vera's wonderful iced mochas solved this problem perfectly for me. And last but absolutely not least, reason #4 why I love this place - the staff are just amazingly lovely and helpful. I'm a tough customer when it comes to my nibbles and both times I was there they were just so gracious in helping me find what I would like in their shop, and then with helping me find other things I'd like in German Village. Cudos to the hiring manager - you have a truly excellent staff here. The only thing that would make this place better? If they opened a second location near me in DC!
(5)
Sarah K.
I've heard only good things about this Pistacia Vera since moving to Columbus but it wasn't until someone sent a box of Macarons to my office that I went to see it for myself. The bakery itself is beautiful, a few old remnants of previous bakeries remain among the clean, modern look. I bought a sampler box of macarons for a gift and stayed to enjoy the eggs provencal for lunch - cooked wonderfully, with a large, warm croissant and house-made preserves (I would buy this by the jar if available). Nice lunchtime crowd for a workday but plenty of seats and not too loud. The service was very friendly. I would go back anytime.
(5)
Silvia S.
Pistacia Vera is something you find in places like Boston or in California. Because it's so cute and stylish. Pictures of their desserts just do not do them justice. They are very beautiful in person. I had the Chocolate bombe and Praline caramel feuillitine to share with my sister. Neither of us finished either of the dishes, even though they were very small they were quite rich and packed a flavorful punch. The chocolate bombe was exactly that, an explosion of rich chocolate. I'm not exactly a fan of chocolate but both the texture and lightness of the inside were delicious to me. My sister really enjoyed the praline caramel feuillitine, though I thought the flavor was very muddled, I couldn't quite tell what was going on it was still delicious and so rich with every small bite it felt almost luxurious to eat. Needless to say I had to leave with a box of their highly rated macarons. I was very impressed, and I would surely come back just for every single flavor of them. Parking is sort of tricky if you aren't familiar with this part of Columbus, but even if you have to walk a block, Germain Village is a beautiful place to get lost on your way to Pistacia Vera.
(5)
Angie P.
It's always such a treat to go here. The desserts are all gorgeous, not to mention delicious, and I always pair my macaroon (or whatever I decide to try) with a cup of coffee. Today I tried the peppermint and pumpkin but I've had a few other flavors over the past year or two. I still think my favorite of all time is the Pistachio Mascarpone Dacquoise.
(5)
Joyce H.
Best place ever....... to go after running a 5k. Just kidding... but not really. The highlights for me were 1) the macarons and 2) the company! (friends in columbus that I don't get to see very often.) These French macarons were so, so perfect. Crisp shell with soft, tasty innards. My favorite flavors were definitely pistachio, black raspberry... I think there was a lavender flavored one if I'm remembering correctly. So delicious. The only downside was that we had a larger group of 8, and we didn't quite get favorable looks from the servers for moving a few tables around. They weren't so generous with refilling our waters either. 4 for the little macarons, 4 for the decor & space, but 3 for the service.
(4)
Kate Q.
This is a true Columbus gem! The pastry work here is unbelievably beautiful art. The staff is always friendly and helpful and you can usually find a place to park without much of a problem (usually). For me personally, I LOVE their allergy-friendly menu. Any place that I can go to and get something for dessert that is both gluten and dairy free is such a treat (I usually just have another cocktail while everyone else is enjoying their gluteny desserts). Their famous macarons are gluten-free (yes!) and make fantastic hostess gifts for holiday parties. I think I bought about 10 gift boxes of macarons last year to take to holiday parties. Big hit with everyone. I could keep writing, but honestly, this place is just lovely. I have nothing bad to say. Go there. Totally worth the trip and the calories.
(5)
Sammy T.
For years I've stared at the pastel colored macarons in fanciful dessert displays in cookbooks and on tv. They always look amazing and tempting but I never knew where to get them. I almost broke down and made them myself til I saw that almond flour is 11 dollars a pound. Then I found Pistacia Vera reviews saying they made the love confections. That fateful June 30th evening (hellish windstorm) I ran to the bakery and indeed there were probably 8 or so varieties of macarons. I ordered a sampler of 3 different flavors. Lemon, Vanilla cream and Chocolate Truffle. There were other pastries there but I was on a Macaron Mission and that was my only focus. The macarons were light and dainty , I think my favorite flavor was the tangy lemon with the vanilla coming in second. I was told that the vanilla was their most popular flavor. I was impressed by the space because it is very clean and organized. Everything looks pristine and well attended which lets me know that the kitchen/baking area is probably immaculate as well. -I'll be back!
(5)
Jessica S.
THIS place is why the city is beautiful. What a wonderful find! My sister, who lives in Chicago now, used to frequent this place with me. I've been able to ship her macaroons from here to her apartment for her birthday! My sister has been fortunate enough to visit Paris, France and she loves the macaroons at Pistacia Vera more than the ones she tasted in Europe. I'm a die-hard chocolate fan, and everything chocolate I have had here has tasted so divine, so incredibly delectable...do you remember the part in the second matrix movie where Monica Bellucci eats that piece of cake? It's like that. Their desserts are so delicious you'll think you're sinning. So go on, sin a little, try this place out. You won't be dissapointed. Bon Appetit.
(5)
Mary P.
Macarons are the new cupcake so the fact that columbus has a storefront now is evidence that someone is trying to make somewhere in Ohio hip. That being sad I'm an addict of these fancy french almond cookies and have eaten dozens of them from several places all over the country. These macarons definitely look better than they taste. The colors are great and the usual happiness instilling pastel chalk-like colors. Strawberry amaretto was the best flavor combination I tried and also my two favorite flavors of most things. Flavour isn't too strong so I had to think about it when I was eating each one. I tried Apricot sesame and lemon matcha I think and they were only so so because I could barely tell what I was eating aside from its color. They're also kept too warm and fall apart when you grab them. The middle part which is the glue holding the cookies together tastes like melted butter which is gross and I've never experienced that before. I really majorly disliked that. The texture of the cookie is just the right amount of chewiness though. Still I ate them all in one sitting. Plus a french vanilla shortbread cookie which was too crumbly for my taste. Maybe I was being picky that day. I'm still giving them a 4 because the atomosphere with its wood and modern clean lines makes this place a great place to hang out. Eventually they'll perfect their pastries and it'll become a hot place to hang out.
(4)
Teri D.
Good cookie! Good cookie! Good cookie! Really really good cookie! While taking a walkabout in the area for the first time I was feeling the need for a desert and here they were! We walked in and stared at the offerings and initially I was afraid that my allergic self could not partake of any of the lovely goodies.........but I was thankfully wrong! It came down to the french vanilla cookies or the citron tarte. After clearing it with them that neither had any of my allergens in them I opted for the cute little tarte and then just as I was about to pay I saw the lemon sugar cookie. I have never seen nor had one before and just had to get one. That cookie was pure bliss! Soft and chewy, sweet but not so much like some sugar cookies to set your teeth on edge, and just the ideal amount of lemon flavoring to make it ideal. The cookie just made it past their very nice looking patio....and then died an honorable death about 10 feet away. The tarte actually made it home (they packaged it in a very nice box and bag) and I almost broke a promise to hubs to share with him. The crust was soft but not too crumbly and you could taste the essence of butter in it and the filling was wonderful sweet lemon goodness. The candied citrus peel on top was a nice touch as well. All this goodness plus coffee and tea AND brunch? Why are you trying to sabotage my bikini diet, PV, why??????
(5)
Mindy W.
This bakery is visually stunning. They take care to be sure you feast with your eyes prior to feasting with your taste buds. Unfortunately, at least for me, I felt the food was prettier than it was tasty. The pasteries were good, but not as good as they appeared to be. We got macarons (little cookie sandwiches) which I felt were light on flavor. The texture was also deceiving, as the cookie almost seemed to disintigrate in your hand. We split a croissant, which practically jumped off the counter and into our mouths, it looked so scrumptious. We weren't disappointed, it was the best part of our "meal." I tried a shortbread cookie as well, and ended up throwing half of it away. It was very dry, to the point where you couldn't eat it without drinking something. Which brings me to the coffee. I got an Iced Latte with simple syrup and it was fantastic. Nice flavorful coffee. I'd like to go back and try some of their other items, the coffee and ambiance were worth it.
(4)
Carianne M.
Macarons! I can't/won't say much about anything else at Pistacia Vera because I haven't had much else. If I'm being honest, I stick to the desserts and then walk down to Stauf's for coffee...oh my...that's awful now that I wrote it all out... The Macarons are not to be missed. The pistachio (obviously) is amazing, but the miso is also so, so delicious. Their other baked goods are not to be missed - a chocolate fudge cookie won my heart. The lighting, location, parking, etc. are all amazing. I can see why folks would come here for brunch, but the tables are limited and a bit close together for my taste.
(4)
Yuri R.
Clean - beautiful - great customer service - delicious! Just very nice atmosphere! ;-)
(5)
Matt W.
It's the smell that really hits you. It's one thing to see all the pretty pictures of the pastel macarons, the jewel toned fruit gels, and the lustrously dark chocolates, but one can resist the siren call of Pistacia Vera if you are simply indulging your eyes. "German Village parking can be a pain", you say. "I am trying to diet", you say. "I'd end up blowing the rent on macarons and gift boxes," you say. But if you're in the neighborhood and they've opened the windows onto their patio, or should you be walking past and decide just to step in for a coffee, perhaps, and maybe one -little- indulgence (a single macaron wouldn't be so bad, would it?), you're doomed. The moment your nose is tickled by the alluring aromas of their kitchen, caressing their way up to your brain with the velvety promise of delicious indulgences, you can't help but start to drool just a tiny bit. A look at each of the incredibly beautiful offerings in their case, combined with a smell that promises meltingly delicious flavors once the food reaches your tongue, takes you deeper and deeper into sweet seduction, with the fragrance of their freshly roasted coffee rounding it out with the promise of a dark savory brew to perfectly counterpoint the sweetness Fortunately, I was able to save myself from total moral and spiritual collapse by taking a friend along, and splitting their dessert sampler (part of their Dine Originals menu) was a wise move, allowing us to delight in a wide range of their offerings with just a bit of restraint. Though the chocolate bombe was excellent, with dark chocolate ganache encasing an almost delicate mousse and a foundation of sweet cake, the true star, and PV's signature, was their macarons. The sweet gluten free cookie is almost cakelike in texture, dissolving into a burst of flavor on your tongue that compliments and highlights the cream filling, before you melt into the companion cookie and the sweet candy coating that gives each one a beautiful pastel wrapper. The platter came with a raspberry macaron and an almond offering, and I have to admit that the raspberry came out on top for me. The almond wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but something about the perfectly captured fruit flavor really suits the Macaron's silky textures. The pistachio nougat is nutty, almost savory, with a nice toothsome texture, but not so much that you start to fear for your dental work, and the intense bursts of the fruit jellies almost make them more of a palette cleanser than a dessert choice, wiping away whatever was before them and leaving you with a lingering burst of fruity sweetness before you move on. The single chocolate truffle was almost an afterthought, and I have to admit that it pales in comparison to it's bigger bombe brother, but the bite sized treat is still well executed, with deep dark chocolate inside and out, and a satisfying crackle as the harder shell gives way to the soft sweetness within. PV also offers several savory offerings, including a their awesome croissants, but this is a place that will fire every neuron in your brain towards sweet indulgence, and I dare anyone to spend five minutes in that glorious aroma, surrounded by delicious treats and a staff willing to explain the appeal of each one in cheerful detail, and not give in to the urge to indulge.
(5)
Megan K.
Made a trip to Pistacia Vera today all the way from Marysville because of the great reviews and raves from a couple of my cousins & it sure didn't disappoint. I was lucky enough to snag a parking spot on the side of the building. I was entranced by all the brightly colored rows of gorgeous macarons. I honestly knew going in that's primarily what I wanted to try, so I did a sampler pack of a few of them. So far the ones that stick out are the vanilla, pistachio and nutella. Didn't care for the lime. The macarons itself are very delicate & crunchy on the outside but so moist and chewy on the inside, the perfect combination. I personally liked the macarons with the buttercream in the middle vs. the fruit gel (lime). The buttercream is light as a feather and silky smooth and oh so flippin good. I would love to snag a big ol spoonful of the vanilla buttercream - yeah it's THAT good. Also on high recommendation from my cousin, I had to try the butter cookies. They had a 6-pack so I grabbed one. Holy moly that sh!t is GOOOOOOOD. Probably the best damn butter cookie I've ever had. It's a thick vanilla butter cookie cut in the shape of a leaf and dusted with a very fine sugar sprinkled with vanilla beans. This cookie is very light & airy and truly melts in your mouth. My only goal is to resist temptation so I'll have a few of them left for tomorrow mornings coffee. This would be a great gift for any foodie you know. So if you have never been to Pistacia Vera or even if you have but haven't tried these cookies YOU HAVE TO!!!! Yeah it's not even an option. Thank me later. I did try one of their cashew butter caramels and wasn't that impressed. It didn't have a ton of flavor in my opinion, but you know I'm not going to let one little caramel dampen my love of PV. It was definitely worth the trek from Marysville and is definitely a place I'd take out of town guests for some coffee & desserts. I'm definitely a new fan!!
Delivery : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Good for Working : Yes
Kate H.
The macaroons are insane. Life changing, really- in that way that make your pants fit tighter. Do yourself a favor and get a pistachio and coconut. I am not trying to tell you want to do, but seriously. These little guys are a $1.50 a pop... the little pops that they are. The 4 stars is on the 'roons alone. I could take or leave about everything else in this place. It is a bit pretentious (though everyone is very nice) and overpriced. If you want to do a good day in German Village (when it is not freezing out)- walk through the Book Loft, get a sandwich to-go at Katzinger's (or the Brown Bag) and 2 macaroons at Pistacia Vera, and haul your literal and figurative cookies to Schiller Park and sit on the benches near the little girl with the umbrella fountain.
(4)Tabitha F.
Hands down: my favorite place in Columbus. Every time I have an out of town visitor or hear a friend has never been, it gives me the perfect excuse to go! As if I need an excuse! You see, I am a serious "sweets" junkie.....as in, I need a twelve step program. Their Macaroons are simply amazing! The Chocolate Bombe is a chocolagasm in your mouth! Every thing I have had - trust me, I have had some of almost everything they serve - has been sooooo good. Never had of a chocolagasm? OH MYYYYYY! Why are you still reading this? You should totally be on your way already! Experience the chocolaty goodness for yourself! PS. I realize a heavy use of exclamation points in this review; they are warranted.
(5)Alexis D.
Fabulous bakery. Try the frangipan and the eclairs. The almond croissant is heaven and the chocolate buttermilk loaf is unreal: so rich and moist. You can't go wrong. The macarons are artfully done. They even helped me put them in a rainbow to celebrate gay marriage! Great people, fabulous shop.
(5)Colleen R.
I'm obsessed. I cannot get enough of Pistacia Vera. I've had the croissants, palmier, maple pecan twist, chocolate chip pistachio cookie, iced coffee and macarons. Everything I've tried has been fantastic. I've tried most of the macaron flavors, but pistachio is hands-down my favorite. I could probably eat 10 in one sitting. Everyone at the German Village store is so friendly! I've never received bad customer service, and all of the employees were happy to answer any questions I had. Pistacia Vera is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth.
(5)Donna O.
I don't know why I was not embroiled in a passionate love affair with Pistacia Vera long before now. Truly a gem even in an area known for its outstanding restaurants and dessert/pastry shops. Walking in, you are enveloped in an embrace of coffee and sweet smells. The café is airy and light, and large display cases are filled with every type of beautiful European pastry. They are known for their different styles of macaroon, but I opted for a chocolate torte. Typically, double-chocolate anything is an overload of heavy, cloying sweet. This treat - it was rich and creamy but melted with each bite. Perfect! Paired with a coffee and the open and beautiful surroundings, it feels like a little slice of Paris in German Village.
(5)Meg K.
I lived in German Village for a while and one of the absolute best things to do with out of towners during a visit would be to walk up to the Book Loft, find some treasures, and then head up the street to Pistacia Vera for coffees, macarons, and reading/conversation. Multiple times for parties I have bought one of each big dessert from the case- it's always a beautifully presented pastry in the European style, tasty, elegant, and sure to impress. In fact, we like the shop so much, that we ordered several hundred of their famous macarons (DO NOT CONFUSE WITH MACAROONS) as our wedding favors. People loved them. I enjoy how the macaron flavors change seasonally- it's such a creative little surprise. Brunch here is very good too- I enjoy the baked eggs, among other things. Please give them a try, if you haven't already. You won't regret it.
(5)Sarah H.
I love,love,love the macaroons here. I fell in love with them when I first had them and I think about them often. They have the perfect crunch on the outside with a cake like chew in the center and a lovely buttercream. I can't say enough good things.
(5)Carrie D.
Love this place! Everything I've tried was delicious! My favorite is the Orange Nutella Bostock.
(5)Aaron H.
Oh my, I cannot say enough about this place. I found out about Pistacia Vera through a blog my boss found on the internet. The blogger--apparently a huge macaron fan--wrote on the post that she's been everywhere including New York and even France to try macarons, but this place had the best ones! That right there gave me a reason to try it out the same day I saw the blog! Plus, living in Columbus was all the more reason to go! Right from the start, they have a few(2~3) parking spots right next to the building AND across the street(6~10 can't remember). How awesome is that!! Although it gets pretty crowded from time to time, I usually find a parking space in either places. Their macarons are absolutely amazing--to die for!! At all times they have twelve different kinds and a few of them changes throughout the year. For example, during football seasons, they always have the buckeye macarons. Also they have an assortment of macrons neatly packaged so it's a great gift for someone special--or for yourself. I have bought these assorted ones on multiple occasions. One time, I sent an assortment to a friend in New York. First, they freeze it until the UPS guy picks it up and sends it through second-day air. So by the time it arrives, it has thawed but not melted. The delivery price can be a bit expensive; I think I paid about $12 for the delivery. Also the price varies by location. Oh, and they don't deliver during summer season since the high temperatures may ruin the quality. Overall, It has become one of my favorite food places in Columbus! If you are in the area or if you have a car, you should definitely check it out!
(5)Stephanie H.
My husband and I were in Columbus for a wedding. We decided to stop in for a couple of lattes and take a break from wedding festivities. First, parking is a bit difficult. We drove around for awhile before we found a spot. A short walk later and we were at Pistacia Vera. We opted not to get any sweets because we just had lunch and a giant cookie from a cafe near Easton, but I wish we had space to try one of the macaroons. We decided to order our drinks and I asked if they offered almond milk. Sadly, the only alternative was soy milk, which doesn't do it for me. I asked if I could get a vanilla latte, but nope, no vanilla offered. I just had a regular latte and my husband had an iced latte. I think I must be incredibly spoiled with the coffee shops in North Carolina and I've developed really high standards when it comes to coffee and milk substitutes. This latte was totally below average and didn't wow me at all. I love counter culture beans that are offered in NC and I love that I can order an almond milk latte with vanilla. This was just boring and bland. My husband felt the same about his latte. Soooo I probably wouldn't recommend this shop if you're used to amazing lattes because that just didn't happen here. Three stars for friendly service and a nice interior. I hope this shop considers other milk substitutes for those who are health conscious - soy is terrible for you.
(3)Elaine W.
I'm not a huge macaron fan--got over that phase, I think--but I will put one hand on the bakery counter and vouch for their croissants. The best thing is, if you need justification to indulge, they have RYE croissant. Back in the day when I was into macarons, and I discovered this elegant little shop on a quiet cobblestone street in the German Village, my two friends and I each got a macaron. When we sat down to dig in, we noticed that each was a different size! For some reason this was hilarious back then. But I think it just goes to show that they make everything fresh, in-house. I've seen people in line go a little crazy for the eclairs, so there must be something irresistible there, and I intend to try their breakfast one day.
(4)Samantha S.
Usually I go to a pastry place knowing exactly what I want to get since they are known for one thing or another. This place though...everything is good. Which puts me in a really big dilemma! I love a good macaron which this place definitely does well. But if I were to come here again I would be inclined to keep trying new things. The hazelnut torte was about one of the best desserts I've had in a really long time. I got 4 macarons, I would say the best out of the bunch was the caramel pecan. I would have liked to try a couple of other things but I can only ingest so many pastry calories a day without starting to feel guilty.
(5)Erica R.
Eh, this place is okay. It has a warm atmosphere and gluten-free macaroons but overall it is a little pretentious. I am also partial to Cherbourg's which is the greatest bakery in Columbus but this joint is in my neighborhood so I find myself here from time to time when I don't feel like making the trip to Bexley.
(3)Mike B.
Thank goodness they got rid of the free wifi, the only complaint I ever had keeping it from five stars was that the german village mom club would always be here taking up all the seats. If you don't take it to go, politely finish and leave. German village is a beautiful place, walk down to schiller park and hang out with your friends if you need a place to chat. If you need wifi, there's always starbucks. That all being said, PV are masters of pastry, I have never had anything off the menu that has been any less than perfect.
(5)Matt G.
Try everything on the menu! ...oh yeah, and the coffee. There's not much I can say that others haven't. So, here it goes: Make a selection from a wide-array of ever-changing pastries and goodies. I bought a caramel espresso tart - Duh-licious! Also, I indulged in the ham & cheese croissant - Good, yet very flaky and messy - You are warned. Along with my two selections, I purchased a delightfully tasting coffee and spent only around $15. It may seem a bit pricier but it is worth EVERY PENNY! To top it all off, the patio is a nice place to sit and read or just enjoy the weather. They also open up the entire side window section to make it the ultimate summer relaxation location. Every one there is very kind and friendly (an added bonus to the experience). I'll go back again and again! So many things I have yet to try!
(5)Minna C.
You can never go wrong with their assortments of macarons! Love them all! And their creme brûlée eclairs! The chocolate bombe was too sweet for me but it had hearts for valentines day which is when I went. I end up going over and over again :))
(4)Ken I.
I wandered into this place the first time I was in Columbus on business. We found it completely by accident and I can say that was a very happy accident. Both times I have come here I have order the Emmentaler Croque with strawberry preserve. It was amazing. So good in fact that I will be making a detour here anytime I can when I am here for work. I also got to try a bit of the Smoked Salmon Tartar and enjoyed it just as much. If you are nearby you should stop by for a bite. I don't think you will be disappointed.
(5)Josie T.
Went here after an afternoon at the Cols Art Museum. It was snowy but still packed. There is a tiny parking lot across the street although I read here parking was on the street only. I loved the ambiance but this place is not a vegan bakery as advertised. There was one vegan "food" item - $8 gummy candies. I did not see any nutritional information posted. Macaroons were delicious but $1.50 each. I was surprised they didn't have a "sampler" I probably would have ordered more. Real food items are only served until 2pm, even on weekends. Prices of those items also seemed expensive since you purchased from a counter and had to wait for drinks. (Lemonade was served after we finished eating.) Seating was cramped, would have liked to be able to sit upstairs in the loft area.
(3)Emma F.
I've only had the maraons here - but they are really good - not the best I've had - but maybe the best in Columbus!
(4)Alien T.
Fantastic place for my first cold morning in the city of Columbus. Delicious brunch and a very good place to stop on the road trip. I found this place quite pleasing. I had pouched eggs with tomato, croissant and jam with a cup of coffee. It was, what I wanted on this long road trip. The staff is friendly and happy.
(3)Nathan B.
Expensive, but a good latte and a great quiche and/or pastry (should be "and" - too much to go light here). They also have nice macaroons. Worth a taste but unless you're in love with the macaroons, you won't love the price of repeating the habit. The seating inside is well apportioned with nice and airy ceilings. Outside there's plenty of patio space, though folks tend to sit and linger on nice weekends. Not great for a full meal as it'll cost you more than it's worth, but certainly worth coffee and a pastry.
(4)Mirabelle L.
To be honest, I still wasn't so sure about moving to Ohio until I walked into this dessert place. The desserts here are for sure comparable to many dessert places that I have been to in such as France, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Seattle, NYC, Chicago, to name just a few. I enjoyed every bite of it and planning on taking another visit soon to try some more of other things!
(5)Claire R.
Pistachia Vera was one of the first places I was told I had to go when I moved to Columbus. They have a lot of items and a select few are done perfectly and thats what keeps me coming back. They have incredible quiches with really fresh, yummy salads which is the perfect breakfast. You have to get them before a certain time but its worth getting out there a little early. This is one of my favorite places to go when my parents are in town, or when getting breakfast with a friend, or even just by myself after wandering around the book loft. Great coffee. Food is a little pricey but worth it for the quality. They also have really, really good macaroons. I have had some amazing macaroons and some terrible ones and these are very good. Some of their flavors are not great but if you pick the right ones, they're winners. My favorite are the pistachio and anything with coconut. I only give four stars because some of their sweets are not 5 star and it is over all pretty pricey. I don't eat here often but every couple of months or so I start craving quiche and don't hesitate to come here (and stop over by Katzingers to pick up lunch for later!)
(4)Carol C.
It's not every bakery that can successfully wed style with substance, but Pistacia Vera manages this miracle with seemingly effortless skill. Everywhere the clean lines of modern architecture suggest a simple beauty, not unlike the pure perfection in a bite of their freshly-baked bread. Within these red brick walls and tasteful window-lined alcoves, the air of culinary sophistication is no clever ruse: these chefs are artists working in the mediums of savory and sweet, with pleasure as their palette. As if I needed another excuse to indulge in my love of locally-made edibles, I recently decided to participate in a program called "Foodie Pen-Pals". My pal has a weakness for sweets but resides in the West Coast, which meant all treats must be both transportable and durable, in addition to being tasty. It's a tall order, but I instantly knew that Pate de Fruits would achieve every goal. Packaged in an attractive 8-pack, the ombre colored squares of sugared fruit "gems" are intensely flavored yet somehow never too sweet nor too sour, and are absolutely lovely to look upon. They'll easily survive the several day journey, and they're sure to please even the pickiest of pen-pals. My husband and I added two orders of cookies to the purchase, to spoil ourselves after a day's shopping well done. I chose the Bittersweet Fudgie, billed as the "best chocolate cookie ever", a dubious title, but I don't dare disagree. The mister declared it "The best cookie I have eaten, ever" after the first bite I gave him, and I could barely stand to share more. It was like a brownie, or a cookie, or the best parts of both cocoa-laced fantasy worlds: a fever dream of crisp-almost-crunchy crust, with a softly fudgy inner layer that might make you moan as it melts on your tongue. He chose a pair of madeleines, which we discovered were flavored subtly and seductively with lemon. They were almost cloudlike in their spongy tenderness, and sweet as lemonade on a summer afternoon. There is nothing I have tried here that doesn't rival my own baking, or best it. These desserts are among the very best that Capital City has to offer, and I'm inclined to inquire if their brunch might be likewise. As if I needed another excuse!
(5)Bryant M.
What a sweet find! My friends and I went to lunch at El Arepazo, and we wanted a brownie from Sugardaddy's for dessert. Well, Sugardaddy's was closed. So then we wanted a cupcake from 3 Babes. And it was nowhere in sight. And that's how we found ourselves at Pistacia Vera! Even though it was kind of a last resort, it was not a let down! Liz M had brought me a box of their macarons a few months before, and I totally loved them; so I'm not sure why it took me this long to actually go to the store! Today we had a latte, an iced mocha, the chocolate cookies, the almond cookie, and a few macarons. Everything was beyond delicious. If you like semi-sweet or dark chocolate, then get the chocolate cookie - omg. But if you're more of a milk chocolate person, then maybe you should steer in another direction. I'll totally be going back to Pistacia Vera!
(5)Leanna L.
The best macaroons I've ever had! So many flavors to choose from and very reasonably priced.
(4)Alexander B.
Phenomenal quality and awesome presentation. Make someone's week by picking up a box of the macarons. They're pretty much perfection.
(5)Ayesha K.
The macaroons are divine! Great pastry shop! Location is even better.
(4)Regina M.
Came here as recommended by other reviews and I was not disappointed. The French Macarons are heavenly. Staff was very pleasant the decor and ambiance is beautiful. Would definitely come back when we get back to Ohio
(4)Zachary M.
This place is dangerous! I work nearby and visit PV often. I love it!
(5)David L.
Bumping rating up to 5 stars. I came here with my gf right before closing Saturday night. 1. Coconut guava yuzu chiboust, 24 Layers of coconut buttercake, gava yuzu curd, and coconut meringue mousse with a guava glaze. ~We got a terrine for my friend. Looked delicious, but I didn't get to try it :( 2. Chocolate bombe, 5 Chocolate buttermilk cake with semi-sweet chocolate mousse infused with tawny port, glazed with a chocolate ganache. ~Delicious. It got a bit smashed by the time we got home, but it was still good. 3. Pistachio macaron, 1.25 Pretty good. Not a big fan of macarons, but theirs are good. Tip: they have their own lot across the street if street parking is unavailable
(5)Mike G.
Macarons. Eat them.
(5)Vicky T.
Pricy and a bit rich (heavy). Despite the fact, their shelves are an orchestral arrangement of true hand-crafted goods. I've only had their caramel pecan twist? braid?, pistachio cookie, and an assortment of their macaroons. They are a genuine treat for a craving soul! I hope you enjoy whatever you select there! The store is a gem in town, please take a look around for yourself
(4)Sara C.
BUCKEYE MACARON! ahem. Lea P. and I had a Yelp date here earlier this week. It's a cute little place on 3rd, within easy walking distance of Schiller Park. The ceilings are high and there are lots of windows and natural light, so despite the smallness of the shop and the crowdedness of the little tables, it still feels open and airy. It can be a little awkward when the tables are full and you are practically sitting in on someone else's conversation. Though other reviewers mention wifi, there are now little cards on the tables advising customers to limit their use of electronics in the dining room (it did not specify whether this is due to cell phone usage or laptop camping). I did see some folks with their tablet computers, though it wasn't particularly crowded on this weekday afternoon. It'd be a great place to people-watch (especially the tables at the front) or to work on my attempt to read "In Search of Lost Time," though it is tables only -- no cushy armchairs. It can get a little chilly on cold days due to the size of the room and the two entrances. Service was super polite and patient, especially since I was a little stunned by all the lovely pastries and glass cases of deliciousness. I ended up just getting the buckeye macaron and the peppermint chocolate macaron. The latter was acceptable, but I could have gotten a whole box of the buckeye ones (but resisted the temptation). I do know what I'm buying for Christmas gifts this year now, though. I also had an iced soy chai which was made well. Two macarons and the drink came to $6. I noticed that they do serve brunch, but it looked a little pricey for me right now. I'd rather spend that money on macarons anyway.
(4)Aaron F.
Best Macarons, other than in Paris!
(5)Jennifer J.
ok, what can anyone say other than this really is the best pastry in Columbus Ohio. also, they serve a great breakfast. And for those of us with dogs...they have wonderful outdoor seating in warmer weather, with water bowls for the pups. 5 star all the way. no disappointments here.
(5)R R.
Never a good idea to earn a good reputation by having unique food items (shirred eggs). and them slowly take them out of the lineup. And then they start running out of the items on the menu!! Out of quiche lorraine at 8:00 on Sunday! Ate a hard macaroon today. Thought they are supposed to be nice and fluffy. Having been long term customers.... It's so disappointing!
(1)Justin B.
I love me some PV. If there is a nicer patisserie in town, I've yet to find it. Their cookies, candies, cake and junk and stuff are pornographically beautiful and taste great too. Their classic croissants are among the best I've had. I'm always impressed at the care and attention they give my simple cappuccino, that always turns out perfectly. (tiny firm bubbles in the milk!, woot) This is my go to joint for petit déjeuner for morning recovery after previous night shenanigans. They have a small private lot that fills up quickly, but I've never had trouble finding street parking.
(5)Catherine J.
I've been blessed/cursed with walking past Pistacia Vera every day on my way to work, and every day on my way home from work. It's a daily struggle not to empty my wallet and fill my face with perfect confections. It's like an art gallery for desserts. Their offerings might be more edited than other patisseries, but Pistacia Vera has perfected each item on the menu. You can stop in to share a dessert with a friend, grab a coffee, or pick up a gift. I love the pate de fruits-- intense flavor bombs for your tongue! And oh, the macarons! I love to pick some up to go with afternoon tea. I even boxed sets of four and gave them out as party favors at a baby shower once. Pick up one of their letterpress cards, and you have a "just thinking of you" gift ready to go. Or, you know, a "Thanks for writing such a sweet review, Catherine J." gift... amirite?!?! They even have "real food" ... two items available for brunch daily. There's a shirred egg dish and a smoked salmon dish. These are headlined with the description of being "gluten free." The whole "gluten free" thing kind of annoys me, as I feel like it's an over-blown trend. For those who have a legit allergy or intolerance to gluten, they probably know how to scan a menu and know that the dish is gluten free. For everyone else... I don't know why "gluten free" is being equated with some kind of health commandment, but there ya go. Not sure what about a wheat protein is so bad for those whose bodies can process it normally. I haven't tried either brunch item, but I plan on remedying this travesty very soon.
(4)Allie L.
The best macarons in Columbus. I can only repeat Christina..."DROOL."
(5)Jose P.
Best Sugar Lime Cookie Ever! Best Elephant Ears and Bear Claws in the area! Great place to chill and enjoy sweet treats!
(5)Marcia C.
People. It's the Provençal Baked Eggs, hands down. Top it off with the pastry of your choice and some really good coffee. But it's the Baked Eggs.
(5)Stella W.
OMG....their dessert was really good! We came here after a big lunch at the nearby jewish deli, so we all shared the chocolate mouse dome pastry. It was infused with tawny port, which you can taste from the chocolate mouse. The ganache was so smooth and rich that the combination of all the ingredients was just perfectly balance and satisfying! I already asked my friends to take us back there for brunch next time :D
(5)Jennifer A.
Love this place and would recommend everyone to visit there for dessert and coffee.
(5)Stephanie K.
yummm yuurrrm! This place is too cute. The pastries looked immaculate in the display cases. I tried 5 different macaroons: grapefruit, raspberry, nutella, pistachio, and pumpkin. The pistachio was probably my fav. The macaroons were that awesome just chewy consistency I love. I also tried a small pomegrante lychee pate for $1. The small gel like cube rolled in sugar reminded me of those sunkist gel candies I used to get as a kid. These however, were about a bajillionsmamillion times more delicious. I couldn't believe the intense flavor packed into that sucker. Soo mouthwatering good. I'm definitely coming back for more! I'd like to try some of the tartes, bombs and others.
(5)Vivian Clair M.
I enjoy very much making trips to Columbus Ohio, and appreciate the many excellent chefs who are here. One place I always visit is Pistacia Vera. The croissants, bostock pastry, almond bearclaw, and chocolate bombe are simply divine. Sadly, I never got to try the "PISTACHIO APRICOT PINWHEEL ($4) sweet dough with pistachio frangipan with fresh apricots and glaze" which has just been removed from the menu. The ham and cheese croissant is very smoky tasting. I liked it, but not all in my party did. The macaroons are excellent, although macaroons in general are not my cup of tea. There are so many things left to try, including the Pain au Chocolate, the Apple Galette, Orange Brioche, etc. They had samples of the nougat and caramels out one morning I was there, and they were also excellent. This is definitely the real deal! Worth a special trip - go hungry!
(5)Maria S.
Coffee shops often have desserts, but they aren't always the best quality, and I'm not a coffee drinker anyway. And going to a full service restaurant for just dessert makes me feel like a jerk. There aren't a lot of places in Columbus where you can go for just desserts; Pistacia Vera definitely fills that void and I love them for that. I am always amazed by how impeccably designed everything at Pistacia Vera is. Not only the gorgeous pastries they have on display, but the interior, employee uniforms, and packaging, too. They have wonderful, buttery, thick shortbread, fantastic macarons (the pumpkin pie one I had this fall was absurd), and every tart I've tried has been magnificent. The spiced pear tart I had somewhat recently makes me aspire to be a better person. This weekend, my husband and I walked over and picked up a pain au chocolat and a slice of apple galette, both of which were awesome. In fact, I don't think I've had anything here that isn't super amazing. The staff is always friendly and not stuck up about answering questions. Obviously, much has been said about Pistacia Vera, but I had to toss in my "review" just to say thanks to them for bringing some sweetness to Columbus! I only wish they were open later some days for my incessant after hours cravings!
(5)Stephan J.
Pistacia Vera is a lovely French style patisserie worth a visit! This great place in German village has macarons which will blow your mind(they are gluten free too). I visited this place as part of a food tour and this was by far the highlight! You can see how passionate the sister and brother team of Anne and Spencer are about their business. Behind the scenes we saw the magic happening, as a fierce team of female chefs were preping confections and quiches. They bake all day long to provide freshly made items for their case throughout the day. This definitely will be a place I go out of my way to visit when I am in Columbus. The customer service is wonderful and they pull a mean macchiato too!
(5)Brady S.
Hands down, delicious. I definitely want to try out their lunch menu.
(5)Uğur Ö.
A little pricey but totally worth it for the desserts. Me and my wife we both love their desserts. But if you want to try their brunch keep in mind that their brunch selections are limited and portions are small and pricey. It's good if you are not too hungry and want to have coffee, a small dish and some desserts to go with it. But if you want a full blown brunch then it's not the best option. We would definitely recommend for their desserts.
(5)Gabi M.
Pistacia Vera is the definition of classy. They define themselves as a "dessert boutique," and that's exactly what they are. With modern sleek decor, extremely friendly staff, an incredible array of fine looking treats, free wifi, and a central location in German Village, if you live in Columbus and haven't been here, you're missing out. As if all of the above isn't enough, take one bite of your favorite flavor macaron, and you'll be sold... I guarantee it! I went with a vanilla bean macaron and a cup of hot lemon ginger tea. It was the perfect light dessert after my lunch at Katzinger's Deli down the street. The macaron was so delicious, I swear - it's what "sweet dreams" are made of! And all of PV's macarons are gluten free to boot! I knew Christina C wouldn't steer me wrong when she took me here. I can't wait to return to Pistacia Vera on future trips to Columbus!
(5)Alaina C.
I love this place so much. Everything I've ever eaten here has been outstanding! Their coffee is good, the croque Monsieur is wonderful and of course the macarons are orgasmic. Pricey but I can't stay away. My favorite macaron flavors are the lemon and the lavender.
(5)Cherie R.
I just had the baked eggs this morning for breakfast - and I want them again. And again. It seems so simple! Baked eggs, butter, herbs, cheese, and tomatoes. But it was sooooooooooooooooooooo good! Their baked goods are top notch, as well as their brunch items. You won't regret visitng here! As someone who is allergy prone, I really appreciate their nut free and gluten free menus - it makes me feel a lot safer eating here than I usually feel at bakeries.
(5)Kee V.
I love a good croissant and Pistacia Vera has good ones. Coffee was strong and freshly brewed. I wasn't in love with the canele though. It looked great but there was a overwhelming anise-like taste that I didn't enjoy. There was something just a little off about the flavor. All of the items looked great and I plan on getting a bunch of macarons before leaving Columbus in a couple days because they looked great. It's a great space and a great place to hang out and people watch.
(4)Josh W.
The best bakery in Columbus!
(5)Lydia W.
I live for pastries. To know that Columbus has a solid patisserie makes me so happy! LOVE the selection of cakes and tarts. Nothing looks undesirable. Come with a friend so you can try more than one slice of cake! I have had the passionfruit chambord mousse flourless chocolate cake, and it is truly divine. Its fruity tones are perfectly subtle against the incredible richness of the chocolate. The textures are perfect, but don't let it get too warm before you dig in! It's definitely better served chilled. The pistachio cake with fig and orange is also heavenly. Its flavor is a bit more complex and sophisticated, and I really appreciate that it's not overly sweet. Also there's a pistachio macaron on top for the macaron-lover who can't choose between macarons or cake. The biggest test for me came when I ordered a pain au chocolat. Acceptable! I am glad to know I can get a good croissant here. They also have rye croissants and whole wheat croissants in addition to regular croissants, which I find interesting but would probably never want to try. Oh their pistachio chocolate chip cookie? Buy one for the road. You're welcome.
(5)David W.
Pistacia Vera is perhaps Columbus's best argument against becoming a vegan. This swanky dessert boutique (as per the website) is a local gateway to Parisian-style confectionery, with artifacts of buttercream and ganache so artisanly sculpted, they are far too pretty to be eaten. Located a stone's throw from Katzinger's Deli and the majestic Book Loft, PV is an obvious destination when happening to wander into the slumberous neighborhood of German Village. Macarons are the signature, and like a rainbow of color swatches they radiate behind the glass counter in their iridescent decadence. Coming in such flavors as buckeye, pistachio and mocha hazelnut, to more left-of-center varieties (say, yuzu pink guava), each sells for $1.25 a pop. On one of my visits, I was allowed to sample a cookie, but I'm not sure whether this is common practice, or if they already knew I wouldn't be leaving without buying something first. Apart from macarons, you'll find a gallery of other tasty treats. Most recently, I was exposed to the Brown Butter Pecan Cranberry, a shortbread crust comprised of almond franigpane and cranberry orange jam. Equally delicious is the Spiced Pear Franigpan. Order a chai or cappucino (Brioso coffee!) on the side to complement a hot date. When visiting Paris several years ago, I had the enjoyment of trying my first French macaron in the bustle of an open-air cafe. Pistacia Vera rekindles the magic of that seminal experience, without the pigeon shit. Treat yourself.
(5)Sheila H.
We found the pastries to be exceptional. The coconut crème french macarons were heavenly. Absolutely loved this place and the staff was very helpful and friendly.
(5)kristy m.
I am simply copying the review I wrote on Tripadvisor: You absolutely must visit Pistacia Vera if you are within 100 miles of the place. This is truly a destination in and of itself. You will create wonderful memories for your family if you bring them here and let them pick out a special treat. Amazing!! We tried a Passion Fruit Parisian Macaron and it was incredible. Lightly crispy outer layer, soft, lightly sweet, pleasantly fruity. Only $1.25 each and $15.00 for a beautiful travel box of their assorted flavors. Orange Brioche - lightly flavored, slightly sweet, moist. Perfection! $2.75 Pain au Chocolat, $3.50, and Almond , $4.00, both Heavenly. The pastry is the best I've ever had. The chocolate was very, very good and the almond filling was just delicious. My son chose the Lemon Sugar cookie and it was very good. We all tried it and the whole family thought it delicious. ($1.50) The Chocolate Chunk Pistachio cookie is crazy-good. Lots of nuts and yummy chocolate. Get this as an extra bonus. ;-). $1.50 My husband ordered the Plum Ginger Frangipan and that was oh so delicious. The plums were perfectly tender. The ginger flavor was just right. I can't figure out if it was on a pie crust or sugar cookie crust. Whatever, it was great. Whatever the cake or filling, it was so good. $5.00 Their coffee was very good. The espresso was especially excellent. We brought four children here and they were treated very well. I would say this is a family friendly. I would also say this would be a great date place. Since I visited Pistacia Vera in October I've had other macarons and none anywhere compare to the perfection in taste and texture of the ones from Pistacia Vera.
(5)Beka H.
This place was incredible. I had the flavored macaroons and I was in heaven. I had also split a lemon tart. It was the best I ever had!
(5)Elizabeth D.
I was recommended to visit this place by a fellow Twitter-foodie. I am SO glad he sent me here. The decor is super cute and carries a modern-chic feel. The chairs and tables are petite and metal. Which is why I'm giving Pistacia 4 stars and not 5. I like cafes to have a more comfy, resty, loungy atmosphere. This feels more like a place to have a business meeting or to spend time studying. But that's just my own personal opinion. It's not necessarily a bad thing. I ordered the baked eggs Provencale (I hope I spelled that right...) and a chocolate latte to start. The baked eggs were a tad bit under done for my liking, which was my own fault. I should've specified my doneness level desired. But they were delicious. The ragout was very flavorful. The croissant was bigger then I expected which was awesome, I love croissants, and it was all crispy toasted and hot. Mmmmm... The housemade preserves were really tasty and fruity. I wish they sold them by the jar. I'd be buying some every couple of weeks. After I let all that settle, I stared at the dessert case for 10-20 minutes trying to decide what I wanted. I finally chose the Chocolate Bombe. Talk about death death by chocolate. It was like a chocolate explosion in my mouth. A really, really good chocolate explosion with different textures. The mousse on the inside of it was the best chocolate mousse I've ever had. All in all I had a wonderful dining experience. The food was DELICIOUS. you should definitely give it a try sometime.
(4)Soly Z.
MAN OH MAN WAS THIS PLACE DIVINE! Macaroons were just about as good as what I got on the streets of Paris at La Duree a few short months ago. The breakfast pastries were also perfect - not too rich, not too light, and the latte was a delicate balance of strong espresso and milk that was heated to the temperature that was just right. I only wish I bought more treats to take home and sample. I will most certainly be back next time I find myself in Columbus.
(5)Jenna A.
AMAZING. I got a box of macaroons and so very much enjoyed them. So delicious, especially the raspberry and lavender ones. The staff was a little short with us, I don't know why, but still generally helpful. I will definitely be going back as soon as possible. The chocolate cake looks amazing!
(5)Teresa C.
Stopped by for a small snack and totally enjoyed their Macarons. A slight crunch outside and moist goodness inside.
(5)Chin C.
Tried my very first macarons (pistachio and lemon) a couple weeks ago while visiting Columbus, and love it! I also enjoyed the ambience of Pistacia Vera and their price is reasonable. The only thing that I can pick on was the cafe au lait that i ordered taste like latte, it was a good latte though.
(5)Patricia C.
Best macaroons outside of Paris! Discovered Pistachio Vera after a trip to Paris and their macaroons are very comparable to those we devoured in France. I buy them as hostess gifts and special treats for guests, family, and friends. Love!!
(5)Doug O.
Cute atmosphere, delicious pastries, a great brunch menu, and good coffee. A nice bakery and coffee shop for anyone in the German Village neighborhood.
(4)Liz R.
Loved every second we spent in Pistacia Vera. Highly recommend you make this place a stop while you're in the area. Spotlessly clean. Relatively comfortable seating, inside and out. Gorgeous pastry jewels behind the glass. We came for the macarons (OK, I came for the macarons, but Ken actually had one too), but everything looked beyond edible. We were still stuffed from lunch, but the macarons were tiny. And yum! I chose nutella, and Ken went with vanilla. Mine was delicious - crispy, puffy meringue cookies with the smooth, creamy interior. I thought Ken made a huge mistake getting boring, old bland vanilla, but I must admit it was also quiet good. Not bland at all. It was difficult to only get the two macarons, no matter how full we were. I knew anything extra wouldn't hold up well in our hotel room (although the staff said they could give us frozen ones to give us more time in the heat - keep this in mind).
(5)Jessica T.
Do you really need another review telling you why Pistacia Vera is awesome? Yes, yes you do. Pistacia Vera makes the most delicate and delicious baked goods I have ever had. Light and airy Parisian-style macarons. Amazing layered dacquoise cakes. Fruit tarts that will blow your mind. A chocolate bombe which looks so amazing, I'm afraid to try it because it might truly be the stuff of legend: actual death by chocolate. Their coffee is full-bodied and strong enough to really complement the sweet desserts. The espresso drinks are always top-notch. Heck, even their candy is delicious. They make these otherworldly cashew butter caramels that literally melt in your mouth. Only the $12-per-box price tag is enough to keep me from wolfing them down in one sitting. Their storefront is, of course, lovely as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in beautiful light and allow for excellent people watching. Their bathroom is totally gorgeous and belongs in a design magazine, not in a restaurant. I think the only thing that I am not a raving fan about is their brunch. I ordered a bacon, onion and spinach quiche, which had a thick, savory filling, but the crust wasn't very good. (Disclaimer: I'm really picky about crust.) It was kind of dry and bland, and not what I'd expect from a place with otherwise amazing baked goods. It wasn't overly disappointing, but next time I'll stick to the flaky and buttery pan au chocolat that's never let me down.
(5)Meghann T.
I have always passed by this place, and always wanted to go, however, the parking was always a pain in the butt. I was lucky enough to find a spot to park my car and walk to the restaurant over the weekend. What a pleasant surprise. A cute, dainty little cafe in German Village. I walked in, and the place smelled of sugar and coffee (two of my favorite things)! There were tables with two chairs, a lit candle, and many people enjoying a treat over coffee and conversation. I asked the woman behind the adorned counter of sweets for her suggestions. She recommended the black cherry and the pistachio macarons. What a marvelous suggestion - I should have gotten a half dozen! One of each was not enough to satisfy my new found glory! The cafe is very tidy, and always busy. I plan on going back this weekend, perhaps at the ass crack of dawn to get a parking spot and my new favorite dessert.
(5)Estera P.
Delightful place to grab a European-style snack.
(4)Susan R.
I'm not sure if my previous experience with Pistacia Vera was just during an off time, or what, but today's visit to PV absolutely blew my mind. Hubs and I had a pain au chocolat (one each--no bloody way was I sharing), a couple of their delicious macarons, and a shortbread cookie. Everything was delicious, but the star was truly the pain au chocolat--flaky, tender, not oversweet, filled with good chocolate. I don't remember such a large selection of French-style baked goods last time I was there--it was mostly cookies and such besides what was in the dessert case--so this was a very, very welcome change. The selections in the case were far more impressive this time, too. I saw several things that I'd like to try. The lemon tart that I'd had last time was a little fancier-looking this time around, even if it still had that candied rind on top that distracted me so the first time. The only drawback? It was so busy that we had to take our food outside. We sat on a butt-freezing concrete bench while we scarfed down our goodies. But that's fine; I'd suffer a little numb-bottom any day to have another pain au chocolat.
(5)Bonnie N.
So...I decided to visit this place in July when my BF visited from California. I've heard about it from a friend. I LOVE THIS PLACE! Will come back here again, prolly with my girlfriends, hehehe Pros: - high quality desserts and pastries! - flavors are rich and not too sweet (for my palate, atleast) - the decor of this tiny cafe is so cute that it made me feel like I am in Paris, lol! - must try the creme brulee pastry, its heaven! - friendly staff - price is not too bad (I was thinking that a macaroon will be like $4/piece) Cons: - limited parking - its all the way in German Village
(5)Reuel K.
It's the only place for French macaroons. But they actually have more than that. They have other pastries and enough selections to make it one of my favorite places to go to. Another thing I like here is that they have very good breakfast too. The place is always clean and the people very pleasant.
(5)S N.
On my touristy trip to Columbus, this cafe stood as a worthy competitor to the best and finest cafes of NY. Everything was great. I loved croque monsieur, buttermilk cake, strawberry preserve and latte. My family raved about their brunch as well (we ordered everything on the menu. Service was not perfect but taste, food et al.
(5)Andrew S.
I have to eat gluten free (no wheat, barley, malt, rye) which usually means I have a difficult time finding anything to order in a pastry or desert shop/restaurant... So imagine my delight when I found out PV has a number of incredible delectable desert's that they make gluten free! Wow! Whether eating in or "to go" the friendly staff of "desert artisans" will guide you thru the many offerings.
(5)Birdy N.
Wow - Columbus has arrived. This is world class desserts. The macaroons are to die for. As are many of their other desserts. The decor and service have always been top notch too.
(5)Kristi H.
It's been a while since I've been to Pistacia Vera but I'm craving one of every macaroon they make. I can't drive four hours just to buy them, but I wish I could. So I'm writing a review instead. I came to Columbus with friends and one of those friends is obsessed with mastering the perfect macaroon. I'd never had a macaroon, so I wasn't sure what the fuss was over. We dropped by on a Saturday afternoon and the place was busy but not packed. We were served quickly and efficiently. We bought a sample of every macaroon flavor and then proceeded to try a bite of each one. They were light, fluffy, crunchy, sweetness with wonderful, subtle flavor combinations. I've had macaroons since then and they do not compare. The place is small, clean, cute and simple. Fair warning: the presentation of the baked goods will make you buy more than you intend. Which isn't really a problem.
(5)Katherine B.
Had the croque monsieur, which had a delicious horseradish spread. My friend had the salmon on rye and every bit was gone. We also tried the macarons. I have never had such a delightful and flavorful dessert. Tried the chocolate cherry cordial and pistachio. Plan to make another trip to Columbus busy for this restaurant! The staff is super friendly and helpful. The restaurant is quite small. Brunch is only served 7am to 2:00pm. Don't leave without trying the Macaron (yes, that is the correct spelling).
(5)Golnaz P.
There once was a girl who has a major sweet tooth. After thoroughly researching the dessert options in Columbus, Ohio, she decided Pistacia Vera was a must try. One cold night she set out for some dessert. Sadly, she got there 5 minutes after they closed. She peeked inside the place while the bright and decadent dessert were being put away. She pledged to herself that she will be back. And back she came, not once but twice! She paced the counter looking at the cakes, cookies, brownies, and everything enticing. The fig, cherry, and pistachio cake grabbed her eye. With a macaroon topped on the beautiful cake, how could she resist? Every bite filled her with happiness. She savored every bite that paired so perfectly with her coffee. The second time she visited this oasis of desserts, she ordered the pistachio chocolate chip cookies. Our story should have a happy ending, but this is not the case. For the girl does not live in Ohio and will not have Pistacia Vera near her. She can only relieve the memories in her head.
(5)Meaggie B.
If you are looking for a coffee or latte and a quick bite to eat this is the place to get it in German village. They have multiple homemade desserts as well as Breakfast pastries. Their lattes are handmade and the coffee here is delicious.
(4)E L.
I'm raving, really, really raving about the Pain Au Raisen and Maple Pecan Twist. I have been living in Columbus since '79 and these are the very best of best of best - sort of Danishes - that I have ever eaten anywhere. The best part is I don't get heartburn!!! What The Fork? 5 up....
(5)Brian B.
Delicious and inexpensive macarons! All the flavors are wonderful--just amazing.
(5)N S.
I have been to Pistacia Vera at least 15-20 times over the years. I was skeptical at first because years living in and traveling around Europe had made me come to realize that much of what is offered there is more showy than flavorful. One in ten, at most, pastry shops are worth it. Pistacia Vera is the exception to the rule. Everything is perfectly done. The flavors mate with the presentations. They are bold when they need to be, subtle when that works best. Incredible attention to every detail in every offering. This caring for every part of the process carries over to the staff; they are unstintingly smiling, courteous and efficient. Pistacia Vera would be a neighborhood favorite in any neighborhood in the world.
(5)Andrea B.
The easiest five star decision ever. This place rocks and is always my first stop when I find myself in O-H-I-O. It is also the first thing out of my mouth when friends ask what they can bring me when they come to visit Chicago. My top recommendation would be to try the bostock. What is bostock, you ask? Exactly. That is why I skipped over it on my initial visits. Dumb. Should have been getting this from the get go. They vary the flavors of the bostock but the general idea is that it is brioche with almond filling baked on it. Make sure to ask them to warm it up. To date the holiday bostock had been my fave. Have yet to get anything here I didn't love. The coffee is superb to boot. On a final note, the shop is well lit and a nice place to enjoy a Sunday morning pastry. Even the bathroom is cool looking!!
(5)Laurie S.
I'm only giving it 4 stars because I have only tried one menu item and the name escapes me! It was a flaky pastry with thin slices of...I want to say plum and it was GOOD! The coffee was also just right. The atmosphere was sleek and clean and the staff was SUPER, AMAZINGLY NICE! I was hoping for a cupcake and I don't even know if they have them on the menu here...but I would DEFINITELY go back. This is the friendliest and tastiest bakery I have been to in Columbus.
(4)Jon T.
Beautiful bakery with excellent goods. Been going for years. Coffee is also excellent.
(5)Ashley J.
An adorable and friendly bakery in German Village. They have some nice desserts, but the interior is a bit too small for me, honestly. Also, the selection isn't very board. Of course, this could be the time of day that I go (lunch time and late afternoon), so their selection may be limited by that point. They are a bit on the expensive side for a piece of a treat, but it's quite lovely!
(3)Zach M.
The absolute class of Columbus bakeries or whatever you want to call them. I love the sort of sterile/clean environment almost as much as the food. But the food is really good. Everyone knows about the macarons - some flavors are better than others. Every single item on display looks amazing, making it really hard to decide on anything. Great place to take out of town visitors or to grab a quick dessert for dinner party.
(5)Joshua K.
Wow! This is a gem in German Village. Had the pleasure of taking a kitchen tour and meeting the owners during a Columbus dessert tour. This place rocks in every way! The macaroons are simply amazing, probably the best I've had outside of France and quite possibly the best ever. I loved the atmosphere and the level of service was impeccable. The owners were very passionate about their family owned patisserie and staying true to the French style. It's a must do when you are in Columbus!
(5)Kelly R.
I thought this place would be amazing after I heard all my friends rave. However, it is really expensive and the treats I had seemed old. I do appreciate how they have free water. The girls who were working seemed to be busy and not very helpful when I asked what to get. The macaroons were too rich. Not exactly my taste. However, if you are in to rich, this place is for you.
(2)Vic W.
GREAT Boutique Bakery!
(5)Rebecca O.
I thought my love for cupcakes transcended every other baked good on the planet. But then I met Pistacia Vera's macaroons, which gave cupcakes some stiff competition. I wouldn't consider myself a macaroon connoisseur, but I definitely know these are good. Not too sweet, not too bland. Not too big, not too small. Lots of gluten-free choices, too. I love coming here and purchasing macaroons as gifts; they're too pretty to resist. Prices are a bit high, hence the three stars.
(4)S L.
I stopped by with my boyfriend last weekend and got 6 macarons and iced tea. They had Buckeye Macarons! That was the first time I had seen that flavor offered. I wish they had it all the time because my boyfriend and I both agreed that it was one of the best macaron flavors we've ever tried (and we've tried a ton!).
(5)DeSean W.
Finally!...I made it to the #1 dessert pick of columbus!.Of course I had to try these constantly raved about macarons.It was my birthday, so I splurged!I got 3 macarons,(vanilla bean, mocha hazelnut&I can't think of the last one), an individual strawberry pistachio dequoise(hope I spelled that right), and an iced mocha.when I tasted that macaron,I knew that slight coffee, soft waifer tasting,kind of like a tiny sandwich and me were destined to be together....I ll make many more trips to get this delectable snack, next time,I may even try some baked eggs....just have.to figure out how to park:)
(5)Ariel B.
This is my favorite bakery in the whole city... no, the whole state... wait, no, probably the whole country! The "chocolate bomb" has been my sweet infatuation for nearly a year now which I suppose makes it more of a committed relationship, really. I fantasize about a chic birthday party on a high rise terrace surrounded by family and friends when out comes a giant chocolate bomb embellished with sparklers. I'm more of a traditional macaroon kind of girl, but if they are your thing then you should come here and try their brightly arranged assortments. The tarts, cookies, and croissants will also blow your mind. Dine in AND get a to go box! I always do.
(5)Sidu C.
This is the best true "café" in town. I can't believe that I've lived in Columbus now for 4 years and I didn't really know about this café. They say you don't ever know your hometown until you have to show it to visitors and this was my case. German Village has always been a must for visitors, but we regularly look at the architecture and historical sites. However, this time for some reason I noticed this place. It call my attention because they have a huge pistachio by their window and I love them!!! I used to eat them a lot as a child. I tried the pistachio cake and macaroon, my husband a chololate bombe and my friend from Europe something I don't remember. What we remember is the wonderful service and the mouth watering experience. It feels like I;ve found a new favorite spot in the city. Lighting is good, the colors are wonderful (light green), the bathrooms are sparking clean (considering we went in the afternoon and many people had already used them). The price was not too bad, but I wouldn't go if I'm on a tight budget.
(5)Sara D.
My husband & I were visiting from Akron. We wanted to go to the Book Loft and the only reason we stopped in Pistacia Vera was to get some iced coffee. I am so glad we did! The iced coffee was good, but the macarons blew me away. We each had a Nutella macaron. They were very airy & delicate, as they should be! The whole place was very clean and modern, and the colorful array of treats in the bakery case was very tempting. We will make a point to stop here on our future trips to Columbus. I definitely want to try a variety of the macarons, and also the pate de fruits.
(5)Derek C.
Best desserts in Columbus!
(5)elisa c.
So I'm a sucker for cakes and coffee and Pistacia Vera manages both with a tremendous amount of style and sheer awesomeness. I used the terrible excuse of "let's do something nice for someone else" today just to justify coming here to try it for the first time and it was heaven. Love the Opera cake, love the German Chocolate Carmel cake, love the off street parking in the German Village... all around, beautiful. I will be coming back here, Oh, I bought a pre-packaged thing of macaroons they had done up with a bow and pretty colors and flavors - managed to buy the affection of the entire Fiscal department where I work. Kinda love Pistacia Vera right about now :)
(5)Joy W.
Great brunch and croissant. Desert is a little bit over sweet to me.
(4)Amanda H.
Dearest Pistacia Vera, Since last we met, some several fortnights ago, I have been visited endlessly by cravings for your miniature macaroons. Part of me had dismissed the possibility of ever enjoying such decadent baked goods again, but thanks to these tiny, gluten-free delights, I can stuff my face uncontrollably with sinful sweets once more. Allow me to share my undying gratitude to you for this gift. And to give you 5 stars. Humbly and irresistibly yours, ~a
(5)Rachel G.
Cafe Au Lait was really good. The mushroom and leek quiche was amazing. I tried a bite of the ham & cheese croissant and it was OK- I thought the cheese was a little chewy, and the croissant a little greasy. I will definitely be back to try more of the goodies and breakfast treats.
(4)Spencer M.
Wicked good coffee and wonderful service! A tad pretentious but what isn't in GV? Good place to visit and have a cup.
(4)Danielle F.
I've only been to Pistacia Vera once, but it's pretty much not even up for debate that they have and sell -excellent- desserts. The dessert I bought had gold leaf on it, by the way. Talk about impressive. Here is a short anecdote about Pistacia Vera/how 'expensive' it is: I stopped by Pistacia Vera with two friends after eating at Schmidt's. Both saw all the price tags and were indignant that I'd actually pay that much for sweets. Three months later, my friend asked me if I'd ever heard of Pistacia Vera. His friend had bought him a cake from there and it was SO INCREDIBLY AMAZING. He decided that, even though it's kind of expensive, it's SO GOOD it's totally worth it!!! It took me a minute to remind him that he had in fact been to Pistacia Vera with me a few months earlier, where he scoffed at the prices! That was, of course, before he tried the desserts ;). Now he is completely on board.
(5)Lily C.
Best macarons in the whole world! Even better than the ones I've tried in Paris!
(5)Aja S.
I love pastry shops and moving to Columbus from a smaller city three states over I figured there would be a nice assortment to choose from. Sadly, there aren't very many places here and I've come to understand that you really have to look through the hype of a place in this city to see for yourself whether it's worth spending money or time on. That being said, I was CRAVING macarons and having tried make them myself I know they can be a little hard to master. Knowing this I thought I would need to save my craving until the next time we traveled. When we stumbled upon Pistacia Vera I was very excited too see all the beautiful pastries and goodies. The atmosphere is very nice, although I'm not one to easily fall for the look of a place before I've sampled the food (far too many times in this city have I felt like I was paying to be seen instead of the food of my plate...). I told my mother, a few states away (who also has a thing for pretty pastries) about this place and she was kind enough to treat me to a gift card! She went on to the website, ordered the card and we waited. And waited and waited. Since I live in the same city I was thinking three to four days at the most. But it NEVER came. I had to get the order number from my mom and then email the receipt to them and go in to get my card. No one had heard anything about this card, so it was never sent out. EVER and if we never called, nothing would have gotten done. Now, my parents have always owned a small business. So I understand that things just go unseen or forgotten when things are busy. Things where ultimately straightened out and for that day my boyfriend and I had a nice time. I got box of macarons and he got one of those chocolate bomb cakes. We came out with still a little balance left on the card. So a few weeks later, we go back again. I ordered more macarons and few other things. I am not a FANCY person by any means. But I know the difference between a coconut macaroon like my granny used to buy at the local market and a French macaron. However, I'm NOT French and I do not speak French. When I order macarons I say, "I will have two of each MACAROON except for anything with strawberry (I'm allergic to that cute little fruit, you see)." I come from middle America and although I am very well traveled and know a thing or two about different foods and cultures, I have nothing to prove. Yes, I have been known to twang or countrify a few words here or there just to stress a point. YET I was constantly corrected by the girl behind the counter, whom may I add seems to have the same news rooms worthy accent that I have. She kept saying "MAHK-RHONS" as if the back of her throat should be have started the "R" sound but then just felt insecure about itself and decided to be an "H" instead. I have heard MANY people say it this way, and I know, understand and respect that it's a way to differentiate between the two baked goods. Frankly though I feel silly trying to fake a French accent for one word. Bottom line, I felt it was very rude of this girl to continually say it loudly and as if I were an idiot. *Takes a breath* Despite all of this. I had two of each type of macaron (other then the strawberry) now twice and they are just a little hit or miss. A good macarons shell is one that is like a chewy meringue. These are just very poofy so they look pretty. But once you bite into it you are wearing all of the shell. It just crumbles all over the front of you and is a little dry. The flavor is so so on the ones that aren't as puffy. Although I can't really taste the difference in the taste, a lot of the time. Often I'm left saying, "I think this was lemon...maybe vanilla. Probably lemon because it's yellow..." The Chocolate bomb cake that I had a bite of seemed very rich and lovely. I think they are very pretty and they seem to be a very quality product. I will still go back to see about the other selections. I just feel that they push the macarons very hard and they are little disappointing. I haven't found another place in or around Columbus that sells macarons and it seems to me that someone that hasn't had VERY well made macarons would come to think that these are the BESTEST. Which I understand because you have nothing to compare it to. I think that being the only game in town makes puts them at number one automatically and that just seems unfair. Recently I've made my own macarons after lots of trial and error and obsession I've made some pretty good ones. Which now makes me wonder more and more about a place like Pistacia Vera. I wonder why a place that makes so many at one time can make such a common and easily fixed mistake. Making un-poofy macarons should be very easy after you do it for so long... If you know of any other places that sells macarons PLEASE message me! I'd love to try them!
(3)Stephanie M.
Stopped by for a light brunch with friends...and the only thing keeping this from being 5 stars is the order chaos at the front counter. While they have more than enough counter folk, the space is a tad cramped when the joint is packed, so your ability to really walk along the entire counter and view all the goodies you want to view are quickly snapped up by waiting customers. Outside of this, FANTASTIC stuff. Between our party, both pastries and savories were ordered and everything was good. You won't receive a heavy-handed flour-laden grocery-story pastry here. The eclairs are delicate masterpieces. The carrot cake mille fuille is amazing. Eggs? Perfect runniness next to beautifully toasted croissants. Homemade preserves? Could have eaten them alone with a spoon for-EV-er. You want to know about the Macarons? They're every bit as fantastic as everyone says. I could have eaten 30 of the lemon ginger & matcha ones and been happy all day. But I didn't. Because I'm a responsible adult or some such nonsense. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a treat from Pistacia - just expect weekend brunch-time to be a bit hectic!
(4)Laura R.
Such a unique shop! All of their desserts are delicious and not bad priced. Very chic, I would go there everyday if I could ! Great coffee as well. Try their chocolate bomb, to die for!
(5)M C.
Never a disapointment. From coffee to rye croissants to shirred eggs..! Magical
(5)Kati K.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Pistacia Vera yet! This is truly one of my favorite places in Columbus. Their macarons are authentic Parisian and delicious -- light, airy, tasty. The coffee is delicious. The atmosphere is a nice coffee-shop. Go here, and you won't look back!
(5)Cheryl H.
A friend told me that the "choocolate bomb" - that is, a chocolate buttermilk cake with semisweet chocolate tawny port mousse glazed with a chocolate ganache - was like "God cumming in your mouth." ...he was right. Oh, and I also had a Cafe Mocha (liquid happiness! so rich!) and a tiny little chocolate truffle ball that was packed with choco-goodness completely disproportionate to its size.
(5)Lidiya Z.
While I am indifferent to macaroons in general, the tortes here are exceptional. Highly recommend!
(5)Daniel O.
From in-house made deserts and baked goods, to their fine coffee drink selection, the modern but "vintage" take of the location... A very cozy looking "Coffee Shop" with friendly faces and warm atmosphere!
(5)Valerie B.
I can make some mean cupcakes. I make awesome cookies and brownies. I can even manage a layer cake. Pistacia Vera is all the bakery wonderFULL goodness that you will probably never be able to master at home. And why on earth should you when you can go to Pistacia Vera in German Village or pop into the North Market? I am straight up addicted to the almond croissant and the rye croissant with butter (thanks to friends Kayla and Andy). Don't let the brown exterior fool you. This is the tasty, flaky, buttery, layered way that croissant should be. The macarons are sublime. The fudgies are potent. The almond/amaretti like cookies are spot on. The fruit gelees are bursts of fruity flavor. The cakes are out of this world. Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookie? Browned Butter Cashew Macaron? Sign this girl up! If you have a more refined palate, this is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth. BONUS: Gentlemen, if you're in the doghouse....this is your way out.
(5)Crystal P.
Two words: Buckeye Macarons!
(5)Jenn A.
Everything here looks and tastes heavenly and beautiful! It's like stepping into a cafe over in Europe(duh). I visited about three weeks ago and I can still taste the best $2 Americana I've ever had in my life! I brought my 6 year old and it was a little too much richness for his tastebuds so next time I'll get him a cake pop. This was the German village location. Divine!
(5)Mary S.
I love the macaroons. After a particularly stressful week its nice to walk around German Village and then pop in. Honestly everything Pistacia Vera makes is wonderful. They make these great croissants with big pieces of chocolate. Speaking of chocolate they have some decadent chocolate cakes. So i'll buy a pastry, and pair it with a hot tea. Grab a table, and watch people walk by on the sidewalk. Super peaceful.
(5)Sarah P.
YUMMY!!! I sent my mom their macaroons as a thank you gift (she loves macaroons) and she said they were the best she ever had. The staff their also give excellent customer service and are all VERY nice. Would definitely recommend if you like awesome macaroons. Their cake is good as well.
(5)Sheena W.
I love me some french macarons so of course when I was visiting Columbus I had to stop at Pistacia Vera and taste what they had to offer and boy was I in Heaven! You can get a dozen of their seasonal flavors for $18, which is what I did and I thoroughly enjoyed tasting such flavors as Mocha Hazelnut, Caramel Pecan, and Strawberry Lillet. Mmm!
(5)Celine S.
A tad bit overpriced, but in the summer there is no lovelier way to pass your time than to sit outside with some macaroons and read/talk to your friends. The desserts are gorgeous. Every time I visit they have something different and it's all almost too beautiful to eat! The drinks are something that I can either take or leave, it depends on the person making them. Overall, a great business. I can't ever go downtown without craving it.
(5)Geneva B.
Wow!!! Great great pastries!! We had the chocolate bomb which was simply delectable. The bitter cocoa coating paired with the super sweet light and fluffy filling was quite an experience. I'm glad I live far away. The Chocolate raspberry torte was great too! The eclair was different but wonderful in its own right. The coconut cream pie tart was so so good!
(5)Walt S.
Pisticia Vera gets the additional 4th Star for YAY! I'm a Fan category for one simple reason: Ladies Love The Place!!! As for PV's place... smallish, quaint and totally chic. There are two areas for dining with only a few 4-top tables and a handful of 2-top tables. It's tight but if you're doing a coffee grab it's cool. The dine-in mugs are plentiful in size so there's no arguing petite servings. What grabbed me was the super-delicious looking pastry and cake counter presentation. There were at least 3 - 4 "never heard of that before" baked goodies that had all the glaze of a sugar on sugar surprise. Loads of fruit toppings and inclusions making it all mouth-watering. No standard fare if you're thinking doughnuts. Nope! This is croissant-ville and delights. And they have a breakfast menu. My friend and I met there and she ordered a breakfast that was two eggs served in a porcelain skillet type bowl....and it was bubbling when served. I was salivating but stuck to the coffee. Later I got take-out at departure that included a syrup-soaked cake for another friends birthday. I got a pistachio-chocolate-oatmeal cookie. Yowzah!! That was tasty with my coffee to go driving to the office. This place, Pistacia Vera, deserves your attention. It's a small slice of baking and coffee that will snap your taste buds to attention. DO IT!
(4)Morgan M.
I have long loved Pistacia Vera but I hadn't written a review until this most recent time! I don't know why, but better late than never! My sister (from out of town) wanted the macarons and we met a friend for coffee. I got the chocolate croissant, got an orange brioche for my toddler and we drank Americanos. Aided by my unexpectedly well-behaved toddler we had a really great time. I just love the calm but bustling atmosphere and the bright lighting! As far as food goes it's all really good and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they offer real food and a good brunch (i've had a couple of the items, all good!). The desserts are delicious and beautiful. A few cakes make a great centerpiece at a bridal or baby shower! Anyway, they are such a fun place and I can't wait to see what they come up with for their North Market location!
(5)Nk C.
So fresh, so delicious, so YUMMY! I tried their macaroon, pistachio chocolate chip cookie, and ham & cheese croissant! Freshness and quality make this place a must try! They are busy on the weekends in the morning until noon so it's take a little time to find a parking spot. Their parking lot only fits 3 cars and their parking lot across has about 10 spots. Street parking is 2 hr limit so there are options...just go early or after noon :)
(4)Emily L.
Full disclosure. I had not tried a macaron until this past Sunday when I came to Pistacia Vera. I had seen them online and heard friends talk about them forever, but never found a place that sold them(or sold some that seemed to be good quality). My friend Kelsey insisted that we rectify this crime against my taste-buds and go to Pistacia Vera. We let my boyfriend tag along for our lady date. When you walk in, there is a huge glass case filled with every kind of beautifully crafted pastry your little heart could want. The macarons are so colorful and the variety is amazing. My boyfriend and I got a 12 pack, which is 1 of every single flavor. I'm pretty sure this is meant to be a gift box...but whatever. If I was doing this, I was doing it right. We also got some ham and cheese croissants and coffees. The croissants were delicious and flakey. I had crumbs everywhere, which I think is the true test of an awesome croissant. As for the coffee, I had a cafe mocha and it was rich and not too sweet. Pretty perfect. And then...on of the main event! We haven't even tried all the macarons yet, but of the ones we've had, we've loved them all. Of the twelve flavors, we have tried: Buckeye, Pistachio, coconut creme, mint chocolate, chocolate cherry cordial, and milk chocolate passion fruit. I'm not a huge coconut fan, but that was my favorite so far. That might change once we finish off the other 6. The macarons are all very satisfying and not too sweet, which is sometime I appreciate(I don't like my mouth feeling like cavities are forming as I eat my treats). They were the perfect price at $1.25 a piece and I can see coming here for coffee and few on a regular basis. I'll need to try more treats here, but I could not have been happier with my first go-round. If you come on a nice day, sit outside! Even with the little fall chill in the air, the coffee warmed us right up and it was a real treat. STOP READING THIS AND COME HERE ALREADY!
(5)Megan S.
Ever since switching to a job in German Village, Pistacia Vera has become my go-to for quiet, but important, meetings and coffee dates with friends. The macrons are of course wonderful, but this place is so much more. They have a great selection of teas and pastries, and great foodie gifts that are great for party hostesses or gifts for colleagues and friends. I love the light in the place so if you're looking the perfect Instagram location, this is it :) Also, they don't have wifi - this is usually a big negative, but it keeps people focused on what's most important - each other, not their computers.
(4)Jessica D.
At one point, I thought no, there is no possible way people would drop their pants for pistacia vera. Ladies and gentleman, I was wrong. Very wrong. I could write a novel, just about the lone matcha macaroon I ordered! All pastries (including mr macaroon) are baked fresh daily and I assume, throughout the day. At 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon, the place was still electric with customers and chatter, showing no sign of slowing down. Despite such a small location, there are a surprising number of tables to commandeer... Although parking is a bit tight. NONETHELESS you WILL find a spot because the macaroons are just that good. There's this Nutella cake that I also suggest you split with a hubbie. My god. Did my birthday come early? It's a sin something this delicious even exists in an unregulated form. Next time I'll probably indulge in some local tea or coffee, which they spruce locally from cafe Brioso and others, or a seemingly divine brunch. With their window-friendliness, this place will be perfect for Sunday mornings after church or a run. Love love love.
(5)Dawn K.
Based on Yelp reviews and the online menu, my husband wanted to stop by Pistacia Vera for a birthday gift for someone. We, of course, had to sample the treats ourselves! My husband tried the chocolate bomb. I only needed one bite- it was too rich for me. But he loved it! It is exactly what a chocolate bomb sounds like it should be- chocolate indulgence! I had the fresh fruit tartlette, which was light and amazing! It had a creamy custard with fresh raspberries and blackberries. Delightful! We also each tried a couple macarons- the nutella and the vanilla bean. Both yummy. Definitely stop by Pistacia Vera if you're in the German Village area. If you're not in the area, but need a good treat, take a trip that way!
(5)Lisa S.
You could sell Pistacia Vera out of a cardboard box on the corner of a dirty street and I would still buy their delicious macrons. Artisan doesn't even begin to describe the care and craft that goes into making the sweet treats at Pistacia Vera. What magnifies the entire experience is actually purchasing your treats at Pistacia Vera, and not at the aforementioned cardboard box. The inside is like a museum or art gallery dedicated to the artful pastries found delicately arranged inside glass display cases or on top of platters, tempting you to purchase and then consume. And I consumed a sampling of nearly everything Pistacia Vera had to offer me! I purchased a handful of macrons, all of which are gluten free much to the delight of my friend. The flavors vary - some are staples and offered all year round which others are seasonal, enticing you to return. There was also a flour-less raspberry chocolate torte that was sinfully delicious and would fool any flour-loving person. I sampled the cashew caramel and the pistachio honey nougat, but what really sealed the deal on my inaugural visit was the chocolate bombe, which I consumed selfishly by myself. Pistacia Vera is perfect for treating yourself or for treating someone special. Despite my confidence in the kitchen, I would even consider buying sweets from Pistacia Vera as a gift to a hostess throwing a nice party. Really, they're perfect for any occasion.
(5)Sabrina L.
The first few times I attempted to eat at Pistacia Vera I inevitably showed up when it was closed. Luckily it seems they've expanded their days/hours because I haven't had this problem in the last year. I know I'm going to get the names wrong on the desserts that I'll recommend, but let me start by saying that I've never had anything here that was bad. It's all be above and beyond my expectations, so really, I doubt you could go wrong. It should be noted that there are two kinds of macaroons in the world. The nasty coconut cookies that have ruined the name, and the delicious and colorful sweets that evoke thoughts of European bakeries. By my five star rating it's probably obvious by now, Pistacia Vera carries the latter. The macaroons are absolutely perfectly. The cookie crust is like a meringuey sugar shell that hides the moist cookies and filling in between. They are brightly coloured and cheaply priced and make a great treat for yourself or a gift for someone else. They look expensive so you'll look good! I've also tried the round chocolate bomb looking thing, which was so rich that two of us split it with some left over even though it was small, and the almond cookies as well. Both were exactly what I'd hoped they would be. You won't regret a stop here and you'll be surprised how little you can spend to get something truly special.
(5)Julianne D.
I stopped here purposefully to buy a gluten-free gift for a loved one. I ended up getting coffee, croissants, and brioche in addition to said gift (macarons). Ah-mazing. Patient, helpful staff. Really delicious baked goods. My cousin, the gift recipient, said the macarons were the most amazing thing she's had in years. She had to hide them in her house to prevent others from stealing them.
(5)Emily D.
A Parisian cafe in the heart of Columbus. It's a beautiful little shop with to-die-for marcarons in a variety of flavors, as well as other baked goods and homemade items. The hot chocolate is absolutely sinful and the coffee is perfect. Sit at one of the little marble tables, bring a book, and enjoy! Parking is always an issue in German Village, but you can park across the street, on the street, or at one of the two parking spaces on site.
(5)Lydia M.
Oh my gosh, absolutely amazing. Honestly, better macarons than Laduree in Manhattan. Delicious tarts and other sweets.
(5)Roger C.
From the gourmet organic macarons in had in San Francisco to the authentic macarons I had in Europe, these are the best I've had. The flavors really come through and there's no guessing what flavor you're having. My wife and I splurged and got the sampler pack (one of each flavor) and so should you!
(5)Benjamin B.
The croissants are amazing, their preserves are top notch, and if you feel like springing the extra cash get the shirred eggs, you will not regret it (have not tried any of the other premium breakfast items yet, but I would assume they were fabulous as well). The coffee is also top notch, both iced and hot. Bonus points for the never ending staff of cute girls.
(5)Rachael L.
I have just one word - WOW!!! I heard from a co-worker that I just "have" to go check this place out, and then a couple of days later a friend was raving about it as well. So today I headed down to the village to see if it is as good as I had been hearing. The location is on 3rd - super convenient and I found parking to be really easy (street) I think I saw a lot with a couple of spots as well, but could be wrong. The space is open and absolutely gorgeous, I stood before the glass case filled with every type of decadent dessert you could ever want and could not bear to choose just one. My friend and I chose three (chambord manjari feuilletine, Key Lime something or other and then a praline something or other - apologies the last two seem to be new additions and are not listed on the online menu) to sample between the two of us. The service was friendly and efficient absolutely no complaints. It was a nice day so we opted to eat at one of the outdoor tables (more bonus points for outdoor seating). The service continued to be attentive and we had our water glasses refilled almost as soon as they were emptied. But none of this is as important as how AMAZINGLY good the desserts were. Every bite was so good. I would HIGHLY recommend you get yourself to Pistacia the next time you want an amazing dessert. You will not be disappointed! Hugs.
(5)Rachel P.
This place was really cute, and a great introduction to my first Macron! At first, I thought that macarons and macaroons were the same thing. Honestly, nothing is worse to me than coconut treats. Coconut is my least favorite ....anything. Macaroons tend to be the only 'cookie' that's kosher for passover and I remember that dreaded week where my dad would always forget that I HATE Macaroons and slip them into my lunch. UGH SO GROSS. However, these are not Macaroons. These are Macarons. No coconut added. Jon R. and I went here for breakfast one day. The place is in a clean, modern and spacious building. Also, I'm on a big kick with this right now, but I couldn't help but notice how handicap friendly the store was with a huge wheelchair ramp and very accessible counter tops. Someone seriously put a lot of thought into this. Props! It took us a long time to decide what we wanted, but the staff was very patient and helpful. We settled on two croissants (one plain, one chocolate) and two macarons each. Might I add how gorgeous these macarons are sitting on display? Just beautiful. I also got my usual iced coffee. Honestly, this might have been the best iced coffee in Columbus. Ask for it sweetened; you won't be disappointed. It was heavenly. The croissants were good, but not incredible. The macarons were wonderful. I loved the black raspberry and double chocolate one. These things are so yummy and pretty that I felt so sophisticated eating them. It was like a tea party, but I was drinking (amazing) coffee and didn't have my teddy bear. Thanks for making a macaron fan out of me Pistacia Vera!
(4)Jonathan S.
The Bittersweet Fudgie made with Valrhona chocolate is amazing. The pistachio strawberry dacquoise torte is amazing. The passionfruit chambord flourless torte is amazing. All of the macarons are amazing, with black raspberry being my absolute favorite. I drool just thinking about them. Need I say more? I also ordered a box of macarons to be mailed to NY for Christmas awhile back. $16 for a box of 12. They arrived in tip top condition, still fresh and tasty. Never had a bad experience here. Cannot wait to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Barbara C.
Oh my god, thank god I wandered into this place! I had a cafe au lait with my shirred eggs and croissant and it was absolute heaven. The eggs were flavorful and the croissant was perfectly buttery and flaky. The interior is very clean and uses a lot of natural light. Service was friendly... I wasn't sure what to try and they were very helpful in explaining what they offered. I will definitely be back again!
(5)T H.
I'm hooked on the apricot pinwheels!
(5)Pete C.
After walking by this German Village boutique over twenty times without giving it a second thought, I finally ventured in after work a few days ago to see what all the slick glass surfaces and clean, bold lines of this storefront were containing. Much to my surprise, I found out the wares that were on display were not, in fact, overpriced shoes or trendy designer couture items. Instead, they were some of the finest desserts my humble Ohioan eyes have ever embraced. And they were cheap! This came as a complete shock to me, especially after I just spent $2 on a stale cookie at the Cup O Joe two blocks down the street. "Screw it, " I said to myself. "I'm not on any kind of diet, so why not indulge my curiosity?" For a paltry $1.50, the fine young lady dressed in all white behind the counter set me up with one of the Lime Sugar cookies that were stored carefully behind the bright glass case that anchored the display area. to my surprise, it was both luxurious AND tasty. I'll admit that my taste in food and drink is incredibly lowbrow, which usually lends me to assume that food presented in this manner is more for show than it is for enjoyment. Boy was I wrong! The cookie was soft, rich, and tasted almost like a piece of key lime pie. And at $1.50, it was an absolute steal. I sincerely wish I had the stomach to take on more of the desserts here at Pistacia Vera, as I'm sure they're all a pleasant surprise to even the most uneducated taste buds. Don't let the looks of this boutique fool you- the price and the taste at Pistacia Vera are just right.
(3)Laura G.
Oh la la ;) Incredible! The macarons, pain au chocolat, the jams. All A+. I wish I lived closer so I could go more often. It's a rare find to have such a high end bakery also be friendly and so much fun to visit. Couldn't love it more!
(5)amy h.
The desserts are good, the macaroons are some of the best I've had, not overly sweet like you sometimes get, and the texture is just right. The desserts are beautiful, BUT unlike some bakeries where you get something that looks better than it tastes, here you get both which is definitely a major win. While this is not a "stop in on your way to work everyday" bakery, if you're looking for a fabulous dessert for party and willing to pay for it, this is definitely the place to go.
(4)Kylie F.
Everything I've ever had here has been amazing. Macrons are heavenly, and so perfect to eat. So delicate and tasty, and come a ton of different flavors. I seriously love desserts, ESP from here
(5)Seth D.
My favorite place for caffeine and a pastry Whether sitting to relax or feeling quite hasty The chocolate bomb will fulfill your chocolate dreams It's soft and rich and reminiscent of chocolate whipped creams If something less sweet with more substance you beseech I recommend trying their great mushroom quiche It's tender and filled with cheese and earthy mushroom flavor And you'll want to eat it slow so your grateful mouth can savor The dark brown croissants always look hard and dry Over cooked and burnt, not fit for a fly But one bite is all it takes to be certain They know exactly what they're doing in that wonderful kitchen They're soft and buttery and melt in your mouth Which leaves no need to add butter, they do quite fine without Their food is as good as it gets, take my word I implore But that's not all that I love, you will find there is more Their staff is always happy and helpful They enjoy their job and for their positions they are grateful This goes a long way for making a great experience And making you happy in every single circumstance The decor is also a nice little touch Clean lines, exposed brick, lots of windows an such And so to conclude I think I can say I wish I could come here every single day.
(5)Roman H.
I had a "ham and cheese" croissant, cappuccino and nutella macaron. The croissant was great, it was actually made with proscuitto and Comté cheese, but I only say great because the macaron was beyond excellent. I wanted to stop time and make the taste of that macaron last forever. It's not some cheap snack that you just munch on without notice. It's small yet completely satisfies your craving. I look forward to trying out everything else.
(5)Mallory R.
OMG. LOOOOVED this place. This place is so clean cut and refreshing to look at when you walk in. The darling girl behind that counter was SO welcoming when we came in and was very patient with us while we decided what we wanted. The husband got the Citrus Tart and a Black Raspberry Hibiscus Macaroon, and I got the Chocolate Bomb and a Nutella Macaroon. Yeah yeah, such little piglets I know ;) So worth it though. The quality of ingredients make the overall product AMAZING! I also got an Iced Coffee, and I was pleased to see that they had Soy Milk set out to add. (Usually places only have half/half and milk) The shop was smaller then I pictured it would be, but that was by no means a downfall. I would definitely go back and try more of the delicious treats they offer!
(5)Alisha C.
This is my favorite place to get a special treat. The whole shop is quaint and airy and very clean. The macaroons are fun and I try a new flavor each time but I love their little berry tarts. The service is great. It's a great place to meet up with a friend to relax and indulge in a sweet treat.
(4)Zack F.
I was sad when Pistachio closed in the Short North but Pistacia Vera is an impressively elegant space. Their desserts are delicately hand crafted with care and precision. It is like eating art. Everything I have had is delicious. I try to go here as often as I can.
(4)Laura M.
I got an assortment of a half-dozen cookies, and each one has been better than the last (and the first one was fabulous!) Be sure to pick up a cashew caramel (or two or three or twenty) as well. Yummmmmmmm.
(4)Alex K.
I met a professor of mine here to interview him for an article I was writing. He suggested the place (I had never heard of it) and he was obviously a regular, knowing the counter staff by name. I arrived early to prepare. The place was quiet enough to get work done but not silent. The atmosphere was very comfortable and productive with people studying/working etc all around. I ordered a cup of coffee and and almond bear claw. I enjoy going to coffee shops like this to study or get work done, and even deal with sub-par coffee and pastries just for the atmosphere. This place was far from that. The coffee was as good as anywhere and if there was a way to purchase every single almond bear claw they ever make I would. The prices are definitely a little expensive for a coffee shop, and you'll think that right up till the point where you actually taste the food, then it wont matter. Overall, I highly recommend Pistacia Vera and look forward to going back there many times to try the multitude of wonderful looking sweets they have.
(4)Christin D.
I have seen the light that is Pistacia Vera. People here swear by the macarons, but I'm a bigger fan of the breakfast patries. Guys, the almond croissant is tragically, sublimely good. The outside is crisp, with just enough toasted almonds and powdered sugar, and the inside is dense, not too sweet, and very moist. I don't even want to think about how much butter is in that thing. If you get there too late in the day and find heartbreak in the form of an empty croissant tray, the pain au chocolat is always a good standby.
(5)Emily U.
Super minimalist compared to every other bakery I've ever been to. Clean, simple, relaxing. Not a HUGE assortment, but the best. Although there are at least a dozen macaroons to choose from! Everything made just so and just so lovely. And with real flavors- the ginger is GINGER (for us real ginger lovers) Best ice tea I've ever had. Lovely gifts- all of witch I'd love to receive. Extra parking across the street helps too.
(5)Michael U.
This place is already reviewed, wonderfully, by myself and others here: yelp.com/biz/pistacia-ve…
(5)Daniel W.
Pistacia Vera never misses. Is it bad that my dentist and favorite confectionary are a few blocks away from each other? For a few bucks, you can enjoy a sweet treat any time of day. The macarons are a personal favorite, but I have yet to find a weak spot in their selection. Pistacia's seasonal specialties are always a hit as well. After moving location a couple years ago, to the always charming German Village, and changing their name from the everyday "Pistachio" to the scientific "Pistacia Vera", it is clear that a standard set early on is never compromised. According to pistachiohealth.com , the pistachio is good for your heart, important in weight management, and full of nutrients. Just like its nutty cousin, Pistacia Vera is packed with general goodness.
(5)Eugene M.
Macarons are delicious with various flavors including nutella, apricot, lavender, etc. Various pastries and sweets with a great selection of coffee and teas. You can even watch how they make the pastries on the side of the building via the windows. Very nice place, clean and modern looking. I also like one of the girls behind the counter.
(5)Harry N.
what a gem, rare find. This place is inviting, spacious, customer service oriented, clean, with good dessert and coffee products. I will definately return every time I am in this area. Very impressed. I would like to find more places like this. the pistachio cookie was delicious.
(5)Michael H.
Delicious. Always Fresh. I had a crossiant and coffee this morning.
(4)Heather T.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! Are you kidding me? Hey, if you like typical and bland, stand-offish, loud, rushed, and half-assed, then stay away from this place....more macarons for me! Hands down the best desserts in the city. Delicious coffee. I must go back to try the meals too, but I am as dessert freak and this is fantabulous. Favorites so far: the pistachio macaron (the pumpkin was awesome too) and "The Nun," which is a hazelnut dream dessert. Small (as in maybe 9 tables), a few little tables outside, a nice, clean spiffy bathroom, polite staff, bright clean atmosphere. I literally want to try everything this place offers.
(5)Monica L.
Their Chocolate Chunk Pistachio cookie has saved my life! Whenever I'm feeling a little blue, I know that cookie and a cup of coffee will lift my spirits. Okay so maybe it's not a secret that Pistacia Vera has amazing confections, but their coffee stands out as well. I make a point to visit this gem at least once a week and if I've been a real good girl, I might indulge in one of their Chocolate truffles! The staff is warm and the bathrooms are clean, but best of all they even have parking in German Village!! If you are looking for a pick-me-up, look no further than Pistacia Vera!!
(5)Jessica R.
Want to impress someone with a fantastic tasting and looking birthday cake? Head to Pistacia Vera immediately! I've had a taste of just about all of their cakes and they do not disappoint. My co-workers kept commenting how they felt like they were at a 5 star restaurant as we were eating the Pistachio Strawberry Dacquoise in our conference room. And the macarons. I don't know any place else you can get these delicious, colorful, super awesome treats in Columbus. They run $1.25 each or $15 for a box of all 12 varieties - my new go-to birthday, housewarming, etc. gift. Try a box and I know you will be hooked too! The store is quite simplistic but yet sophisticated in decoration. Plus there is sidewalk seating. It's a great place to hangout in German Village. And the question everyone always asks about places in GV, there are a few parking spots along the side of the building and several spots across the street. I've never seen it full so you should be able to get to park near-by.
(5)Jeff P.
Most excellent! How long has this been here and I didn't know about it??? Excellent place to get your out-of-this-world, hand-crafted pastries, or...like I did, grab some tasty brunch and delicious coffee (of course with a side of awesome macaroons) and enjoy the sun outside. Great, friendly service too.
(5)Brioche C.
I've been going to Pistacia Vera for years (since it was in the Short North). I've always liked anything they produced in the dacquoise or frangipan category. Others prefer the deep dark chocolate bombe. Though I appreciate the skill in producing the bombe and recognize its quality, its too strong for my taste. For breakfast I like the almond bear claw and maple pecan twist, but feel that the croque monsieur, while authentic to some I've had in Europe, are not nearly as nice as a fresh one from La Chatelaine. I rate Pistacia Vera 5 stars, not because I like everything, or because it's perfect (nothing is). But because compared to every other food establishment in Columbus, they come the closest to achieving the high standards they strive for.
(5)Megan B.
I love their iced coffee! This is a great pit stop on my way to work. They are incredibly friendly and efficient servers. All of their treats look delicious and I can't wait to stop for an after dinner coffee and dessert sometime.
(5)Lauren L.
not my kind of place.. I am really not one for sweets. but my GF is obsessed with this place, and the macaroons are growing on me. If GF is happy, everybody is happy.... so i give this place 5 stars
(5)Chelsea P.
I just stopped by Pistacia Vera to order a basket of goodies for Easter... I honestly wanted to eat everything I saw! Everything is just beautifully presented... from the crisp clean interior design to the the pastries. Anne, one of the owners, helped me select a variety of sweets to take to my family on Easter in a custom little basket. If you want to brighten up your day I suggest visiting Pistacia Vera for both the wonderful pastries and friendly service. If you ever need a quick little gift to take to a party... there are some great hostess gifts at Pistacia Vera.
(5)S. G.
Absolutely delicious and great little scene
(5)Randy S.
Pistacia Vera is an upscale dessert house in German Village. It can seem a little overpriced on the surface. But I'll be honest here: For what you get, Pistacia Vera is very reasonably priced. We're talking gourmet tarts for $4. That's tough to beat. I do miss the old Short North incarnation of the shop, but I'll take what I can get. This place offers dessert as high art at a budget price. Rad.
(4)Heather S.
Oh pistacia vera, how do I love you, let me count the ways... perfect macarons, divine sweets, and amazing cups of tea to go with it. A little get away to indulge in a cookie or maybe even a caramel, whatever tickles your sweet tooth, I'm sure pistacia has something for everyone. I will probably go every week if I have the dollars to spare
(5)Emily B.
This amazing little shop is fantastic. Especially for the individuals out there with whom gluten is an enemy. At Pistacia Vera there are many gluten free options that are tasty, gorgeous, and down right sinful! How they make little gluten free treats taste so stinkin' good is a mystery to me, but they do!!! Their many macaroon options are delightful. The prices can be a wee bit high but for the scrumptiousness that you receive, it is worth it!
(5)Tom P.
Very nice place for brunch. My brother told me about the baked egg dish and how it was amazing. I didn't believe him, because he is usually full of it. However, I thought it was excellent with the gooey cheese on top and the perfectly flavored tomatoes. Had a few deserts which were pretty nice. The only reason I gave this place 4 stars, is that there were very few options on the menu and they completely burned the croissant. Will definitely return.
(4)Sandy M.
For our anniversary this year (one year), we wanted to get a delicious cake to share since we couldn't get our wedding cake mailed to us from back home. So, after researching a bit and from what I've heard from friends, we decided to go into Pistacia Vera. The decor is very modern and pristine. And, under the glass, there were delightfully colorful pastries and we couldn't really make up our mind. So, instead of buying one big torte ($35), we decided to try a few smaller ones. We ended up getting the passion fruit and coconut torte, chocolate bombe and the cassis flourless truffle torte. Then, we ended up getting two macarons: madagascar vanilla bean and white chocolate coconut. I couldn't wait to get home to satisfy my sweet tooth so I convinced my husband just to share one macaron so we had the white chocolate coconut one. It was quite good but a bit too sweet. I was honestly a bit scared about how the rest of the tortes would taste after that macaron but I shouldn't have! After dinner, we decided to have a little bit of each piece. The top of the passion fruit coconut torte hasa rich passion fruit flavor and the rest of the layers have a rich coconut flavor. It's absolutely delicious. The cassis flourless truffle was dense but the chocolate flavor was deep and rich. It really tastes like a truffle in cake form. But, our absolute favorite is the chocolate bombe. It reminded us of this chocolate mousse cake we had in Riviera Maya for our honeymoon and couldn't find back home. Although we promised to only have a couple bites of each piece, we finished the chocolate bombe and literally left a bite each of the rest of the pastries. It was a sweet idea!
(4)J J.
Beautiful desserts and they are tasty too! They were a little on the sweeter side for my tastes but I still enjoyed the desserts.
(4)Hannah M.
If you're looking for a true, authentic macaron-look no further!! This little coffee & dessert shop in German Village has THE BEST sweets & treats. I have tried nearly every delicious confection they offer but I am seriously addicted to the pistachio macaroons. Each and every one is absolutely heavenly but there's something extra special about the pistachio flavor! Love it!
(5)Myra E.
Stopped in before checking out village valuables and didn't want to leave. The eclaires and macaroons were wonderful. I will be back for brunch and croissants in the future.
(5)Nicole M.
PASSION FRUIT CHAMBORD TORTE. Get this for your best friend's birthday. Get this for an engagement party. Get this for your wife when she's on her period and she is inexplicably mad at you. Get this for your cousin after he finally kicked meth (for good this time). Get this for yourself when Fluffy dies. Get this because it's Tuesday afternoon.... all situations are made better with the passion fruit chambord torte.
(5)Paul F.
I'd been past here many times on my way to/from Katzingers and the shelves looked a lot busier than they were when you're inside. So finally, I had dessert last night, something I'd never heard of. It was ramalamadingdong aka a seasonal frangipan. I have never heard of a frangipan but the owner (who is a charming lady) explained it to me. It's a little tart made with butter and flour and almonds and fruit. It was GREAT! Oh, I asked for a glass of water but they have NO ICE. Can you imagine a restaurant without an ice machine? I was going to knock off a star but decided not to.
(5)Miss Rza M.
Wow. I dreamt about these last night. I had never had a Macaron before and so I didn't know what to expect. When biting into the strawberry macaron, I was surprised by the different textures. I ended up preferring the mint macaron because the strawberry was a little bit too sugary for my tastes. We also tried a vanilla bean torte and the chocolate dome dessert. Typically I favor one flavor over another in desserts, but I enjoyed both of these equally (my husband and I kept swapping bites). The vanilla bean torte was smooth, creamy, yet light. Every bite was full of flavor and bliss. The chocolate dome dessert fooled me again with the texture, and my first bite was a mixture of surprise and happiness for the chocolate explosion on my taste buds. The chocolate dessert was much richer and we could not finish that. We will return again tonight so we can try the pistachio thingy that other reviewers say is great. Honestly I was surprised at the price. Typically I would pay much more for something of that quality in Austin, TX. 2 big desserts and 2 macarons were only around 10.00. Not too bad at all! The only criticism I have.....is that there is not a location at home.
(5)Mitch H.
Ever since I moved to Columbus from Chicago just shy of a year ago I've been searching for a bakery that would never disappoint me. There's Omega Artisan in North Market, amazing breads, but totally falls short of satisfying my very large and slightly snaggled sweet tooth. Mozart Bakery thoroughly defiles the name of such a prodigy, and Pattycake Vegan Bakery is... well, vegan. Pistacia Vera lives up to everything that titillates my fancy. The huge assortment of multicolored French Macarons is simply a delight to the eyes, ears, nose and throat. I fell passionately in love with the vanilla bean and pistacio flavors. (The chocolate was not the best in chocolate flavor and will not be purchased again.) The nougat was riddled with Pistachios and surrounded by the delicate hint of honey. I could pretty much go on for hours about this place. But needless to say, I will be back, and often.
(5)Kristina B.
No matter what flavor...blood orange, red currant, strawberry, pistachio...always get a mini dacquoise. It's a mini orgasm bite after bite. Seriously.
(5)Angela F.
My waistline and pocketbook are thankful that we live 350 miles from Pistacia Vera - the rest of me, not so much. After a sinful breakfast at German Village Coffee Shop, the family and I decided to keep the gluttony-train rolling by visiting Pistacia Vera to fortify ourselves with goodies before departing on our 6 hour drive home to Chicago. Annie welcomed us into her charmingly pristine shop, and could not have been more delightful. She took the time to explain the different confections, packaged our choices beautifully, and gave us clear instructions on how to store them in order to maximize their freshness. The macrons made us swoon - all that we tried were heavenly: vanilla bean, key lime coconut, black raspberry, buttermint, strawberry rose, and pistachio. But for me, the chicken dinner winner was the Grand Cru truffle. I've eaten a fair number of truffles in my day, but none as divine as this. The texture is what puts it over the top; lighter than air, creamy, melty, fudgy...just perfect. Pistacia Vera is an experience not to be missed (for dessert lovers, anyway). We will never visit Columbus without stopping in.
(5)Marty M.
Great eye-candy (i.e., appealing baked goods visually) and an attractively converted store, but the taste of their pastries no longer match their looks / design (often multi-layered creations). Tried a mix of six (mini tarts / tortes and macarons) there with my wife and friends recently -- all but one of the items were very dried (stale?). We were especially fond of their cookie assortment and recipes when they were located in the Short North, but that selection has been reduced in variety and qualities since.
(2)Zhong C.
splendid!
(5)Rich S.
Tell the world you've made it with Pistacia Vera pastry. This stuff is grade-A rocket fuel for big timers.
(5)Riri A.
Best place for cakes and its unique place to go. Must try at least
(5)Caroline W.
This charming coffee shop will remind you of sitting in a small European shop, sipping coffee and enjoying the ambiance. The only problem is, it is small and a bit cramped...
(5)Nicholas K.
Pain au chocolat... Pain au chocolat... Oh God, pain au chocolat...
(4)Mary S.
I first went here in February late in the day, but they still had a lot of very delicious looking pastries in the case. I had heard about their macarons, and bought a half dozen to sample. Well, I died and went to heaven. The vanilla bean was my favorite, followed by the raspberry. My companion loved the coffee and chocolate. Biting into one was like eating a crackly cloud with a smooth center. I admit I took a few apart, like oreos, and licked out the buttercream center. But buy what you can eat in a day, because the airiness diminishes afterwards.
(5)Lindsey S.
This is my favorite bakery. Expensive but the best quality you can get. I love their macarons, canells, palmiers, chocolate croissant, almond croissant and hot chocolate! Tried their baked egg dish for brunch which was a little undercooked but very tasty. I drive an hour and a half to come here.
(5)Jo P.
OH.MY.GOD. Chocolate chip pistachio nut cookies are to DIE for! I'm glad I don't live that close!!!!! The milk chocolate macadamia nut praline cake was MMMMMM. Also, super nice and helpful people that work there. I asked them for a close-by restaurant recommendation, and the lady pulled out a book of menus and looked stuff up on the internet for us. Great!
(5)Dave L.
In an attempt to walk off some of the sandwich I had just consumed at Katzinger's Delicatessen I found Pistacia Vera. I am thankful that I was stuffed because there were so many things that looked delicious. I settled on a dozen assorted macaroons. With the help of friends, we returned to the house, brewed some coffee and slaughtered the cookies. The tastes and consistency were amazing - I would have to go through another iteration (or 2) to determine my favorite - they were all excellent.
(5)David F.
Absolutely amazing. From the Macarons to the hot chocolate, this place is really a star. Very clean, friendly and responsive staff and good lighting. Rush here. Now.
(5)Morgan D.
I'm always hearing good things about Pistacia Vera in German Village (formerly Pistachio in the Short North). I'd seen their products many times before I actually tasted them. Each dessert item is made with care and an air of aestheticism. The flavors are classy and refined. My first bite was a gift, a small thank you from a co-worker. It was the lemon pistachio macaroon. Small and light, I was almost afraid to pick up this delicacy. The macaroon may have looked dainty, but its flavor was strong. I was hit over the head with lemon. It was like inhaling lemon air. That was where I found my qualm. The texture was the pitfall. It was too light. Usually, the desserts I go crazy for are rich and moist, ooey-gooey good. This macaroon was something new, and I wasn't sure if I liked it. My next encounter with Pistacia Vera was at a birthday party where an elegant pistachio cake was served. I was over the moon! I was about to chomp into the basic namesake of the bakery. The cake was lovely and decorated very professionally. The layers were even with big divisions of icing in between. I thought, "Sugar, sugar, sugar!" But the taste was super light, almost undetectable. If it's not one extreme, it's another. The cake was okay. I ate it without complaint. The chilled icing was actually quite good. But I don't think I would intentionally order a slice again. I would describe Pistacia Vera's products as frou frou. Next time I have a run in with Pistacia Vera, I hope it involves chocolate. Then we can really get down to business. Until then, I'm mainly aesthetically impressed.
(3)Michelle F.
The hallmark of a good establishment: consistently delicious!
(5)Tenzo D.
A unique quality find in a city that prides itself on being banael
(5)Diana M.
It was good. I really liked the service and the wide variety of options
(4)Melanie J.
It looks like the topic of the Parisian Macaroons has been drooled over here before. But, can I just add my little piece about how delectable these little melt-in-your-mouth rounds of deliciousness are? Just reading these previous reviews is making me want to leave work just to pick some up. I've also tried their chocolate flourless torte, Palmiers and the little fruit jellies (can't remember their proper name) and was very pleased. But, if you're going to try something other than the macaroons, make sure you take some home with you. You can thank me later.
(5)M. D.
What an amazing treasure in German Village. Clean, modern, friendly service and delicious desserts. Ive been back several times since my first visit. The chocolate macarons, fruit gelees and cashew bar are among my favorites. The tea's and coffees are also complimentary to the fare. I trully recommend this bakery to anyone visiting the Columbus German Village neighborhood.
(5)Brooke Q.
Hands down my favorite place for dessert in Columbus! Their french macaroons are packed with flavor and are perfect for a little treat! I also love their biscotti. SO tasty. Oh and their cookies. What can I say...everything I've had here has been a special treat and I try recommending this place to as many people as I can. I love how clean and perfectly displayed everything is in there. The presentation and detail of their baked goods is by far some of the best I've seen. The staff is also very friendly.
(5)Daniel S.
The croissants are great. Chocolate ones are fantastic. I would say you could not go too wrong with anything in the store. Personal tastes could make something "off" but you would never regret trying. We love the macaroons and the truffles as well as the croissants.
(5)Laurie M.
They have great customer service and the highest quality pastries. Their croissants are the best in town, maybe the best in the state! The macaroons are perfect. Very high quality food. They may not have everything you are looking for.... some may say they don't have a wide selection - but that is a GOOD thing! They don't try to be everything to everyone, but what they do is excellent... My review can not do them justice.
(5)Claire B.
If this place was in my neighborhood, I'd be in serious trouble. It's the best bakery in town. Their savory pastries or their chocolate croissants or the macarons - it's all good enough to melt your face off. Delicious!
(5)Erin R.
Gorgeous environment for a bakery. Sitting at one of their little tables when its sunny out devouring baked goods is pretty high up there on my list of fun things to do. I'm not spendy-crazy lately, so I only had a ginger sable and a vanilla macaron, but they were both amazing. I would eat two million ginger sables if I could prevent myself from also gaining two million pounds and two million dollars in debt. Helpful, friendly staff and many many delicious looking choices, available in minis for people like me to try, and full cakes, desserts, etc. I will be back to try more once I can foot the bill.
(4)kate m.
You walk in to a beautiful open space. Gorgeous marble countertops are covered with the most beautiful deserts you can imagine. Next is a gleaming display cabinet filled with even more amazing deserts. Everything is spotless and clean, with the finest destails attended to. They even keep the wax paper in a decorative tin, lest you be distracted from the food by a *gasp* ordinary cardboard box. And you haven't even tried the deserts yet. There are seasonal deserts made with perfect fruit, peppermint chocolates with glittering blue peppermint sugar on top, macaroons so light and fluffy, yet rich and creamy at the same time. Ideally the next step in this food fantasy would be to sit in the perfectly chosen chairs by the windows and enjoy your amazing purchases. But wait! There is NO SITTING AREA!! You have to go back outside, get into your car and take them somewhere else! Surely they must have a perfect little plate back there to display this artwork on while you eat it? No? I have to take it home and put it on an ordinary old plate? (Oh who am I kidding, I'll eat it out of the box on my way home...) I guess Pistacia can still have 5 stars, although I would take them down to 4 1/2 for no place to sit!
(5)Peter L.
This place is good. I'm not a huge sweets person, but their macarons are the real deal. One bite and I was taken from snowy Columbus to Laduree on Champs-Elysees... OK maybe not, but it was something like that. Lots of flavors to try that were all awesome. It's a nice place and the people there were helpful.
(5)Brian K.
Yum. Great owners, friendly service. Great space for a dessert shop.
(5)Ellen F.
First of all, Pistacia? How can you not walk into a place with Pistacia in the name. Mmmm. So when you do walk in you will immediately be blessed with the sensual scents of sweet baked wonderment. Then open your eyes and notice how clean and proper it is. I don't want to use the work pretentious, because that it most definitely is not! It's not your typical neighborhood bakery. You will not find glazed doughnuts, danishes or apple fritters. Instead you get to experience the pistachio honey nougat for $1.50, the orange clove shortbread tea cookie for $1, and the walnut marsala fig macaron for $1.25. Oh...the thought of it all makes me want to make a special trip right now! Don't be shy. Tell them what you want and ask to try it. They are more than willing to share the wealth with you. In fact, they are so eager to make your tongue dance with glee, they practically beg for flavor suggestions. I think they just like to (love to) experiment. Someone has to eat the oops. The Macaron's are gluten-free too! Made simply with sugar, egg white, and almond meal. The different varieties will add random other ingredients. But no wheat! Closed Monday's.
(5)Jazz M.
Outstanding desserts. Love the design of the place inside and out. Staff seems very friendly each time I've been in. Delicious taste to the food and very unique. Wish they had more items to choose from though, that being my main/only issue thus far. Plenty of variety with the macarons - pistachio being the best, IMO. Fun, cute little place.
(4)Crystal P.
Everything was amazing in the Dine Originals Week sampler. Only thing I didn't like was the fruit pate. It was too tart and sweet for my taste. I also had the cannelle, it's definitely a must try. I'd love to go back and try all of the macarons!
(4)Vikki C.
Seriously amazing desserts. We had the chocolate bombe and the world's best chocolate cookies, with coffee before we went to ShadowBox Live. Slightly pricey, but top quality AND parking spaces!!
(5)Ann S.
Splitsy day! Sigh, thanks to many people griping, they've changed their menu a bit. This means my coveted pau au chocolate has bitten the dust. *massive sigh* They now make a double pan au chocolate...a chocolate croissant with chocolate in the middle. It was good but we both agree we missed the buttery richness of the regular one because it complimented and intesified the chocolate inside. We still ate it though. You know, we didn't want to hurt it's feelings. We tried a cannele at a Yelper's urging. It was decent. We both felt like we'd tasted something similar before but couldn't put our finger on it. Nice and moist inside and carmelized outside. The rum infusion is barely noticeable but gives it flavor. We split a holiday spice butter sable. I assume the texture is supposed to be dry but as you chew it melts in your mouth. Great flavor and would be perfect for dunking! Mini chocolate bombe is a given...hello, I'm so in love it's my profile pic!
(4)Katie T.
If I'm in a bad (or good) mood, I go to Pistacia Vera to make the day better. The macarons are like eating a piece of heaven. I can eat a dozen in a sitting if my hips would let me. Also try the chocolate fudgie, one of the best cookies in the city.
(5)Steven S.
Amazing.... Try the chocolate bomb and the pistachio chunk cookies
(5)Mike F.
Yes Yes Yes everything here is good! High quality ingredients and so well made. The portion sizes may -seem- small at first, but they are so filled will flavor that it's all you need. After you eat it you feel great. That's what dessert is supposed to do. Wifey and I usually split a small piece of pistachio cake and get something else, like nougat. The other cakes are good, too. Every time I go here, it seems like they have the old standbys and some specials. We always try a new thing when we go in and it's always good. Keep meaning to try the marshmallows. sometimes we eat our food here (instead of "to go") and we aren't sure whether to tip. We do, but is it customary? Great place to buy gifts for people, because the presentation is very classy. Go here.
(5)Kevin M.
Still the best dessert bakery in Columbus, even with a new name and location. (For those not in the know, Pistacia Vera is the reincarnation of Pistachio, so look it up for my previous review.) I am saddened that they have moved farther away from me and no longer have tables to sit at, but nonetheless I may now have to invent excuses for going to the German Village. "We should go to a coffeeshop and do work... no no, not the 10 coffeeshops that are nearby, we should go across downtown to the German Village Cup o' Joe!"... which happens to be a block from Pistacia Vera. Yes, I see this in my future.
(5)Trent C.
One of the most refreshing stores, not only in German Village, but Columbus. The desserts are to die for and the pastries are ridiculously good as well. The scones and the cinnamon sugar sweet rolls are a really great breakfast option. The almondine cookies are delicious. The Grand Cru chocolate truffles are simply divine. You place your order and then question whether you've asked for enough. Chances are, before you leave the parking lot, you will have already opened the box to get your fix. The tarts and tortes are incredibly delicious and unbelievably decadent. If you have any questions, the staff behind the counter are always willing to help. Expect to be able to chat with the chefs as well since they are usually near the counter anyway. No other place (except for Jeni's) can cure my sweet tooth the way that Pistacia Vera can.
(5)el O G.
Not much more I can add to the place that hasn't been written, but I love coming here to get treats for myself, friends or family. I love the macarons and around the holidays buy gift boxes for the fam. The cookies are good, especially the pistacio chip. This saturday I tried the croissants and lattes this Saturday which were fantastic and good, respectively. Having had many of the desserts at special occassions I have never had something I didn't like here, though I'm known to have a sweet tooth! I never hesitate to bring out of towners here as I feel this bakery can compete with anyone around the country. Next up is to try the new breakfast offerings.
(5)Karen S.
Best cookies I have ever had!! Wish I lived closer but am glad I don't as it would be a daily habit!! The macaroons are out of this world!
(5)Shelby M.
Pistacia Vera now has iced espresso-based drinks! The first time I visited I had to pass up the hot coffee (I only do cold drinks). But now, you can enjoy a dessert & a light & smooth latte or iced coffee on the front patio.
(5)Puneet S.
If I lived in German Village, I would have to try to avoid walking into this place all the time! Yes, it is a little pricey. However, their pastries are amazing! Each one is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, flavor, design, and moistness.
(5)Suzanne M.
Pistacia Vera is one of my very favorite place in Columbus. This patisserie has beautiful, elegant and above-all, utterly delectable pastries and cookies. All of this in an amazing, light-filled building that now happily has chairs and tables inside it (it didn't initially). I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that I have had there, but here are a few all-time favorites: *Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Cookies. So much better than toll-house, and practically a steal at $1.50 *Lemon Pinenut Tart. I could eat immensely flavorful, yet surprisingly light dessert every day. *Apple Financier Tart. They introduced this in the summer--at the insistent behest of customers hankering for apples--even though apples are fall food. Having tasted it, I would say it's worth breaking the seasonal routine. *Lavendar Honey Macaron. My favorite macaron. It tastes like May in Provence. I would come here just fo rthe pastries, but I have to put in a good word for the service here. Everyone who works here, from the counter staff to the patry chef, to the owner/manager are such infectiously friendly, happy people that it makes you feel delighted to be there.
(5)Diana U.
Best dessert place in Columbus. Great service, atmosphere, and AMAZING food. The pistachio macaron is to die for!
(5)F Z.
Despite my mom saying that Pistacia Vera is simply 'a-okay' (Yelpism is contagious, what can I say?), I think the place far exceeded my expectations. The presentation made it difficult to decide what to get and what to skip. It's tempting to just have one of everything, since bakeries like these do not exist in Toledo. The macarons were a hit-or-miss, although I found most of them to be delightful. The strawberry balsamic and the walnut marsala fig particularly stood out (and I'm not a fan of fig, to be honest.) The mocha praline torte was mind-blowingly delicious and was neither too sweet nor too heavy of a treat. I vowed I'll come back just for the chambord manjari feuilletine next time. The cannele was the only disappointing factor to my entire selection, as I found it a wee bit too dry and crusty. It's a good thing that PV is a 25-minute drive from home-home (and a 2.5 hour drive from home) or else I'd be frequenting on a daily basis!
(4)Veronica W.
I love the atmosphere of Pistacia Vera. The macaroons are delicious.
(4)Elizabeth N.
I agree with everyone who has raved about the buttermilk chocolate cake. I'm particular about my chocolate to the point where I prefer to just make it myself for that perfect salty, sweet, and dark combination. I'm happy to say that Pistacia Vera's cake will save me hours in the kitchen when I want the perfect rich and moist and not too sweet chocolate fix. Also, their service is amazing! And they have things like raspberry chocolate jam for sale. Mmmm....
(5)Pink C.
Easily the best bakery in Columbus, this place is really an amazing bakery. The desserts are sophisticated and complex. The macaroons, for instance, are usually really delicious mixes of flavors like apricot turmeric. This place manages to pull that off. The cakes are gorgeous looking and amazing tasting. There are full sizes and single servings. The cookies are all fantastic and really not any more expensive than any other bakery. My absolute favorite is the petit four, which I've had as both guava and apricot. The service is very nice and always wraps boxes in pretty ribbons. The store itself is also absolutely beautiful. There's a really small lot that could hold three cars right next to the building.
(5)Jeff L.
Insanely amazing. I had the praline based cake and I can't remember eating a dessert that wonderful in Columbus. I hear they left the Short North for the German Village, and as a resident of the Short North who doesn't feel like gaining weight at some type of record pace, I suppose I should be happy about this.
(5)LeeAnn T.
The French macarons are very flavorful and perfectly made. I was very impressed. My husband loved the chocolate dome dessert that he had and he is the pickiest chocolate snob that I know. I was extremely impressed with the friendliness of the staff. What a wonderful experience!
(5)Kara K.
After lunch at Claddagh, I was in the mood for something sweet that both the BF & I would enjoy. At a $1.25/macaroon, it was the perfect choice. I went with the coconut & he chose the chocolate. Both were delicious without being too filling. I think I'll be leaving work more often for dessert.
(5)Emily H.
Pistacia Vera calls itself a dessert boutique, and the name is fitting. The storefront looks like it belongs to a Chanel or Coach store on Madison Avenue. And of course the desserts are gorgeous - a bit pricey, but with great ingredients and flavors. The portions actually serve one, not like the seven-layer triple chocolate cake that every chain restaurant has nowadays. I'd prefer one of their tiny tiramisus or mini chocolate bombes anyday!
(5)Josh Q.
I was so disappointed when Pistachio moved from its old location. I still visit on occasion, but not as often as I would like. The staff is always courteous and happy to help you out with a selection. A wonderful alternative to that mid-shelf bottle of wine your accustomed to bringing to a party.
(5)Caroline D.
these macarons are the best ever. they used to have a lemon pistachio that was to die for. the plain pistachio one is pretty close though -- it is honestly delicious. well worth the price, seriously. the lime sugar cookie is amazing too. however, i have a hard time getting anything other than a box of macarons. a must try!
(4)Brian B.
Every day on the weekends I come in and get a coffee and pastry or two. This place is amazing. Usually when you walk into a bakery and they have a classy setup where the baked goods are on display for all to see you expect that the actual taste will be lacking (at least this has been my experience), nothing could be further from the truth here. What looks great is often better when you are eating it. During the winter months they have hot dark chocolate which is the perfect thing to have while walking around in the cold. If you feel like something savory I highly recommend their rosemary parmesan scones. Their prices are very reasonable and worth every penny.
(5)Courtney W.
OM NOM NOM!! Truly the only way to describe our experience. Parking here is a bit of a hassle, only 2 spots are actually attached to this establishment (w/ more across the street) but after a couple of tries we managed to find a spot! We hurried our way in and even though the place was busy it didnt take longer then a moment or two to be greeted by a friendly face. The hardest part here is deciding what to order. Everything looked so good it was hard to believe they were all edible! They had so many flavors of macrons, and lots of yummy looking tarts, croissants, cookies, etc. We ordered 4 macarons (strawberry lillet, blackberry violet, chocolate chambord, and matcha yuzu), an espresso tart, and some coffee. Everything was very tasty and nothing lasted very long; we were done by the time our coffee reached the table. Their macrons are what stand out the most to me with such a variety in flavors and fillings it really makes for a very tasty treat! Matcha Yuza was by far our favorite flavor we tried. Matcha is japanese for powdered green tea and a very popular flavor for just about everything over in japan and yuzu means tea. The flavor was mild and sweet and the macron itself was the best I've ever had by far. The blackberry violet was a preserve filling that simply melted in your mouth; the strawberry lillet was the same. The tart was creamy, rich, smooth, and had a wonderful espresso flavor that was matched perfectly by the crispy soft pie crust. I did agree with my husband that the crust was a bit dry although it did break apart with ease. I felt the same way about their lavender shortbread cookie; oh so yummy but dry. Their coffee is strong...STRONG...but paired nicely with their pastries. My favorite thing here though was the chocolate cake that they had up at the register; so perfect I wish I got a whole loaf! They have a very nice patio with a couple tables although the chairs are very tiny and leave your but a bit sore; granted we did sit here for a good hour just watching all the people walking by. German Village is like that, you tend to get lost in everything around you. The only downside to the whole morning were the prices; on the expensive side. Things really add up fast here.
(4)Joe Y.
Very nice place! Just visiting so not 100% but this place I believe in located in German Village. Plenty of parking across the street or on the street. Once inside you see a lot of places to sit and a lot deserts to choose from. What's nice here is just about everything I saw was gluten free. However we came solely for the macaroons. I bought a bunch to go and we ate a few just to try from the hype. We had six all together and wow were some of them exceptional! Delicious all around and not disappointing. Great place to grab a coffee and a little desert. My only complaint is it is a little pricey but it's gluten free which I know typically hikes a price up so it's understandable.
(4)Jared W.
Was really not blown away at all after my first visit to Pistacia Vera. I was only looking for something light, so I ordered a Buckeye macaron, a chocolate bittersweet fudge cookie, and coffee. The Buckeye macaron was a little soft and the peanut butter filling in the middle was surprisingly not very good. The chocolate fudge cookie was very chewy inside like a brownie but crisp around the edges- pretty good but nothing special, and the coffee was mediocre. Overall, I was pretty disappointed in what I got. Everything looks incredibly delicious, but my experience was average overall, especially when I paid $6 for 6 bites of food and a poor cup of coffee.
(3)Aya R.
3/5 for their macarons... I know, they are extremely affordable! I could literally buy them all day everyday! :) But, I don't know if it was just the times I had been there, or what, but some of my macarons were too soggy. The passion fruit and the blackberry ones I had were... Soft... Too soft. :( I loved their coconut and their yuzu macaron! Don't get me wrong they can make some amazing macarons, but they aren't consistent. Whaaat... :( 5/5 for everything else! The atmosphere is fantastic, the girls working there are always ready to help take your order, and always open to questions. I didn't feel like I was standing around waiting forever to get help. The different iced teas they have are so delicious! Every one of them hit the spot. In summer, and again in the fall. I would definitely go back to sit, eat, sip on an iced tea, and just relax.
(4)Jessica M.
The atmosphere of this place is quant and the desserts are amazing. Tried the pistachio macaroon, the raspberry passion fruit tart, and the fudge cookie. Everything was beautifully appealing to the eyes and tasted great. Sat outside and enjoyed beautiful Sunday weather while doing it. I'll be back for sure
(5)Macarena G.
I have been to both locations- German Village and North Market. The products that they have are great. Their patisserie shows a lot of finesse and technique. I give them 4 starts because the bathroom was dirty. wet floor and lots of papers laying on the floor. Not what you would expect when you are paying 8 dollars for a piece of pie.
(4)Andrew T.
it deserves a 5 star no doubt about it I came all the way from San Francisco this place is really nice definitely worth it to be put on the map be sure to try one of everything so come with your friend... try the Bostock... You also have to try the lemon tart. you gotta try it crispy crunchy and flaky on the outside warm and fluffy and crea and sweet on the inside just the right balance of all flavors
(5)Angela B.
I first had these macaroons at a conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Columbus, OH. I walked right past the delicious savory dinner stations directly to the dessert table to find the most scrumptious macaroons of my life! I just had to go to the German Village location prior to flying out. What an excellent Easter present! Although they are not on the menu today, if the chance presents itself, get the Buckeye flavor (peanut butter), as it will change your LIFE!
(5)Anthony N.
A cozy little bake shop known for their delicious macaroons! (Not the flaky coconut types, but the sandwich cookie.) A great place to grab a dessert and coffee in German Village, I've never been disappointed with their selections. You can even sample the macaroons before you take home a box (or two). I only wish macaroons could be made bigger because they go so quickly in a bite :(
(5)Twila K.
Overall very nice atmosphere. Staff was very friendly. Mocha was good. A friend and I tried 3 different desserts but none really blew our mind...however the presentation was flawless. A bit pricey.
(3)Birgitta S.
Fresh baked croissants, pan au chocolate, and light as air macrons. Great coffee too. Limited parking, but street parking is available. The staff is always cheerful. They will take a phone order in the am and set it aside if you can't get there until the pm. We plan our road trips so they route through Columbus just so we can stop here. These croissants are the best I've had stateside!
(5)Sarah S.
Isn't is great when a place is just as good as you hoped it would be? Pistacia Vera is a gem, and if I lived in Columbus I would be here all the time. It's a great open space, with lots of tables and outdoor seating - perfect for a late afternoon cup of coffee and a book. Not to mention the FOOD! The dessert cases are just such beautiful works of art! Every cake and macaroon and cookie are just as visually pleasing as they are delicious - I wish I could spend a whole day trying everything in the store! From Yelp's recommendation, I came to try their macaroons, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. They have a great selection of flavors with something for everyone - from a classic Pistachio to a more out-of-the-box Yuzu Guava. All delicious. Perfectly crunchy outside, and either a sweet house-made jam or a creamy ganache on the inside. I came back before they closed and got more macaroons to go - plus a Pistachio Honey Nougat and an Almondine cookie to try! The customer service was also lovely, the woman behind the counter offered to make me an iced chamomile tea (even though it wasn't on the menu) and told me if it didn't come out just as I wanted, she would make it again. Needless to say, like everything I had here, it was great. If I had more time here in Columbus, I would come back for brunch, a galette, probably a croissant, hell ANYTHING and everything. In short: don't miss this place.
(5)Nicholas C.
This is hands-down my favorite bakery in the Columbus area. My two favorites that stand out are the nutella Bostock and Almond Croissant. They tend to bake their croissants a little more "done" than other bakeries and that's just how I like it. Imagine biting into a cruncy croissant to reveal the gooiest, flakiest, almond-liqueur soaked goodness inside. Get one and a coffee. Best $6 you're going to spend in a while.
(5)Corina P.
Portions are a bit on the big side for my taste (probably not for the average American endless stomach) and croissants are more brownish than what I am used to. Still, I love the place for coming to have a nice brunch once in a while. The flavors are immaculate and I just have not found anything similar in Columbus or in what I know of the Midwest for that matter. Worth visiting, at least once. But be warned: delicate pastry comes with a price, a big price.
(4)Gwen W.
What the...!!!!!!! I can't believe I forgot to leave a review from my first visit here!?! I yi yiiii :) Well, my absolute LOVE for this hidden gem has not changed one bit!. My first time, I got the Mushroom Quiche and Lemon Tart. It was so good, this time around I got the exact same thing. Results? Perfect!! This time around, the quiche was in a small circle of crust, instead of cut like a pie of pie. And, YES, it was still as heavenly as ever. The cheese taste was not overpowering. I could smell and taste the mushroom slices. Mmmm!! And the login tart for dessert? Outstanding, as always!! True lemon taste is completely evident, but not to "tarty" for my liking :) a wonderful, scrumptious brunch!!
(5)Sakura K.
I went there for a late birthday treat to get some macarons yesterday. The place closes at 7 and we got there around 630. I ordered one of each and was given a presorted box from the case. My boyfriend ordered a pain au chocolat. The total was $22 with the box being $18 for 12 macarons and the bread $4. Since we were going to dinner first, i didn't bother opening the box until today and discovered I was shorted one. I called them today and told them and they said they wouldn't give me the missing one since I didn't have proof of purchase. They never even gave me a receipt!
(2)Erin N.
Being from the Burgh, I hadn't been here during any of our trips to Columbus, but Nationwide sent our office a box of their little "classic macarons" and I had to stop on our next journey. Some of the macaron flavors are a little much for most of my crew (elderflower, raspberry hibiscus?), but the vanilla bean macaron makes up for all the trendy flavors that may have been misses. They are perfect. Crisp and soft, perfect "feet" on the cookies. The store was a little crowded, and there were no tables outside, but we were just stopping by to grab a dozen. The staff was a little miffed with the busy Saturday afternoon, but generally helpful and polite. I do have one actual negative comment, other than German Village being a mess to drive. I also purchased two pistachio twists with my macarons, and they looked amazing and were HUGE. But they weren't great. Kind of burnt, mostly sticky bread. A disappointment for the price unfortunately. If you're sticking with macarons, A+. I have ordered these pups shipped to Pittsburgh. They're worth not only the drive through German mess, but apparently across the state.
(4)Liz M.
So, I love Pistacia Vera. Friendly service, nice atmosphere, delicious perfect desserts. I never ever felt like I was paying too much there because the quality was worth it. My favorites are the macrons (pistachio flavor), the chocolate bombe, and any cake they offer, really. Service is always superb. I went this past Friday for brunch to-go and it really took the wind out of my sails. $12 a piece for a small brunch item and side salad. My friend had the bacon quiche and I had the croque monsieur. Her quiche was a generous size, but nothing overly special, my croque monsure had merit and the sauce was velvety smooth, but the ham was so smokey it over powered the whole dish and the bread was quite dark on the bottom imparting a burnt taste. The side salad consisted of 5% arugula and 95% frisee, which made for a bitter, poorly textured salad. The dressing was under seasoned and seemed to consist of olive oil, Dijon, vinegar , and shallots. I have never had an issue with paying a premium, but $12 left me more than a smokey burnt taste in my mouth. I will choose not to order a brunch item again. However, I will always choose to purchase pastries here as they're to die for!
(4)Sally D.
Pricey but delicious! The portion was small but the taste was all there - we tried the bacon quiche for breakfast & loved it! This was the best quiche I can remember having...ever! Light, fluffy flavorful filling with chunky bits of bacon surrounded by a perfectly flaky pastry crust - yum yum yum! Definitely worth trying & enjoying!
(4)Jamie M.
I'm amazed. I'm typically a cheesecake, ice cream, pie type of dessert person but this bakery is incredible! I got two macaroons, chocolate bombe, and a dessert I can't remember the name of. The macaroons were good but I'm not the biggest fan of macaroons but I was pleased. However the two other desserts were amazing! The chocolate bombe melts in your mouth, it was also rich but not too sweet. The other dessert was absolutely amazing as well, it had a crunchy base with a rich (but not over doing it) chocolate mousse topping. I can't wait to return and try all the other options! Don't pass this up if you're in columbus.
(5)Gus W.
I finally got a chance to stop into Pistacia Vera's main spot in German Village this past Sunday. I had to have something to make up for my abysmal experience at Katzinger's, and they're only a couple of blocks from each other. I've been to the location at North Market several times and was a big fan of the desserts I'd tried there. As I said before though, I'm not a huge macaron fan, although I did give them another shot, and I think I liked them a little better this time! The original location here is so nice and cleanly, and the inside almost seems out of place compared to the outside of the building and the surrounding area. It's just so.. new. That's okay though. Not everything in German Village has to fit that old town feel. It was super clean, and the people behind the counter were very nice. I only went with the lemon pine tart, and my buddy tried some strawberry layered cake. I think the pricing is a bit much at $6, especially for mine, which was incredibly tiny, but I've already come to expect that from them, so I wasn't surprised. My lemon tart was awesome. I was expecting the filling to be a little firmer, but it's a very thin custard-y texture that melted in my mouth and went great with the crackery crust. My friend wasn't too keen on the pricing either, but he said if anything was going to be worth close to the $6, it was that strawberry layered tart (whatever you want to call it). He really enjoyed it. I'll probably stick to the North Market location, since it's more convenient for me, but I thought the original spot was very sleek. They also offer quiches that I don't believe North Market does, and they looked very tasty. If I'm back in the area some time, I'll have to check those out as well as the coffee.
(4)Brad S.
I love this place for a quick pop-in, be it for breakfast or for a tasty treat to take to a party. The croissants (ham and cheese, chocolate, etc.) are great for a grab and go breakfast. The chocolate bomb never fails to amaze recipients. And the macarons are just perfect for a dinner-party-gift. I've always found the staff to be exceptionally helpful - the environment inside is bright and cheery, and that attitude bleeds over into the guests. It's a very community feel here, with chatter going on between tables of strangers.
(5)LeeJee C.
Good lord where do I begin... Pistacia Vera is the best bakery in the world. I found this gem when I lived in Columbus a few years ago, and ever since, I dream of this place daily. I'm not a big brunch person, but their baked eggs are literally the best breakfast/brunch dish I've ever had! It comes in a hot skillet with tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, and the flavor is indescribable. I'm also not a big fan of croissants, but their ham and cheese croissant is pretty much the best version you'll ever find. Around Fall, they offer their house apple cider, which again, doesn't sound like anything crazy, but I promise you it's the best apple cider you'll ever try!
(5)Peijean T.
Macarons, oui oui! Pistacia Vera may be located in the German Village area of Columbus, Ohio, but they definitely have this French macaron thing down. Here they've mastered the macaron: moist, slightly chewy wafers with a delicate crispy shell. Each pair of wafers sandwiches a light creamy center. I went in to buy six but couldn't resist the selection of flavors and walked out with nine. A few of them had stiffer fillings (older cookies?) like the cherry cordial and the cassis bergamot (similar to a tea flavor), but a few had ultra soft and smooth fillings that made the wafers slide a bit when you took a bite. I especially enjoyed the gingerbread macaron which had a very fresh and robust flavor. Each of the macarons had a delicate sweetness punctuated by their main flavor of fruit, chocolate, etc. I love that the macarons are only $1.50 each, when I'm used to paying over $2 for one of these back in California. Given that they have mastered the macaron, I was hoping that their pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant , $4) would be close to what I've had in Paris. I was disappointed it was too dry, although the flavor of the croissant was good and not too buttery. Of the items I tried nothing was overly sweet, which I liked. I also bought a chocolate loaf cake slice ($3) which had a perfect dark chocolate taste that was dense in texture but not saccharine. Overall, this is a terrific dessert shop with tons of variety from gourmet cake slices and artisan macarons to simplier bake-sale types of fare such as chewy cookies and loaf cake slices.
(4)Candace M.
I've been trying to go through my Columbus bucket list recently, and you better believe Pistacia Vera was on there! We finally made it there after a great stop at the Book Loft. I'd heard about the macarons, but I hadn't heard how adorable the place itself is. We walked in and I was so impressed! Super clean and cozy, with bright wood floors and lots of windows, creating the feeling of open space. I can imagine that this would be a great space to study, work, or go on a date. I've only had a macaron once and wasn't feeling particularly adventurous, so I went with a safer bet, We had the chocolate bombe and the raspberry passion fruit truffle torte. They were both very good. I'd say the bombe was a bit better. There was complimentary filtered water which hit the spot with our chocolate-rich desserts. I would come again, and next time I'll have my sights set on one of their legendary macarons!
(4)Carianne M.
Macarons! I can't/won't say much about anything else at Pistacia Vera because I haven't had much else. If I'm being honest, I stick to the desserts and then walk down to Stauf's for coffee...oh my...that's awful now that I wrote it all out... The Macarons are not to be missed. The pistachio (obviously) is amazing, but the miso is also so, so delicious. Their other baked goods are not to be missed - a chocolate fudge cookie won my heart. The lighting, location, parking, etc. are all amazing. I can see why folks would come here for brunch, but the tables are limited and a bit close together for my taste.
(4)Yuri R.
Clean - beautiful - great customer service - delicious! Just very nice atmosphere! ;-)
(5)Vicky N.
The best desserts in Columbus, without a doubt! Pistacia Vera specializes in gourmet, rich desserts that are so aesthetically pleasing, you have to take pictures to remember the gorgeous artwork you just devoured. The pastry chefs here are phenomenal at making each item on the menu as delicious as they look. I usually don't like my chocolate mixed with berries, but PV really complements the two flavors well. I have had the chocolate bombe, cherry pistachio feuilletine, the chambord torte (flourless), and a handful of their macarons, and they have yet to disappoint me! The pieces of cake may look small, but are packed with flavor. It's usually too much for me to finish. And at $1.25/macaron, it's a fair price for the cute French treats that to my knowledge aren't sold elsewhere in Columbus. I also go here to buy gifts for friends and family who have a sweet tooth too. The cafe is located in the heart of German Village, a perfect addition to this blooming area of Columbus. I love the atmosphere of the place - very comforting and open with a chic design. The staff are knowledgable about the items on the menu and are great at recommendations if you need help understanding those fancy words (like me). I would love to come back and try their brunch menu next time, but sometimes parking can be a hassle. Definitely go to the lot of the salon across the street first because the one attached to the building has only 2 spaces.
(5)Dee M.
A bakery that serves macarons and croissants in German Village? How could Pistachio Vera be anything other than completely amazing? I live 4 blocks away and let me tel you, Pistacia Vera causes me sleepless nights in bed, lying awake, dreaming of the crunch and creamy sensations that fill my mouth after biting into one of their macarons. The croissants, too. Flaky, and buttery, the almond ones haunt my dreams. Every flavor is amazing, and I usually take a variety with me. The staff is simply wonderful, and they happen to make, IMHO, the best cappuccino in town. Sometimes I tell people that I moved to German Village solely because of this bakery. They usually think I'm joking. I'm not. My credit card is swiped religiously at Pistacia Vera, with no end in sight.
(5)Rachel K.
Small location but seems so elegant and always kept clean. Their macaroons are to die for. I never even liked that type of treat before having the Pistacia Vera kind. They are a must have for any special occasion at my home! It's so nice to sit on their patio sipping coffee and having a pastry. Would definitely recommend!
(5)Jackie K.
Yum! Their cookies are really good. The chocolate pistachio one is great as is the almond one.
(4)Tabytha A.
I've been to the North Market location tons of times, and their macaroons are always to die for. I finally made it to the German Village location and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I had a great cup of hot chocolate, and of course, macaroons. Amazing desserts in a beautiful, but not pretentious environment. I can't wait to go back when they have the chairs outside in the summer!
(5)Mer F.
I want to LOVE Pistacia Vera, which is why I return time and time again. I bring a different friend or friends each time, hoping that maybe I'll unlock the magic. My order varies each time. Still, I feel completely unwelcome here. Last time, the gal behind the counter was fantastically helpful to my friend who had never encountered a macaron before, explaining the different flavours and textures. I ordered a prepackaged variety box as a hostess gift on my trip out of town, and I was treated with a frown... I had to wrangle my drink order before a cold shoulder was turned on me. I'm starting to take this personally. Perhaps I'm not special enough for delicious pastry. The macarons held up beautifully to their 9 hour road trip. I only wish there was a guide to which flavor was which in the box, but the hostess savoured every bite!! Amaaaaazing pastry... if you're good enough!
(3)Jenni H.
I am going to tagline my Pistacia Vera experience as "False Hope and Empty Promises". I was running late on my way to the airport and despite the rush I made a detour to pick up some presents: 4 macarons for three friends each. The person working behind the counter advised I purchase their prepackaged 12 piece box set. Perfect! One missed flight and several calls with Delta later, I sat down and unwrapped the box to inspect the toil of all my troubles. THERE WAS ONLY 11. The fastest and surest way to break a girl's heart is to under deliver on promises of macarons. For the person who prepackaged the box sets: You had one job! Do we need to revisit grade school arithmetic and learn how to count? On a side note, I have nothing but praise for the macarons itself. They are the perfect combination of crispy and chewy with delicious hints of flavors. Personal favorites are pistachio, vanilla, and grapefruit honey. Minus stars for the fail packaging and inaccurate charging. Plus stars for the redeeming macaron quality.
(3)Evalyn C.
I have been hearing about Pistacia Vera since before I even moved to Columbus. I've listened to people rave about all the delicacies that can be procured here. I've seen friends literally jump up and down they were so excited to get hired on to the staff here. So, tell me why it took me until just now get in to this amazing place? No really. What was my problem?!? My husband and I went as an after brunch dessert trek on my birthday. We wanted to try some yummies that wouldn't leave us too terribly stuffed. So, we ordered 4 macarons and one mini chocolate bombe to split. If I'm being entirely honest, I've never really enjoyed macarons (at least not prior to these bad boys) but I kept reading reviews exclaiming that they were a "must try" and my husband seemed intrigued. If it hadn't been for all my fellow yelpers' reviews, I think I would have seriously missed out. You see, for the first time in my life, I can honestly say that I not only liked a macaron, I loved one. We ordered the passionfruit, lemon, coconut creme, and matcha yuzu flavors and I loved each and every one of them. So light, just the right amount of sweet, and those pops of flavors that have me salivating just thinking about them... Heaven. As for the chocolate bombe, I couldn't stop saying "Holy crap!" after ever bite. It was so freaking tasty! Just the right amount of dense and light and crunch and soft and oh-so decadently chocolatey. If you are a chocolate lover and you haven't had one of these before, you are really missing out. In fact, I may buy my chocoholic mother several for her birthday next month. ;-) I absolutely guarantee I will be back again soon.
(5)Jen R.
Macarons, macarons, macarons! I wish some would appear if I said that three times. But until that happens, I'll go to Pistacia Vera. This place is so cozy and cute. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and coffee hits you as soon as you open the door and then when you actually SEE all of the croissants and pain au chocolat and macarons and desserts...sensory overload before you've even ordered. Everything I've tried here is scrumptious and extra points for the macaron gatekeeper who so patiently smiles with a box and tongs as I carefully select which of a zillion colorful, delectable concoctions I would like in said box. Oh yes, they also have delicious menu options other than baked goods :) If you haven't been here, go!
(5)Ashley M.
Love this place! On a recent stop in Columbus, I only had time to try a couple of eateries and based on the reviews, Pistacia Vera was my one pick. I am so, so glad I made my way to try Pistacia Vera before my flight back to Atlanta! I stopped in here on a full stomach and shared a couple of macaroons and tried a fruit tart with a friend. Not a big fan of macaroons, I was incredibly skeptical but my, oh my---were they soooo delicious! I tried the Caramel Pecan and the Matcha. Both were the perfect temperature and surprisingly, the right texture--not too soft and not too hard. The Caramel Pecan was my favorite. These were so delicious that I ended up purchasing 6 more to go--to fly all the way back to Atlanta. I believe that speaks for itself.
(5)Victor N.
There's really not much more to say about their desserts. Pretty much all you can think or ask about is written in one of the hundreds of reviews already. Their desserts are ALL delicious. Coffee and tea are also just as good here. My only gripe is that the macarons here are pppprrretty expensive -at $2.50 each ***Edit: I stand corrected - $1.50***? Plus side - they accept dine originals so that offsets them a little bit. I don't get them for myself regularly, but they do make GREAT gifts and they look awesome packaged up. Tons of flavors to choose from as well, all colored differently, so you get a rainbow inside a box.
(4)Dave M.
This is the kind of place I would find myself visiting on a weekly basis if it was in Cincinnati. It's hard to find a high quality pastry place with a dedication to a variety of authentic, delicious pastries. We stopped in to grab some dessert to go and weren't disappointed. We got the vanilla bean and blackberry violet macarons and they were great, especially the vanilla bean. We also had to grab an almond croissant(my wife's absolute favorite). We were there around closing and the staff was incredibly kind and helpful. I was asking about the Cannelé and one of the staff asked if I'd like to try one for free. It was a nice surprise that totally added to a great night. We are only in town a couple of days but may have to sneak in another visit.
(5)Naiying C.
Best macarons ever. Their other pastries are really good too.
(5)Rasha H.
Very nice coffee and desert place, with some limited outdoor seating for good weather days...
(5)Michael U.
It's fine but the regular food and brunch items are overpriced for what you get. For the rare sweet tooth I get it's good to satisfy that craving.
(3)Laura K.
I tried a macaron for the first time. It was the best choice ever! Tried the mocha hazelnut and it was deeeeeelicious. Yes, those extra e's are necessary :) Thank you for being in Columbus, Pistacia Vera.
(5)Rami M.
I love going to Pistacia Vera with my family. You will experience a friendly cafe environment, and everything I've had on their menu surpassed my expectations. They are known for their macarons, and I always get at least a half-dozen box to take home. They remind me of the macarons from La Duree. I love pairing it with their coffee or espresso; it's some of the best MADE coffee I've had. They have an extensive tea selection as well, with tea available for purchase to take home (try the Earl Grey Vanilla). Their quiches make for a wonderfully appetizing lunch, and the croissants are definitely the best in Columbus. If you still have a sweet tooth after all of that, try their assortments of house-made cakes and desserts. I'm glad such a place exists in Columbus!
(5)Marissa C.
So... brunch and dessert are my two favorite courses. What does Pistacia Vera make? Yes, indeed, brunch and dessert. Obviously, this was already set up to be a match made in heaven. It's got a darling little location in historic German Village, with parking on available in lots on both sides of the street. The shop is on the small side, so if you want a table, you may have to watch and wait a bit. They do take out, though, so you can always get your fix and take it home... if you can wait that long.... When you walk in, your gaze immediately falls upon the wondrous glass case full of goodies. The signature macarons are amazing! So light and luscious with some amazing flavor choices. The cakes are quite good too, especially the Meyer Lemon Pistachio Dacquoise, and chocolate lovers should check out the Cassis Berry Flourless. Everything is as beautiful to the eye as it is delicious to taste. The savory brunch dishes include two types of quiches, baked eggs, smoked salmon, and a devilishly rich Croque Monsieur, and there are some delightful sweet and savory pastries. Gluten free and nut free folks can enjoy the shop too - the signs are all conveniently labelled accordingly, making it quick and easy to pick out what you want that fits your needs. There is also free Wifi available, and, of course, coffee for you coffee drinkers.
(5)Edwin Y.
The best Chocolate croissant ever! It's flaky and buttery. Their macarons are the one of best in the country. Family and friends in NYC ask I bring some with me when I visit them in Manhattan. That's says a lot when Manhattan is known for their food.
(5)A A.
Cobblestone streets lead to a trendy bakery in a historic section of Columbus. There are a myriad of tempting choices. I chose the cleverly crafted macarons in pistachio mocha & cranberry grapefruit. I also loved the chai latte. My companions chose the gingerbread macarons, and pain au chocolat. None of us had much to say as we devoured the sweet treats. The beautiful wall color (in pistachio green of course) adds to the feeling of tranquility and escapism.
(4)Teri S.
This bakery has the best croissants . I was a little leary because they were browner than usual but after one bite , I was sold. Almond croissant melted in my mouth. The croissants are pricey but are large enough to share. They sell cafe brioso coffee which is my favorite roastery in town.
(5)Mark H.
One of my favorite places to have a simple brunch. I've had two kinds of queche here with coffee to drink. The queche is served with a tasty mixed greens salad with a light oil-based dressing that makes brunch filling enough without the food coma. Of course, the Persian macaroons are their staple and they are no joke. The flavors rotate fairly often so each time I feel like I get to try a couple new flavors while enjoying some old favorites. I could eat a dozen in one sitting if it weren't for the calories! These truly are the next best thing to actually going to Paris!
(5)Makiah D.
First time ever having macaroons was very impressed with the flavor! Can't wait to go back and try more
(5)Robbie C.
Great local spot! Terrific coffee and espresso drinks, cute, modern interior, delicious food. The food i just a little on the pricey side, that's the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars.
(4)Mohanish A.
Macrons were creamy ...a must try!!!
(5)Nicole D.
I really want to like macaroons, I really do. They look cute, have a great variety of fancy flavors, but man they all taste like processed candy to me :( plus all macaroon are made with artificial food dyes :/ But Pistacia Vera have some interesting cakes that are definitely worth trying. They look more sophisticated and probably made with better ingredients.
(3)Julie W.
I am absolutely enamored with this place! I sent my family Christmas gifts from here and everyone was delighted. Their coffee is amazing and the chocolate croissants are perfect on a Sunday morning. The staff is very dog friendly and always go outside to give my boys a treat while I'm inside drooling over the pastry case.
(5)Emma O.
Macaron.Paradise. Here and here alone is where I get my circle slices of heaven. I love love love their macaroons and at 1.50 each they are not frightfully over priced. My personal favorite is the passion fruit macaron. I have not had the other desserts so that i cannot speak to, but my friends have and they seem to really enjoy the $1 chocolate cookies and the chocolate raspberry cake. The only reason my review is not five stars is because of the minimal parking by the store. They do have additional spaces behind the hair salon, but when I'm in a lazy bum sweet eating macaron mood, I don't really fancy a stroll. Other than that. I'm in heaven.
(4)Autumn T.
Try ALL of their macarons. (And no, I did not say macaroons.)
(5)Michelle H.
The flourless chocolate cakes are my favorite here! I like the pastries and macaroons here but don't care for the actual brunch menu as much. The shop is adorable and has character. Looking at the counter filled with sweet treats and bread makes your mouth water. The price is pretty steep in my opinion. On a cold weekend day, it's almost impossible to find a table for brunch. Parking lot is small and can fill up fast. I always ended up parking off street on one of the side streets.
(4)Caitlin W.
Let me start off by saying, this was the best Valentine's Day because I got acquainted with Pistacia Vera. For the first time, I tried the macaroons. Unbelievably delectable and I can't believe I've gone this long without them in my life.
(5)Jamie B.
Pistacia Vera macaroons are so good. They are light and fluffy - the lavender and raspberry flavors are particularly tasty. At risk of sounding snobbish, I compare all macaroons to the ones I had in Paris a few years ago, and Pistacia Vera lived up to my Parisian standards ~ oh la la. The North Market location is just as good, and the staff friendly and helpful. Even the prices are reasonable at a buck-fifty per treat. You can't go wrong with a stop at Pistacia Vera
(5)Michael G.
Good as ever. But they don't serve baked eggs any longer. Boo. Something about taking too long to cook and some inconsistencies. They were so good, put them back on menu!
(4)Adrienne C.
I'd heard great things about this place a while ago, but it was my first time here today. I'm kicking myself for not getting here sooner. this is for sure going on my imaginary TourForCbusVisitors list +airy, bright, aesthetically-pleasing interior....decor reminds me of the fancy dessert boutiques in Seoul and Tokyo except instead of tossing $20 for dessert, you can get 3 treats + ice coffee for $6. oh Ohio.... :) +they're known for their macaroons ($1.25 each) & these don't disappoint at all. we only tried their most famous flavor, pistachio, and just based on that i'd vouch for this place 100%. tasted just like the sweets from Ladurée (fabled macaroon shop in Paris/NYC that everyone freaks out about), which are apparently 4 euros a pop. 100% of the taste at approx 25% of the cost? Cbus WIN. +the ice coffee! in general, i love coffee (black) and I like to think that I've acquired a pretty decent palate at this point....or at least i can tell the difference between drinkable coffee and garbage dunkin donuts coffee since my tastebuds aren't distracted by sweeteners etc. P Vera's coffee is obviously the former variety. it's definitely good stuff. way better than starbucks. makes sense considering that everything about this place is fabulous. it's almost intimidating. I might stop in here just to get the ice coffee. +super clean, super sunlit restroom I can't wait for my next special occasion to roll around so I can pick up one of their cakes and have it boxed up in their super cute packaging. it's not just a regular solid colored box!!! it's like the kind of box i'd want to save to repackage something else....are we in Columbus?
(5)Tullia F.
**Update: No more WiFi. It seems they want people to talk to one another. For your plugged in needs, try Stauf's down the street.** It's not a mystery that Pistacia Vera has beautiful little macarons. Their other pastries are excellent too, and the space is soothing with outlets for your computer and wifi for getting things done. I've never felt hurried to leave, even if all I've ordered is coffee and a croissant. Somebody has mentioned this below I'm sure but macaron = brightly colored, meringue sandwich cookie; macaroon = gooey coconut haystack. The Kitchn has a nice primer on this for those who want visuals.
(4)Mark K.
Well, if you are really craving macarons, this is one of the places in town that has them. And maybe I'm spoiled because I was introduced to them in Paris, but these were only okay. The best ones there are incredible, and even the ones at McDonald's there were better than these. We had a vanilla, a buckeye, and a pistachio. And they were sweetie's first macarons, and she was not impressed. We also had a shortbread cookie that was okay, but not worth the price. For drinks we had a tropical tea that was good, and a pomegranate tea/lemonade that was distinctly flavorless. Service was decent. The atmosphere is nice, open, modern, but not really what I would call welcoming. If I have a macaron jones I might be back. Otherwise, with Kittie's down the street to satisfy my sweet tooth, there's no reason.
(3)Shea H.
If you love macaroons, stop playing games and go to this place. Oh my goodness. The flavors were oh so very delectable. I couldn't even handle myself. I had to resist buying one of each (because frankly that would have set me back quite a bit of dough...haha dough). I have been meaning to get here for months. I had to make my way through the tight German Village streets and tricky alleyway parking, but as soon as I bit into the luscious, light, fluffy macaroon, I knew without a doubt, that it was worth it. Very very very nice bakery. I can't wait until I'm in the area again. It was popping (read: busy as heck) during lunch so maybe go really early or when everyone in the world isn't looking for nourishment. Parking will probably be easier then...
(5)Madison R.
This was my first trip to German Village. It's a neat little area of tree-lined brick streets of little restaurants and bars. Outside PIstacia Vera there are tables for outdoor seating. This would be a nice place to sit and chat with friends, but it was just a little too hot today. For our first trip we decided to try a bit of everything. We ordered an almond croissant, one of each macaron, a chocolate caramel tart, a chambord berry flourless, a pistachio cake, a cappuccino, and an iced mocha. Everything was good, but my favorites were the chocolate berry flourless cake and the caramel macaron. The cappuccino was very strong, which I liked. The girls working there were all very polite and helpful. I probably won't go out of my way to eat here, but I'll come again if I'm in the area.
(4)Amy F.
AH-mazing Macarons and Gluten Free options. Love!
(5)Natalie H.
Simply lovely. Delicious macaroons, a peaceful & tastefully decorated shop, and very friendly staff. I had the lavender macaroon which was unique and delightful. Nice place to have a friendly meetup, to do some light afternoon laptop work. Only complaint is that I thought it would be a bit larger, with the crowds this place gets, the tiny space can get a bit cramped.
(4)Meredith M.
I love this place. All the staff is super pleasant & helpful, even on really busy days. I have never had something that I don't like. I would not suggest take out coffee from here, otherwise, A+.
(4)Kaya G.
This place is beyond ridiculous... Think explosions, think orgasms, think of your first kiss.... This is Pistacia Vera. We used this place for two meetings two days in a row... The first day it would have been rude to eat at the customer, so I didnt taste anything... But then - the night before our big breakfast we went over to place the order... I walked in and those macaroons were giving me the eye... I was unable to focus on anything, anything at all. I zoomed in and the colors were just electrifying, the smell overwhelming... Blocking out the person near me who was trying to arrange the breakfast choices (no eggs and cheese here, mind you) all I heard was my heart beating faster and faster as I took the steps closer to the display... I asked for one, a rasberry beauty and I could not for the life of me open my eyes and realize I was alive. The "died and gone to heaven" moment in my life happened. I had tears in my eyes, and saw angels. And when I ate the pistachio macaroon I almost blacked out from the pleasure on my palate, coursing through my veins. Breakfast was ordered and picked up at 6:45 with 2 boxes of joe. The baked goods were still smoking hot, so fresh... After our big meeting I went to town on the bear claws and some eclair version of a mini cake "CANNELÈ", nut-free caramelized baked custard tea cake infused with rum and blade mace, and life was too good. If all the world would have a macaroon there would only be eternal love, heaven, peace, love and no war.
(5)Shawnie K.
One word. Macarons.
(5)Holly C.
Such a lovely little European style cafe in German village! I love the macaroons here, and it's the best in Columbus. Their teas and coffees are fantastic as well, and their cakes are mouthwateringly delicious. I haven't tried all of them...yet, but I have no doubts they're all amazing, I'm a sucker for good sweets. I heard the brunch here is very good, but I haven't had a chance to try it.
(5)Andrew B.
It seems like the macarons are their main attraction, but the cakes are what puts this place over the top. The Chocolate Bombe, in particular is amazingly moist and rich.
(4)Finneus J.
I may be in the minority here, but I felt that the macaroons were waaaaaaay overhyped. I tried several different flavors and the fillings were heavy, and overly sweet. I also tried the lemon tart, and again- it was very heavy and overly sweet. On the bright side, they have a nice outdoor seating area, and the coffee was hot and delicious.
(3)JaimeNScott G.
Love the mushroom quiche! Have visited several times and love taking people from out of town. Great coffee too! Friends have enjoyed the croque monsieur and the croissants are always a favorite. Don't try to count calories when you visit... just savor the flavors!
(5)Eli R.
It was good. Macarons had a little bit of a refrigerator taste, but the chocolate bombe was pretty amazing
(3)Aaron A.
Five supermassive red stars for Pistacia Vera. The Best of Columbus. Who has parking in German Village? Pistacia Vera has an impressive parking lot, which is crazy, but have fun with some no-brainer parking in the German Village for the first time in your life. Why are we standing around, admiring a stupid parking lot? There are cookies waiting for us! Ok, so we're inside, this place looks pretty fancy. Based on my experience with some other Columbus snack peddlers who shall remain nameless I'm guessing the people behind the counter are going to be pretty pretentious. But wait! They're not! They're just nice. This is way too easy. Parking, polite staff, where's the experience I'm paying for? If I don't have to search for parking, then stand in line for half an hour waiting for some kid to be a dick to me I don't know if I've had the true Columbus gourmet treatment. I've found one problem, the flow of traffic in the room is a little awkward with people going from the counter to the tables. Man, I just hand these five star reviews out to anybody. You can have the most beautiful pastry experience of your life and get out of here for less than five bucks. The Bittersweet Fudgie is the most amazing cookie I have ever eaten. The combination of textures leaves me speechless. I'm always overwhelmed by the array of techniques being employed to craft all of these stunning sweets. Everything one could expect a pastry chef to be capable of is done here with perfect execution. You seriously can not choose wrong. Pistacia Vera is my number one, absolutely perfect (except for the review ruining traffic fiasco) spot in Columbus. If you go one place, if you have time to do just one thing, this is it.
(5)Jane S.
Awesome. This place is just awesome. Love all their sweets especially the macarons! The place is always packed when i visit. And the staffs are nice too. Its a bit pricy but i think it suits the quality of the desserts. The atmosphere is crowded most times but the design of the shop is modern and chic, very clean and cozy too.
(4)Neha B.
Delicious macarons, pretty good gluten-free cake/terrine-things, and so-so coffee. I've tried most flavors of their macarons and find that they are consistently fresh and delicious. Word to the wise: even though technically you can refrigerate or even freeze macarons, they are best eaten fresh, when the thin outer shell fractures under the slight pressure of your teeth, revealing the chewy, almondy layer below, and giving way to the creamy filling in the center. Macarons, made well, are ethereal. Pistacia Vera's macarons are consistently ethereal. I've tasted a couple of the gluten-free cake-things: a strawberry/pistachip dacquoise and a cassis (blueberry) something. They were not bad; my boyfriend liked them enough to order them almost each time we visit, but I'm not particularly in love with them. I eat the macarons. By the dozen. (Almost.) The coffee's okay, nothing great, but not offensive. I like coffee to have nuance and personality, and for that, you have to have pourover, or similar, which PV doesn't do currently. The servers in the German Village cafe and the North Market stall are polite, not generally effusive in their friendliness, but always courteous. Have I mentioned that I adore their macarons? What, I haven't? Good heavens, what a grave oversight. People, I LOVE THEIR MACARONS. That is all.
(4)Tiffany C.
After showing relatives who were in town around German Village, we decided to stop by this place based on solid yelp reviews and boy were we happy that we did! They specialize in both macaroons and croissants. They also have a variety of cakes to choose from. We each shared a macaroon (caramel pecan) - $1.50 each - and we found it to be full of flavor with a nice crunch. Jim had had these before at other places and this was by far the best yet. We also shared an almond croissant. It was soft, flaky (but not the stale flaky) and an ample size. This is easily shareable and the price is right ($4.00). Definitely recommend this place for a quick snack, or to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!
(4)Liza V.
I'm not sure I could say anything about this place that hasn't been said. Everything i've tried is like a party in my mouth, and I just want more! Not only do the pastries and confections taste like they have been prepared for royalty, they are all so beautiful! everything I order, I photograph so I can make my fellow instagramers' mouths water. I've tried a handful of the desserts, and each time I think, "they can't possibly top this." Today I had the caramel eclair, and I was just as impressed. The coffee is consistently strong and fresh, and the staff are friendly and patient.
(5)Carolyn K.
I finally made it to Pistacia Vera! After poring over the rave reviews for years (hyperbole), I found a few extra minutes to pop in and give it a try. Sorry to say, I wasn't wow-ed. I tried one of the buckeye macarons (on the house, that was very nice of them)... and ended up buying 4 + an eclair to take home. Both the macaron and the eclair were exorbitantly rich. I couldn't finish either of them. Perhaps I am being harsh, as I do tend to have more of a salty/savory palette instead of a sweet tooth. And perhaps the plethora of stellar reviews ended up setting the bar inordinately high for me. Regardless, I thought it was just OK. Although, the staff were incredibly friendly and the shop was adorably decorated.
(2)Tarah W.
Holy decadence - I now have an unhealthy obsession with macarons. This place is amazing!
(5)Karyn M.
This place is absolutely adorable. I love coming here on the weekends, although it can be a bit crowded. I usually get the 'one of every flavor' macaron boxes as gifts. They are usually tied with a cute little bow and look quite lovely. Their different assortments of cakes are beautiful and very tasty. I'm not sure if it has always been like this, but i've noticed that the macarons look a little grittier lately - like they've been using a coarser almond flour to make them, which makes them not as smooth and pretty but still tasty.
(5)Molly S.
This place is dangerous!!! Every time I come in I want to buy pretty much everything on display - especially the macarons! They are to die for - they just melt in in your mouth - in fact I Lo e them so much they're a constant on my amazon wish list. I pretty much everything about this place - the funky lime green decor coupled with the polished, classy look, the patio, he brunch... I could go on and on. For me this is a go-to place to bring out of towers.
(5)Q-Tay S.
After finding this gem, I fell in love with it. I was in search of macarons here in Ohio and came across Pistacia Vera after searching the web. I have brought my kids and many friends here to try it out. Not only is the staff friendly, but service is always great and food is wonderful. I enjoy the macarons and vanilla chai tea the best. However there menu has a variety of options. My only down side is brunch isn't always fulfilling. I wish there more meat dishes or bigger portions, or even sides/ add on items. I find myself still hungry unless I order double. My all time favorite brunch item was the baked eggs dish and when the menu changed they stopped offering that. I'd go just for that dish sometimes. I really hope they bring it back. I love this place and ifs great when the weather is warm or a beautiful fall day. Would even be nice for a 1st date. I def recommend and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do!
(5)JioVanni J.
Great selection and the staple pistachio flavor is the best!
(5)A D.
My second time here and it's simply perfect! Excellent desserts everything looks so beautiful and most are delicious too. I had the macaroons this time after the salmon tartare. Wow!!!! I'm definitely coming back the next time I'm in town on business!!!
(5)Kate D.
The next time I feel like driving four hours, this is the place I am driving to! I visited one of my friends in Columbus and after driving by this place, then having some one tell us how amazing it was, we had to try. I got a piece of some sort of heavenly creation and a cappuccino. It was like a mini european vacation in my head and mouth. The dessert was lightly sweet and lemony fresh. I took some macaroons to go and was not disappointed. I normally am not a fan, but their flavors just pop! Sweet and savory and refreshing. I seriously think about driving from Indy all the time, but until next time I can't get this place outta my head!
(5)Debi H.
Oh wow, try the croissants. These people know how to bake.. but, I ended up with heart burn, so a little heavy for mainly non-sweets eater like me. My kids and husband descended like ravenous wolves onto the box we brought home. I think my hand was grazed by a tooth. :)
(4)Margie Q.
I love Pistacia Vera. I always get cakes from here to take to parties. People love it and all I did was walk into the shop and point at a whole cake because I never plan ahead. They even wrap the box in a pretty ribbon in a color I choose. Also, they can write happy birthday on a little chocolate disc that does not detract from the presentation of their cakes.
(5)Lea P.
Why yes. It is another 5-star review of Pistacia Vera. They just do what they do so well. It's not even worth arguing against it. I don't typically eat dairy and eggs, so there's not a lot here I would nibble on an ordinary day, but their online menu is very detailed regarding several kinds of dietary restrictions (gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan), so I was able to plan ahead. So let's start with the pate de fruit, the only solid vegan food on the menu. These little squares of jelly-like fruit stuff are $1 apiece for barely a mouthful, but I decided to chance them the first time I came in and bought the full $8 gift box, which contains two of each of the four flavors. I opened it in the car on the way home, took a bite, and almost rear-ended someone. Oh wow, it was like fruit explosion. There might not be much food there, but the taste more than makes up for it. The texture is very gelatin-like, but a glance at the ingredients will assuage vegan concerns: the primary ingredient is sugar. Like, four different kinds of sugar. And no gelatin. ;) I couldn't stand having only tried one amazing thing, so I've also had the almondine cookie, which is listed as dairy-free but not vegan, so there might be eggs? honey? I'm not sure. But again what it *does* have is taste. Such great texture, too. A bit firm around the edges but not exactly crispy, and then the center is soft and just a delight to bite into. I've been in twice now, and the service has been invariably chipper. The young men and women working behind the counter look to be the same age as your average Starbucks barista, but they sparkle so much more. It's like they rode in on unicorns and got sprinkled with fairy dust laced with caffeine before they started their shifts. Ok, that may be an exaggeration. But they're very nice. When I visited with Sara C. a few months ago, they had those signs on the table asking that guests limit their use of electronic devices, but those signs were nowhere to be seen on my more recent visit. In their place were . . . electronic devices. Customers with laptops all over. Great, and the one time I left mine at home. The side patio is very pleasant for good weather. And so I'm happy to be entering Pistacia Vera's 218th review and their latest glowing one. And why not? They have unicorns and fairy dust on their side.
(5)Shauna S.
Some of the best desserts I have ever tasted. It is a little pricey, but the ingredients and care that goes into baking these desserts are top notch! The macaroons are to die-for. They are very light and crunchy and are gluten free! The best treat is the Chocolate Bomb cake. Try it- you won't be disappointed!
(5)Colleen R.
There is no better sugar rush in the city. The only way you'll order wrong is if you do not order. The mini chocolate bombe cake is out of this world. The macaroons are so good you want to eat them as slowly as humanly possible. The "world's best" chocolate cookie could quite possible be the best in the world. Brunch foods are pretty good too. Nice staff, wonderful natural lighting, indoor and outdoor seating. The only negative would be a small parking lot or on-street parking.
(5)Travis Z.
This place makes some of the best deserts! Take a kitchen tour to see behind the scenes, it is worth it!
(5)Patrick C.
CHOCOLATE BOMB! It's the number 1 reason I stop there. Chocolate bomb is this really interesting half sphere of fluffy chocolate covered in a hard chocolate shell. its fantastic! Such a weird little shop that resembles that of a coffee house, but sells all these amazing looking sweets. I really need to broaden my horizon here at this shop, I've always been interested in the Macarons, with all there different flavors and colors, they have always been appealing to me. Parking can be tricky in that part of town but that doesnt mean its impossible. Its good stuff, and the first stop I make when ever there is a birthday or a celebration of any kind.
(5)Amanda S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places in Columbus and one I always take out of town guests to. It's simply perfect for breakfast, brunch or just a coffee/pastry. You can't go wrong here. My favorite dish is the tomato egg bake with a croissant and one of their homemade jams. It's literally the best breakfast meal I can think of as I love getting both sweet and savory. The quiche is also outstanding. Buy macaroons to go and you'll be happy later! GO HERE NOW! :-)
(5)hollie w.
Macarons are so tasty! Pistachio flavor is my all time fave. Lots of other good pastries available but I stick with macarons everytime.
(5)Artie I.
Always first-rate: from the kind, intelligent service to the delicious treats. Everything tastes even better than it looks -- and it looks like art! Don't hold back.
(5)Emily Q.
Macarons, croissants, coffee and atmosphere are all superb!
(5)Amasi B.
Incredibly amazing !!! i come here very often and can not get enough! everything is so delicious and well executed!! awesome service! the best in Columbus !
(5)Jason Y.
I liked this place overall. It's a unique space and the staff were very friendly. The macaroons were okay, nothing spectacular, I was there an hour before close so they might have been from earlier in the day. The buckeye macaroon was probably the best out of all of the the ones I tried. I think that the stuff you really want to get is the cakes. I had the chocolate bombe and it was very good. I'm not a chocolate fanatic but I thought that it was great! I didn't get a chance to try the other cakes, but they looked pretty good.
(4)Jessie C.
The only redeeming quality of this place are the croissants. They are the best croissants I've ever had. However 1 star removed for getting a chocolate cookie with a hair in it. One star removed for a creme brûlée eclair that was bordering on disgusting. And one star removed for subpar service. I'm writing this sitting here in this wifi-less cafe thinking about how the waitress forgot my drink and refused to slice my croissant as she snootily retorted that there was silverware in the back. So instead of spreading blackberry preserves on my perfectly sliced croissant I'm spreading it on a mess of crushed croissant on a bed of crumbs that was the result of trying to use a dull butter knife to cut this thing. I'm not pleased.
(2)Jennifer W.
If I lived in Columbus, I'm afraid I would have no choice but to spend every free moment of my time inside this lovely, wonderful, classy, modern cafe. My brother and I stopped in for a coffee and a little snack before church on Good Friday to tide us over until dinner later that night. Instead of a little snack, we left with an absolutely stunning silver filigree-etched box, tied with a big green bow, containing every flavor of their delicious and beautiful macarons. We oohed and ahhed over the presentation of these pastel treasures for about a second before we tore it apart and stuffed our faces like animals. It is nearly impossible to pick a favorite from all the different flavors we tried. I would say my Top 3 were the strawberry, pistachio and lemon. The employees were so friendly, and my soy chai was delicious! My brother, who lives in Columbus, did warn me that this place gets pretty busy and the line is pretty out of control on weekdays. I actually don't care - the macarons are worth it! Get in, get my cookies, pay up, get out. Quick and dirty. Can't wait. I'm in Columbus fairly often, and I am already looking forward to my next visit to this wonderful place!!!
(5)Colin S.
Just a ridiculously amazing experience from start to finish. Top quality baked goods, happy, friendly, helpful service, nice layout and of course the Mecca of Macaroons with at least 10 or so flavors. There is a wicked variety of desserts, which are so good you end up taking a box home, so be prepared. The lemon and the marshmallow tarts were big hits with this reviewer. Great coffee and barista's who understand how to make a latte with extra-extra foam. !Level up points! I had a ham and cheese croissant which was well done with a perfect amount of filling (not overly stuffed or overwhelming). I think they could back off the egg wash during baking or then pull them out earlier, as they do look a little dark to me, but they don't taste like it. *I have to say the macaroons are worth the trip, just to sample this hard-to-make-but-easy-to-eat cookie sensation! Fire up your teleporter and set it Pistacia Vera! Yumza!
(5)Jessica M.
One of the finest gems of Columbus! Pistacia Vera is on my Columbus tour whenever friends and family visit. Perfect hospitality, beautiful ambiance, excellent pastries, great brunch.
(5)Tonya R.
Folks the stars do the talking when it comes to this place. Just run, don't walk and try it. My favorites are the Pain au Raisin pastry and the baked eggs. I go here every time I'm in Columbus...no questions asked. Seating can be tight, so don't come here in a rush unless you plan to do pick-up. Parking can be a pain, but that is German Village for you. Enjoy!!!!
(5)Sarah M.
My husband and I frequent Pistacia. They have incredible brunch, pastries, and coffee! Every interaction with an employee makes me want to work with them. They all seem to genuinely enjoy their job and working with each other. My go to when ordering is an almond croissant and a latte. I would warn about going during peak times. There can sometimes be a shortage on seating, but that's just because everyone loves this place!
(5)Katy B.
Love the macarons! A bit pricey but way less than other places around here. The tortes are decadent and also very elegant looking. I was hesitant to take a bite and ruin the dessert!
(5)Janet D.
Very friendly staff. Small store, but had plenty of beautifully placed desserts. The macarons were just a-ok for me. I am going to have to say my favorite macarons are in the Bay area.
(3)K F.
Wonderful coffee and pastries in a quant neighborhood setting. For the quality of the fare and location the prices were excellent. Service was friendly and prompt. A good stop with ample parking and seating on a Sunday morning. Lots of dogs to pet walking by.
(5)Amber S.
I've only ever stopped in to get desserts or cookies. I have fallen in love with their Macarons. The Almondine Cookies are addicting. Seriously, it's difficult to eat just one. The Cashew Caramels are delicious. Tip 1: If you're going to travel across the country with a package of macarons, be sure to keep it refrigerated until you pack. Then bundle it up in lots of layers so they don't get crushed on the plane ride. Tip 2: They are a member of Dine Originals Columbus so twice a year you can get discounted gift certifcates to use there.
(5)Joe B.
This is the vibe I'd love to emulate if I ever open my bakery/patisserie! It's beautiful and modern inside with an almost sparseness where everything looked bright and clean. The front counter was filled with gorgeous pastry most notably of which was the top shelf that was covered in a gallimaufry of macarons! For those of you unfamiliar, they're meringue sandwich cookies made with almond flour and filled. They're pronounced like macaroni without the "I" and nothing like our American macar"oon"s....try them, you'll freak out! I ordered one of each and worked my way through all of them over the next two days. These were really great although they weren't completely set the first day leaving them a tad gummy, the second day however they were just about perfect. I also ordered a Rye croissant having never seen one before along with one of their traditional croissant for good measure. I liked both but they were a little dry inside...I'm gathering it may have been because it was later in the day when I purchased them so they may have dried out while on display. They were flaky and large although they could've been a little more buttery! The Rye was fantastic with the caraway seed sprinkle and I can only imagine the amazing Reuben sandwich one could make with these gems. There were a ton of things I would try if I was in town again and I liked everything I had. The macaron flavors were all on point and well conceived of my favorites being the pistachio and the coconut FYI. Definitely worth a drop-in especially if you're from out of town and looking for something special for an in-town friend! The one thing I would've loved to see here was bread but perhaps they bake that on another day?
(4)Skyler G.
Honestly, they have some of the best macarons I've ever tried in the U.S. They are delicious! I make sure to stop here every time I'm in German Village. All of their pastries are amazing, and their shortbread cookies make my day! You can tell that the pastry chefs here are authentic and hardworking, as they do such a wonderful job! Keep up the great work! : )
(5)GirlOnTheOcean R.
Hands down, best in Columbus. The pastrys are yummy! The macarons are to die for yummy! The chai tea latte is yummy! evertyhing is very good. great place to sit and read a book or grab some goodies to go! highly recommed!
(5)Joyce K.
Artisanal baking and pasteries! Love their macarons especially. Small cafe, I usually need to find street parking, as it's located in German Village. They have a lot of specialty coffees and desserts, super yummy. Definitely worth checking out!
(5)Helen S.
Amazing. My bf and I came here to pick up a cake for a friend and to get desserts for ourselves. I got a pistachio macaron. Now, I'm a macaron fanatic, and while this wasn't the absolute best macaron I've ever had, it was still pretty high up there. I considered buying more to bring home, but I was afraid it would be too delicate because of the buttercream filling so I refrained from purchasing more. My bf chose the chocolate bombe. We didn't eat it until about a day later, by which point it had sorta exploded in my bag (no pun intended?). Although it wasn't pretty anymore, it tasted amazing. It consists of chocolate mousse and light chocolate cake, encased in chocolate ganache. And while it was incredibly rich, it was rich in a good way because I felt contented afterwards (instead of oh-god-too-much-chocolate kind of bloated). Om nom.
(5)M Y.
I've had all of their macarons. I got a great look at how they make them on the German Village food tour, and quite frankly I'm surprised they don't charge more. They take so much effort for such a little bite. Excellent filling to cookie ratio. Also excellent light texture all around. My personal favorite would be the pistachio, but they are all tasty and pretty. The store itself also has a great vibe to hang out over a cup of coffee.
(5)Maggie M.
I love Pistacia Vera. Such a charming cafe placed in historical German village, and the employees are very friendly. The croissants and macrons are to die for! But my favorite thing to order is the mushroom quiche. It melts in your mouth! You would be missing out if you passed up this Columbus gem.
(5)Steven S.
I order a macaron gift box for Valentine's Day. And of the 12 we received at least 8 of them were stale. I understand they probably went through a high volume and it's difficult to make large amounts and keep them fresh, however for the cost they charge, I expected higher quality
(2)Illa A.
While famous for their colorful macrons, their viennoiserie pastries are the true, underrated showstoppers of Pistacia Vera. Mastering the croissant is similar to a master painter being able to draw a perfect circle free-hand, and the croissants of Spencer Budros are archetypically exquisite, surpassing many of those I have eaten in France. Also worthy of praise are the nougat, which is beautiful to taste, their gem-like pate de fruit, and their strawberry preserves. Their tortes and little cakes are beautiful to behold but average in taste, so I would recommend avoiding them to instead indulge in the other menu items.
(5)Kim K.
This place is incredible. It is all about quality. They have a wide variety of different desserts and pastries--always made fresh. They also serve brunch food. Their food menu only has a few items on it, and it seems like they change the menu about every month. I came here with my boyfriend and tried the bacon and kale quiche, which was perfection. It looks like a small portion (European portions) but it is very satisfying. The quiche was the perfect consistency (not too creamy, perfectly flaky crust) and came with a side salad that was delicious and fresh. My boyfriend got the ham croque-monsieur (which is a European-style grilled ham and cheese sandwich), which also came with a side salad. It was very tasty, and quite filling. Come to Pistacia Vera for top quality, European-style brunch and desserts! I have eaten here twice, and I am planning to go back often!!
(5)Londres L.
I'm no longer a Columbus gal, but whenever I come to town, visiting Pistacia Vera is at the top of my list. These pastries are top notch--truly. Their macaroons are my favorite, especially the vanilla bean. I've been to Paris and Strasbourg, etc, and these macaroons are every bit as delicious as those from abroad. In the autumn, I love their apple cider--made from Ohio apples too! I've used Pistacia Vera for two events as well: they provided desserts for my wedding and a celebration to introduce my daughter. Especially for my wedding, they were unbelievable. I was a girl without much of a vision except that I didn't want the traditional hullabaloo. Their associate helped me come up with a plan and then worked with my venue to ensure everything would work. I still get comments about how delicious the desserts were!
(5)Christopher M.
Excellent pasteries and macroons.
(5)Janelle G.
So many of the items on the menu are tasty but the macarons are not to be missed! This is my go-to place when I need to pick up a cute gift for someone!
(5)Amy M.
Excellent Bakery! Clean, friendly and good food. I am from NY and try to stop here every time I am in town. I always take home 5 or more bags of their Muslin. I have it everyday for breakfast on my yogurt. Macaroons are incredible. A must see in Columbus.
(5)Amanda B.
I stopped here with some ladies prior to a group bike ride, and left wishing there was a location closer to me. The selection of baked goods looked so fantastic, I was tempted to make dinner out of it (but didn't.). The two macarons I had - Pistachio and Blackberry...something - were both delicious, though I was partial to the Pistachio for its creamy filling. They also had a nice selection of hot tea, which I regret not ordering a cup of. I don't make it to German Village all that often, but I'm sure I'll be stopping by here next time I do!
(5)Ruby D.
I am literally obsessed with Pistacia Vera. I've been wanting to write this review but I am beyond intimidated because I don't think I've ever been as whole heartedly enthusiastic about almost any establishment. I feel the need to use words like "perfection" and "incredible"....I'm a 100% virgin in this total-endorsement-territory. The food is amazing. The pastries are amazing. The service is polite, respectful and pleasant. The interior is spotless, airy and bright. The food, again, mind blowing. I dream about the quiche, the salad (THE SALAD for gods sake, I generally don't give a fig about salads), the baked eggs, and the pastries. I recently moved away and nothing has supplanted Pistacia Vera as my hearts desire of breakfast. And I've been looking. Damn it.
(5)Kassy M.
Atmosphere: Pistacia Vera is exactly the kind of place I want to spend my lazy Sundays. It's airy and gets lots of sunlight. Perfect noise level. You know it's good when it attracts all different kinds of people in very different age groups. I dare you to walk out of here without purchasing a couple macarons. Interior: I know the stairs leading to the second floor seem like it's another level of seating, but it's not. They just have an office up there. They really should convert it to more seating so they could accomodate more people at once! Service: The girls here are super friendly. I like that they have Pistacia Vera cards for frequent customers so that they could fill it up and just mention their name when they go to pay so it can just be deducted from their balance. The biggest issue is that they close at 7pm. They should be open till at least 9pm so people could come here for dessert and post-dinner coffee! It's the perfect place for it. Food: I have tried the "tomato provencal baked eggs" which they serve for brunch...and it's really fucking delicious. I think it's one of those contagious dishes where one person will get it and others will just HAVE to get it because it looks and smells amazing. Macarons: Their macarons deserve their own catagory because they are the best that I've ever had. They're only $1.25 each, which is insane to me. You cannot find macarons for that cheap in NYC. They're usually $1.50~$2.50 each, and they do not make them as big as they do here! Drinks: I've only tried their soy chai lattes but they are on par with the rest of the stuff they serve here.
(5)Christopher M.
Not only do they have amazing pastries and coffee, it is an incredibly aesthetic atmosphere. I'm lucky to be visiting Columbus on a gorgeous summer day so I'm able to also enjoy their patio seating. Fantastic!
(5)Van N.
Best quiche ever and the macarons melt in your mouth! Was in Columbus for a Hackathon that my company was sponsoring at the OSU and we went here for a quick brunch. It's a small little spot in German Village, but everything was delicious. The croissants definitely need to be mentioned as well because they were so flaky and tasty, even the whole grain one. If I ever come back to the area, I'm coming back here for sure!
(4)Rachel L.
Some of the most delicious macarons I've ever had. Also tried their plum cardamom frangipan which was amazing as well. A bit on the pricey side, but I think it's still worth it.
(4)Kathryn W.
I read so much about Pisatcia Vera, that I couldn't take it any more and had to go. I can say that the Macarons were enough to decide I HAVE to go back! :) We tried 6 different flavors and were in love with all of them. The buckeye one was the top out of all of them. Pistacia Vera has a great atmosphere. Reminds me of a restaurant you would see in a movie. We went there on a Saturday afternoon. They had amazing desserts, pastries, coffee, etc. We didn't know what we wanted because it all looked amazing! Everyone was very friendly and it was a very relaxing environment. When I need a macron fix or a foodie present, I will be visiting for sure.
(4)Jenny H.
Oh Pistacia Vera, how I adore thee. My patronship borders between a foodie love affair and a fantastical obsession of whether I can seek permanent refuge in their sunlit, frosted-window bathroom. The macarons are scrumptious with varied offerings everytime I stop in. Whether it's a cup of valhrona hot chocolate on a chilly winter's day to a morning pastry or an entremet gift boxed for a deserving friend-- Pistacia Vera's always been my go-to place in german village.
(5)Molly W.
I did love this place. The macaroons are spectacular, especially the Vanilla Bean macaroon. The coffee was great as well. I loved the atmosphere. The inside is relatively large with a good amount of seating, and there's outdoor seating as well. It was pretty crowded when we went, but we were able to find a table outside. The parking for this place is not great, but it's better than most places in the area. The only complaint I had was the waitress spilled hot coffee down my leg and didn't apologize, she just asked if I wanted a napkin.. Despite this, I would definitely come back.
(4)David W.
Three words: Honey, Lavender, Macaroon. Not lying, that is the best thing I have ever tasted! My wife and I go here at least once a week for them. Must go here if you are coming to columbus. They have coffee and lots of other baked goods, but you HAVE TO GET THE MACAROONS!
(5)Laura T.
I go in to order pastries to go pretty often. Your best bet is to just go in and see what they have that day and put together a little taster package. Everything is really top notch. The macarons are a given to try if you've never been and I am personally in love with their rye croissants. They are the best. I have never actually sat down to have brunch, but the plates of diners always look awesome when I pass through. Their typically very busy on weekend afternoons so be prepared to wait a few minutes. They also have a North Market location with a more limited selection, but is sometimes better for grabbing some things and being on your way.
(4)Rob W.
Great Desserts!
(5)Nicolas H.
It's really hard to say which flavor is the best because they are all so different and damn good. But man, easily the best macaron's I've ever had. Some of my favorites were the buckeye, cherry cordial and of course the pistachio...
(5)Bonnie B.
I thought I was transported to Paris, but the hospitable service reminded me I haven't left Columbus. Lovely place. Incredible pastries and delicate brunch. Friendly service. What more could you want?
(5)RB B.
Where to begin? I come to Columbus once a year and Pistacia Vera is on my list of places to go/people to see. The macarons are amazing. Perfect texture...so light and delicate, yet chewy. And every flavor is so unique and flavorful. The piece-de-resistance is most defintely the Cannelle. It's heavenly. Don't pass up the chance to indulge!
(5)John G.
So... What can I say? The last trip here was underwhelming. Maybe just a bad Qi day for either me, Pistacia Vera or both. The owner was very courteous after my last experience and was genuinely concerned about making sure whatever happened never happened again. So she encouraged me to come back and give them another chance. My mom was in town so we sauntered down PV today as it used to be her favorite patisserie when visiting Columbus. We split a maple pecan twist and a lavender lemon tart. She had a lemonade tea and I had an iced coffee. Needless to say, the experience was a one-eighty from my last visit. The twist appears to be made from some kind of wonderful brioche-like bread and is one of the most divine carbohydrate experiences I have ever shoved into my pie hole. Ditto with the tart. The tart crust was divine and of high quality, the flavor was intensely lemon and the small pieces of candied lemon peel added just the right punch. Our drinks were superb and the overall experience was one worth remembering and repeating. This is the PV I remember. A wonderful recovery. Maybe a better Qi day for both of us. In a world of corporate-owned restaurant and food chains run by numbed, dumbed-down drones shoveling industrial, mass produced gruel out of the kitchen, my original experience and then the recovery experience at PV was refreshing and heart-warming. Mind-numbed, underpaid, under-motivated, corporate drones will never replace the experience of craft, artisanship and motivated, happy associates representative of responsible, caring, local ownership. Now if we could simply eject all corporate ownership of our entire food and agricultural system and instead return to a system where establishments like PV were the norm rather than the exception, our food culture would shine bright again. I'll be back.
(5)Mack H.
Pistacia Vera is on my list of four or five of the best and most noteworthy things to experience in Columbus, Ohio. This is a real French patisserie whose confections are equal to what you might find in Paris or the finest New York City restaurants. If you are a visitor to Columbus Pistacia Vera is not to be missed. If you live in Columbus and haven't heard of Pistacia Vera or been there yet, go now. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Sophie B.
Honestly this place was just eh OK. I came from out of town visiting and someone recommended this establishment. They are way over price on their deserts and the customer service was awful. Saturday afternoon we arrived and the place was not busy at all. However it took 5 minutes for 1 of the 7 individuals standing behind the counter to even say hello. Then another 5 minutes on top of that even to have our order taken. I was really looking forward to trying this place out and in the end just all around disappointed.
(3)Rachael S.
I am embarrassed at the number of times I drove past Pistacia Vera without going inside. Even just looking in the windows, I think I was a little bit in love. The macarons are unbeatable. My favorite is the Mocha Hazelnut, followed closely by Blackberry Violet and classic Vanilla bean. I think I have tried 3 or 4 other pastries and tarts, all of which were fantastic. I have yet to go in for brunch. I assume I will do another face palm for waiting so long to try that too. The North Market location is also very convenient for those of us in a more central part of town.
(5)Haleh S.
Love Love Love this place . Delicious pastry , beautiful design , wonderful super friendly staff . A gem of a unique experience.
(5)Sudharshan M.
The best pastry I have had till date. I could die for the French Macroons there especially the CashewNut and the Coconut Creme. Do Try the Eclair and Pista Cookie. I am pretty new to Columbus and my friend from pittsburgh took me to this place and for a foodie like me it was heaven on a plate. We ended up hogging the Macroons one of each flavor then the eclair then the Pista Cookie. Worth every penny you spend on the food here
(5)Rachel C.
This is my favorite restaurant in the whole of Columbus. I've eaten my way through much of the vegetarian-friendly cuisine of the city, and Rigsby's, Alana's, Barcelona, even Skillet, all pale in comparison to Pistacia Vera. Part of this is undoubtedly the comparatively lower prices of Pistacia Vera. I occasionally drive out to German Village and indulge there on my own dime, while many other restaurants in the area require that I wait for my parents to visit and help me out. However, the quality of the food suffers not at all. The breakfast menu is relatively short and simple, but every dish on it is delicious. Pistacia Vera is traditionally known for dessert and pastries, but its breakfasts and brunches are outstanding as well. But it must be admitted that there is a reason Pistacia Vera is known throughout the city for croissants, macarons, and other delicious pastries. Everything there is perfect. It just is. The textures, the flavors, and the visual appeal is all just the best. I'm sorry if that seems like a copout of a description, but to try and explain the perfection with words just wouldn't do the place justice. Go get a croissant for breakfast, pair it with some coffee, treat yourself to a morning macaron to finish, and then you'll understand. The service and ambiance is excellent as well. There's free parking, the line moves fast, and they never disappoint. If you haven't been to Pistacia Vera, you need to go like right now, and then kick yourself afterward for how long it took you.
(5)Roger S.
I could eat everything in this entire shop.
(4)Alex K.
The strawberry macaroon tasted like Smuckers jam and soggy bread. Would not recommend.
(1)Josh Y.
This is THE place for desserts in Columbus. Everything here is delicious. I'm especially a fan of the Chocolate Bombe and the Pear tart.
(5)Sarah K.
I've heard only good things about this Pistacia Vera since moving to Columbus but it wasn't until someone sent a box of Macarons to my office that I went to see it for myself. The bakery itself is beautiful, a few old remnants of previous bakeries remain among the clean, modern look. I bought a sampler box of macarons for a gift and stayed to enjoy the eggs provencal for lunch - cooked wonderfully, with a large, warm croissant and house-made preserves (I would buy this by the jar if available). Nice lunchtime crowd for a workday but plenty of seats and not too loud. The service was very friendly. I would go back anytime.
(5)Nijole T.
They were sold out of croissants which is what I came for but I did manage to get my second favorite pastry, an eclaire and a lemon tart. I would have bought more, but it is a bit pricey and I am not a fan of macaroons which they have a huge selection of. Its a very nice cafe, clean, white and open with a very nice staff. The eclaire was good and the lemon tart amazing! For a special occasion, girls day out of coffee and cake with mom this place is perfect, maybe a bit expensive to go to daily.
(4)Teri D.
Good cookie! Good cookie! Good cookie! Really really good cookie! While taking a walkabout in the area for the first time I was feeling the need for a desert and here they were! We walked in and stared at the offerings and initially I was afraid that my allergic self could not partake of any of the lovely goodies.........but I was thankfully wrong! It came down to the french vanilla cookies or the citron tarte. After clearing it with them that neither had any of my allergens in them I opted for the cute little tarte and then just as I was about to pay I saw the lemon sugar cookie. I have never seen nor had one before and just had to get one. That cookie was pure bliss! Soft and chewy, sweet but not so much like some sugar cookies to set your teeth on edge, and just the ideal amount of lemon flavoring to make it ideal. The cookie just made it past their very nice looking patio....and then died an honorable death about 10 feet away. The tarte actually made it home (they packaged it in a very nice box and bag) and I almost broke a promise to hubs to share with him. The crust was soft but not too crumbly and you could taste the essence of butter in it and the filling was wonderful sweet lemon goodness. The candied citrus peel on top was a nice touch as well. All this goodness plus coffee and tea AND brunch? Why are you trying to sabotage my bikini diet, PV, why??????
(5)Mindy W.
This bakery is visually stunning. They take care to be sure you feast with your eyes prior to feasting with your taste buds. Unfortunately, at least for me, I felt the food was prettier than it was tasty. The pasteries were good, but not as good as they appeared to be. We got macarons (little cookie sandwiches) which I felt were light on flavor. The texture was also deceiving, as the cookie almost seemed to disintigrate in your hand. We split a croissant, which practically jumped off the counter and into our mouths, it looked so scrumptious. We weren't disappointed, it was the best part of our "meal." I tried a shortbread cookie as well, and ended up throwing half of it away. It was very dry, to the point where you couldn't eat it without drinking something. Which brings me to the coffee. I got an Iced Latte with simple syrup and it was fantastic. Nice flavorful coffee. I'd like to go back and try some of their other items, the coffee and ambiance were worth it.
(4)Matt W.
It's the smell that really hits you. It's one thing to see all the pretty pictures of the pastel macarons, the jewel toned fruit gels, and the lustrously dark chocolates, but one can resist the siren call of Pistacia Vera if you are simply indulging your eyes. "German Village parking can be a pain", you say. "I am trying to diet", you say. "I'd end up blowing the rent on macarons and gift boxes," you say. But if you're in the neighborhood and they've opened the windows onto their patio, or should you be walking past and decide just to step in for a coffee, perhaps, and maybe one -little- indulgence (a single macaron wouldn't be so bad, would it?), you're doomed. The moment your nose is tickled by the alluring aromas of their kitchen, caressing their way up to your brain with the velvety promise of delicious indulgences, you can't help but start to drool just a tiny bit. A look at each of the incredibly beautiful offerings in their case, combined with a smell that promises meltingly delicious flavors once the food reaches your tongue, takes you deeper and deeper into sweet seduction, with the fragrance of their freshly roasted coffee rounding it out with the promise of a dark savory brew to perfectly counterpoint the sweetness Fortunately, I was able to save myself from total moral and spiritual collapse by taking a friend along, and splitting their dessert sampler (part of their Dine Originals menu) was a wise move, allowing us to delight in a wide range of their offerings with just a bit of restraint. Though the chocolate bombe was excellent, with dark chocolate ganache encasing an almost delicate mousse and a foundation of sweet cake, the true star, and PV's signature, was their macarons. The sweet gluten free cookie is almost cakelike in texture, dissolving into a burst of flavor on your tongue that compliments and highlights the cream filling, before you melt into the companion cookie and the sweet candy coating that gives each one a beautiful pastel wrapper. The platter came with a raspberry macaron and an almond offering, and I have to admit that the raspberry came out on top for me. The almond wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but something about the perfectly captured fruit flavor really suits the Macaron's silky textures. The pistachio nougat is nutty, almost savory, with a nice toothsome texture, but not so much that you start to fear for your dental work, and the intense bursts of the fruit jellies almost make them more of a palette cleanser than a dessert choice, wiping away whatever was before them and leaving you with a lingering burst of fruity sweetness before you move on. The single chocolate truffle was almost an afterthought, and I have to admit that it pales in comparison to it's bigger bombe brother, but the bite sized treat is still well executed, with deep dark chocolate inside and out, and a satisfying crackle as the harder shell gives way to the soft sweetness within. PV also offers several savory offerings, including a their awesome croissants, but this is a place that will fire every neuron in your brain towards sweet indulgence, and I dare anyone to spend five minutes in that glorious aroma, surrounded by delicious treats and a staff willing to explain the appeal of each one in cheerful detail, and not give in to the urge to indulge.
(5)Megan K.
Made a trip to Pistacia Vera today all the way from Marysville because of the great reviews and raves from a couple of my cousins & it sure didn't disappoint. I was lucky enough to snag a parking spot on the side of the building. I was entranced by all the brightly colored rows of gorgeous macarons. I honestly knew going in that's primarily what I wanted to try, so I did a sampler pack of a few of them. So far the ones that stick out are the vanilla, pistachio and nutella. Didn't care for the lime. The macarons itself are very delicate & crunchy on the outside but so moist and chewy on the inside, the perfect combination. I personally liked the macarons with the buttercream in the middle vs. the fruit gel (lime). The buttercream is light as a feather and silky smooth and oh so flippin good. I would love to snag a big ol spoonful of the vanilla buttercream - yeah it's THAT good. Also on high recommendation from my cousin, I had to try the butter cookies. They had a 6-pack so I grabbed one. Holy moly that sh!t is GOOOOOOOD. Probably the best damn butter cookie I've ever had. It's a thick vanilla butter cookie cut in the shape of a leaf and dusted with a very fine sugar sprinkled with vanilla beans. This cookie is very light & airy and truly melts in your mouth. My only goal is to resist temptation so I'll have a few of them left for tomorrow mornings coffee. This would be a great gift for any foodie you know. So if you have never been to Pistacia Vera or even if you have but haven't tried these cookies YOU HAVE TO!!!! Yeah it's not even an option. Thank me later. I did try one of their cashew butter caramels and wasn't that impressed. It didn't have a ton of flavor in my opinion, but you know I'm not going to let one little caramel dampen my love of PV. It was definitely worth the trek from Marysville and is definitely a place I'd take out of town guests for some coffee & desserts. I'm definitely a new fan!!
(4)Pat M.
Awesome place. It is a little pricey, but the deserts are amazing. Well worth checking out if you're in German Village.
(5)Meghan S.
Coffee is amazing! The service is always great, baristas are friendly and quick with orders.
(5)Elise G.
Their macarons are very tasty and a great price ($1.25) given the size relative to other places I've gone to. My favorite was the vanilla and raspberry ones. I also had their pistachio fig braid, apple onion bacon croissant, and ham and cheese over the course of a week when I was in town. They all were fantastic. I was not expecting to find such a great pastry place in Columbus. The staff was very helpful and dud a great job packing up my macarons to take home with my on the plane, they made it in perfect condition.
(5)Monty B.
Almond croissant is very good. Tasty and generous filling. Solid, flaky croissant. Pecan cinnamon twist was ok. Kind of like a donut.
(4)R J.
Been here several times in the past year, never tried their baked eggs dish until just now. 2 eggs almost over-done instead of over-easy, well-salted and nicely seasoned, plus a toasted/sliced croissant and jam were included. I think this dish is a few $ overpriced for $11, and it appeals mainly to their elderly, or tourist, or soccer mom clientele. It is high quality, tasted fine, and I must complement their nice servers. But I'll stick with their ham and cheese croissant for half the price here in the future for quick breakfast bite in my neighborhood.
(4)Raquelle Z.
This was a nice place for a girl with a sweet tooth. I had a butter cookie with a latte while I was in the restaurant, then a Chocolate Bombe in my hotel room. Both were delicious. The service was friendly and helpful. The prices are a big high however, I am willing to pay for quality, and freshly made desserts.
(4)Brett F.
J'aime Sweets! Oui, I do.... ... and if you do, too, this is hands down the sweetest place to be! What's not to adore about a chic, modern dessert boutique featuring some of my absolute most favorite Parisian indulgences? I'll tell you what, nothing! Absolutely loved Pistacia Vera with its sleek, clean and very European café stylings boasting everything from traditional macarons, brioche rolls, almondine cookies, pain au chocolat, pâte de fruits, tarts, tortes and confections aplenty. Merveilleux! It was nearly impossible just selecting a few items to taste, everything looked so beautiful. Handcrafted on site and baked fresh daily, these treats were truly some of the most lovely I've seen since my days actually spent eating incomparable pastry and candy in Paris. Of course the macarons are the signature calling card here, and for good cause. Not only are they fun, fluffy, bright, bite-sized bundles of delight, but are so easy to mix 'n match for a small - almost guilt free - taste of everything. Flavors like Nutella, Pistachio, Coconut (my to-die-for favorite), Rose, Black Raspberry, Coffee and Pumpkin were a few on hand upon my visit. Particularly savored the Coconut and Nutella variety which were chewy and perfectly executed, but found the Pistachio's meringue a bit crumbly while its buttercream filling was unfortunately slick and dripping with grease. Considering its other macaron buds were light and ideal, I'm chocking this up to a mistakenly ill-fated batch. Other noteworthy must haves are without a doubt the almost-savory Pistachio Fig Braid and amazing Sablé Cookies. I'm typically a macaron gal, but those cookies had me shortbread converted! The salty, sweet, delicate and wonderful balance of flavors and texture in the Vanilla Bean Butter Sablé was an exercise in delectable indulgence. 10 more, please! An overall mouthwatering visit and marvelous Columbus find. Three cheers for cookies!
(4)Ben R.
Pistacia Vera or PV is simply wonderful. Wonderful atmosphere, wonderful service and wonderful baked goods and espresso! If you haven't visited, then you should - soon.
(5)Jason F.
Solid spot. Where sugar and flour met and decided to spawn. Really, too many good things to list. Great ambiance, really terrific pastries. If out and about in German Village it's a good look. The coffees are also top notch. I would suggest that they start a pour-over service as it would take their coffee-pastry amalgam to a whole new level. In any event, give these folks a go.
(5)Jenny B.
When it comes to eating, I like my food with my sugar, so of course Pistacia Vera fits this mold to the T. For a long time I had been skeptical about macarons and thought that I didn't like them. I have an aversion to almonds, unless they are whole or almond butter. I hate amaretto and almond paste, so I just thought macarons fit into the same category. But that sure changed when I tasted the macrarons from Pistacia Vera. They are just melt in your mouth goodness. The subtle crisp crunch, airy lightness and variety of flavors of their macarons are unmatchable.
(5)Roni B.
This place has amazing macaroons! Very tasty and unique flavors! I think I got the French vanilla, buckeye flavored one, and a few others! It was extremely crowded there though and parking is sparse! However there is a lot if street parking but can get filled up quickly make sure to bring cash or card to feed the meter!
(4)Sayak R.
A nice and cozy place with awesome collection of confectionery. The cakes look delicious. I took a hot chocolate, and a chocolate crumb. It's a maroon dome filled with chocolate inside. The taste was simply sinful. I would recommend it to everyone living in columbus, and I am looking forward to try the other options.
(5)Carin W.
I used to live in Columbus and sadly this wasn't an option until the last few years...it is as close to a European pastry shop as I've seen in the US...I have traveled extensively and their macroons are some of the best I have ever consumed. Their have lavender honey right now...enjoy because they change favors seasonally. I crave their mocha; it is not sweet and syrupy like Starbucks; it is rich, dark chocolate without the sugar and once you have it you won't want anything else.
(5)Isabelle B.
The only place that comes close to the macaroons you can find in France, plus the atmosphere is great!
(5)Elizabeth R.
I was in Columbus for just 2 days and went to this place twice. Why? High quality deliciousness aimed at adults abounded Ex: 1) the most magically delicious fudgy cookies - immensely chocolaty, not crazy sweet, and normal cookie size (not so giant I must either restrain myself - as if - or throw half of the cookie away), 2) delish delish lemon tarts - tangy sweet creamy custard filling, delicate shortbread crust, 3) minimally sweetened mochas with really great quality chocolate. This is ideal for those of us who want all of their coffee to have chocolate in it, but who also want a sweet treat with their coffee. Sweet treat + sweet drink = muddled experience with both; Pistacia Vera's wonderful iced mochas solved this problem perfectly for me. And last but absolutely not least, reason #4 why I love this place - the staff are just amazingly lovely and helpful. I'm a tough customer when it comes to my nibbles and both times I was there they were just so gracious in helping me find what I would like in their shop, and then with helping me find other things I'd like in German Village. Cudos to the hiring manager - you have a truly excellent staff here. The only thing that would make this place better? If they opened a second location near me in DC!
(5)Silvia S.
Pistacia Vera is something you find in places like Boston or in California. Because it's so cute and stylish. Pictures of their desserts just do not do them justice. They are very beautiful in person. I had the Chocolate bombe and Praline caramel feuillitine to share with my sister. Neither of us finished either of the dishes, even though they were very small they were quite rich and packed a flavorful punch. The chocolate bombe was exactly that, an explosion of rich chocolate. I'm not exactly a fan of chocolate but both the texture and lightness of the inside were delicious to me. My sister really enjoyed the praline caramel feuillitine, though I thought the flavor was very muddled, I couldn't quite tell what was going on it was still delicious and so rich with every small bite it felt almost luxurious to eat. Needless to say I had to leave with a box of their highly rated macarons. I was very impressed, and I would surely come back just for every single flavor of them. Parking is sort of tricky if you aren't familiar with this part of Columbus, but even if you have to walk a block, Germain Village is a beautiful place to get lost on your way to Pistacia Vera.
(5)Angie P.
It's always such a treat to go here. The desserts are all gorgeous, not to mention delicious, and I always pair my macaroon (or whatever I decide to try) with a cup of coffee. Today I tried the peppermint and pumpkin but I've had a few other flavors over the past year or two. I still think my favorite of all time is the Pistachio Mascarpone Dacquoise.
(5)Joyce H.
Best place ever....... to go after running a 5k. Just kidding... but not really. The highlights for me were 1) the macarons and 2) the company! (friends in columbus that I don't get to see very often.) These French macarons were so, so perfect. Crisp shell with soft, tasty innards. My favorite flavors were definitely pistachio, black raspberry... I think there was a lavender flavored one if I'm remembering correctly. So delicious. The only downside was that we had a larger group of 8, and we didn't quite get favorable looks from the servers for moving a few tables around. They weren't so generous with refilling our waters either. 4 for the little macarons, 4 for the decor & space, but 3 for the service.
(4)Kate Q.
This is a true Columbus gem! The pastry work here is unbelievably beautiful art. The staff is always friendly and helpful and you can usually find a place to park without much of a problem (usually). For me personally, I LOVE their allergy-friendly menu. Any place that I can go to and get something for dessert that is both gluten and dairy free is such a treat (I usually just have another cocktail while everyone else is enjoying their gluteny desserts). Their famous macarons are gluten-free (yes!) and make fantastic hostess gifts for holiday parties. I think I bought about 10 gift boxes of macarons last year to take to holiday parties. Big hit with everyone. I could keep writing, but honestly, this place is just lovely. I have nothing bad to say. Go there. Totally worth the trip and the calories.
(5)Sammy T.
For years I've stared at the pastel colored macarons in fanciful dessert displays in cookbooks and on tv. They always look amazing and tempting but I never knew where to get them. I almost broke down and made them myself til I saw that almond flour is 11 dollars a pound. Then I found Pistacia Vera reviews saying they made the love confections. That fateful June 30th evening (hellish windstorm) I ran to the bakery and indeed there were probably 8 or so varieties of macarons. I ordered a sampler of 3 different flavors. Lemon, Vanilla cream and Chocolate Truffle. There were other pastries there but I was on a Macaron Mission and that was my only focus. The macarons were light and dainty , I think my favorite flavor was the tangy lemon with the vanilla coming in second. I was told that the vanilla was their most popular flavor. I was impressed by the space because it is very clean and organized. Everything looks pristine and well attended which lets me know that the kitchen/baking area is probably immaculate as well. -I'll be back!
(5)Jessica S.
THIS place is why the city is beautiful. What a wonderful find! My sister, who lives in Chicago now, used to frequent this place with me. I've been able to ship her macaroons from here to her apartment for her birthday! My sister has been fortunate enough to visit Paris, France and she loves the macaroons at Pistacia Vera more than the ones she tasted in Europe. I'm a die-hard chocolate fan, and everything chocolate I have had here has tasted so divine, so incredibly delectable...do you remember the part in the second matrix movie where Monica Bellucci eats that piece of cake? It's like that. Their desserts are so delicious you'll think you're sinning. So go on, sin a little, try this place out. You won't be dissapointed. Bon Appetit.
(5)Mary P.
Macarons are the new cupcake so the fact that columbus has a storefront now is evidence that someone is trying to make somewhere in Ohio hip. That being sad I'm an addict of these fancy french almond cookies and have eaten dozens of them from several places all over the country. These macarons definitely look better than they taste. The colors are great and the usual happiness instilling pastel chalk-like colors. Strawberry amaretto was the best flavor combination I tried and also my two favorite flavors of most things. Flavour isn't too strong so I had to think about it when I was eating each one. I tried Apricot sesame and lemon matcha I think and they were only so so because I could barely tell what I was eating aside from its color. They're also kept too warm and fall apart when you grab them. The middle part which is the glue holding the cookies together tastes like melted butter which is gross and I've never experienced that before. I really majorly disliked that. The texture of the cookie is just the right amount of chewiness though. Still I ate them all in one sitting. Plus a french vanilla shortbread cookie which was too crumbly for my taste. Maybe I was being picky that day. I'm still giving them a 4 because the atomosphere with its wood and modern clean lines makes this place a great place to hang out. Eventually they'll perfect their pastries and it'll become a hot place to hang out.
(4)Christina C.
d r o o l It's true. My first trip to Pistacia was yesterday. It's been a long time coming - obv. But as you know, some things are so worth the wait. This was totally one of them. But why? "Gimme all the treats!!!!" is what I really wanted to scream. The sheer amount of time and dedication that goes in to preparing these masterpieces is beyond me. Most people know Pistacia as a destination for perfect pastries or majestic macarons but they also have some savory options too like quiche! I can vouch for to the macarons, by the way, which were light, fluffy and oh-so-satisfying. They are bite-sized and $1.25 a piece, but my goodness, they are perhaps my new preferred dessert. Perfect for curing a sweet tooth without over indulging! Wifi is free (just ask for the password), the coffee was fantastic and it was quiet enough to concentrate and do work. I've typically gone down the street to Cup O' Joe to settle in for a day of working at the"office" but no more. Pistacia is my new work-from-home destination! Let me know if you'd like to join.
(5)Alison H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! They have a small brunch menu, but the quiche is the best I have ever had. It is the perfect portion and comes with a small salad. Delicious! And then comes the macaroons... the first time I was here with my boyfriend we each had one, the next trip we each got 2 and the next trip we bought a to-go box of 10. Each flavor is so delicious, but coconut is our favorite. The outside seating is a plus and I heard a rumor that they are expanding their seating.
(5)Jina P.
Best desserts in columbus ohio. I love their macarons! I like their variety box - I like eating all different flavors!
(5)Ken G.
Such a great little spot for excellent treats. I really like the fact that everything is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. I enjoyed the following: Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Slice - a very moist and chocolatey cake that isn't too sweet, but is very decadent. It's some of the best chocolate cake I've ever had. Bittersweet Fudgie - cross between a cookie and a brownie, it's a definite must for any chocolate fan. It's got a thin crusty outside and nice, moist and chewy inside. Cashew Caramel - a very nice, smooth and velvety caramel with the unique addition of salted cashews. It was an excellent way to satisfy that salty/sweet craving. Strawberry-Lychee Pates de Fruits - a sweet and fresh-tasting fruit pate...I liked the twist of the unique flavors - lychee with strawberry? Awesome! This is a fantastic spot, especially if you have a sweet tooth.
(5)Maria P.
Excellent choice! The pistachio dessert, the lemon tart and the macarons are delicious! Fully recommended!
(5)Anthony C.
This place is fantastic! That's all you need to know. If are going to take a nice girl out on a date but you don't want to spend a fortune on drinks and dinner take her here on a Sunday afternoon.
(5)Dezerie S.
The macarons are delicious. My favorite item though is the maple pecan twist. Its sweet and light.
(5)Michelle E.
I am 100% in LOVE with their macaroons! 12 different flavors, all to DIE for! Hibiscus elderberry and lemon are my favorites. $1.20 a piece, who can beat that? Will definitely be returning here next time I'm in German Village!
(5)Evan S.
Macaroons have been one of my favorite pastries since I first tried them in Paris. I have searched many places in the states for the perfect macaroons, and I can finally say that I have found one closest to the real thing!!! I purchased a variety box which included one of each flavor for about $15. I have only had the Pistachio and Vanilla Bean so far, and let me say they were decadent!! Each bite was so fluffy and creamy and smooth. I cannot wait for my next trip to Ohio, so I can devour these little heavenly bites again. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone who wants to know what a REAL macaroon tastes like. No need to go to Ladurée in Paris, Pistacia Vera has perfected these Parisian treats!! THANK YOU!
(5)Ralph B.
Outstanding place. The almond bear claws are wonderful. The service matches the quality of the food.
(5)Eileen T.
Had my first macarons here, and they were so sweet. So much flavor for such small desserts. I'd love to try the other desserts...but they are on the expensive side. The $1.25 macarons are definitely worth it though.
(4)Martha W.
If you are missing French/Euro pastries and need to postpone your trip to Paris this year, go to Pistacia Vera to get your fix. The croissants and macarons are almost exactly like their Parisian counterparts (slightly heavier, perhaps). The pistachio chocolate chunk cookie was delectable. I need to go back to try the cakes. As other Yelpers have said, the space itself is elegant and the presentation of the pastries is delightful - even sleek. Coming from D.C., I thought it would be hard to find places like this in Columbus. I was very pleasantly surprised!
(4)Carlos G.
I stop by this place every time I am in Columbus. This was the first place outside of Paris that I found the macaroons. They are great! I used to order them and mail them to family and friends. I recently stopped by and ordered two boxes of 6 for some clients plus an apple pizelle for me. SO yummy! keep up the good work!
(5)Cate M.
Amazing croissants!
(5)Nathan S.
I've tried macarons elsewhere, even ones that had been featured on the Food Network, but none match Pistacia Vera's. I usually get a different variety each time, and they NEVER disappoint. Even the simplest flavors such as vanilla are incredibly flavorful. Also, sometimes I grab something from the Tarts & Torts menu--I don't know what most of them are so I go by how they look--again, everytime it's nothing but wonderful. Add a good cup of coffee or their super-chocolately hot chocolate, and you got yourself the best pastry cafe in Columbus.
(5)Marie L.
The pastries are delicious and it is an ray location to access. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I also think Pistacia Vera is very fair priced for their pastries and I will be going back.
(5)Jessica H.
I remember this place from when it was hidden away behind high street. Everything is tempting, the displays visually delicious. I walked in, simply hungry after a mid-morning meeting - hoping to find something inspiring and within a decent price point. The counter person suggested I try the croissants...one was plain, the other had ham and cheese I think. It took me a while, but I opted for the croissant (plain, as I am a veg). I had it with rhubarb jelly - homemade at that. I was skeptical. I hate a crappy, fakely greasy crisco-y nasty croissant. You know, the kind that leaves your tongue with a waxy, nasty coating? What I ended up with would make the angels sing in ecstasy. This was light, flaky authentically buttery goodness. It was everything I wanted and more. I was hoping to save it for home, but it didn't last the car ride, eaten in neanderthal fashion shoving bits and pieces into the tangy jelly at every red light. I was lucky enough to live in Europe for a time - this croissant is the best I've ever had since then. Oh, and the rest of the stuff looked good too. Their macaroons from a previous trip were excellent and well balanced. But that croissant. The only thing that might make it more authentic would be to wrap a smidge of Nutella in, to morph into molten chocolate hazelnut goodness in the oven.
(5)Sarah S.
Literally, this is my go-to dessert place in Columbus. Everything I've ever gotten here is outstanding. Not joking, even the coffee and especially the hot chocolate are great. The shop is small, brightly lit with natural light, and has a nice array of tempting delicious goods. You can't go wrong. For first time diners, I always recommend the chocolate bomb. Trust me. Every person I've watched eat one of these (myself included) take a bite and then conclude, "OMG this is so good!". Watch for the specials they have during restaurant week each year and take a friend for the sampler platter. Parking is also easy, which is a rarity in german village. They have a small lot just across the street.
(5)Laura C.
I've been wanting to try MACAROONS for some time, as they've been ALL THE CRAZE. Did nothing for me. They were visibly pleasing with their fun colors, but that's about it. I'll take a chocolate chip cookie over a macaroon any day. I guess I'd like them more if they were less than a dollar a piece - they seemed kinda pricey for the 2 bites-size.
(3)Elizabeth B.
What can I say? Pistacia Vera is impeccable. The pastries are the most authentic I've had since living in France, the locally roasted coffee is blended specially for the café, and the brunch items are worth every penny of their price. Never have I eaten such flavorful ratatouille as the one that garnishes the shirred eggs, and the quiches are the airiest and most flavorful I've ever had. Pastries are updated seasonally. This time of year, my boyfriend will reroute errands to include a stop at Pistacia Vera for a pumpkin spice macaron, and I usually let myself be talked into one as well. The staff is friendly and helpful and the owners are masters of their respective arts (Spencer as pastry chef, and Anne in the front of house). The café is beautiful - clean, bright, open. And, a Columbus bonus, they offer free parking in a lot just across the street!
(5)Phil R.
The macaroons are AMAZING!-They even have a gift box of a dozen.
(4)Kevin M.
Still the best dessert bakery in Columbus, even with a new name and location. (For those not in the know, Pistacia Vera is the reincarnation of Pistachio, so look it up for my previous review.) I am saddened that they have moved farther away from me and no longer have tables to sit at, but nonetheless I may now have to invent excuses for going to the German Village. "We should go to a coffeeshop and do work... no no, not the 10 coffeeshops that are nearby, we should go across downtown to the German Village Cup o' Joe!"... which happens to be a block from Pistacia Vera. Yes, I see this in my future.
(5)Diana U.
Best dessert place in Columbus. Great service, atmosphere, and AMAZING food. The pistachio macaron is to die for!
(5)F Z.
Despite my mom saying that Pistacia Vera is simply 'a-okay' (Yelpism is contagious, what can I say?), I think the place far exceeded my expectations. The presentation made it difficult to decide what to get and what to skip. It's tempting to just have one of everything, since bakeries like these do not exist in Toledo. The macarons were a hit-or-miss, although I found most of them to be delightful. The strawberry balsamic and the walnut marsala fig particularly stood out (and I'm not a fan of fig, to be honest.) The mocha praline torte was mind-blowingly delicious and was neither too sweet nor too heavy of a treat. I vowed I'll come back just for the chambord manjari feuilletine next time. The cannele was the only disappointing factor to my entire selection, as I found it a wee bit too dry and crusty. It's a good thing that PV is a 25-minute drive from home-home (and a 2.5 hour drive from home) or else I'd be frequenting on a daily basis!
(4)Veronica W.
I love the atmosphere of Pistacia Vera. The macaroons are delicious.
(4)Elizabeth N.
I agree with everyone who has raved about the buttermilk chocolate cake. I'm particular about my chocolate to the point where I prefer to just make it myself for that perfect salty, sweet, and dark combination. I'm happy to say that Pistacia Vera's cake will save me hours in the kitchen when I want the perfect rich and moist and not too sweet chocolate fix. Also, their service is amazing! And they have things like raspberry chocolate jam for sale. Mmmm....
(5)Pink C.
Easily the best bakery in Columbus, this place is really an amazing bakery. The desserts are sophisticated and complex. The macaroons, for instance, are usually really delicious mixes of flavors like apricot turmeric. This place manages to pull that off. The cakes are gorgeous looking and amazing tasting. There are full sizes and single servings. The cookies are all fantastic and really not any more expensive than any other bakery. My absolute favorite is the petit four, which I've had as both guava and apricot. The service is very nice and always wraps boxes in pretty ribbons. The store itself is also absolutely beautiful. There's a really small lot that could hold three cars right next to the building.
(5)Jeff L.
Insanely amazing. I had the praline based cake and I can't remember eating a dessert that wonderful in Columbus. I hear they left the Short North for the German Village, and as a resident of the Short North who doesn't feel like gaining weight at some type of record pace, I suppose I should be happy about this.
(5)LeeAnn T.
The French macarons are very flavorful and perfectly made. I was very impressed. My husband loved the chocolate dome dessert that he had and he is the pickiest chocolate snob that I know. I was extremely impressed with the friendliness of the staff. What a wonderful experience!
(5)David L.
Bumping rating up to 5 stars. I came here with my gf right before closing Saturday night. 1. Coconut guava yuzu chiboust, 24 Layers of coconut buttercake, gava yuzu curd, and coconut meringue mousse with a guava glaze. ~We got a terrine for my friend. Looked delicious, but I didn't get to try it :( 2. Chocolate bombe, 5 Chocolate buttermilk cake with semi-sweet chocolate mousse infused with tawny port, glazed with a chocolate ganache. ~Delicious. It got a bit smashed by the time we got home, but it was still good. 3. Pistachio macaron, 1.25 Pretty good. Not a big fan of macarons, but theirs are good. Tip: they have their own lot across the street if street parking is unavailable
(5)Mike G.
Macarons. Eat them.
(5)Sara C.
BUCKEYE MACARON! ahem. Lea P. and I had a Yelp date here earlier this week. It's a cute little place on 3rd, within easy walking distance of Schiller Park. The ceilings are high and there are lots of windows and natural light, so despite the smallness of the shop and the crowdedness of the little tables, it still feels open and airy. It can be a little awkward when the tables are full and you are practically sitting in on someone else's conversation. Though other reviewers mention wifi, there are now little cards on the tables advising customers to limit their use of electronics in the dining room (it did not specify whether this is due to cell phone usage or laptop camping). I did see some folks with their tablet computers, though it wasn't particularly crowded on this weekday afternoon. It'd be a great place to people-watch (especially the tables at the front) or to work on my attempt to read "In Search of Lost Time," though it is tables only -- no cushy armchairs. It can get a little chilly on cold days due to the size of the room and the two entrances. Service was super polite and patient, especially since I was a little stunned by all the lovely pastries and glass cases of deliciousness. I ended up just getting the buckeye macaron and the peppermint chocolate macaron. The latter was acceptable, but I could have gotten a whole box of the buckeye ones (but resisted the temptation). I do know what I'm buying for Christmas gifts this year now, though. I also had an iced soy chai which was made well. Two macarons and the drink came to $6. I noticed that they do serve brunch, but it looked a little pricey for me right now. I'd rather spend that money on macarons anyway.
(4)Aaron F.
Best Macarons, other than in Paris!
(5)Jennifer J.
ok, what can anyone say other than this really is the best pastry in Columbus Ohio. also, they serve a great breakfast. And for those of us with dogs...they have wonderful outdoor seating in warmer weather, with water bowls for the pups. 5 star all the way. no disappointments here.
(5)R R.
Never a good idea to earn a good reputation by having unique food items (shirred eggs). and them slowly take them out of the lineup. And then they start running out of the items on the menu!! Out of quiche lorraine at 8:00 on Sunday! Ate a hard macaroon today. Thought they are supposed to be nice and fluffy. Having been long term customers.... It's so disappointing!
(1)Catherine J.
I've been blessed/cursed with walking past Pistacia Vera every day on my way to work, and every day on my way home from work. It's a daily struggle not to empty my wallet and fill my face with perfect confections. It's like an art gallery for desserts. Their offerings might be more edited than other patisseries, but Pistacia Vera has perfected each item on the menu. You can stop in to share a dessert with a friend, grab a coffee, or pick up a gift. I love the pate de fruits-- intense flavor bombs for your tongue! And oh, the macarons! I love to pick some up to go with afternoon tea. I even boxed sets of four and gave them out as party favors at a baby shower once. Pick up one of their letterpress cards, and you have a "just thinking of you" gift ready to go. Or, you know, a "Thanks for writing such a sweet review, Catherine J." gift... amirite?!?! They even have "real food" ... two items available for brunch daily. There's a shirred egg dish and a smoked salmon dish. These are headlined with the description of being "gluten free." The whole "gluten free" thing kind of annoys me, as I feel like it's an over-blown trend. For those who have a legit allergy or intolerance to gluten, they probably know how to scan a menu and know that the dish is gluten free. For everyone else... I don't know why "gluten free" is being equated with some kind of health commandment, but there ya go. Not sure what about a wheat protein is so bad for those whose bodies can process it normally. I haven't tried either brunch item, but I plan on remedying this travesty very soon.
(4)Allie L.
The best macarons in Columbus. I can only repeat Christina..."DROOL."
(5)Illa A.
While famous for their colorful macrons, their viennoiserie pastries are the true, underrated showstoppers of Pistacia Vera. Mastering the croissant is similar to a master painter being able to draw a perfect circle free-hand, and the croissants of Spencer Budros are archetypically exquisite, surpassing many of those I have eaten in France. Also worthy of praise are the nougat, which is beautiful to taste, their gem-like pate de fruit, and their strawberry preserves. Their tortes and little cakes are beautiful to behold but average in taste, so I would recommend avoiding them to instead indulge in the other menu items.
(5)Kim K.
This place is incredible. It is all about quality. They have a wide variety of different desserts and pastries--always made fresh. They also serve brunch food. Their food menu only has a few items on it, and it seems like they change the menu about every month. I came here with my boyfriend and tried the bacon and kale quiche, which was perfection. It looks like a small portion (European portions) but it is very satisfying. The quiche was the perfect consistency (not too creamy, perfectly flaky crust) and came with a side salad that was delicious and fresh. My boyfriend got the ham croque-monsieur (which is a European-style grilled ham and cheese sandwich), which also came with a side salad. It was very tasty, and quite filling. Come to Pistacia Vera for top quality, European-style brunch and desserts! I have eaten here twice, and I am planning to go back often!!
(5)Londres L.
I'm no longer a Columbus gal, but whenever I come to town, visiting Pistacia Vera is at the top of my list. These pastries are top notch--truly. Their macaroons are my favorite, especially the vanilla bean. I've been to Paris and Strasbourg, etc, and these macaroons are every bit as delicious as those from abroad. In the autumn, I love their apple cider--made from Ohio apples too! I've used Pistacia Vera for two events as well: they provided desserts for my wedding and a celebration to introduce my daughter. Especially for my wedding, they were unbelievable. I was a girl without much of a vision except that I didn't want the traditional hullabaloo. Their associate helped me come up with a plan and then worked with my venue to ensure everything would work. I still get comments about how delicious the desserts were!
(5)Christopher M.
Excellent pasteries and macroons.
(5)Janelle G.
So many of the items on the menu are tasty but the macarons are not to be missed! This is my go-to place when I need to pick up a cute gift for someone!
(5)Amy M.
Excellent Bakery! Clean, friendly and good food. I am from NY and try to stop here every time I am in town. I always take home 5 or more bags of their Muslin. I have it everyday for breakfast on my yogurt. Macaroons are incredible. A must see in Columbus.
(5)Amanda B.
I stopped here with some ladies prior to a group bike ride, and left wishing there was a location closer to me. The selection of baked goods looked so fantastic, I was tempted to make dinner out of it (but didn't.). The two macarons I had - Pistachio and Blackberry...something - were both delicious, though I was partial to the Pistachio for its creamy filling. They also had a nice selection of hot tea, which I regret not ordering a cup of. I don't make it to German Village all that often, but I'm sure I'll be stopping by here next time I do!
(5)Ruby D.
I am literally obsessed with Pistacia Vera. I've been wanting to write this review but I am beyond intimidated because I don't think I've ever been as whole heartedly enthusiastic about almost any establishment. I feel the need to use words like "perfection" and "incredible"....I'm a 100% virgin in this total-endorsement-territory. The food is amazing. The pastries are amazing. The service is polite, respectful and pleasant. The interior is spotless, airy and bright. The food, again, mind blowing. I dream about the quiche, the salad (THE SALAD for gods sake, I generally don't give a fig about salads), the baked eggs, and the pastries. I recently moved away and nothing has supplanted Pistacia Vera as my hearts desire of breakfast. And I've been looking. Damn it.
(5)Brooke Q.
Hands down my favorite place for dessert in Columbus! Their french macaroons are packed with flavor and are perfect for a little treat! I also love their biscotti. SO tasty. Oh and their cookies. What can I say...everything I've had here has been a special treat and I try recommending this place to as many people as I can. I love how clean and perfectly displayed everything is in there. The presentation and detail of their baked goods is by far some of the best I've seen. The staff is also very friendly.
(5)Daniel S.
The croissants are great. Chocolate ones are fantastic. I would say you could not go too wrong with anything in the store. Personal tastes could make something "off" but you would never regret trying. We love the macaroons and the truffles as well as the croissants.
(5)Colleen R.
I'm obsessed. I cannot get enough of Pistacia Vera. I've had the croissants, palmier, maple pecan twist, chocolate chip pistachio cookie, iced coffee and macarons. Everything I've tried has been fantastic. I've tried most of the macaron flavors, but pistachio is hands-down my favorite. I could probably eat 10 in one sitting. Everyone at the German Village store is so friendly! I've never received bad customer service, and all of the employees were happy to answer any questions I had. Pistacia Vera is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth.
(5)Donna O.
I don't know why I was not embroiled in a passionate love affair with Pistacia Vera long before now. Truly a gem even in an area known for its outstanding restaurants and dessert/pastry shops. Walking in, you are enveloped in an embrace of coffee and sweet smells. The café is airy and light, and large display cases are filled with every type of beautiful European pastry. They are known for their different styles of macaroon, but I opted for a chocolate torte. Typically, double-chocolate anything is an overload of heavy, cloying sweet. This treat - it was rich and creamy but melted with each bite. Perfect! Paired with a coffee and the open and beautiful surroundings, it feels like a little slice of Paris in German Village.
(5)Tabytha A.
I've been to the North Market location tons of times, and their macaroons are always to die for. I finally made it to the German Village location and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I had a great cup of hot chocolate, and of course, macaroons. Amazing desserts in a beautiful, but not pretentious environment. I can't wait to go back when they have the chairs outside in the summer!
(5)Nathan B.
Expensive, but a good latte and a great quiche and/or pastry (should be "and" - too much to go light here). They also have nice macaroons. Worth a taste but unless you're in love with the macaroons, you won't love the price of repeating the habit. The seating inside is well apportioned with nice and airy ceilings. Outside there's plenty of patio space, though folks tend to sit and linger on nice weekends. Not great for a full meal as it'll cost you more than it's worth, but certainly worth coffee and a pastry.
(4)Mirabelle L.
To be honest, I still wasn't so sure about moving to Ohio until I walked into this dessert place. The desserts here are for sure comparable to many dessert places that I have been to in such as France, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Seattle, NYC, Chicago, to name just a few. I enjoyed every bite of it and planning on taking another visit soon to try some more of other things!
(5)Meg K.
I lived in German Village for a while and one of the absolute best things to do with out of towners during a visit would be to walk up to the Book Loft, find some treasures, and then head up the street to Pistacia Vera for coffees, macarons, and reading/conversation. Multiple times for parties I have bought one of each big dessert from the case- it's always a beautifully presented pastry in the European style, tasty, elegant, and sure to impress. In fact, we like the shop so much, that we ordered several hundred of their famous macarons (DO NOT CONFUSE WITH MACAROONS) as our wedding favors. People loved them. I enjoy how the macaron flavors change seasonally- it's such a creative little surprise. Brunch here is very good too- I enjoy the baked eggs, among other things. Please give them a try, if you haven't already. You won't regret it.
(5)Sarah H.
I love,love,love the macaroons here. I fell in love with them when I first had them and I think about them often. They have the perfect crunch on the outside with a cake like chew in the center and a lovely buttercream. I can't say enough good things.
(5)Carrie D.
Love this place! Everything I've tried was delicious! My favorite is the Orange Nutella Bostock.
(5)Kylie F.
Everything I've ever had here has been amazing. Macrons are heavenly, and so perfect to eat. So delicate and tasty, and come a ton of different flavors. I seriously love desserts, ESP from here
(5)Harry N.
what a gem, rare find. This place is inviting, spacious, customer service oriented, clean, with good dessert and coffee products. I will definately return every time I am in this area. Very impressed. I would like to find more places like this. the pistachio cookie was delicious.
(5)Michael H.
Delicious. Always Fresh. I had a crossiant and coffee this morning.
(4)Aaron H.
Oh my, I cannot say enough about this place. I found out about Pistacia Vera through a blog my boss found on the internet. The blogger--apparently a huge macaron fan--wrote on the post that she's been everywhere including New York and even France to try macarons, but this place had the best ones! That right there gave me a reason to try it out the same day I saw the blog! Plus, living in Columbus was all the more reason to go! Right from the start, they have a few(2~3) parking spots right next to the building AND across the street(6~10 can't remember). How awesome is that!! Although it gets pretty crowded from time to time, I usually find a parking space in either places. Their macarons are absolutely amazing--to die for!! At all times they have twelve different kinds and a few of them changes throughout the year. For example, during football seasons, they always have the buckeye macarons. Also they have an assortment of macrons neatly packaged so it's a great gift for someone special--or for yourself. I have bought these assorted ones on multiple occasions. One time, I sent an assortment to a friend in New York. First, they freeze it until the UPS guy picks it up and sends it through second-day air. So by the time it arrives, it has thawed but not melted. The delivery price can be a bit expensive; I think I paid about $12 for the delivery. Also the price varies by location. Oh, and they don't deliver during summer season since the high temperatures may ruin the quality. Overall, It has become one of my favorite food places in Columbus! If you are in the area or if you have a car, you should definitely check it out!
(5)Stephanie H.
My husband and I were in Columbus for a wedding. We decided to stop in for a couple of lattes and take a break from wedding festivities. First, parking is a bit difficult. We drove around for awhile before we found a spot. A short walk later and we were at Pistacia Vera. We opted not to get any sweets because we just had lunch and a giant cookie from a cafe near Easton, but I wish we had space to try one of the macaroons. We decided to order our drinks and I asked if they offered almond milk. Sadly, the only alternative was soy milk, which doesn't do it for me. I asked if I could get a vanilla latte, but nope, no vanilla offered. I just had a regular latte and my husband had an iced latte. I think I must be incredibly spoiled with the coffee shops in North Carolina and I've developed really high standards when it comes to coffee and milk substitutes. This latte was totally below average and didn't wow me at all. I love counter culture beans that are offered in NC and I love that I can order an almond milk latte with vanilla. This was just boring and bland. My husband felt the same about his latte. Soooo I probably wouldn't recommend this shop if you're used to amazing lattes because that just didn't happen here. Three stars for friendly service and a nice interior. I hope this shop considers other milk substitutes for those who are health conscious - soy is terrible for you.
(3)amy h.
The desserts are good, the macaroons are some of the best I've had, not overly sweet like you sometimes get, and the texture is just right. The desserts are beautiful, BUT unlike some bakeries where you get something that looks better than it tastes, here you get both which is definitely a major win. While this is not a "stop in on your way to work everyday" bakery, if you're looking for a fabulous dessert for party and willing to pay for it, this is definitely the place to go.
(4)Alex K.
I met a professor of mine here to interview him for an article I was writing. He suggested the place (I had never heard of it) and he was obviously a regular, knowing the counter staff by name. I arrived early to prepare. The place was quiet enough to get work done but not silent. The atmosphere was very comfortable and productive with people studying/working etc all around. I ordered a cup of coffee and and almond bear claw. I enjoy going to coffee shops like this to study or get work done, and even deal with sub-par coffee and pastries just for the atmosphere. This place was far from that. The coffee was as good as anywhere and if there was a way to purchase every single almond bear claw they ever make I would. The prices are definitely a little expensive for a coffee shop, and you'll think that right up till the point where you actually taste the food, then it wont matter. Overall, I highly recommend Pistacia Vera and look forward to going back there many times to try the multitude of wonderful looking sweets they have.
(4)Christin D.
I have seen the light that is Pistacia Vera. People here swear by the macarons, but I'm a bigger fan of the breakfast patries. Guys, the almond croissant is tragically, sublimely good. The outside is crisp, with just enough toasted almonds and powdered sugar, and the inside is dense, not too sweet, and very moist. I don't even want to think about how much butter is in that thing. If you get there too late in the day and find heartbreak in the form of an empty croissant tray, the pain au chocolat is always a good standby.
(5)Emily U.
Super minimalist compared to every other bakery I've ever been to. Clean, simple, relaxing. Not a HUGE assortment, but the best. Although there are at least a dozen macaroons to choose from! Everything made just so and just so lovely. And with real flavors- the ginger is GINGER (for us real ginger lovers) Best ice tea I've ever had. Lovely gifts- all of witch I'd love to receive. Extra parking across the street helps too.
(5)Michael U.
This place is already reviewed, wonderfully, by myself and others here: yelp.com/biz/pistacia-ve…
(5)Daniel W.
Pistacia Vera never misses. Is it bad that my dentist and favorite confectionary are a few blocks away from each other? For a few bucks, you can enjoy a sweet treat any time of day. The macarons are a personal favorite, but I have yet to find a weak spot in their selection. Pistacia's seasonal specialties are always a hit as well. After moving location a couple years ago, to the always charming German Village, and changing their name from the everyday "Pistachio" to the scientific "Pistacia Vera", it is clear that a standard set early on is never compromised. According to pistachiohealth.com , the pistachio is good for your heart, important in weight management, and full of nutrients. Just like its nutty cousin, Pistacia Vera is packed with general goodness.
(5)Eugene M.
Macarons are delicious with various flavors including nutella, apricot, lavender, etc. Various pastries and sweets with a great selection of coffee and teas. You can even watch how they make the pastries on the side of the building via the windows. Very nice place, clean and modern looking. I also like one of the girls behind the counter.
(5)Andrea B.
The easiest five star decision ever. This place rocks and is always my first stop when I find myself in O-H-I-O. It is also the first thing out of my mouth when friends ask what they can bring me when they come to visit Chicago. My top recommendation would be to try the bostock. What is bostock, you ask? Exactly. That is why I skipped over it on my initial visits. Dumb. Should have been getting this from the get go. They vary the flavors of the bostock but the general idea is that it is brioche with almond filling baked on it. Make sure to ask them to warm it up. To date the holiday bostock had been my fave. Have yet to get anything here I didn't love. The coffee is superb to boot. On a final note, the shop is well lit and a nice place to enjoy a Sunday morning pastry. Even the bathroom is cool looking!!
(5)Laurie S.
I'm only giving it 4 stars because I have only tried one menu item and the name escapes me! It was a flaky pastry with thin slices of...I want to say plum and it was GOOD! The coffee was also just right. The atmosphere was sleek and clean and the staff was SUPER, AMAZINGLY NICE! I was hoping for a cupcake and I don't even know if they have them on the menu here...but I would DEFINITELY go back. This is the friendliest and tastiest bakery I have been to in Columbus.
(4)Jon T.
Beautiful bakery with excellent goods. Been going for years. Coffee is also excellent.
(5)Ashley J.
An adorable and friendly bakery in German Village. They have some nice desserts, but the interior is a bit too small for me, honestly. Also, the selection isn't very board. Of course, this could be the time of day that I go (lunch time and late afternoon), so their selection may be limited by that point. They are a bit on the expensive side for a piece of a treat, but it's quite lovely!
(3)Zach M.
The absolute class of Columbus bakeries or whatever you want to call them. I love the sort of sterile/clean environment almost as much as the food. But the food is really good. Everyone knows about the macarons - some flavors are better than others. Every single item on display looks amazing, making it really hard to decide on anything. Great place to take out of town visitors or to grab a quick dessert for dinner party.
(5)Joshua K.
Wow! This is a gem in German Village. Had the pleasure of taking a kitchen tour and meeting the owners during a Columbus dessert tour. This place rocks in every way! The macaroons are simply amazing, probably the best I've had outside of France and quite possibly the best ever. I loved the atmosphere and the level of service was impeccable. The owners were very passionate about their family owned patisserie and staying true to the French style. It's a must do when you are in Columbus!
(5)Kelly R.
I thought this place would be amazing after I heard all my friends rave. However, it is really expensive and the treats I had seemed old. I do appreciate how they have free water. The girls who were working seemed to be busy and not very helpful when I asked what to get. The macaroons were too rich. Not exactly my taste. However, if you are in to rich, this place is for you.
(2)Vic W.
GREAT Boutique Bakery!
(5)Rebecca O.
I thought my love for cupcakes transcended every other baked good on the planet. But then I met Pistacia Vera's macaroons, which gave cupcakes some stiff competition. I wouldn't consider myself a macaroon connoisseur, but I definitely know these are good. Not too sweet, not too bland. Not too big, not too small. Lots of gluten-free choices, too. I love coming here and purchasing macaroons as gifts; they're too pretty to resist. Prices are a bit high, hence the three stars.
(4)S L.
I stopped by with my boyfriend last weekend and got 6 macarons and iced tea. They had Buckeye Macarons! That was the first time I had seen that flavor offered. I wish they had it all the time because my boyfriend and I both agreed that it was one of the best macaron flavors we've ever tried (and we've tried a ton!).
(5)Eileen T.
Had my first macarons here, and they were so sweet. So much flavor for such small desserts. I'd love to try the other desserts...but they are on the expensive side. The $1.25 macarons are definitely worth it though.
(4)Martha W.
If you are missing French/Euro pastries and need to postpone your trip to Paris this year, go to Pistacia Vera to get your fix. The croissants and macarons are almost exactly like their Parisian counterparts (slightly heavier, perhaps). The pistachio chocolate chunk cookie was delectable. I need to go back to try the cakes. As other Yelpers have said, the space itself is elegant and the presentation of the pastries is delightful - even sleek. Coming from D.C., I thought it would be hard to find places like this in Columbus. I was very pleasantly surprised!
(4)Maggie M.
I love Pistacia Vera. Such a charming cafe placed in historical German village, and the employees are very friendly. The croissants and macrons are to die for! But my favorite thing to order is the mushroom quiche. It melts in your mouth! You would be missing out if you passed up this Columbus gem.
(5)Steven S.
I order a macaron gift box for Valentine's Day. And of the 12 we received at least 8 of them were stale. I understand they probably went through a high volume and it's difficult to make large amounts and keep them fresh, however for the cost they charge, I expected higher quality
(2)Carlos G.
I stop by this place every time I am in Columbus. This was the first place outside of Paris that I found the macaroons. They are great! I used to order them and mail them to family and friends. I recently stopped by and ordered two boxes of 6 for some clients plus an apple pizelle for me. SO yummy! keep up the good work!
(5)Cate M.
Amazing croissants!
(5)Nathan S.
I've tried macarons elsewhere, even ones that had been featured on the Food Network, but none match Pistacia Vera's. I usually get a different variety each time, and they NEVER disappoint. Even the simplest flavors such as vanilla are incredibly flavorful. Also, sometimes I grab something from the Tarts & Torts menu--I don't know what most of them are so I go by how they look--again, everytime it's nothing but wonderful. Add a good cup of coffee or their super-chocolately hot chocolate, and you got yourself the best pastry cafe in Columbus.
(5)Marie L.
The pastries are delicious and it is an ray location to access. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I also think Pistacia Vera is very fair priced for their pastries and I will be going back.
(5)Jessica H.
I remember this place from when it was hidden away behind high street. Everything is tempting, the displays visually delicious. I walked in, simply hungry after a mid-morning meeting - hoping to find something inspiring and within a decent price point. The counter person suggested I try the croissants...one was plain, the other had ham and cheese I think. It took me a while, but I opted for the croissant (plain, as I am a veg). I had it with rhubarb jelly - homemade at that. I was skeptical. I hate a crappy, fakely greasy crisco-y nasty croissant. You know, the kind that leaves your tongue with a waxy, nasty coating? What I ended up with would make the angels sing in ecstasy. This was light, flaky authentically buttery goodness. It was everything I wanted and more. I was hoping to save it for home, but it didn't last the car ride, eaten in neanderthal fashion shoving bits and pieces into the tangy jelly at every red light. I was lucky enough to live in Europe for a time - this croissant is the best I've ever had since then. Oh, and the rest of the stuff looked good too. Their macaroons from a previous trip were excellent and well balanced. But that croissant. The only thing that might make it more authentic would be to wrap a smidge of Nutella in, to morph into molten chocolate hazelnut goodness in the oven.
(5)Sarah S.
Literally, this is my go-to dessert place in Columbus. Everything I've ever gotten here is outstanding. Not joking, even the coffee and especially the hot chocolate are great. The shop is small, brightly lit with natural light, and has a nice array of tempting delicious goods. You can't go wrong. For first time diners, I always recommend the chocolate bomb. Trust me. Every person I've watched eat one of these (myself included) take a bite and then conclude, "OMG this is so good!". Watch for the specials they have during restaurant week each year and take a friend for the sampler platter. Parking is also easy, which is a rarity in german village. They have a small lot just across the street.
(5)Laura C.
I've been wanting to try MACAROONS for some time, as they've been ALL THE CRAZE. Did nothing for me. They were visibly pleasing with their fun colors, but that's about it. I'll take a chocolate chip cookie over a macaroon any day. I guess I'd like them more if they were less than a dollar a piece - they seemed kinda pricey for the 2 bites-size.
(3)Elizabeth B.
What can I say? Pistacia Vera is impeccable. The pastries are the most authentic I've had since living in France, the locally roasted coffee is blended specially for the café, and the brunch items are worth every penny of their price. Never have I eaten such flavorful ratatouille as the one that garnishes the shirred eggs, and the quiches are the airiest and most flavorful I've ever had. Pastries are updated seasonally. This time of year, my boyfriend will reroute errands to include a stop at Pistacia Vera for a pumpkin spice macaron, and I usually let myself be talked into one as well. The staff is friendly and helpful and the owners are masters of their respective arts (Spencer as pastry chef, and Anne in the front of house). The café is beautiful - clean, bright, open. And, a Columbus bonus, they offer free parking in a lot just across the street!
(5)DeSean W.
Finally!...I made it to the #1 dessert pick of columbus!.Of course I had to try these constantly raved about macarons.It was my birthday, so I splurged!I got 3 macarons,(vanilla bean, mocha hazelnut&I can't think of the last one), an individual strawberry pistachio dequoise(hope I spelled that right), and an iced mocha.when I tasted that macaron,I knew that slight coffee, soft waifer tasting,kind of like a tiny sandwich and me were destined to be together....I ll make many more trips to get this delectable snack, next time,I may even try some baked eggs....just have.to figure out how to park:)
(5)Ariel B.
This is my favorite bakery in the whole city... no, the whole state... wait, no, probably the whole country! The "chocolate bomb" has been my sweet infatuation for nearly a year now which I suppose makes it more of a committed relationship, really. I fantasize about a chic birthday party on a high rise terrace surrounded by family and friends when out comes a giant chocolate bomb embellished with sparklers. I'm more of a traditional macaroon kind of girl, but if they are your thing then you should come here and try their brightly arranged assortments. The tarts, cookies, and croissants will also blow your mind. Dine in AND get a to go box! I always do.
(5)Sidu C.
This is the best true "café" in town. I can't believe that I've lived in Columbus now for 4 years and I didn't really know about this café. They say you don't ever know your hometown until you have to show it to visitors and this was my case. German Village has always been a must for visitors, but we regularly look at the architecture and historical sites. However, this time for some reason I noticed this place. It call my attention because they have a huge pistachio by their window and I love them!!! I used to eat them a lot as a child. I tried the pistachio cake and macaroon, my husband a chololate bombe and my friend from Europe something I don't remember. What we remember is the wonderful service and the mouth watering experience. It feels like I;ve found a new favorite spot in the city. Lighting is good, the colors are wonderful (light green), the bathrooms are sparking clean (considering we went in the afternoon and many people had already used them). The price was not too bad, but I wouldn't go if I'm on a tight budget.
(5)Sara D.
My husband & I were visiting from Akron. We wanted to go to the Book Loft and the only reason we stopped in Pistacia Vera was to get some iced coffee. I am so glad we did! The iced coffee was good, but the macarons blew me away. We each had a Nutella macaron. They were very airy & delicate, as they should be! The whole place was very clean and modern, and the colorful array of treats in the bakery case was very tempting. We will make a point to stop here on our future trips to Columbus. I definitely want to try a variety of the macarons, and also the pate de fruits.
(5)Derek C.
Best desserts in Columbus!
(5)elisa c.
So I'm a sucker for cakes and coffee and Pistacia Vera manages both with a tremendous amount of style and sheer awesomeness. I used the terrible excuse of "let's do something nice for someone else" today just to justify coming here to try it for the first time and it was heaven. Love the Opera cake, love the German Chocolate Carmel cake, love the off street parking in the German Village... all around, beautiful. I will be coming back here, Oh, I bought a pre-packaged thing of macaroons they had done up with a bow and pretty colors and flavors - managed to buy the affection of the entire Fiscal department where I work. Kinda love Pistacia Vera right about now :)
(5)Joy W.
Great brunch and croissant. Desert is a little bit over sweet to me.
(4)Amanda H.
Dearest Pistacia Vera, Since last we met, some several fortnights ago, I have been visited endlessly by cravings for your miniature macaroons. Part of me had dismissed the possibility of ever enjoying such decadent baked goods again, but thanks to these tiny, gluten-free delights, I can stuff my face uncontrollably with sinful sweets once more. Allow me to share my undying gratitude to you for this gift. And to give you 5 stars. Humbly and irresistibly yours, ~a
(5)Rachel G.
Cafe Au Lait was really good. The mushroom and leek quiche was amazing. I tried a bite of the ham & cheese croissant and it was OK- I thought the cheese was a little chewy, and the croissant a little greasy. I will definitely be back to try more of the goodies and breakfast treats.
(4)Spencer M.
Wicked good coffee and wonderful service! A tad pretentious but what isn't in GV? Good place to visit and have a cup.
(4)Phil R.
The macaroons are AMAZING!-They even have a gift box of a dozen.
(4)Andrew S.
I have to eat gluten free (no wheat, barley, malt, rye) which usually means I have a difficult time finding anything to order in a pastry or desert shop/restaurant... So imagine my delight when I found out PV has a number of incredible delectable desert's that they make gluten free! Wow! Whether eating in or "to go" the friendly staff of "desert artisans" will guide you thru the many offerings.
(5)Birdy N.
Wow - Columbus has arrived. This is world class desserts. The macaroons are to die for. As are many of their other desserts. The decor and service have always been top notch too.
(5)Shea H.
If you love macaroons, stop playing games and go to this place. Oh my goodness. The flavors were oh so very delectable. I couldn't even handle myself. I had to resist buying one of each (because frankly that would have set me back quite a bit of dough...haha dough). I have been meaning to get here for months. I had to make my way through the tight German Village streets and tricky alleyway parking, but as soon as I bit into the luscious, light, fluffy macaroon, I knew without a doubt, that it was worth it. Very very very nice bakery. I can't wait until I'm in the area again. It was popping (read: busy as heck) during lunch so maybe go really early or when everyone in the world isn't looking for nourishment. Parking will probably be easier then...
(5)Madison R.
This was my first trip to German Village. It's a neat little area of tree-lined brick streets of little restaurants and bars. Outside PIstacia Vera there are tables for outdoor seating. This would be a nice place to sit and chat with friends, but it was just a little too hot today. For our first trip we decided to try a bit of everything. We ordered an almond croissant, one of each macaron, a chocolate caramel tart, a chambord berry flourless, a pistachio cake, a cappuccino, and an iced mocha. Everything was good, but my favorites were the chocolate berry flourless cake and the caramel macaron. The cappuccino was very strong, which I liked. The girls working there were all very polite and helpful. I probably won't go out of my way to eat here, but I'll come again if I'm in the area.
(4)Amy F.
AH-mazing Macarons and Gluten Free options. Love!
(5)Kaya G.
This place is beyond ridiculous... Think explosions, think orgasms, think of your first kiss.... This is Pistacia Vera. We used this place for two meetings two days in a row... The first day it would have been rude to eat at the customer, so I didnt taste anything... But then - the night before our big breakfast we went over to place the order... I walked in and those macaroons were giving me the eye... I was unable to focus on anything, anything at all. I zoomed in and the colors were just electrifying, the smell overwhelming... Blocking out the person near me who was trying to arrange the breakfast choices (no eggs and cheese here, mind you) all I heard was my heart beating faster and faster as I took the steps closer to the display... I asked for one, a rasberry beauty and I could not for the life of me open my eyes and realize I was alive. The "died and gone to heaven" moment in my life happened. I had tears in my eyes, and saw angels. And when I ate the pistachio macaroon I almost blacked out from the pleasure on my palate, coursing through my veins. Breakfast was ordered and picked up at 6:45 with 2 boxes of joe. The baked goods were still smoking hot, so fresh... After our big meeting I went to town on the bear claws and some eclair version of a mini cake "CANNELÈ", nut-free caramelized baked custard tea cake infused with rum and blade mace, and life was too good. If all the world would have a macaroon there would only be eternal love, heaven, peace, love and no war.
(5)Shawnie K.
One word. Macarons.
(5)Finneus J.
I may be in the minority here, but I felt that the macaroons were waaaaaaay overhyped. I tried several different flavors and the fillings were heavy, and overly sweet. I also tried the lemon tart, and again- it was very heavy and overly sweet. On the bright side, they have a nice outdoor seating area, and the coffee was hot and delicious.
(3)JaimeNScott G.
Love the mushroom quiche! Have visited several times and love taking people from out of town. Great coffee too! Friends have enjoyed the croque monsieur and the croissants are always a favorite. Don't try to count calories when you visit... just savor the flavors!
(5)Eli R.
It was good. Macarons had a little bit of a refrigerator taste, but the chocolate bombe was pretty amazing
(3)Aaron A.
Five supermassive red stars for Pistacia Vera. The Best of Columbus. Who has parking in German Village? Pistacia Vera has an impressive parking lot, which is crazy, but have fun with some no-brainer parking in the German Village for the first time in your life. Why are we standing around, admiring a stupid parking lot? There are cookies waiting for us! Ok, so we're inside, this place looks pretty fancy. Based on my experience with some other Columbus snack peddlers who shall remain nameless I'm guessing the people behind the counter are going to be pretty pretentious. But wait! They're not! They're just nice. This is way too easy. Parking, polite staff, where's the experience I'm paying for? If I don't have to search for parking, then stand in line for half an hour waiting for some kid to be a dick to me I don't know if I've had the true Columbus gourmet treatment. I've found one problem, the flow of traffic in the room is a little awkward with people going from the counter to the tables. Man, I just hand these five star reviews out to anybody. You can have the most beautiful pastry experience of your life and get out of here for less than five bucks. The Bittersweet Fudgie is the most amazing cookie I have ever eaten. The combination of textures leaves me speechless. I'm always overwhelmed by the array of techniques being employed to craft all of these stunning sweets. Everything one could expect a pastry chef to be capable of is done here with perfect execution. You seriously can not choose wrong. Pistacia Vera is my number one, absolutely perfect (except for the review ruining traffic fiasco) spot in Columbus. If you go one place, if you have time to do just one thing, this is it.
(5)Jane S.
Awesome. This place is just awesome. Love all their sweets especially the macarons! The place is always packed when i visit. And the staffs are nice too. Its a bit pricy but i think it suits the quality of the desserts. The atmosphere is crowded most times but the design of the shop is modern and chic, very clean and cozy too.
(4)Neha B.
Delicious macarons, pretty good gluten-free cake/terrine-things, and so-so coffee. I've tried most flavors of their macarons and find that they are consistently fresh and delicious. Word to the wise: even though technically you can refrigerate or even freeze macarons, they are best eaten fresh, when the thin outer shell fractures under the slight pressure of your teeth, revealing the chewy, almondy layer below, and giving way to the creamy filling in the center. Macarons, made well, are ethereal. Pistacia Vera's macarons are consistently ethereal. I've tasted a couple of the gluten-free cake-things: a strawberry/pistachip dacquoise and a cassis (blueberry) something. They were not bad; my boyfriend liked them enough to order them almost each time we visit, but I'm not particularly in love with them. I eat the macarons. By the dozen. (Almost.) The coffee's okay, nothing great, but not offensive. I like coffee to have nuance and personality, and for that, you have to have pourover, or similar, which PV doesn't do currently. The servers in the German Village cafe and the North Market stall are polite, not generally effusive in their friendliness, but always courteous. Have I mentioned that I adore their macarons? What, I haven't? Good heavens, what a grave oversight. People, I LOVE THEIR MACARONS. That is all.
(4)Tiffany C.
After showing relatives who were in town around German Village, we decided to stop by this place based on solid yelp reviews and boy were we happy that we did! They specialize in both macaroons and croissants. They also have a variety of cakes to choose from. We each shared a macaroon (caramel pecan) - $1.50 each - and we found it to be full of flavor with a nice crunch. Jim had had these before at other places and this was by far the best yet. We also shared an almond croissant. It was soft, flaky (but not the stale flaky) and an ample size. This is easily shareable and the price is right ($4.00). Definitely recommend this place for a quick snack, or to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!
(4)Puneet S.
If I lived in German Village, I would have to try to avoid walking into this place all the time! Yes, it is a little pricey. However, their pastries are amazing! Each one is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, flavor, design, and moistness.
(5)Suzanne M.
Pistacia Vera is one of my very favorite place in Columbus. This patisserie has beautiful, elegant and above-all, utterly delectable pastries and cookies. All of this in an amazing, light-filled building that now happily has chairs and tables inside it (it didn't initially). I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that I have had there, but here are a few all-time favorites: *Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Cookies. So much better than toll-house, and practically a steal at $1.50 *Lemon Pinenut Tart. I could eat immensely flavorful, yet surprisingly light dessert every day. *Apple Financier Tart. They introduced this in the summer--at the insistent behest of customers hankering for apples--even though apples are fall food. Having tasted it, I would say it's worth breaking the seasonal routine. *Lavendar Honey Macaron. My favorite macaron. It tastes like May in Provence. I would come here just fo rthe pastries, but I have to put in a good word for the service here. Everyone who works here, from the counter staff to the patry chef, to the owner/manager are such infectiously friendly, happy people that it makes you feel delighted to be there.
(5)Kristi H.
It's been a while since I've been to Pistacia Vera but I'm craving one of every macaroon they make. I can't drive four hours just to buy them, but I wish I could. So I'm writing a review instead. I came to Columbus with friends and one of those friends is obsessed with mastering the perfect macaroon. I'd never had a macaroon, so I wasn't sure what the fuss was over. We dropped by on a Saturday afternoon and the place was busy but not packed. We were served quickly and efficiently. We bought a sample of every macaroon flavor and then proceeded to try a bite of each one. They were light, fluffy, crunchy, sweetness with wonderful, subtle flavor combinations. I've had macaroons since then and they do not compare. The place is small, clean, cute and simple. Fair warning: the presentation of the baked goods will make you buy more than you intend. Which isn't really a problem.
(5)Katherine B.
Had the croque monsieur, which had a delicious horseradish spread. My friend had the salmon on rye and every bit was gone. We also tried the macarons. I have never had such a delightful and flavorful dessert. Tried the chocolate cherry cordial and pistachio. Plan to make another trip to Columbus busy for this restaurant! The staff is super friendly and helpful. The restaurant is quite small. Brunch is only served 7am to 2:00pm. Don't leave without trying the Macaron (yes, that is the correct spelling).
(5)Golnaz P.
There once was a girl who has a major sweet tooth. After thoroughly researching the dessert options in Columbus, Ohio, she decided Pistacia Vera was a must try. One cold night she set out for some dessert. Sadly, she got there 5 minutes after they closed. She peeked inside the place while the bright and decadent dessert were being put away. She pledged to herself that she will be back. And back she came, not once but twice! She paced the counter looking at the cakes, cookies, brownies, and everything enticing. The fig, cherry, and pistachio cake grabbed her eye. With a macaroon topped on the beautiful cake, how could she resist? Every bite filled her with happiness. She savored every bite that paired so perfectly with her coffee. The second time she visited this oasis of desserts, she ordered the pistachio chocolate chip cookies. Our story should have a happy ending, but this is not the case. For the girl does not live in Ohio and will not have Pistacia Vera near her. She can only relieve the memories in her head.
(5)Meaggie B.
If you are looking for a coffee or latte and a quick bite to eat this is the place to get it in German village. They have multiple homemade desserts as well as Breakfast pastries. Their lattes are handmade and the coffee here is delicious.
(4)E L.
I'm raving, really, really raving about the Pain Au Raisen and Maple Pecan Twist. I have been living in Columbus since '79 and these are the very best of best of best - sort of Danishes - that I have ever eaten anywhere. The best part is I don't get heartburn!!! What The Fork? 5 up....
(5)Brian B.
Delicious and inexpensive macarons! All the flavors are wonderful--just amazing.
(5)N S.
I have been to Pistacia Vera at least 15-20 times over the years. I was skeptical at first because years living in and traveling around Europe had made me come to realize that much of what is offered there is more showy than flavorful. One in ten, at most, pastry shops are worth it. Pistacia Vera is the exception to the rule. Everything is perfectly done. The flavors mate with the presentations. They are bold when they need to be, subtle when that works best. Incredible attention to every detail in every offering. This caring for every part of the process carries over to the staff; they are unstintingly smiling, courteous and efficient. Pistacia Vera would be a neighborhood favorite in any neighborhood in the world.
(5)Autumn T.
Try ALL of their macarons. (And no, I did not say macaroons.)
(5)Teri S.
This bakery has the best croissants . I was a little leary because they were browner than usual but after one bite , I was sold. Almond croissant melted in my mouth. The croissants are pricey but are large enough to share. They sell cafe brioso coffee which is my favorite roastery in town.
(5)Mark H.
One of my favorite places to have a simple brunch. I've had two kinds of queche here with coffee to drink. The queche is served with a tasty mixed greens salad with a light oil-based dressing that makes brunch filling enough without the food coma. Of course, the Persian macaroons are their staple and they are no joke. The flavors rotate fairly often so each time I feel like I get to try a couple new flavors while enjoying some old favorites. I could eat a dozen in one sitting if it weren't for the calories! These truly are the next best thing to actually going to Paris!
(5)Makiah D.
First time ever having macaroons was very impressed with the flavor! Can't wait to go back and try more
(5)Robbie C.
Great local spot! Terrific coffee and espresso drinks, cute, modern interior, delicious food. The food i just a little on the pricey side, that's the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars.
(4)Mohanish A.
Macrons were creamy ...a must try!!!
(5)Nicole D.
I really want to like macaroons, I really do. They look cute, have a great variety of fancy flavors, but man they all taste like processed candy to me :( plus all macaroon are made with artificial food dyes :/ But Pistacia Vera have some interesting cakes that are definitely worth trying. They look more sophisticated and probably made with better ingredients.
(3)Nicholas K.
Pain au chocolat... Pain au chocolat... Oh God, pain au chocolat...
(4)Mary S.
I first went here in February late in the day, but they still had a lot of very delicious looking pastries in the case. I had heard about their macarons, and bought a half dozen to sample. Well, I died and went to heaven. The vanilla bean was my favorite, followed by the raspberry. My companion loved the coffee and chocolate. Biting into one was like eating a crackly cloud with a smooth center. I admit I took a few apart, like oreos, and licked out the buttercream center. But buy what you can eat in a day, because the airiness diminishes afterwards.
(5)Angela F.
My waistline and pocketbook are thankful that we live 350 miles from Pistacia Vera - the rest of me, not so much. After a sinful breakfast at German Village Coffee Shop, the family and I decided to keep the gluttony-train rolling by visiting Pistacia Vera to fortify ourselves with goodies before departing on our 6 hour drive home to Chicago. Annie welcomed us into her charmingly pristine shop, and could not have been more delightful. She took the time to explain the different confections, packaged our choices beautifully, and gave us clear instructions on how to store them in order to maximize their freshness. The macrons made us swoon - all that we tried were heavenly: vanilla bean, key lime coconut, black raspberry, buttermint, strawberry rose, and pistachio. But for me, the chicken dinner winner was the Grand Cru truffle. I've eaten a fair number of truffles in my day, but none as divine as this. The texture is what puts it over the top; lighter than air, creamy, melty, fudgy...just perfect. Pistacia Vera is an experience not to be missed (for dessert lovers, anyway). We will never visit Columbus without stopping in.
(5)Marty M.
Great eye-candy (i.e., appealing baked goods visually) and an attractively converted store, but the taste of their pastries no longer match their looks / design (often multi-layered creations). Tried a mix of six (mini tarts / tortes and macarons) there with my wife and friends recently -- all but one of the items were very dried (stale?). We were especially fond of their cookie assortment and recipes when they were located in the Short North, but that selection has been reduced in variety and qualities since.
(2)Zhong C.
splendid!
(5)Rich S.
Tell the world you've made it with Pistacia Vera pastry. This stuff is grade-A rocket fuel for big timers.
(5)Riri A.
Best place for cakes and its unique place to go. Must try at least
(5)Caroline W.
This charming coffee shop will remind you of sitting in a small European shop, sipping coffee and enjoying the ambiance. The only problem is, it is small and a bit cramped...
(5)Julie W.
I am absolutely enamored with this place! I sent my family Christmas gifts from here and everyone was delighted. Their coffee is amazing and the chocolate croissants are perfect on a Sunday morning. The staff is very dog friendly and always go outside to give my boys a treat while I'm inside drooling over the pastry case.
(5)Emma O.
Macaron.Paradise. Here and here alone is where I get my circle slices of heaven. I love love love their macaroons and at 1.50 each they are not frightfully over priced. My personal favorite is the passion fruit macaron. I have not had the other desserts so that i cannot speak to, but my friends have and they seem to really enjoy the $1 chocolate cookies and the chocolate raspberry cake. The only reason my review is not five stars is because of the minimal parking by the store. They do have additional spaces behind the hair salon, but when I'm in a lazy bum sweet eating macaron mood, I don't really fancy a stroll. Other than that. I'm in heaven.
(4)Pat M.
Awesome place. It is a little pricey, but the deserts are amazing. Well worth checking out if you're in German Village.
(5)Meghan S.
Coffee is amazing! The service is always great, baristas are friendly and quick with orders.
(5)Morgan M.
I have long loved Pistacia Vera but I hadn't written a review until this most recent time! I don't know why, but better late than never! My sister (from out of town) wanted the macarons and we met a friend for coffee. I got the chocolate croissant, got an orange brioche for my toddler and we drank Americanos. Aided by my unexpectedly well-behaved toddler we had a really great time. I just love the calm but bustling atmosphere and the bright lighting! As far as food goes it's all really good and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they offer real food and a good brunch (i've had a couple of the items, all good!). The desserts are delicious and beautiful. A few cakes make a great centerpiece at a bridal or baby shower! Anyway, they are such a fun place and I can't wait to see what they come up with for their North Market location!
(5)Nk C.
So fresh, so delicious, so YUMMY! I tried their macaroon, pistachio chocolate chip cookie, and ham & cheese croissant! Freshness and quality make this place a must try! They are busy on the weekends in the morning until noon so it's take a little time to find a parking spot. Their parking lot only fits 3 cars and their parking lot across has about 10 spots. Street parking is 2 hr limit so there are options...just go early or after noon :)
(4)Emily L.
Full disclosure. I had not tried a macaron until this past Sunday when I came to Pistacia Vera. I had seen them online and heard friends talk about them forever, but never found a place that sold them(or sold some that seemed to be good quality). My friend Kelsey insisted that we rectify this crime against my taste-buds and go to Pistacia Vera. We let my boyfriend tag along for our lady date. When you walk in, there is a huge glass case filled with every kind of beautifully crafted pastry your little heart could want. The macarons are so colorful and the variety is amazing. My boyfriend and I got a 12 pack, which is 1 of every single flavor. I'm pretty sure this is meant to be a gift box...but whatever. If I was doing this, I was doing it right. We also got some ham and cheese croissants and coffees. The croissants were delicious and flakey. I had crumbs everywhere, which I think is the true test of an awesome croissant. As for the coffee, I had a cafe mocha and it was rich and not too sweet. Pretty perfect. And then...on of the main event! We haven't even tried all the macarons yet, but of the ones we've had, we've loved them all. Of the twelve flavors, we have tried: Buckeye, Pistachio, coconut creme, mint chocolate, chocolate cherry cordial, and milk chocolate passion fruit. I'm not a huge coconut fan, but that was my favorite so far. That might change once we finish off the other 6. The macarons are all very satisfying and not too sweet, which is sometime I appreciate(I don't like my mouth feeling like cavities are forming as I eat my treats). They were the perfect price at $1.25 a piece and I can see coming here for coffee and few on a regular basis. I'll need to try more treats here, but I could not have been happier with my first go-round. If you come on a nice day, sit outside! Even with the little fall chill in the air, the coffee warmed us right up and it was a real treat. STOP READING THIS AND COME HERE ALREADY!
(5)Patrick C.
CHOCOLATE BOMB! It's the number 1 reason I stop there. Chocolate bomb is this really interesting half sphere of fluffy chocolate covered in a hard chocolate shell. its fantastic! Such a weird little shop that resembles that of a coffee house, but sells all these amazing looking sweets. I really need to broaden my horizon here at this shop, I've always been interested in the Macarons, with all there different flavors and colors, they have always been appealing to me. Parking can be tricky in that part of town but that doesnt mean its impossible. Its good stuff, and the first stop I make when ever there is a birthday or a celebration of any kind.
(5)Amanda S.
This is one of my absolute favorite places in Columbus and one I always take out of town guests to. It's simply perfect for breakfast, brunch or just a coffee/pastry. You can't go wrong here. My favorite dish is the tomato egg bake with a croissant and one of their homemade jams. It's literally the best breakfast meal I can think of as I love getting both sweet and savory. The quiche is also outstanding. Buy macaroons to go and you'll be happy later! GO HERE NOW! :-)
(5)hollie w.
Macarons are so tasty! Pistachio flavor is my all time fave. Lots of other good pastries available but I stick with macarons everytime.
(5)Courtney W.
OM NOM NOM!! Truly the only way to describe our experience. Parking here is a bit of a hassle, only 2 spots are actually attached to this establishment (w/ more across the street) but after a couple of tries we managed to find a spot! We hurried our way in and even though the place was busy it didnt take longer then a moment or two to be greeted by a friendly face. The hardest part here is deciding what to order. Everything looked so good it was hard to believe they were all edible! They had so many flavors of macrons, and lots of yummy looking tarts, croissants, cookies, etc. We ordered 4 macarons (strawberry lillet, blackberry violet, chocolate chambord, and matcha yuzu), an espresso tart, and some coffee. Everything was very tasty and nothing lasted very long; we were done by the time our coffee reached the table. Their macrons are what stand out the most to me with such a variety in flavors and fillings it really makes for a very tasty treat! Matcha Yuza was by far our favorite flavor we tried. Matcha is japanese for powdered green tea and a very popular flavor for just about everything over in japan and yuzu means tea. The flavor was mild and sweet and the macron itself was the best I've ever had by far. The blackberry violet was a preserve filling that simply melted in your mouth; the strawberry lillet was the same. The tart was creamy, rich, smooth, and had a wonderful espresso flavor that was matched perfectly by the crispy soft pie crust. I did agree with my husband that the crust was a bit dry although it did break apart with ease. I felt the same way about their lavender shortbread cookie; oh so yummy but dry. Their coffee is strong...STRONG...but paired nicely with their pastries. My favorite thing here though was the chocolate cake that they had up at the register; so perfect I wish I got a whole loaf! They have a very nice patio with a couple tables although the chairs are very tiny and leave your but a bit sore; granted we did sit here for a good hour just watching all the people walking by. German Village is like that, you tend to get lost in everything around you. The only downside to the whole morning were the prices; on the expensive side. Things really add up fast here.
(4)Joe Y.
Very nice place! Just visiting so not 100% but this place I believe in located in German Village. Plenty of parking across the street or on the street. Once inside you see a lot of places to sit and a lot deserts to choose from. What's nice here is just about everything I saw was gluten free. However we came solely for the macaroons. I bought a bunch to go and we ate a few just to try from the hype. We had six all together and wow were some of them exceptional! Delicious all around and not disappointing. Great place to grab a coffee and a little desert. My only complaint is it is a little pricey but it's gluten free which I know typically hikes a price up so it's understandable.
(4)Jared W.
Was really not blown away at all after my first visit to Pistacia Vera. I was only looking for something light, so I ordered a Buckeye macaron, a chocolate bittersweet fudge cookie, and coffee. The Buckeye macaron was a little soft and the peanut butter filling in the middle was surprisingly not very good. The chocolate fudge cookie was very chewy inside like a brownie but crisp around the edges- pretty good but nothing special, and the coffee was mediocre. Overall, I was pretty disappointed in what I got. Everything looks incredibly delicious, but my experience was average overall, especially when I paid $6 for 6 bites of food and a poor cup of coffee.
(3)Aya R.
3/5 for their macarons... I know, they are extremely affordable! I could literally buy them all day everyday! :) But, I don't know if it was just the times I had been there, or what, but some of my macarons were too soggy. The passion fruit and the blackberry ones I had were... Soft... Too soft. :( I loved their coconut and their yuzu macaron! Don't get me wrong they can make some amazing macarons, but they aren't consistent. Whaaat... :( 5/5 for everything else! The atmosphere is fantastic, the girls working there are always ready to help take your order, and always open to questions. I didn't feel like I was standing around waiting forever to get help. The different iced teas they have are so delicious! Every one of them hit the spot. In summer, and again in the fall. I would definitely go back to sit, eat, sip on an iced tea, and just relax.
(4)Jessica M.
The atmosphere of this place is quant and the desserts are amazing. Tried the pistachio macaroon, the raspberry passion fruit tart, and the fudge cookie. Everything was beautifully appealing to the eyes and tasted great. Sat outside and enjoyed beautiful Sunday weather while doing it. I'll be back for sure
(5)Macarena G.
I have been to both locations- German Village and North Market. The products that they have are great. Their patisserie shows a lot of finesse and technique. I give them 4 starts because the bathroom was dirty. wet floor and lots of papers laying on the floor. Not what you would expect when you are paying 8 dollars for a piece of pie.
(4)Andrew T.
it deserves a 5 star no doubt about it I came all the way from San Francisco this place is really nice definitely worth it to be put on the map be sure to try one of everything so come with your friend... try the Bostock... You also have to try the lemon tart. you gotta try it crispy crunchy and flaky on the outside warm and fluffy and crea and sweet on the inside just the right balance of all flavors
(5)Regina M.
Came here as recommended by other reviews and I was not disappointed. The French Macarons are heavenly. Staff was very pleasant the decor and ambiance is beautiful. Would definitely come back when we get back to Ohio
(4)Zachary M.
This place is dangerous! I work nearby and visit PV often. I love it!
(5)Sakura K.
I went there for a late birthday treat to get some macarons yesterday. The place closes at 7 and we got there around 630. I ordered one of each and was given a presorted box from the case. My boyfriend ordered a pain au chocolat. The total was $22 with the box being $18 for 12 macarons and the bread $4. Since we were going to dinner first, i didn't bother opening the box until today and discovered I was shorted one. I called them today and told them and they said they wouldn't give me the missing one since I didn't have proof of purchase. They never even gave me a receipt!
(2)Erin N.
Being from the Burgh, I hadn't been here during any of our trips to Columbus, but Nationwide sent our office a box of their little "classic macarons" and I had to stop on our next journey. Some of the macaron flavors are a little much for most of my crew (elderflower, raspberry hibiscus?), but the vanilla bean macaron makes up for all the trendy flavors that may have been misses. They are perfect. Crisp and soft, perfect "feet" on the cookies. The store was a little crowded, and there were no tables outside, but we were just stopping by to grab a dozen. The staff was a little miffed with the busy Saturday afternoon, but generally helpful and polite. I do have one actual negative comment, other than German Village being a mess to drive. I also purchased two pistachio twists with my macarons, and they looked amazing and were HUGE. But they weren't great. Kind of burnt, mostly sticky bread. A disappointment for the price unfortunately. If you're sticking with macarons, A+. I have ordered these pups shipped to Pittsburgh. They're worth not only the drive through German mess, but apparently across the state.
(4)Kate D.
The next time I feel like driving four hours, this is the place I am driving to! I visited one of my friends in Columbus and after driving by this place, then having some one tell us how amazing it was, we had to try. I got a piece of some sort of heavenly creation and a cappuccino. It was like a mini european vacation in my head and mouth. The dessert was lightly sweet and lemony fresh. I took some macaroons to go and was not disappointed. I normally am not a fan, but their flavors just pop! Sweet and savory and refreshing. I seriously think about driving from Indy all the time, but until next time I can't get this place outta my head!
(5)Debi H.
Oh wow, try the croissants. These people know how to bake.. but, I ended up with heart burn, so a little heavy for mainly non-sweets eater like me. My kids and husband descended like ravenous wolves onto the box we brought home. I think my hand was grazed by a tooth. :)
(4)Margie Q.
I love Pistacia Vera. I always get cakes from here to take to parties. People love it and all I did was walk into the shop and point at a whole cake because I never plan ahead. They even wrap the box in a pretty ribbon in a color I choose. Also, they can write happy birthday on a little chocolate disc that does not detract from the presentation of their cakes.
(5)Megan S.
Ever since switching to a job in German Village, Pistacia Vera has become my go-to for quiet, but important, meetings and coffee dates with friends. The macrons are of course wonderful, but this place is so much more. They have a great selection of teas and pastries, and great foodie gifts that are great for party hostesses or gifts for colleagues and friends. I love the light in the place so if you're looking the perfect Instagram location, this is it :) Also, they don't have wifi - this is usually a big negative, but it keeps people focused on what's most important - each other, not their computers.
(4)Lea P.
Why yes. It is another 5-star review of Pistacia Vera. They just do what they do so well. It's not even worth arguing against it. I don't typically eat dairy and eggs, so there's not a lot here I would nibble on an ordinary day, but their online menu is very detailed regarding several kinds of dietary restrictions (gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan), so I was able to plan ahead. So let's start with the pate de fruit, the only solid vegan food on the menu. These little squares of jelly-like fruit stuff are $1 apiece for barely a mouthful, but I decided to chance them the first time I came in and bought the full $8 gift box, which contains two of each of the four flavors. I opened it in the car on the way home, took a bite, and almost rear-ended someone. Oh wow, it was like fruit explosion. There might not be much food there, but the taste more than makes up for it. The texture is very gelatin-like, but a glance at the ingredients will assuage vegan concerns: the primary ingredient is sugar. Like, four different kinds of sugar. And no gelatin. ;) I couldn't stand having only tried one amazing thing, so I've also had the almondine cookie, which is listed as dairy-free but not vegan, so there might be eggs? honey? I'm not sure. But again what it *does* have is taste. Such great texture, too. A bit firm around the edges but not exactly crispy, and then the center is soft and just a delight to bite into. I've been in twice now, and the service has been invariably chipper. The young men and women working behind the counter look to be the same age as your average Starbucks barista, but they sparkle so much more. It's like they rode in on unicorns and got sprinkled with fairy dust laced with caffeine before they started their shifts. Ok, that may be an exaggeration. But they're very nice. When I visited with Sara C. a few months ago, they had those signs on the table asking that guests limit their use of electronic devices, but those signs were nowhere to be seen on my more recent visit. In their place were . . . electronic devices. Customers with laptops all over. Great, and the one time I left mine at home. The side patio is very pleasant for good weather. And so I'm happy to be entering Pistacia Vera's 218th review and their latest glowing one. And why not? They have unicorns and fairy dust on their side.
(5)Shauna S.
Some of the best desserts I have ever tasted. It is a little pricey, but the ingredients and care that goes into baking these desserts are top notch! The macaroons are to die-for. They are very light and crunchy and are gluten free! The best treat is the Chocolate Bomb cake. Try it- you won't be disappointed!
(5)Colleen R.
There is no better sugar rush in the city. The only way you'll order wrong is if you do not order. The mini chocolate bombe cake is out of this world. The macaroons are so good you want to eat them as slowly as humanly possible. The "world's best" chocolate cookie could quite possible be the best in the world. Brunch foods are pretty good too. Nice staff, wonderful natural lighting, indoor and outdoor seating. The only negative would be a small parking lot or on-street parking.
(5)Travis Z.
This place makes some of the best deserts! Take a kitchen tour to see behind the scenes, it is worth it!
(5)Jen R.
Macarons, macarons, macarons! I wish some would appear if I said that three times. But until that happens, I'll go to Pistacia Vera. This place is so cozy and cute. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and coffee hits you as soon as you open the door and then when you actually SEE all of the croissants and pain au chocolat and macarons and desserts...sensory overload before you've even ordered. Everything I've tried here is scrumptious and extra points for the macaron gatekeeper who so patiently smiles with a box and tongs as I carefully select which of a zillion colorful, delectable concoctions I would like in said box. Oh yes, they also have delicious menu options other than baked goods :) If you haven't been here, go!
(5)Ashley M.
Love this place! On a recent stop in Columbus, I only had time to try a couple of eateries and based on the reviews, Pistacia Vera was my one pick. I am so, so glad I made my way to try Pistacia Vera before my flight back to Atlanta! I stopped in here on a full stomach and shared a couple of macaroons and tried a fruit tart with a friend. Not a big fan of macaroons, I was incredibly skeptical but my, oh my---were they soooo delicious! I tried the Caramel Pecan and the Matcha. Both were the perfect temperature and surprisingly, the right texture--not too soft and not too hard. The Caramel Pecan was my favorite. These were so delicious that I ended up purchasing 6 more to go--to fly all the way back to Atlanta. I believe that speaks for itself.
(5)Victor N.
There's really not much more to say about their desserts. Pretty much all you can think or ask about is written in one of the hundreds of reviews already. Their desserts are ALL delicious. Coffee and tea are also just as good here. My only gripe is that the macarons here are pppprrretty expensive -at $2.50 each ***Edit: I stand corrected - $1.50***? Plus side - they accept dine originals so that offsets them a little bit. I don't get them for myself regularly, but they do make GREAT gifts and they look awesome packaged up. Tons of flavors to choose from as well, all colored differently, so you get a rainbow inside a box.
(4)Dave M.
This is the kind of place I would find myself visiting on a weekly basis if it was in Cincinnati. It's hard to find a high quality pastry place with a dedication to a variety of authentic, delicious pastries. We stopped in to grab some dessert to go and weren't disappointed. We got the vanilla bean and blackberry violet macarons and they were great, especially the vanilla bean. We also had to grab an almond croissant(my wife's absolute favorite). We were there around closing and the staff was incredibly kind and helpful. I was asking about the Cannelé and one of the staff asked if I'd like to try one for free. It was a nice surprise that totally added to a great night. We are only in town a couple of days but may have to sneak in another visit.
(5)Naiying C.
Best macarons ever. Their other pastries are really good too.
(5)Kate H.
The macaroons are insane. Life changing, really- in that way that make your pants fit tighter. Do yourself a favor and get a pistachio and coconut. I am not trying to tell you want to do, but seriously. These little guys are a $1.50 a pop... the little pops that they are. The 4 stars is on the 'roons alone. I could take or leave about everything else in this place. It is a bit pretentious (though everyone is very nice) and overpriced. If you want to do a good day in German Village (when it is not freezing out)- walk through the Book Loft, get a sandwich to-go at Katzinger's (or the Brown Bag) and 2 macaroons at Pistacia Vera, and haul your literal and figurative cookies to Schiller Park and sit on the benches near the little girl with the umbrella fountain.
(4)Tabitha F.
Hands down: my favorite place in Columbus. Every time I have an out of town visitor or hear a friend has never been, it gives me the perfect excuse to go! As if I need an excuse! You see, I am a serious "sweets" junkie.....as in, I need a twelve step program. Their Macaroons are simply amazing! The Chocolate Bombe is a chocolagasm in your mouth! Every thing I have had - trust me, I have had some of almost everything they serve - has been sooooo good. Never had of a chocolagasm? OH MYYYYYY! Why are you still reading this? You should totally be on your way already! Experience the chocolaty goodness for yourself! PS. I realize a heavy use of exclamation points in this review; they are warranted.
(5)Alexis D.
Fabulous bakery. Try the frangipan and the eclairs. The almond croissant is heaven and the chocolate buttermilk loaf is unreal: so rich and moist. You can't go wrong. The macarons are artfully done. They even helped me put them in a rainbow to celebrate gay marriage! Great people, fabulous shop.
(5)Angela B.
I first had these macaroons at a conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Columbus, OH. I walked right past the delicious savory dinner stations directly to the dessert table to find the most scrumptious macaroons of my life! I just had to go to the German Village location prior to flying out. What an excellent Easter present! Although they are not on the menu today, if the chance presents itself, get the Buckeye flavor (peanut butter), as it will change your LIFE!
(5)Anthony N.
A cozy little bake shop known for their delicious macaroons! (Not the flaky coconut types, but the sandwich cookie.) A great place to grab a dessert and coffee in German Village, I've never been disappointed with their selections. You can even sample the macaroons before you take home a box (or two). I only wish macaroons could be made bigger because they go so quickly in a bite :(
(5)Twila K.
Overall very nice atmosphere. Staff was very friendly. Mocha was good. A friend and I tried 3 different desserts but none really blew our mind...however the presentation was flawless. A bit pricey.
(3)Jessica D.
At one point, I thought no, there is no possible way people would drop their pants for pistacia vera. Ladies and gentleman, I was wrong. Very wrong. I could write a novel, just about the lone matcha macaroon I ordered! All pastries (including mr macaroon) are baked fresh daily and I assume, throughout the day. At 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon, the place was still electric with customers and chatter, showing no sign of slowing down. Despite such a small location, there are a surprising number of tables to commandeer... Although parking is a bit tight. NONETHELESS you WILL find a spot because the macaroons are just that good. There's this Nutella cake that I also suggest you split with a hubbie. My god. Did my birthday come early? It's a sin something this delicious even exists in an unregulated form. Next time I'll probably indulge in some local tea or coffee, which they spruce locally from cafe Brioso and others, or a seemingly divine brunch. With their window-friendliness, this place will be perfect for Sunday mornings after church or a run. Love love love.
(5)Birgitta S.
Fresh baked croissants, pan au chocolate, and light as air macrons. Great coffee too. Limited parking, but street parking is available. The staff is always cheerful. They will take a phone order in the am and set it aside if you can't get there until the pm. We plan our road trips so they route through Columbus just so we can stop here. These croissants are the best I've had stateside!
(5)J J.
Beautiful desserts and they are tasty too! They were a little on the sweeter side for my tastes but I still enjoyed the desserts.
(4)Hannah M.
If you're looking for a true, authentic macaron-look no further!! This little coffee & dessert shop in German Village has THE BEST sweets & treats. I have tried nearly every delicious confection they offer but I am seriously addicted to the pistachio macaroons. Each and every one is absolutely heavenly but there's something extra special about the pistachio flavor! Love it!
(5)Myra E.
Stopped in before checking out village valuables and didn't want to leave. The eclaires and macaroons were wonderful. I will be back for brunch and croissants in the future.
(5)Nicole M.
PASSION FRUIT CHAMBORD TORTE. Get this for your best friend's birthday. Get this for an engagement party. Get this for your wife when she's on her period and she is inexplicably mad at you. Get this for your cousin after he finally kicked meth (for good this time). Get this for yourself when Fluffy dies. Get this because it's Tuesday afternoon.... all situations are made better with the passion fruit chambord torte.
(5)Paul F.
I'd been past here many times on my way to/from Katzingers and the shelves looked a lot busier than they were when you're inside. So finally, I had dessert last night, something I'd never heard of. It was ramalamadingdong aka a seasonal frangipan. I have never heard of a frangipan but the owner (who is a charming lady) explained it to me. It's a little tart made with butter and flour and almonds and fruit. It was GREAT! Oh, I asked for a glass of water but they have NO ICE. Can you imagine a restaurant without an ice machine? I was going to knock off a star but decided not to.
(5)Miss Rza M.
Wow. I dreamt about these last night. I had never had a Macaron before and so I didn't know what to expect. When biting into the strawberry macaron, I was surprised by the different textures. I ended up preferring the mint macaron because the strawberry was a little bit too sugary for my tastes. We also tried a vanilla bean torte and the chocolate dome dessert. Typically I favor one flavor over another in desserts, but I enjoyed both of these equally (my husband and I kept swapping bites). The vanilla bean torte was smooth, creamy, yet light. Every bite was full of flavor and bliss. The chocolate dome dessert fooled me again with the texture, and my first bite was a mixture of surprise and happiness for the chocolate explosion on my taste buds. The chocolate dessert was much richer and we could not finish that. We will return again tonight so we can try the pistachio thingy that other reviewers say is great. Honestly I was surprised at the price. Typically I would pay much more for something of that quality in Austin, TX. 2 big desserts and 2 macarons were only around 10.00. Not too bad at all! The only criticism I have.....is that there is not a location at home.
(5)Roni B.
This place has amazing macaroons! Very tasty and unique flavors! I think I got the French vanilla, buckeye flavored one, and a few others! It was extremely crowded there though and parking is sparse! However there is a lot if street parking but can get filled up quickly make sure to bring cash or card to feed the meter!
(4)Sayak R.
A nice and cozy place with awesome collection of confectionery. The cakes look delicious. I took a hot chocolate, and a chocolate crumb. It's a maroon dome filled with chocolate inside. The taste was simply sinful. I would recommend it to everyone living in columbus, and I am looking forward to try the other options.
(5)Heather S.
Oh pistacia vera, how do I love you, let me count the ways... perfect macarons, divine sweets, and amazing cups of tea to go with it. A little get away to indulge in a cookie or maybe even a caramel, whatever tickles your sweet tooth, I'm sure pistacia has something for everyone. I will probably go every week if I have the dollars to spare
(5)Emily B.
This amazing little shop is fantastic. Especially for the individuals out there with whom gluten is an enemy. At Pistacia Vera there are many gluten free options that are tasty, gorgeous, and down right sinful! How they make little gluten free treats taste so stinkin' good is a mystery to me, but they do!!! Their many macaroon options are delightful. The prices can be a wee bit high but for the scrumptiousness that you receive, it is worth it!
(5)Tom P.
Very nice place for brunch. My brother told me about the baked egg dish and how it was amazing. I didn't believe him, because he is usually full of it. However, I thought it was excellent with the gooey cheese on top and the perfectly flavored tomatoes. Had a few deserts which were pretty nice. The only reason I gave this place 4 stars, is that there were very few options on the menu and they completely burned the croissant. Will definitely return.
(4)Sandy M.
For our anniversary this year (one year), we wanted to get a delicious cake to share since we couldn't get our wedding cake mailed to us from back home. So, after researching a bit and from what I've heard from friends, we decided to go into Pistacia Vera. The decor is very modern and pristine. And, under the glass, there were delightfully colorful pastries and we couldn't really make up our mind. So, instead of buying one big torte ($35), we decided to try a few smaller ones. We ended up getting the passion fruit and coconut torte, chocolate bombe and the cassis flourless truffle torte. Then, we ended up getting two macarons: madagascar vanilla bean and white chocolate coconut. I couldn't wait to get home to satisfy my sweet tooth so I convinced my husband just to share one macaron so we had the white chocolate coconut one. It was quite good but a bit too sweet. I was honestly a bit scared about how the rest of the tortes would taste after that macaron but I shouldn't have! After dinner, we decided to have a little bit of each piece. The top of the passion fruit coconut torte hasa rich passion fruit flavor and the rest of the layers have a rich coconut flavor. It's absolutely delicious. The cassis flourless truffle was dense but the chocolate flavor was deep and rich. It really tastes like a truffle in cake form. But, our absolute favorite is the chocolate bombe. It reminded us of this chocolate mousse cake we had in Riviera Maya for our honeymoon and couldn't find back home. Although we promised to only have a couple bites of each piece, we finished the chocolate bombe and literally left a bite each of the rest of the pastries. It was a sweet idea!
(4)R J.
Been here several times in the past year, never tried their baked eggs dish until just now. 2 eggs almost over-done instead of over-easy, well-salted and nicely seasoned, plus a toasted/sliced croissant and jam were included. I think this dish is a few $ overpriced for $11, and it appeals mainly to their elderly, or tourist, or soccer mom clientele. It is high quality, tasted fine, and I must complement their nice servers. But I'll stick with their ham and cheese croissant for half the price here in the future for quick breakfast bite in my neighborhood.
(4)Raquelle Z.
This was a nice place for a girl with a sweet tooth. I had a butter cookie with a latte while I was in the restaurant, then a Chocolate Bombe in my hotel room. Both were delicious. The service was friendly and helpful. The prices are a big high however, I am willing to pay for quality, and freshly made desserts.
(4)Elise G.
Their macarons are very tasty and a great price ($1.25) given the size relative to other places I've gone to. My favorite was the vanilla and raspberry ones. I also had their pistachio fig braid, apple onion bacon croissant, and ham and cheese over the course of a week when I was in town. They all were fantastic. I was not expecting to find such a great pastry place in Columbus. The staff was very helpful and dud a great job packing up my macarons to take home with my on the plane, they made it in perfect condition.
(5)Monty B.
Almond croissant is very good. Tasty and generous filling. Solid, flaky croissant. Pecan cinnamon twist was ok. Kind of like a donut.
(4)Brett F.
J'aime Sweets! Oui, I do.... ... and if you do, too, this is hands down the sweetest place to be! What's not to adore about a chic, modern dessert boutique featuring some of my absolute most favorite Parisian indulgences? I'll tell you what, nothing! Absolutely loved Pistacia Vera with its sleek, clean and very European café stylings boasting everything from traditional macarons, brioche rolls, almondine cookies, pain au chocolat, pâte de fruits, tarts, tortes and confections aplenty. Merveilleux! It was nearly impossible just selecting a few items to taste, everything looked so beautiful. Handcrafted on site and baked fresh daily, these treats were truly some of the most lovely I've seen since my days actually spent eating incomparable pastry and candy in Paris. Of course the macarons are the signature calling card here, and for good cause. Not only are they fun, fluffy, bright, bite-sized bundles of delight, but are so easy to mix 'n match for a small - almost guilt free - taste of everything. Flavors like Nutella, Pistachio, Coconut (my to-die-for favorite), Rose, Black Raspberry, Coffee and Pumpkin were a few on hand upon my visit. Particularly savored the Coconut and Nutella variety which were chewy and perfectly executed, but found the Pistachio's meringue a bit crumbly while its buttercream filling was unfortunately slick and dripping with grease. Considering its other macaron buds were light and ideal, I'm chocking this up to a mistakenly ill-fated batch. Other noteworthy must haves are without a doubt the almost-savory Pistachio Fig Braid and amazing Sablé Cookies. I'm typically a macaron gal, but those cookies had me shortbread converted! The salty, sweet, delicate and wonderful balance of flavors and texture in the Vanilla Bean Butter Sablé was an exercise in delectable indulgence. 10 more, please! An overall mouthwatering visit and marvelous Columbus find. Three cheers for cookies!
(4)Ben R.
Pistacia Vera or PV is simply wonderful. Wonderful atmosphere, wonderful service and wonderful baked goods and espresso! If you haven't visited, then you should - soon.
(5)Jason F.
Solid spot. Where sugar and flour met and decided to spawn. Really, too many good things to list. Great ambiance, really terrific pastries. If out and about in German Village it's a good look. The coffees are also top notch. I would suggest that they start a pour-over service as it would take their coffee-pastry amalgam to a whole new level. In any event, give these folks a go.
(5)Jenny B.
When it comes to eating, I like my food with my sugar, so of course Pistacia Vera fits this mold to the T. For a long time I had been skeptical about macarons and thought that I didn't like them. I have an aversion to almonds, unless they are whole or almond butter. I hate amaretto and almond paste, so I just thought macarons fit into the same category. But that sure changed when I tasted the macrarons from Pistacia Vera. They are just melt in your mouth goodness. The subtle crisp crunch, airy lightness and variety of flavors of their macarons are unmatchable.
(5)Brady S.
Hands down, delicious. I definitely want to try out their lunch menu.
(5)Sarah S.
Isn't is great when a place is just as good as you hoped it would be? Pistacia Vera is a gem, and if I lived in Columbus I would be here all the time. It's a great open space, with lots of tables and outdoor seating - perfect for a late afternoon cup of coffee and a book. Not to mention the FOOD! The dessert cases are just such beautiful works of art! Every cake and macaroon and cookie are just as visually pleasing as they are delicious - I wish I could spend a whole day trying everything in the store! From Yelp's recommendation, I came to try their macaroons, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. They have a great selection of flavors with something for everyone - from a classic Pistachio to a more out-of-the-box Yuzu Guava. All delicious. Perfectly crunchy outside, and either a sweet house-made jam or a creamy ganache on the inside. I came back before they closed and got more macaroons to go - plus a Pistachio Honey Nougat and an Almondine cookie to try! The customer service was also lovely, the woman behind the counter offered to make me an iced chamomile tea (even though it wasn't on the menu) and told me if it didn't come out just as I wanted, she would make it again. Needless to say, like everything I had here, it was great. If I had more time here in Columbus, I would come back for brunch, a galette, probably a croissant, hell ANYTHING and everything. In short: don't miss this place.
(5)Nicholas C.
This is hands-down my favorite bakery in the Columbus area. My two favorites that stand out are the nutella Bostock and Almond Croissant. They tend to bake their croissants a little more "done" than other bakeries and that's just how I like it. Imagine biting into a cruncy croissant to reveal the gooiest, flakiest, almond-liqueur soaked goodness inside. Get one and a coffee. Best $6 you're going to spend in a while.
(5)Corina P.
Portions are a bit on the big side for my taste (probably not for the average American endless stomach) and croissants are more brownish than what I am used to. Still, I love the place for coming to have a nice brunch once in a while. The flavors are immaculate and I just have not found anything similar in Columbus or in what I know of the Midwest for that matter. Worth visiting, at least once. But be warned: delicate pastry comes with a price, a big price.
(4)Gwen W.
What the...!!!!!!! I can't believe I forgot to leave a review from my first visit here!?! I yi yiiii :) Well, my absolute LOVE for this hidden gem has not changed one bit!. My first time, I got the Mushroom Quiche and Lemon Tart. It was so good, this time around I got the exact same thing. Results? Perfect!! This time around, the quiche was in a small circle of crust, instead of cut like a pie of pie. And, YES, it was still as heavenly as ever. The cheese taste was not overpowering. I could smell and taste the mushroom slices. Mmmm!! And the login tart for dessert? Outstanding, as always!! True lemon taste is completely evident, but not to "tarty" for my liking :) a wonderful, scrumptious brunch!!
(5)Elaine W.
I'm not a huge macaron fan--got over that phase, I think--but I will put one hand on the bakery counter and vouch for their croissants. The best thing is, if you need justification to indulge, they have RYE croissant. Back in the day when I was into macarons, and I discovered this elegant little shop on a quiet cobblestone street in the German Village, my two friends and I each got a macaron. When we sat down to dig in, we noticed that each was a different size! For some reason this was hilarious back then. But I think it just goes to show that they make everything fresh, in-house. I've seen people in line go a little crazy for the eclairs, so there must be something irresistible there, and I intend to try their breakfast one day.
(4)Samantha S.
Usually I go to a pastry place knowing exactly what I want to get since they are known for one thing or another. This place though...everything is good. Which puts me in a really big dilemma! I love a good macaron which this place definitely does well. But if I were to come here again I would be inclined to keep trying new things. The hazelnut torte was about one of the best desserts I've had in a really long time. I got 4 macarons, I would say the best out of the bunch was the caramel pecan. I would have liked to try a couple of other things but I can only ingest so many pastry calories a day without starting to feel guilty.
(5)Soly Z.
MAN OH MAN WAS THIS PLACE DIVINE! Macaroons were just about as good as what I got on the streets of Paris at La Duree a few short months ago. The breakfast pastries were also perfect - not too rich, not too light, and the latte was a delicate balance of strong espresso and milk that was heated to the temperature that was just right. I only wish I bought more treats to take home and sample. I will most certainly be back next time I find myself in Columbus.
(5)Jenna A.
AMAZING. I got a box of macaroons and so very much enjoyed them. So delicious, especially the raspberry and lavender ones. The staff was a little short with us, I don't know why, but still generally helpful. I will definitely be going back as soon as possible. The chocolate cake looks amazing!
(5)Teresa C.
Stopped by for a small snack and totally enjoyed their Macarons. A slight crunch outside and moist goodness inside.
(5)Chin C.
Tried my very first macarons (pistachio and lemon) a couple weeks ago while visiting Columbus, and love it! I also enjoyed the ambience of Pistacia Vera and their price is reasonable. The only thing that I can pick on was the cafe au lait that i ordered taste like latte, it was a good latte though.
(5)Patricia C.
Best macaroons outside of Paris! Discovered Pistachio Vera after a trip to Paris and their macaroons are very comparable to those we devoured in France. I buy them as hostess gifts and special treats for guests, family, and friends. Love!!
(5)Doug O.
Cute atmosphere, delicious pastries, a great brunch menu, and good coffee. A nice bakery and coffee shop for anyone in the German Village neighborhood.
(4)Liz R.
Loved every second we spent in Pistacia Vera. Highly recommend you make this place a stop while you're in the area. Spotlessly clean. Relatively comfortable seating, inside and out. Gorgeous pastry jewels behind the glass. We came for the macarons (OK, I came for the macarons, but Ken actually had one too), but everything looked beyond edible. We were still stuffed from lunch, but the macarons were tiny. And yum! I chose nutella, and Ken went with vanilla. Mine was delicious - crispy, puffy meringue cookies with the smooth, creamy interior. I thought Ken made a huge mistake getting boring, old bland vanilla, but I must admit it was also quiet good. Not bland at all. It was difficult to only get the two macarons, no matter how full we were. I knew anything extra wouldn't hold up well in our hotel room (although the staff said they could give us frozen ones to give us more time in the heat - keep this in mind).
(5)Jessica T.
Do you really need another review telling you why Pistacia Vera is awesome? Yes, yes you do. Pistacia Vera makes the most delicate and delicious baked goods I have ever had. Light and airy Parisian-style macarons. Amazing layered dacquoise cakes. Fruit tarts that will blow your mind. A chocolate bombe which looks so amazing, I'm afraid to try it because it might truly be the stuff of legend: actual death by chocolate. Their coffee is full-bodied and strong enough to really complement the sweet desserts. The espresso drinks are always top-notch. Heck, even their candy is delicious. They make these otherworldly cashew butter caramels that literally melt in your mouth. Only the $12-per-box price tag is enough to keep me from wolfing them down in one sitting. Their storefront is, of course, lovely as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in beautiful light and allow for excellent people watching. Their bathroom is totally gorgeous and belongs in a design magazine, not in a restaurant. I think the only thing that I am not a raving fan about is their brunch. I ordered a bacon, onion and spinach quiche, which had a thick, savory filling, but the crust wasn't very good. (Disclaimer: I'm really picky about crust.) It was kind of dry and bland, and not what I'd expect from a place with otherwise amazing baked goods. It wasn't overly disappointing, but next time I'll stick to the flaky and buttery pan au chocolat that's never let me down.
(5)Heather T.
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! Are you kidding me? Hey, if you like typical and bland, stand-offish, loud, rushed, and half-assed, then stay away from this place....more macarons for me! Hands down the best desserts in the city. Delicious coffee. I must go back to try the meals too, but I am as dessert freak and this is fantabulous. Favorites so far: the pistachio macaron (the pumpkin was awesome too) and "The Nun," which is a hazelnut dream dessert. Small (as in maybe 9 tables), a few little tables outside, a nice, clean spiffy bathroom, polite staff, bright clean atmosphere. I literally want to try everything this place offers.
(5)Monica L.
Their Chocolate Chunk Pistachio cookie has saved my life! Whenever I'm feeling a little blue, I know that cookie and a cup of coffee will lift my spirits. Okay so maybe it's not a secret that Pistacia Vera has amazing confections, but their coffee stands out as well. I make a point to visit this gem at least once a week and if I've been a real good girl, I might indulge in one of their Chocolate truffles! The staff is warm and the bathrooms are clean, but best of all they even have parking in German Village!! If you are looking for a pick-me-up, look no further than Pistacia Vera!!
(5)Erica R.
Eh, this place is okay. It has a warm atmosphere and gluten-free macaroons but overall it is a little pretentious. I am also partial to Cherbourg's which is the greatest bakery in Columbus but this joint is in my neighborhood so I find myself here from time to time when I don't feel like making the trip to Bexley.
(3)Vicky T.
Pricy and a bit rich (heavy). Despite the fact, their shelves are an orchestral arrangement of true hand-crafted goods. I've only had their caramel pecan twist? braid?, pistachio cookie, and an assortment of their macaroons. They are a genuine treat for a craving soul! I hope you enjoy whatever you select there! The store is a gem in town, please take a look around for yourself
(4)Mike B.
Thank goodness they got rid of the free wifi, the only complaint I ever had keeping it from five stars was that the german village mom club would always be here taking up all the seats. If you don't take it to go, politely finish and leave. German village is a beautiful place, walk down to schiller park and hang out with your friends if you need a place to chat. If you need wifi, there's always starbucks. That all being said, PV are masters of pastry, I have never had anything off the menu that has been any less than perfect.
(5)Matt G.
Try everything on the menu! ...oh yeah, and the coffee. There's not much I can say that others haven't. So, here it goes: Make a selection from a wide-array of ever-changing pastries and goodies. I bought a caramel espresso tart - Duh-licious! Also, I indulged in the ham & cheese croissant - Good, yet very flaky and messy - You are warned. Along with my two selections, I purchased a delightfully tasting coffee and spent only around $15. It may seem a bit pricier but it is worth EVERY PENNY! To top it all off, the patio is a nice place to sit and read or just enjoy the weather. They also open up the entire side window section to make it the ultimate summer relaxation location. Every one there is very kind and friendly (an added bonus to the experience). I'll go back again and again! So many things I have yet to try!
(5)Minna C.
You can never go wrong with their assortments of macarons! Love them all! And their creme brûlée eclairs! The chocolate bombe was too sweet for me but it had hearts for valentines day which is when I went. I end up going over and over again :))
(4)Ken I.
I wandered into this place the first time I was in Columbus on business. We found it completely by accident and I can say that was a very happy accident. Both times I have come here I have order the Emmentaler Croque with strawberry preserve. It was amazing. So good in fact that I will be making a detour here anytime I can when I am here for work. I also got to try a bit of the Smoked Salmon Tartar and enjoyed it just as much. If you are nearby you should stop by for a bite. I don't think you will be disappointed.
(5)Josie T.
Went here after an afternoon at the Cols Art Museum. It was snowy but still packed. There is a tiny parking lot across the street although I read here parking was on the street only. I loved the ambiance but this place is not a vegan bakery as advertised. There was one vegan "food" item - $8 gummy candies. I did not see any nutritional information posted. Macaroons were delicious but $1.50 each. I was surprised they didn't have a "sampler" I probably would have ordered more. Real food items are only served until 2pm, even on weekends. Prices of those items also seemed expensive since you purchased from a counter and had to wait for drinks. (Lemonade was served after we finished eating.) Seating was cramped, would have liked to be able to sit upstairs in the loft area.
(3)Emma F.
I've only had the maraons here - but they are really good - not the best I've had - but maybe the best in Columbus!
(4)Kassy M.
Atmosphere: Pistacia Vera is exactly the kind of place I want to spend my lazy Sundays. It's airy and gets lots of sunlight. Perfect noise level. You know it's good when it attracts all different kinds of people in very different age groups. I dare you to walk out of here without purchasing a couple macarons. Interior: I know the stairs leading to the second floor seem like it's another level of seating, but it's not. They just have an office up there. They really should convert it to more seating so they could accomodate more people at once! Service: The girls here are super friendly. I like that they have Pistacia Vera cards for frequent customers so that they could fill it up and just mention their name when they go to pay so it can just be deducted from their balance. The biggest issue is that they close at 7pm. They should be open till at least 9pm so people could come here for dessert and post-dinner coffee! It's the perfect place for it. Food: I have tried the "tomato provencal baked eggs" which they serve for brunch...and it's really fucking delicious. I think it's one of those contagious dishes where one person will get it and others will just HAVE to get it because it looks and smells amazing. Macarons: Their macarons deserve their own catagory because they are the best that I've ever had. They're only $1.25 each, which is insane to me. You cannot find macarons for that cheap in NYC. They're usually $1.50~$2.50 each, and they do not make them as big as they do here! Drinks: I've only tried their soy chai lattes but they are on par with the rest of the stuff they serve here.
(5)Christopher M.
Not only do they have amazing pastries and coffee, it is an incredibly aesthetic atmosphere. I'm lucky to be visiting Columbus on a gorgeous summer day so I'm able to also enjoy their patio seating. Fantastic!
(5)Van N.
Best quiche ever and the macarons melt in your mouth! Was in Columbus for a Hackathon that my company was sponsoring at the OSU and we went here for a quick brunch. It's a small little spot in German Village, but everything was delicious. The croissants definitely need to be mentioned as well because they were so flaky and tasty, even the whole grain one. If I ever come back to the area, I'm coming back here for sure!
(4)Rachel L.
Some of the most delicious macarons I've ever had. Also tried their plum cardamom frangipan which was amazing as well. A bit on the pricey side, but I think it's still worth it.
(4)Kathryn W.
I read so much about Pisatcia Vera, that I couldn't take it any more and had to go. I can say that the Macarons were enough to decide I HAVE to go back! :) We tried 6 different flavors and were in love with all of them. The buckeye one was the top out of all of them. Pistacia Vera has a great atmosphere. Reminds me of a restaurant you would see in a movie. We went there on a Saturday afternoon. They had amazing desserts, pastries, coffee, etc. We didn't know what we wanted because it all looked amazing! Everyone was very friendly and it was a very relaxing environment. When I need a macron fix or a foodie present, I will be visiting for sure.
(4)Jenny H.
Oh Pistacia Vera, how I adore thee. My patronship borders between a foodie love affair and a fantastical obsession of whether I can seek permanent refuge in their sunlit, frosted-window bathroom. The macarons are scrumptious with varied offerings everytime I stop in. Whether it's a cup of valhrona hot chocolate on a chilly winter's day to a morning pastry or an entremet gift boxed for a deserving friend-- Pistacia Vera's always been my go-to place in german village.
(5)Molly W.
I did love this place. The macaroons are spectacular, especially the Vanilla Bean macaroon. The coffee was great as well. I loved the atmosphere. The inside is relatively large with a good amount of seating, and there's outdoor seating as well. It was pretty crowded when we went, but we were able to find a table outside. The parking for this place is not great, but it's better than most places in the area. The only complaint I had was the waitress spilled hot coffee down my leg and didn't apologize, she just asked if I wanted a napkin.. Despite this, I would definitely come back.
(4)David W.
Three words: Honey, Lavender, Macaroon. Not lying, that is the best thing I have ever tasted! My wife and I go here at least once a week for them. Must go here if you are coming to columbus. They have coffee and lots of other baked goods, but you HAVE TO GET THE MACAROONS!
(5)Laura T.
I go in to order pastries to go pretty often. Your best bet is to just go in and see what they have that day and put together a little taster package. Everything is really top notch. The macarons are a given to try if you've never been and I am personally in love with their rye croissants. They are the best. I have never actually sat down to have brunch, but the plates of diners always look awesome when I pass through. Their typically very busy on weekend afternoons so be prepared to wait a few minutes. They also have a North Market location with a more limited selection, but is sometimes better for grabbing some things and being on your way.
(4)Rob W.
Great Desserts!
(5)Christina C.
d r o o l It's true. My first trip to Pistacia was yesterday. It's been a long time coming - obv. But as you know, some things are so worth the wait. This was totally one of them. But why? "Gimme all the treats!!!!" is what I really wanted to scream. The sheer amount of time and dedication that goes in to preparing these masterpieces is beyond me. Most people know Pistacia as a destination for perfect pastries or majestic macarons but they also have some savory options too like quiche! I can vouch for to the macarons, by the way, which were light, fluffy and oh-so-satisfying. They are bite-sized and $1.25 a piece, but my goodness, they are perhaps my new preferred dessert. Perfect for curing a sweet tooth without over indulging! Wifi is free (just ask for the password), the coffee was fantastic and it was quiet enough to concentrate and do work. I've typically gone down the street to Cup O' Joe to settle in for a day of working at the"office" but no more. Pistacia is my new work-from-home destination! Let me know if you'd like to join.
(5)Alison H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! They have a small brunch menu, but the quiche is the best I have ever had. It is the perfect portion and comes with a small salad. Delicious! And then comes the macaroons... the first time I was here with my boyfriend we each had one, the next trip we each got 2 and the next trip we bought a to-go box of 10. Each flavor is so delicious, but coconut is our favorite. The outside seating is a plus and I heard a rumor that they are expanding their seating.
(5)Jina P.
Best desserts in columbus ohio. I love their macarons! I like their variety box - I like eating all different flavors!
(5)Ken G.
Such a great little spot for excellent treats. I really like the fact that everything is made from scratch using fresh ingredients. I enjoyed the following: Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Slice - a very moist and chocolatey cake that isn't too sweet, but is very decadent. It's some of the best chocolate cake I've ever had. Bittersweet Fudgie - cross between a cookie and a brownie, it's a definite must for any chocolate fan. It's got a thin crusty outside and nice, moist and chewy inside. Cashew Caramel - a very nice, smooth and velvety caramel with the unique addition of salted cashews. It was an excellent way to satisfy that salty/sweet craving. Strawberry-Lychee Pates de Fruits - a sweet and fresh-tasting fruit pate...I liked the twist of the unique flavors - lychee with strawberry? Awesome! This is a fantastic spot, especially if you have a sweet tooth.
(5)Maria P.
Excellent choice! The pistachio dessert, the lemon tart and the macarons are delicious! Fully recommended!
(5)Anthony C.
This place is fantastic! That's all you need to know. If are going to take a nice girl out on a date but you don't want to spend a fortune on drinks and dinner take her here on a Sunday afternoon.
(5)Dezerie S.
The macarons are delicious. My favorite item though is the maple pecan twist. Its sweet and light.
(5)Michelle E.
I am 100% in LOVE with their macaroons! 12 different flavors, all to DIE for! Hibiscus elderberry and lemon are my favorites. $1.20 a piece, who can beat that? Will definitely be returning here next time I'm in German Village!
(5)Evan S.
Macaroons have been one of my favorite pastries since I first tried them in Paris. I have searched many places in the states for the perfect macaroons, and I can finally say that I have found one closest to the real thing!!! I purchased a variety box which included one of each flavor for about $15. I have only had the Pistachio and Vanilla Bean so far, and let me say they were decadent!! Each bite was so fluffy and creamy and smooth. I cannot wait for my next trip to Ohio, so I can devour these little heavenly bites again. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone who wants to know what a REAL macaroon tastes like. No need to go to Ladurée in Paris, Pistacia Vera has perfected these Parisian treats!! THANK YOU!
(5)Ralph B.
Outstanding place. The almond bear claws are wonderful. The service matches the quality of the food.
(5)Lisa S.
You could sell Pistacia Vera out of a cardboard box on the corner of a dirty street and I would still buy their delicious macrons. Artisan doesn't even begin to describe the care and craft that goes into making the sweet treats at Pistacia Vera. What magnifies the entire experience is actually purchasing your treats at Pistacia Vera, and not at the aforementioned cardboard box. The inside is like a museum or art gallery dedicated to the artful pastries found delicately arranged inside glass display cases or on top of platters, tempting you to purchase and then consume. And I consumed a sampling of nearly everything Pistacia Vera had to offer me! I purchased a handful of macrons, all of which are gluten free much to the delight of my friend. The flavors vary - some are staples and offered all year round which others are seasonal, enticing you to return. There was also a flour-less raspberry chocolate torte that was sinfully delicious and would fool any flour-loving person. I sampled the cashew caramel and the pistachio honey nougat, but what really sealed the deal on my inaugural visit was the chocolate bombe, which I consumed selfishly by myself. Pistacia Vera is perfect for treating yourself or for treating someone special. Despite my confidence in the kitchen, I would even consider buying sweets from Pistacia Vera as a gift to a hostess throwing a nice party. Really, they're perfect for any occasion.
(5)Estera P.
Delightful place to grab a European-style snack.
(4)Sabrina L.
The first few times I attempted to eat at Pistacia Vera I inevitably showed up when it was closed. Luckily it seems they've expanded their days/hours because I haven't had this problem in the last year. I know I'm going to get the names wrong on the desserts that I'll recommend, but let me start by saying that I've never had anything here that was bad. It's all be above and beyond my expectations, so really, I doubt you could go wrong. It should be noted that there are two kinds of macaroons in the world. The nasty coconut cookies that have ruined the name, and the delicious and colorful sweets that evoke thoughts of European bakeries. By my five star rating it's probably obvious by now, Pistacia Vera carries the latter. The macaroons are absolutely perfectly. The cookie crust is like a meringuey sugar shell that hides the moist cookies and filling in between. They are brightly coloured and cheaply priced and make a great treat for yourself or a gift for someone else. They look expensive so you'll look good! I've also tried the round chocolate bomb looking thing, which was so rich that two of us split it with some left over even though it was small, and the almond cookies as well. Both were exactly what I'd hoped they would be. You won't regret a stop here and you'll be surprised how little you can spend to get something truly special.
(5)Julianne D.
I stopped here purposefully to buy a gluten-free gift for a loved one. I ended up getting coffee, croissants, and brioche in addition to said gift (macarons). Ah-mazing. Patient, helpful staff. Really delicious baked goods. My cousin, the gift recipient, said the macarons were the most amazing thing she's had in years. She had to hide them in her house to prevent others from stealing them.
(5)Emily D.
A Parisian cafe in the heart of Columbus. It's a beautiful little shop with to-die-for marcarons in a variety of flavors, as well as other baked goods and homemade items. The hot chocolate is absolutely sinful and the coffee is perfect. Sit at one of the little marble tables, bring a book, and enjoy! Parking is always an issue in German Village, but you can park across the street, on the street, or at one of the two parking spaces on site.
(5)Lydia M.
Oh my gosh, absolutely amazing. Honestly, better macarons than Laduree in Manhattan. Delicious tarts and other sweets.
(5)Roger C.
From the gourmet organic macarons in had in San Francisco to the authentic macarons I had in Europe, these are the best I've had. The flavors really come through and there's no guessing what flavor you're having. My wife and I splurged and got the sampler pack (one of each flavor) and so should you!
(5)Benjamin B.
The croissants are amazing, their preserves are top notch, and if you feel like springing the extra cash get the shirred eggs, you will not regret it (have not tried any of the other premium breakfast items yet, but I would assume they were fabulous as well). The coffee is also top notch, both iced and hot. Bonus points for the never ending staff of cute girls.
(5)Rachael L.
I have just one word - WOW!!! I heard from a co-worker that I just "have" to go check this place out, and then a couple of days later a friend was raving about it as well. So today I headed down to the village to see if it is as good as I had been hearing. The location is on 3rd - super convenient and I found parking to be really easy (street) I think I saw a lot with a couple of spots as well, but could be wrong. The space is open and absolutely gorgeous, I stood before the glass case filled with every type of decadent dessert you could ever want and could not bear to choose just one. My friend and I chose three (chambord manjari feuilletine, Key Lime something or other and then a praline something or other - apologies the last two seem to be new additions and are not listed on the online menu) to sample between the two of us. The service was friendly and efficient absolutely no complaints. It was a nice day so we opted to eat at one of the outdoor tables (more bonus points for outdoor seating). The service continued to be attentive and we had our water glasses refilled almost as soon as they were emptied. But none of this is as important as how AMAZINGLY good the desserts were. Every bite was so good. I would HIGHLY recommend you get yourself to Pistacia the next time you want an amazing dessert. You will not be disappointed! Hugs.
(5)Rachel P.
This place was really cute, and a great introduction to my first Macron! At first, I thought that macarons and macaroons were the same thing. Honestly, nothing is worse to me than coconut treats. Coconut is my least favorite ....anything. Macaroons tend to be the only 'cookie' that's kosher for passover and I remember that dreaded week where my dad would always forget that I HATE Macaroons and slip them into my lunch. UGH SO GROSS. However, these are not Macaroons. These are Macarons. No coconut added. Jon R. and I went here for breakfast one day. The place is in a clean, modern and spacious building. Also, I'm on a big kick with this right now, but I couldn't help but notice how handicap friendly the store was with a huge wheelchair ramp and very accessible counter tops. Someone seriously put a lot of thought into this. Props! It took us a long time to decide what we wanted, but the staff was very patient and helpful. We settled on two croissants (one plain, one chocolate) and two macarons each. Might I add how gorgeous these macarons are sitting on display? Just beautiful. I also got my usual iced coffee. Honestly, this might have been the best iced coffee in Columbus. Ask for it sweetened; you won't be disappointed. It was heavenly. The croissants were good, but not incredible. The macarons were wonderful. I loved the black raspberry and double chocolate one. These things are so yummy and pretty that I felt so sophisticated eating them. It was like a tea party, but I was drinking (amazing) coffee and didn't have my teddy bear. Thanks for making a macaron fan out of me Pistacia Vera!
(4)Jonathan S.
The Bittersweet Fudgie made with Valrhona chocolate is amazing. The pistachio strawberry dacquoise torte is amazing. The passionfruit chambord flourless torte is amazing. All of the macarons are amazing, with black raspberry being my absolute favorite. I drool just thinking about them. Need I say more? I also ordered a box of macarons to be mailed to NY for Christmas awhile back. $16 for a box of 12. They arrived in tip top condition, still fresh and tasty. Never had a bad experience here. Cannot wait to try the rest of the menu.
(5)Meghann T.
I have always passed by this place, and always wanted to go, however, the parking was always a pain in the butt. I was lucky enough to find a spot to park my car and walk to the restaurant over the weekend. What a pleasant surprise. A cute, dainty little cafe in German Village. I walked in, and the place smelled of sugar and coffee (two of my favorite things)! There were tables with two chairs, a lit candle, and many people enjoying a treat over coffee and conversation. I asked the woman behind the adorned counter of sweets for her suggestions. She recommended the black cherry and the pistachio macarons. What a marvelous suggestion - I should have gotten a half dozen! One of each was not enough to satisfy my new found glory! The cafe is very tidy, and always busy. I plan on going back this weekend, perhaps at the ass crack of dawn to get a parking spot and my new favorite dessert.
(5)Susan R.
I'm not sure if my previous experience with Pistacia Vera was just during an off time, or what, but today's visit to PV absolutely blew my mind. Hubs and I had a pain au chocolat (one each--no bloody way was I sharing), a couple of their delicious macarons, and a shortbread cookie. Everything was delicious, but the star was truly the pain au chocolat--flaky, tender, not oversweet, filled with good chocolate. I don't remember such a large selection of French-style baked goods last time I was there--it was mostly cookies and such besides what was in the dessert case--so this was a very, very welcome change. The selections in the case were far more impressive this time, too. I saw several things that I'd like to try. The lemon tart that I'd had last time was a little fancier-looking this time around, even if it still had that candied rind on top that distracted me so the first time. The only drawback? It was so busy that we had to take our food outside. We sat on a butt-freezing concrete bench while we scarfed down our goodies. But that's fine; I'd suffer a little numb-bottom any day to have another pain au chocolat.
(5)Alaina C.
I love this place so much. Everything I've ever eaten here has been outstanding! Their coffee is good, the croque Monsieur is wonderful and of course the macarons are orgasmic. Pricey but I can't stay away. My favorite macaron flavors are the lemon and the lavender.
(5)Cherie R.
I just had the baked eggs this morning for breakfast - and I want them again. And again. It seems so simple! Baked eggs, butter, herbs, cheese, and tomatoes. But it was sooooooooooooooooooooo good! Their baked goods are top notch, as well as their brunch items. You won't regret visitng here! As someone who is allergy prone, I really appreciate their nut free and gluten free menus - it makes me feel a lot safer eating here than I usually feel at bakeries.
(5)Kee V.
I love a good croissant and Pistacia Vera has good ones. Coffee was strong and freshly brewed. I wasn't in love with the canele though. It looked great but there was a overwhelming anise-like taste that I didn't enjoy. There was something just a little off about the flavor. All of the items looked great and I plan on getting a bunch of macarons before leaving Columbus in a couple days because they looked great. It's a great space and a great place to hang out and people watch.
(4)Josh W.
The best bakery in Columbus!
(5)Marissa C.
So... brunch and dessert are my two favorite courses. What does Pistacia Vera make? Yes, indeed, brunch and dessert. Obviously, this was already set up to be a match made in heaven. It's got a darling little location in historic German Village, with parking on available in lots on both sides of the street. The shop is on the small side, so if you want a table, you may have to watch and wait a bit. They do take out, though, so you can always get your fix and take it home... if you can wait that long.... When you walk in, your gaze immediately falls upon the wondrous glass case full of goodies. The signature macarons are amazing! So light and luscious with some amazing flavor choices. The cakes are quite good too, especially the Meyer Lemon Pistachio Dacquoise, and chocolate lovers should check out the Cassis Berry Flourless. Everything is as beautiful to the eye as it is delicious to taste. The savory brunch dishes include two types of quiches, baked eggs, smoked salmon, and a devilishly rich Croque Monsieur, and there are some delightful sweet and savory pastries. Gluten free and nut free folks can enjoy the shop too - the signs are all conveniently labelled accordingly, making it quick and easy to pick out what you want that fits your needs. There is also free Wifi available, and, of course, coffee for you coffee drinkers.
(5)Edwin Y.
The best Chocolate croissant ever! It's flaky and buttery. Their macarons are the one of best in the country. Family and friends in NYC ask I bring some with me when I visit them in Manhattan. That's says a lot when Manhattan is known for their food.
(5)A A.
Cobblestone streets lead to a trendy bakery in a historic section of Columbus. There are a myriad of tempting choices. I chose the cleverly crafted macarons in pistachio mocha & cranberry grapefruit. I also loved the chai latte. My companions chose the gingerbread macarons, and pain au chocolat. None of us had much to say as we devoured the sweet treats. The beautiful wall color (in pistachio green of course) adds to the feeling of tranquility and escapism.
(4)Katy B.
Love the macarons! A bit pricey but way less than other places around here. The tortes are decadent and also very elegant looking. I was hesitant to take a bite and ruin the dessert!
(5)Janet D.
Very friendly staff. Small store, but had plenty of beautifully placed desserts. The macarons were just a-ok for me. I am going to have to say my favorite macarons are in the Bay area.
(3)K F.
Wonderful coffee and pastries in a quant neighborhood setting. For the quality of the fare and location the prices were excellent. Service was friendly and prompt. A good stop with ample parking and seating on a Sunday morning. Lots of dogs to pet walking by.
(5)Amber S.
I've only ever stopped in to get desserts or cookies. I have fallen in love with their Macarons. The Almondine Cookies are addicting. Seriously, it's difficult to eat just one. The Cashew Caramels are delicious. Tip 1: If you're going to travel across the country with a package of macarons, be sure to keep it refrigerated until you pack. Then bundle it up in lots of layers so they don't get crushed on the plane ride. Tip 2: They are a member of Dine Originals Columbus so twice a year you can get discounted gift certifcates to use there.
(5)Joe B.
This is the vibe I'd love to emulate if I ever open my bakery/patisserie! It's beautiful and modern inside with an almost sparseness where everything looked bright and clean. The front counter was filled with gorgeous pastry most notably of which was the top shelf that was covered in a gallimaufry of macarons! For those of you unfamiliar, they're meringue sandwich cookies made with almond flour and filled. They're pronounced like macaroni without the "I" and nothing like our American macar"oon"s....try them, you'll freak out! I ordered one of each and worked my way through all of them over the next two days. These were really great although they weren't completely set the first day leaving them a tad gummy, the second day however they were just about perfect. I also ordered a Rye croissant having never seen one before along with one of their traditional croissant for good measure. I liked both but they were a little dry inside...I'm gathering it may have been because it was later in the day when I purchased them so they may have dried out while on display. They were flaky and large although they could've been a little more buttery! The Rye was fantastic with the caraway seed sprinkle and I can only imagine the amazing Reuben sandwich one could make with these gems. There were a ton of things I would try if I was in town again and I liked everything I had. The macaron flavors were all on point and well conceived of my favorites being the pistachio and the coconut FYI. Definitely worth a drop-in especially if you're from out of town and looking for something special for an in-town friend! The one thing I would've loved to see here was bread but perhaps they bake that on another day?
(4)Skyler G.
Honestly, they have some of the best macarons I've ever tried in the U.S. They are delicious! I make sure to stop here every time I'm in German Village. All of their pastries are amazing, and their shortbread cookies make my day! You can tell that the pastry chefs here are authentic and hardworking, as they do such a wonderful job! Keep up the great work! : )
(5)GirlOnTheOcean R.
Hands down, best in Columbus. The pastrys are yummy! The macarons are to die for yummy! The chai tea latte is yummy! evertyhing is very good. great place to sit and read a book or grab some goodies to go! highly recommed!
(5)Joyce K.
Artisanal baking and pasteries! Love their macarons especially. Small cafe, I usually need to find street parking, as it's located in German Village. They have a lot of specialty coffees and desserts, super yummy. Definitely worth checking out!
(5)Helen S.
Amazing. My bf and I came here to pick up a cake for a friend and to get desserts for ourselves. I got a pistachio macaron. Now, I'm a macaron fanatic, and while this wasn't the absolute best macaron I've ever had, it was still pretty high up there. I considered buying more to bring home, but I was afraid it would be too delicate because of the buttercream filling so I refrained from purchasing more. My bf chose the chocolate bombe. We didn't eat it until about a day later, by which point it had sorta exploded in my bag (no pun intended?). Although it wasn't pretty anymore, it tasted amazing. It consists of chocolate mousse and light chocolate cake, encased in chocolate ganache. And while it was incredibly rich, it was rich in a good way because I felt contented afterwards (instead of oh-god-too-much-chocolate kind of bloated). Om nom.
(5)Jessica R.
Want to impress someone with a fantastic tasting and looking birthday cake? Head to Pistacia Vera immediately! I've had a taste of just about all of their cakes and they do not disappoint. My co-workers kept commenting how they felt like they were at a 5 star restaurant as we were eating the Pistachio Strawberry Dacquoise in our conference room. And the macarons. I don't know any place else you can get these delicious, colorful, super awesome treats in Columbus. They run $1.25 each or $15 for a box of all 12 varieties - my new go-to birthday, housewarming, etc. gift. Try a box and I know you will be hooked too! The store is quite simplistic but yet sophisticated in decoration. Plus there is sidewalk seating. It's a great place to hangout in German Village. And the question everyone always asks about places in GV, there are a few parking spots along the side of the building and several spots across the street. I've never seen it full so you should be able to get to park near-by.
(5)Jeff P.
Most excellent! How long has this been here and I didn't know about it??? Excellent place to get your out-of-this-world, hand-crafted pastries, or...like I did, grab some tasty brunch and delicious coffee (of course with a side of awesome macaroons) and enjoy the sun outside. Great, friendly service too.
(5)Brioche C.
I've been going to Pistacia Vera for years (since it was in the Short North). I've always liked anything they produced in the dacquoise or frangipan category. Others prefer the deep dark chocolate bombe. Though I appreciate the skill in producing the bombe and recognize its quality, its too strong for my taste. For breakfast I like the almond bear claw and maple pecan twist, but feel that the croque monsieur, while authentic to some I've had in Europe, are not nearly as nice as a fresh one from La Chatelaine. I rate Pistacia Vera 5 stars, not because I like everything, or because it's perfect (nothing is). But because compared to every other food establishment in Columbus, they come the closest to achieving the high standards they strive for.
(5)Megan B.
I love their iced coffee! This is a great pit stop on my way to work. They are incredibly friendly and efficient servers. All of their treats look delicious and I can't wait to stop for an after dinner coffee and dessert sometime.
(5)Lauren L.
not my kind of place.. I am really not one for sweets. but my GF is obsessed with this place, and the macaroons are growing on me. If GF is happy, everybody is happy.... so i give this place 5 stars
(5)Chelsea P.
I just stopped by Pistacia Vera to order a basket of goodies for Easter... I honestly wanted to eat everything I saw! Everything is just beautifully presented... from the crisp clean interior design to the the pastries. Anne, one of the owners, helped me select a variety of sweets to take to my family on Easter in a custom little basket. If you want to brighten up your day I suggest visiting Pistacia Vera for both the wonderful pastries and friendly service. If you ever need a quick little gift to take to a party... there are some great hostess gifts at Pistacia Vera.
(5)S. G.
Absolutely delicious and great little scene
(5)Randy S.
Pistacia Vera is an upscale dessert house in German Village. It can seem a little overpriced on the surface. But I'll be honest here: For what you get, Pistacia Vera is very reasonably priced. We're talking gourmet tarts for $4. That's tough to beat. I do miss the old Short North incarnation of the shop, but I'll take what I can get. This place offers dessert as high art at a budget price. Rad.
(4)Crystal P.
Everything was amazing in the Dine Originals Week sampler. Only thing I didn't like was the fruit pate. It was too tart and sweet for my taste. I also had the cannelle, it's definitely a must try. I'd love to go back and try all of the macarons!
(4)Vikki C.
Seriously amazing desserts. We had the chocolate bombe and the world's best chocolate cookies, with coffee before we went to ShadowBox Live. Slightly pricey, but top quality AND parking spaces!!
(5)Ann S.
Splitsy day! Sigh, thanks to many people griping, they've changed their menu a bit. This means my coveted pau au chocolate has bitten the dust. *massive sigh* They now make a double pan au chocolate...a chocolate croissant with chocolate in the middle. It was good but we both agree we missed the buttery richness of the regular one because it complimented and intesified the chocolate inside. We still ate it though. You know, we didn't want to hurt it's feelings. We tried a cannele at a Yelper's urging. It was decent. We both felt like we'd tasted something similar before but couldn't put our finger on it. Nice and moist inside and carmelized outside. The rum infusion is barely noticeable but gives it flavor. We split a holiday spice butter sable. I assume the texture is supposed to be dry but as you chew it melts in your mouth. Great flavor and would be perfect for dunking! Mini chocolate bombe is a given...hello, I'm so in love it's my profile pic!
(4)Katie T.
If I'm in a bad (or good) mood, I go to Pistacia Vera to make the day better. The macarons are like eating a piece of heaven. I can eat a dozen in a sitting if my hips would let me. Also try the chocolate fudgie, one of the best cookies in the city.
(5)Steven S.
Amazing.... Try the chocolate bomb and the pistachio chunk cookies
(5)Mike F.
Yes Yes Yes everything here is good! High quality ingredients and so well made. The portion sizes may -seem- small at first, but they are so filled will flavor that it's all you need. After you eat it you feel great. That's what dessert is supposed to do. Wifey and I usually split a small piece of pistachio cake and get something else, like nougat. The other cakes are good, too. Every time I go here, it seems like they have the old standbys and some specials. We always try a new thing when we go in and it's always good. Keep meaning to try the marshmallows. sometimes we eat our food here (instead of "to go") and we aren't sure whether to tip. We do, but is it customary? Great place to buy gifts for people, because the presentation is very classy. Go here.
(5)Trent C.
One of the most refreshing stores, not only in German Village, but Columbus. The desserts are to die for and the pastries are ridiculously good as well. The scones and the cinnamon sugar sweet rolls are a really great breakfast option. The almondine cookies are delicious. The Grand Cru chocolate truffles are simply divine. You place your order and then question whether you've asked for enough. Chances are, before you leave the parking lot, you will have already opened the box to get your fix. The tarts and tortes are incredibly delicious and unbelievably decadent. If you have any questions, the staff behind the counter are always willing to help. Expect to be able to chat with the chefs as well since they are usually near the counter anyway. No other place (except for Jeni's) can cure my sweet tooth the way that Pistacia Vera can.
(5)el O G.
Not much more I can add to the place that hasn't been written, but I love coming here to get treats for myself, friends or family. I love the macarons and around the holidays buy gift boxes for the fam. The cookies are good, especially the pistacio chip. This saturday I tried the croissants and lattes this Saturday which were fantastic and good, respectively. Having had many of the desserts at special occassions I have never had something I didn't like here, though I'm known to have a sweet tooth! I never hesitate to bring out of towners here as I feel this bakery can compete with anyone around the country. Next up is to try the new breakfast offerings.
(5)Karen S.
Best cookies I have ever had!! Wish I lived closer but am glad I don't as it would be a daily habit!! The macaroons are out of this world!
(5)Shelby M.
Pistacia Vera now has iced espresso-based drinks! The first time I visited I had to pass up the hot coffee (I only do cold drinks). But now, you can enjoy a dessert & a light & smooth latte or iced coffee on the front patio.
(5)Bonnie N.
So...I decided to visit this place in July when my BF visited from California. I've heard about it from a friend. I LOVE THIS PLACE! Will come back here again, prolly with my girlfriends, hehehe Pros: - high quality desserts and pastries! - flavors are rich and not too sweet (for my palate, atleast) - the decor of this tiny cafe is so cute that it made me feel like I am in Paris, lol! - must try the creme brulee pastry, its heaven! - friendly staff - price is not too bad (I was thinking that a macaroon will be like $4/piece) Cons: - limited parking - its all the way in German Village
(5)Reuel K.
It's the only place for French macaroons. But they actually have more than that. They have other pastries and enough selections to make it one of my favorite places to go to. Another thing I like here is that they have very good breakfast too. The place is always clean and the people very pleasant.
(5)S N.
On my touristy trip to Columbus, this cafe stood as a worthy competitor to the best and finest cafes of NY. Everything was great. I loved croque monsieur, buttermilk cake, strawberry preserve and latte. My family raved about their brunch as well (we ordered everything on the menu. Service was not perfect but taste, food et al.
(5)Sally D.
Pricey but delicious! The portion was small but the taste was all there - we tried the bacon quiche for breakfast & loved it! This was the best quiche I can remember having...ever! Light, fluffy flavorful filling with chunky bits of bacon surrounded by a perfectly flaky pastry crust - yum yum yum! Definitely worth trying & enjoying!
(4)Jamie M.
I'm amazed. I'm typically a cheesecake, ice cream, pie type of dessert person but this bakery is incredible! I got two macaroons, chocolate bombe, and a dessert I can't remember the name of. The macaroons were good but I'm not the biggest fan of macaroons but I was pleased. However the two other desserts were amazing! The chocolate bombe melts in your mouth, it was also rich but not too sweet. The other dessert was absolutely amazing as well, it had a crunchy base with a rich (but not over doing it) chocolate mousse topping. I can't wait to return and try all the other options! Don't pass this up if you're in columbus.
(5)Gus W.
I finally got a chance to stop into Pistacia Vera's main spot in German Village this past Sunday. I had to have something to make up for my abysmal experience at Katzinger's, and they're only a couple of blocks from each other. I've been to the location at North Market several times and was a big fan of the desserts I'd tried there. As I said before though, I'm not a huge macaron fan, although I did give them another shot, and I think I liked them a little better this time! The original location here is so nice and cleanly, and the inside almost seems out of place compared to the outside of the building and the surrounding area. It's just so.. new. That's okay though. Not everything in German Village has to fit that old town feel. It was super clean, and the people behind the counter were very nice. I only went with the lemon pine tart, and my buddy tried some strawberry layered cake. I think the pricing is a bit much at $6, especially for mine, which was incredibly tiny, but I've already come to expect that from them, so I wasn't surprised. My lemon tart was awesome. I was expecting the filling to be a little firmer, but it's a very thin custard-y texture that melted in my mouth and went great with the crackery crust. My friend wasn't too keen on the pricing either, but he said if anything was going to be worth close to the $6, it was that strawberry layered tart (whatever you want to call it). He really enjoyed it. I'll probably stick to the North Market location, since it's more convenient for me, but I thought the original spot was very sleek. They also offer quiches that I don't believe North Market does, and they looked very tasty. If I'm back in the area some time, I'll have to check those out as well as the coffee.
(4)Brad S.
I love this place for a quick pop-in, be it for breakfast or for a tasty treat to take to a party. The croissants (ham and cheese, chocolate, etc.) are great for a grab and go breakfast. The chocolate bomb never fails to amaze recipients. And the macarons are just perfect for a dinner-party-gift. I've always found the staff to be exceptionally helpful - the environment inside is bright and cheery, and that attitude bleeds over into the guests. It's a very community feel here, with chatter going on between tables of strangers.
(5)LeeJee C.
Good lord where do I begin... Pistacia Vera is the best bakery in the world. I found this gem when I lived in Columbus a few years ago, and ever since, I dream of this place daily. I'm not a big brunch person, but their baked eggs are literally the best breakfast/brunch dish I've ever had! It comes in a hot skillet with tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, and the flavor is indescribable. I'm also not a big fan of croissants, but their ham and cheese croissant is pretty much the best version you'll ever find. Around Fall, they offer their house apple cider, which again, doesn't sound like anything crazy, but I promise you it's the best apple cider you'll ever try!
(5)Alien T.
Fantastic place for my first cold morning in the city of Columbus. Delicious brunch and a very good place to stop on the road trip. I found this place quite pleasing. I had pouched eggs with tomato, croissant and jam with a cup of coffee. It was, what I wanted on this long road trip. The staff is friendly and happy.
(3)Claire R.
Pistachia Vera was one of the first places I was told I had to go when I moved to Columbus. They have a lot of items and a select few are done perfectly and thats what keeps me coming back. They have incredible quiches with really fresh, yummy salads which is the perfect breakfast. You have to get them before a certain time but its worth getting out there a little early. This is one of my favorite places to go when my parents are in town, or when getting breakfast with a friend, or even just by myself after wandering around the book loft. Great coffee. Food is a little pricey but worth it for the quality. They also have really, really good macaroons. I have had some amazing macaroons and some terrible ones and these are very good. Some of their flavors are not great but if you pick the right ones, they're winners. My favorite are the pistachio and anything with coconut. I only give four stars because some of their sweets are not 5 star and it is over all pretty pricey. I don't eat here often but every couple of months or so I start craving quiche and don't hesitate to come here (and stop over by Katzingers to pick up lunch for later!)
(4)Josh Y.
This is THE place for desserts in Columbus. Everything here is delicious. I'm especially a fan of the Chocolate Bombe and the Pear tart.
(5)Lindsey S.
This is my favorite bakery. Expensive but the best quality you can get. I love their macarons, canells, palmiers, chocolate croissant, almond croissant and hot chocolate! Tried their baked egg dish for brunch which was a little undercooked but very tasty. I drive an hour and a half to come here.
(5)Jo P.
OH.MY.GOD. Chocolate chip pistachio nut cookies are to DIE for! I'm glad I don't live that close!!!!! The milk chocolate macadamia nut praline cake was MMMMMM. Also, super nice and helpful people that work there. I asked them for a close-by restaurant recommendation, and the lady pulled out a book of menus and looked stuff up on the internet for us. Great!
(5)Carol C.
It's not every bakery that can successfully wed style with substance, but Pistacia Vera manages this miracle with seemingly effortless skill. Everywhere the clean lines of modern architecture suggest a simple beauty, not unlike the pure perfection in a bite of their freshly-baked bread. Within these red brick walls and tasteful window-lined alcoves, the air of culinary sophistication is no clever ruse: these chefs are artists working in the mediums of savory and sweet, with pleasure as their palette. As if I needed another excuse to indulge in my love of locally-made edibles, I recently decided to participate in a program called "Foodie Pen-Pals". My pal has a weakness for sweets but resides in the West Coast, which meant all treats must be both transportable and durable, in addition to being tasty. It's a tall order, but I instantly knew that Pate de Fruits would achieve every goal. Packaged in an attractive 8-pack, the ombre colored squares of sugared fruit "gems" are intensely flavored yet somehow never too sweet nor too sour, and are absolutely lovely to look upon. They'll easily survive the several day journey, and they're sure to please even the pickiest of pen-pals. My husband and I added two orders of cookies to the purchase, to spoil ourselves after a day's shopping well done. I chose the Bittersweet Fudgie, billed as the "best chocolate cookie ever", a dubious title, but I don't dare disagree. The mister declared it "The best cookie I have eaten, ever" after the first bite I gave him, and I could barely stand to share more. It was like a brownie, or a cookie, or the best parts of both cocoa-laced fantasy worlds: a fever dream of crisp-almost-crunchy crust, with a softly fudgy inner layer that might make you moan as it melts on your tongue. He chose a pair of madeleines, which we discovered were flavored subtly and seductively with lemon. They were almost cloudlike in their spongy tenderness, and sweet as lemonade on a summer afternoon. There is nothing I have tried here that doesn't rival my own baking, or best it. These desserts are among the very best that Capital City has to offer, and I'm inclined to inquire if their brunch might be likewise. As if I needed another excuse!
(5)Bryant M.
What a sweet find! My friends and I went to lunch at El Arepazo, and we wanted a brownie from Sugardaddy's for dessert. Well, Sugardaddy's was closed. So then we wanted a cupcake from 3 Babes. And it was nowhere in sight. And that's how we found ourselves at Pistacia Vera! Even though it was kind of a last resort, it was not a let down! Liz M had brought me a box of their macarons a few months before, and I totally loved them; so I'm not sure why it took me this long to actually go to the store! Today we had a latte, an iced mocha, the chocolate cookies, the almond cookie, and a few macarons. Everything was beyond delicious. If you like semi-sweet or dark chocolate, then get the chocolate cookie - omg. But if you're more of a milk chocolate person, then maybe you should steer in another direction. I'll totally be going back to Pistacia Vera!
(5)Leanna L.
The best macaroons I've ever had! So many flavors to choose from and very reasonably priced.
(4)Alexander B.
Phenomenal quality and awesome presentation. Make someone's week by picking up a box of the macarons. They're pretty much perfection.
(5)Ayesha K.
The macaroons are divine! Great pastry shop! Location is even better.
(4)Dave L.
In an attempt to walk off some of the sandwich I had just consumed at Katzinger's Delicatessen I found Pistacia Vera. I am thankful that I was stuffed because there were so many things that looked delicious. I settled on a dozen assorted macaroons. With the help of friends, we returned to the house, brewed some coffee and slaughtered the cookies. The tastes and consistency were amazing - I would have to go through another iteration (or 2) to determine my favorite - they were all excellent.
(5)David F.
Absolutely amazing. From the Macarons to the hot chocolate, this place is really a star. Very clean, friendly and responsive staff and good lighting. Rush here. Now.
(5)Morgan D.
I'm always hearing good things about Pistacia Vera in German Village (formerly Pistachio in the Short North). I'd seen their products many times before I actually tasted them. Each dessert item is made with care and an air of aestheticism. The flavors are classy and refined. My first bite was a gift, a small thank you from a co-worker. It was the lemon pistachio macaroon. Small and light, I was almost afraid to pick up this delicacy. The macaroon may have looked dainty, but its flavor was strong. I was hit over the head with lemon. It was like inhaling lemon air. That was where I found my qualm. The texture was the pitfall. It was too light. Usually, the desserts I go crazy for are rich and moist, ooey-gooey good. This macaroon was something new, and I wasn't sure if I liked it. My next encounter with Pistacia Vera was at a birthday party where an elegant pistachio cake was served. I was over the moon! I was about to chomp into the basic namesake of the bakery. The cake was lovely and decorated very professionally. The layers were even with big divisions of icing in between. I thought, "Sugar, sugar, sugar!" But the taste was super light, almost undetectable. If it's not one extreme, it's another. The cake was okay. I ate it without complaint. The chilled icing was actually quite good. But I don't think I would intentionally order a slice again. I would describe Pistacia Vera's products as frou frou. Next time I have a run in with Pistacia Vera, I hope it involves chocolate. Then we can really get down to business. Until then, I'm mainly aesthetically impressed.
(3)Michelle F.
The hallmark of a good establishment: consistently delicious!
(5)Tenzo D.
A unique quality find in a city that prides itself on being banael
(5)Diana M.
It was good. I really liked the service and the wide variety of options
(4)Melanie J.
It looks like the topic of the Parisian Macaroons has been drooled over here before. But, can I just add my little piece about how delectable these little melt-in-your-mouth rounds of deliciousness are? Just reading these previous reviews is making me want to leave work just to pick some up. I've also tried their chocolate flourless torte, Palmiers and the little fruit jellies (can't remember their proper name) and was very pleased. But, if you're going to try something other than the macaroons, make sure you take some home with you. You can thank me later.
(5)M. D.
What an amazing treasure in German Village. Clean, modern, friendly service and delicious desserts. Ive been back several times since my first visit. The chocolate macarons, fruit gelees and cashew bar are among my favorites. The tea's and coffees are also complimentary to the fare. I trully recommend this bakery to anyone visiting the Columbus German Village neighborhood.
(5)Liza V.
I'm not sure I could say anything about this place that hasn't been said. Everything i've tried is like a party in my mouth, and I just want more! Not only do the pastries and confections taste like they have been prepared for royalty, they are all so beautiful! everything I order, I photograph so I can make my fellow instagramers' mouths water. I've tried a handful of the desserts, and each time I think, "they can't possibly top this." Today I had the caramel eclair, and I was just as impressed. The coffee is consistently strong and fresh, and the staff are friendly and patient.
(5)Carolyn K.
I finally made it to Pistacia Vera! After poring over the rave reviews for years (hyperbole), I found a few extra minutes to pop in and give it a try. Sorry to say, I wasn't wow-ed. I tried one of the buckeye macarons (on the house, that was very nice of them)... and ended up buying 4 + an eclair to take home. Both the macaron and the eclair were exorbitantly rich. I couldn't finish either of them. Perhaps I am being harsh, as I do tend to have more of a salty/savory palette instead of a sweet tooth. And perhaps the plethora of stellar reviews ended up setting the bar inordinately high for me. Regardless, I thought it was just OK. Although, the staff were incredibly friendly and the shop was adorably decorated.
(2)Tarah W.
Holy decadence - I now have an unhealthy obsession with macarons. This place is amazing!
(5)Karyn M.
This place is absolutely adorable. I love coming here on the weekends, although it can be a bit crowded. I usually get the 'one of every flavor' macaron boxes as gifts. They are usually tied with a cute little bow and look quite lovely. Their different assortments of cakes are beautiful and very tasty. I'm not sure if it has always been like this, but i've noticed that the macarons look a little grittier lately - like they've been using a coarser almond flour to make them, which makes them not as smooth and pretty but still tasty.
(5)Molly S.
This place is dangerous!!! Every time I come in I want to buy pretty much everything on display - especially the macarons! They are to die for - they just melt in in your mouth - in fact I Lo e them so much they're a constant on my amazon wish list. I pretty much everything about this place - the funky lime green decor coupled with the polished, classy look, the patio, he brunch... I could go on and on. For me this is a go-to place to bring out of towers.
(5)Natalie H.
Simply lovely. Delicious macaroons, a peaceful & tastefully decorated shop, and very friendly staff. I had the lavender macaroon which was unique and delightful. Nice place to have a friendly meetup, to do some light afternoon laptop work. Only complaint is that I thought it would be a bit larger, with the crowds this place gets, the tiny space can get a bit cramped.
(4)Meredith M.
I love this place. All the staff is super pleasant & helpful, even on really busy days. I have never had something that I don't like. I would not suggest take out coffee from here, otherwise, A+.
(4)Q-Tay S.
After finding this gem, I fell in love with it. I was in search of macarons here in Ohio and came across Pistacia Vera after searching the web. I have brought my kids and many friends here to try it out. Not only is the staff friendly, but service is always great and food is wonderful. I enjoy the macarons and vanilla chai tea the best. However there menu has a variety of options. My only down side is brunch isn't always fulfilling. I wish there more meat dishes or bigger portions, or even sides/ add on items. I find myself still hungry unless I order double. My all time favorite brunch item was the baked eggs dish and when the menu changed they stopped offering that. I'd go just for that dish sometimes. I really hope they bring it back. I love this place and ifs great when the weather is warm or a beautiful fall day. Would even be nice for a 1st date. I def recommend and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do!
(5)JioVanni J.
Great selection and the staple pistachio flavor is the best!
(5)A D.
My second time here and it's simply perfect! Excellent desserts everything looks so beautiful and most are delicious too. I had the macaroons this time after the salmon tartare. Wow!!!! I'm definitely coming back the next time I'm in town on business!!!
(5)Aja S.
I love pastry shops and moving to Columbus from a smaller city three states over I figured there would be a nice assortment to choose from. Sadly, there aren't very many places here and I've come to understand that you really have to look through the hype of a place in this city to see for yourself whether it's worth spending money or time on. That being said, I was CRAVING macarons and having tried make them myself I know they can be a little hard to master. Knowing this I thought I would need to save my craving until the next time we traveled. When we stumbled upon Pistacia Vera I was very excited too see all the beautiful pastries and goodies. The atmosphere is very nice, although I'm not one to easily fall for the look of a place before I've sampled the food (far too many times in this city have I felt like I was paying to be seen instead of the food of my plate...). I told my mother, a few states away (who also has a thing for pretty pastries) about this place and she was kind enough to treat me to a gift card! She went on to the website, ordered the card and we waited. And waited and waited. Since I live in the same city I was thinking three to four days at the most. But it NEVER came. I had to get the order number from my mom and then email the receipt to them and go in to get my card. No one had heard anything about this card, so it was never sent out. EVER and if we never called, nothing would have gotten done. Now, my parents have always owned a small business. So I understand that things just go unseen or forgotten when things are busy. Things where ultimately straightened out and for that day my boyfriend and I had a nice time. I got box of macarons and he got one of those chocolate bomb cakes. We came out with still a little balance left on the card. So a few weeks later, we go back again. I ordered more macarons and few other things. I am not a FANCY person by any means. But I know the difference between a coconut macaroon like my granny used to buy at the local market and a French macaron. However, I'm NOT French and I do not speak French. When I order macarons I say, "I will have two of each MACAROON except for anything with strawberry (I'm allergic to that cute little fruit, you see)." I come from middle America and although I am very well traveled and know a thing or two about different foods and cultures, I have nothing to prove. Yes, I have been known to twang or countrify a few words here or there just to stress a point. YET I was constantly corrected by the girl behind the counter, whom may I add seems to have the same news rooms worthy accent that I have. She kept saying "MAHK-RHONS" as if the back of her throat should be have started the "R" sound but then just felt insecure about itself and decided to be an "H" instead. I have heard MANY people say it this way, and I know, understand and respect that it's a way to differentiate between the two baked goods. Frankly though I feel silly trying to fake a French accent for one word. Bottom line, I felt it was very rude of this girl to continually say it loudly and as if I were an idiot. *Takes a breath* Despite all of this. I had two of each type of macaron (other then the strawberry) now twice and they are just a little hit or miss. A good macarons shell is one that is like a chewy meringue. These are just very poofy so they look pretty. But once you bite into it you are wearing all of the shell. It just crumbles all over the front of you and is a little dry. The flavor is so so on the ones that aren't as puffy. Although I can't really taste the difference in the taste, a lot of the time. Often I'm left saying, "I think this was lemon...maybe vanilla. Probably lemon because it's yellow..." The Chocolate bomb cake that I had a bite of seemed very rich and lovely. I think they are very pretty and they seem to be a very quality product. I will still go back to see about the other selections. I just feel that they push the macarons very hard and they are little disappointing. I haven't found another place in or around Columbus that sells macarons and it seems to me that someone that hasn't had VERY well made macarons would come to think that these are the BESTEST. Which I understand because you have nothing to compare it to. I think that being the only game in town makes puts them at number one automatically and that just seems unfair. Recently I've made my own macarons after lots of trial and error and obsession I've made some pretty good ones. Which now makes me wonder more and more about a place like Pistacia Vera. I wonder why a place that makes so many at one time can make such a common and easily fixed mistake. Making un-poofy macarons should be very easy after you do it for so long... If you know of any other places that sells macarons PLEASE message me! I'd love to try them!
(3)Stephanie M.
Stopped by for a light brunch with friends...and the only thing keeping this from being 5 stars is the order chaos at the front counter. While they have more than enough counter folk, the space is a tad cramped when the joint is packed, so your ability to really walk along the entire counter and view all the goodies you want to view are quickly snapped up by waiting customers. Outside of this, FANTASTIC stuff. Between our party, both pastries and savories were ordered and everything was good. You won't receive a heavy-handed flour-laden grocery-story pastry here. The eclairs are delicate masterpieces. The carrot cake mille fuille is amazing. Eggs? Perfect runniness next to beautifully toasted croissants. Homemade preserves? Could have eaten them alone with a spoon for-EV-er. You want to know about the Macarons? They're every bit as fantastic as everyone says. I could have eaten 30 of the lemon ginger & matcha ones and been happy all day. But I didn't. Because I'm a responsible adult or some such nonsense. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a treat from Pistacia - just expect weekend brunch-time to be a bit hectic!
(4)Laura R.
Such a unique shop! All of their desserts are delicious and not bad priced. Very chic, I would go there everyday if I could ! Great coffee as well. Try their chocolate bomb, to die for!
(5)M C.
Never a disapointment. From coffee to rye croissants to shirred eggs..! Magical
(5)Kati K.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Pistacia Vera yet! This is truly one of my favorite places in Columbus. Their macarons are authentic Parisian and delicious -- light, airy, tasty. The coffee is delicious. The atmosphere is a nice coffee-shop. Go here, and you won't look back!
(5)Cheryl H.
A friend told me that the "choocolate bomb" - that is, a chocolate buttermilk cake with semisweet chocolate tawny port mousse glazed with a chocolate ganache - was like "God cumming in your mouth." ...he was right. Oh, and I also had a Cafe Mocha (liquid happiness! so rich!) and a tiny little chocolate truffle ball that was packed with choco-goodness completely disproportionate to its size.
(5)Lidiya Z.
While I am indifferent to macaroons in general, the tortes here are exceptional. Highly recommend!
(5)Lydia W.
I live for pastries. To know that Columbus has a solid patisserie makes me so happy! LOVE the selection of cakes and tarts. Nothing looks undesirable. Come with a friend so you can try more than one slice of cake! I have had the passionfruit chambord mousse flourless chocolate cake, and it is truly divine. Its fruity tones are perfectly subtle against the incredible richness of the chocolate. The textures are perfect, but don't let it get too warm before you dig in! It's definitely better served chilled. The pistachio cake with fig and orange is also heavenly. Its flavor is a bit more complex and sophisticated, and I really appreciate that it's not overly sweet. Also there's a pistachio macaron on top for the macaron-lover who can't choose between macarons or cake. The biggest test for me came when I ordered a pain au chocolat. Acceptable! I am glad to know I can get a good croissant here. They also have rye croissants and whole wheat croissants in addition to regular croissants, which I find interesting but would probably never want to try. Oh their pistachio chocolate chip cookie? Buy one for the road. You're welcome.
(5)David W.
Pistacia Vera is perhaps Columbus's best argument against becoming a vegan. This swanky dessert boutique (as per the website) is a local gateway to Parisian-style confectionery, with artifacts of buttercream and ganache so artisanly sculpted, they are far too pretty to be eaten. Located a stone's throw from Katzinger's Deli and the majestic Book Loft, PV is an obvious destination when happening to wander into the slumberous neighborhood of German Village. Macarons are the signature, and like a rainbow of color swatches they radiate behind the glass counter in their iridescent decadence. Coming in such flavors as buckeye, pistachio and mocha hazelnut, to more left-of-center varieties (say, yuzu pink guava), each sells for $1.25 a pop. On one of my visits, I was allowed to sample a cookie, but I'm not sure whether this is common practice, or if they already knew I wouldn't be leaving without buying something first. Apart from macarons, you'll find a gallery of other tasty treats. Most recently, I was exposed to the Brown Butter Pecan Cranberry, a shortbread crust comprised of almond franigpane and cranberry orange jam. Equally delicious is the Spiced Pear Franigpan. Order a chai or cappucino (Brioso coffee!) on the side to complement a hot date. When visiting Paris several years ago, I had the enjoyment of trying my first French macaron in the bustle of an open-air cafe. Pistacia Vera rekindles the magic of that seminal experience, without the pigeon shit. Treat yourself.
(5)Sheila H.
We found the pastries to be exceptional. The coconut crème french macarons were heavenly. Absolutely loved this place and the staff was very helpful and friendly.
(5)Laurie M.
They have great customer service and the highest quality pastries. Their croissants are the best in town, maybe the best in the state! The macaroons are perfect. Very high quality food. They may not have everything you are looking for.... some may say they don't have a wide selection - but that is a GOOD thing! They don't try to be everything to everyone, but what they do is excellent... My review can not do them justice.
(5)Claire B.
If this place was in my neighborhood, I'd be in serious trouble. It's the best bakery in town. Their savory pastries or their chocolate croissants or the macarons - it's all good enough to melt your face off. Delicious!
(5)kristy m.
I am simply copying the review I wrote on Tripadvisor: You absolutely must visit Pistacia Vera if you are within 100 miles of the place. This is truly a destination in and of itself. You will create wonderful memories for your family if you bring them here and let them pick out a special treat. Amazing!! We tried a Passion Fruit Parisian Macaron and it was incredible. Lightly crispy outer layer, soft, lightly sweet, pleasantly fruity. Only $1.25 each and $15.00 for a beautiful travel box of their assorted flavors. Orange Brioche - lightly flavored, slightly sweet, moist. Perfection! $2.75 Pain au Chocolat, $3.50, and Almond , $4.00, both Heavenly. The pastry is the best I've ever had. The chocolate was very, very good and the almond filling was just delicious. My son chose the Lemon Sugar cookie and it was very good. We all tried it and the whole family thought it delicious. ($1.50) The Chocolate Chunk Pistachio cookie is crazy-good. Lots of nuts and yummy chocolate. Get this as an extra bonus. ;-). $1.50 My husband ordered the Plum Ginger Frangipan and that was oh so delicious. The plums were perfectly tender. The ginger flavor was just right. I can't figure out if it was on a pie crust or sugar cookie crust. Whatever, it was great. Whatever the cake or filling, it was so good. $5.00 Their coffee was very good. The espresso was especially excellent. We brought four children here and they were treated very well. I would say this is a family friendly. I would also say this would be a great date place. Since I visited Pistacia Vera in October I've had other macarons and none anywhere compare to the perfection in taste and texture of the ones from Pistacia Vera.
(5)Beka H.
This place was incredible. I had the flavored macaroons and I was in heaven. I had also split a lemon tart. It was the best I ever had!
(5)Elizabeth D.
I was recommended to visit this place by a fellow Twitter-foodie. I am SO glad he sent me here. The decor is super cute and carries a modern-chic feel. The chairs and tables are petite and metal. Which is why I'm giving Pistacia 4 stars and not 5. I like cafes to have a more comfy, resty, loungy atmosphere. This feels more like a place to have a business meeting or to spend time studying. But that's just my own personal opinion. It's not necessarily a bad thing. I ordered the baked eggs Provencale (I hope I spelled that right...) and a chocolate latte to start. The baked eggs were a tad bit under done for my liking, which was my own fault. I should've specified my doneness level desired. But they were delicious. The ragout was very flavorful. The croissant was bigger then I expected which was awesome, I love croissants, and it was all crispy toasted and hot. Mmmmm... The housemade preserves were really tasty and fruity. I wish they sold them by the jar. I'd be buying some every couple of weeks. After I let all that settle, I stared at the dessert case for 10-20 minutes trying to decide what I wanted. I finally chose the Chocolate Bombe. Talk about death death by chocolate. It was like a chocolate explosion in my mouth. A really, really good chocolate explosion with different textures. The mousse on the inside of it was the best chocolate mousse I've ever had. All in all I had a wonderful dining experience. The food was DELICIOUS. you should definitely give it a try sometime.
(4)Erin R.
Gorgeous environment for a bakery. Sitting at one of their little tables when its sunny out devouring baked goods is pretty high up there on my list of fun things to do. I'm not spendy-crazy lately, so I only had a ginger sable and a vanilla macaron, but they were both amazing. I would eat two million ginger sables if I could prevent myself from also gaining two million pounds and two million dollars in debt. Helpful, friendly staff and many many delicious looking choices, available in minis for people like me to try, and full cakes, desserts, etc. I will be back to try more once I can foot the bill.
(4)kate m.
You walk in to a beautiful open space. Gorgeous marble countertops are covered with the most beautiful deserts you can imagine. Next is a gleaming display cabinet filled with even more amazing deserts. Everything is spotless and clean, with the finest destails attended to. They even keep the wax paper in a decorative tin, lest you be distracted from the food by a *gasp* ordinary cardboard box. And you haven't even tried the deserts yet. There are seasonal deserts made with perfect fruit, peppermint chocolates with glittering blue peppermint sugar on top, macaroons so light and fluffy, yet rich and creamy at the same time. Ideally the next step in this food fantasy would be to sit in the perfectly chosen chairs by the windows and enjoy your amazing purchases. But wait! There is NO SITTING AREA!! You have to go back outside, get into your car and take them somewhere else! Surely they must have a perfect little plate back there to display this artwork on while you eat it? No? I have to take it home and put it on an ordinary old plate? (Oh who am I kidding, I'll eat it out of the box on my way home...) I guess Pistacia can still have 5 stars, although I would take them down to 4 1/2 for no place to sit!
(5)Peter L.
This place is good. I'm not a huge sweets person, but their macarons are the real deal. One bite and I was taken from snowy Columbus to Laduree on Champs-Elysees... OK maybe not, but it was something like that. Lots of flavors to try that were all awesome. It's a nice place and the people there were helpful.
(5)Brian K.
Yum. Great owners, friendly service. Great space for a dessert shop.
(5)Ellen F.
First of all, Pistacia? How can you not walk into a place with Pistacia in the name. Mmmm. So when you do walk in you will immediately be blessed with the sensual scents of sweet baked wonderment. Then open your eyes and notice how clean and proper it is. I don't want to use the work pretentious, because that it most definitely is not! It's not your typical neighborhood bakery. You will not find glazed doughnuts, danishes or apple fritters. Instead you get to experience the pistachio honey nougat for $1.50, the orange clove shortbread tea cookie for $1, and the walnut marsala fig macaron for $1.25. Oh...the thought of it all makes me want to make a special trip right now! Don't be shy. Tell them what you want and ask to try it. They are more than willing to share the wealth with you. In fact, they are so eager to make your tongue dance with glee, they practically beg for flavor suggestions. I think they just like to (love to) experiment. Someone has to eat the oops. The Macaron's are gluten-free too! Made simply with sugar, egg white, and almond meal. The different varieties will add random other ingredients. But no wheat! Closed Monday's.
(5)Jazz M.
Outstanding desserts. Love the design of the place inside and out. Staff seems very friendly each time I've been in. Delicious taste to the food and very unique. Wish they had more items to choose from though, that being my main/only issue thus far. Plenty of variety with the macarons - pistachio being the best, IMO. Fun, cute little place.
(4)Artie I.
Always first-rate: from the kind, intelligent service to the delicious treats. Everything tastes even better than it looks -- and it looks like art! Don't hold back.
(5)Emily Q.
Macarons, croissants, coffee and atmosphere are all superb!
(5)Dawn K.
Based on Yelp reviews and the online menu, my husband wanted to stop by Pistacia Vera for a birthday gift for someone. We, of course, had to sample the treats ourselves! My husband tried the chocolate bomb. I only needed one bite- it was too rich for me. But he loved it! It is exactly what a chocolate bomb sounds like it should be- chocolate indulgence! I had the fresh fruit tartlette, which was light and amazing! It had a creamy custard with fresh raspberries and blackberries. Delightful! We also each tried a couple macarons- the nutella and the vanilla bean. Both yummy. Definitely stop by Pistacia Vera if you're in the German Village area. If you're not in the area, but need a good treat, take a trip that way!
(5)Caitlin W.
Let me start off by saying, this was the best Valentine's Day because I got acquainted with Pistacia Vera. For the first time, I tried the macaroons. Unbelievably delectable and I can't believe I've gone this long without them in my life.
(5)Jamie B.
Pistacia Vera macaroons are so good. They are light and fluffy - the lavender and raspberry flavors are particularly tasty. At risk of sounding snobbish, I compare all macaroons to the ones I had in Paris a few years ago, and Pistacia Vera lived up to my Parisian standards ~ oh la la. The North Market location is just as good, and the staff friendly and helpful. Even the prices are reasonable at a buck-fifty per treat. You can't go wrong with a stop at Pistacia Vera
(5)Michael G.
Good as ever. But they don't serve baked eggs any longer. Boo. Something about taking too long to cook and some inconsistencies. They were so good, put them back on menu!
(4)Holly C.
Such a lovely little European style cafe in German village! I love the macaroons here, and it's the best in Columbus. Their teas and coffees are fantastic as well, and their cakes are mouthwateringly delicious. I haven't tried all of them...yet, but I have no doubts they're all amazing, I'm a sucker for good sweets. I heard the brunch here is very good, but I haven't had a chance to try it.
(5)Andrew B.
It seems like the macarons are their main attraction, but the cakes are what puts this place over the top. The Chocolate Bombe, in particular is amazingly moist and rich.
(4)Adrienne C.
I'd heard great things about this place a while ago, but it was my first time here today. I'm kicking myself for not getting here sooner. this is for sure going on my imaginary TourForCbusVisitors list +airy, bright, aesthetically-pleasing interior....decor reminds me of the fancy dessert boutiques in Seoul and Tokyo except instead of tossing $20 for dessert, you can get 3 treats + ice coffee for $6. oh Ohio.... :) +they're known for their macaroons ($1.25 each) & these don't disappoint at all. we only tried their most famous flavor, pistachio, and just based on that i'd vouch for this place 100%. tasted just like the sweets from Ladurée (fabled macaroon shop in Paris/NYC that everyone freaks out about), which are apparently 4 euros a pop. 100% of the taste at approx 25% of the cost? Cbus WIN. +the ice coffee! in general, i love coffee (black) and I like to think that I've acquired a pretty decent palate at this point....or at least i can tell the difference between drinkable coffee and garbage dunkin donuts coffee since my tastebuds aren't distracted by sweeteners etc. P Vera's coffee is obviously the former variety. it's definitely good stuff. way better than starbucks. makes sense considering that everything about this place is fabulous. it's almost intimidating. I might stop in here just to get the ice coffee. +super clean, super sunlit restroom I can't wait for my next special occasion to roll around so I can pick up one of their cakes and have it boxed up in their super cute packaging. it's not just a regular solid colored box!!! it's like the kind of box i'd want to save to repackage something else....are we in Columbus?
(5)Tullia F.
**Update: No more WiFi. It seems they want people to talk to one another. For your plugged in needs, try Stauf's down the street.** It's not a mystery that Pistacia Vera has beautiful little macarons. Their other pastries are excellent too, and the space is soothing with outlets for your computer and wifi for getting things done. I've never felt hurried to leave, even if all I've ordered is coffee and a croissant. Somebody has mentioned this below I'm sure but macaron = brightly colored, meringue sandwich cookie; macaroon = gooey coconut haystack. The Kitchn has a nice primer on this for those who want visuals.
(4)Mark K.
Well, if you are really craving macarons, this is one of the places in town that has them. And maybe I'm spoiled because I was introduced to them in Paris, but these were only okay. The best ones there are incredible, and even the ones at McDonald's there were better than these. We had a vanilla, a buckeye, and a pistachio. And they were sweetie's first macarons, and she was not impressed. We also had a shortbread cookie that was okay, but not worth the price. For drinks we had a tropical tea that was good, and a pomegranate tea/lemonade that was distinctly flavorless. Service was decent. The atmosphere is nice, open, modern, but not really what I would call welcoming. If I have a macaron jones I might be back. Otherwise, with Kittie's down the street to satisfy my sweet tooth, there's no reason.
(3)Michelle H.
The flourless chocolate cakes are my favorite here! I like the pastries and macaroons here but don't care for the actual brunch menu as much. The shop is adorable and has character. Looking at the counter filled with sweet treats and bread makes your mouth water. The price is pretty steep in my opinion. On a cold weekend day, it's almost impossible to find a table for brunch. Parking lot is small and can fill up fast. I always ended up parking off street on one of the side streets.
(4)Mitch H.
Ever since I moved to Columbus from Chicago just shy of a year ago I've been searching for a bakery that would never disappoint me. There's Omega Artisan in North Market, amazing breads, but totally falls short of satisfying my very large and slightly snaggled sweet tooth. Mozart Bakery thoroughly defiles the name of such a prodigy, and Pattycake Vegan Bakery is... well, vegan. Pistacia Vera lives up to everything that titillates my fancy. The huge assortment of multicolored French Macarons is simply a delight to the eyes, ears, nose and throat. I fell passionately in love with the vanilla bean and pistacio flavors. (The chocolate was not the best in chocolate flavor and will not be purchased again.) The nougat was riddled with Pistachios and surrounded by the delicate hint of honey. I could pretty much go on for hours about this place. But needless to say, I will be back, and often.
(5)Kristina B.
No matter what flavor...blood orange, red currant, strawberry, pistachio...always get a mini dacquoise. It's a mini orgasm bite after bite. Seriously.
(5)Danielle F.
I've only been to Pistacia Vera once, but it's pretty much not even up for debate that they have and sell -excellent- desserts. The dessert I bought had gold leaf on it, by the way. Talk about impressive. Here is a short anecdote about Pistacia Vera/how 'expensive' it is: I stopped by Pistacia Vera with two friends after eating at Schmidt's. Both saw all the price tags and were indignant that I'd actually pay that much for sweets. Three months later, my friend asked me if I'd ever heard of Pistacia Vera. His friend had bought him a cake from there and it was SO INCREDIBLY AMAZING. He decided that, even though it's kind of expensive, it's SO GOOD it's totally worth it!!! It took me a minute to remind him that he had in fact been to Pistacia Vera with me a few months earlier, where he scoffed at the prices! That was, of course, before he tried the desserts ;). Now he is completely on board.
(5)Lily C.
Best macarons in the whole world! Even better than the ones I've tried in Paris!
(5)Daniel O.
From in-house made deserts and baked goods, to their fine coffee drink selection, the modern but "vintage" take of the location... A very cozy looking "Coffee Shop" with friendly faces and warm atmosphere!
(5)Valerie B.
I can make some mean cupcakes. I make awesome cookies and brownies. I can even manage a layer cake. Pistacia Vera is all the bakery wonderFULL goodness that you will probably never be able to master at home. And why on earth should you when you can go to Pistacia Vera in German Village or pop into the North Market? I am straight up addicted to the almond croissant and the rye croissant with butter (thanks to friends Kayla and Andy). Don't let the brown exterior fool you. This is the tasty, flaky, buttery, layered way that croissant should be. The macarons are sublime. The fudgies are potent. The almond/amaretti like cookies are spot on. The fruit gelees are bursts of fruity flavor. The cakes are out of this world. Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookie? Browned Butter Cashew Macaron? Sign this girl up! If you have a more refined palate, this is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth. BONUS: Gentlemen, if you're in the doghouse....this is your way out.
(5)Crystal P.
Two words: Buckeye Macarons!
(5)Jenn A.
Everything here looks and tastes heavenly and beautiful! It's like stepping into a cafe over in Europe(duh). I visited about three weeks ago and I can still taste the best $2 Americana I've ever had in my life! I brought my 6 year old and it was a little too much richness for his tastebuds so next time I'll get him a cake pop. This was the German village location. Divine!
(5)Mary S.
I love the macaroons. After a particularly stressful week its nice to walk around German Village and then pop in. Honestly everything Pistacia Vera makes is wonderful. They make these great croissants with big pieces of chocolate. Speaking of chocolate they have some decadent chocolate cakes. So i'll buy a pastry, and pair it with a hot tea. Grab a table, and watch people walk by on the sidewalk. Super peaceful.
(5)Sarah P.
YUMMY!!! I sent my mom their macaroons as a thank you gift (she loves macaroons) and she said they were the best she ever had. The staff their also give excellent customer service and are all VERY nice. Would definitely recommend if you like awesome macaroons. Their cake is good as well.
(5)Sheena W.
I love me some french macarons so of course when I was visiting Columbus I had to stop at Pistacia Vera and taste what they had to offer and boy was I in Heaven! You can get a dozen of their seasonal flavors for $18, which is what I did and I thoroughly enjoyed tasting such flavors as Mocha Hazelnut, Caramel Pecan, and Strawberry Lillet. Mmm!
(5)Celine S.
A tad bit overpriced, but in the summer there is no lovelier way to pass your time than to sit outside with some macaroons and read/talk to your friends. The desserts are gorgeous. Every time I visit they have something different and it's all almost too beautiful to eat! The drinks are something that I can either take or leave, it depends on the person making them. Overall, a great business. I can't ever go downtown without craving it.
(5)Geneva B.
Wow!!! Great great pastries!! We had the chocolate bomb which was simply delectable. The bitter cocoa coating paired with the super sweet light and fluffy filling was quite an experience. I'm glad I live far away. The Chocolate raspberry torte was great too! The eclair was different but wonderful in its own right. The coconut cream pie tart was so so good!
(5)Walt S.
Pisticia Vera gets the additional 4th Star for YAY! I'm a Fan category for one simple reason: Ladies Love The Place!!! As for PV's place... smallish, quaint and totally chic. There are two areas for dining with only a few 4-top tables and a handful of 2-top tables. It's tight but if you're doing a coffee grab it's cool. The dine-in mugs are plentiful in size so there's no arguing petite servings. What grabbed me was the super-delicious looking pastry and cake counter presentation. There were at least 3 - 4 "never heard of that before" baked goodies that had all the glaze of a sugar on sugar surprise. Loads of fruit toppings and inclusions making it all mouth-watering. No standard fare if you're thinking doughnuts. Nope! This is croissant-ville and delights. And they have a breakfast menu. My friend and I met there and she ordered a breakfast that was two eggs served in a porcelain skillet type bowl....and it was bubbling when served. I was salivating but stuck to the coffee. Later I got take-out at departure that included a syrup-soaked cake for another friends birthday. I got a pistachio-chocolate-oatmeal cookie. Yowzah!! That was tasty with my coffee to go driving to the office. This place, Pistacia Vera, deserves your attention. It's a small slice of baking and coffee that will snap your taste buds to attention. DO IT!
(4)Nicolas H.
It's really hard to say which flavor is the best because they are all so different and damn good. But man, easily the best macaron's I've ever had. Some of my favorites were the buckeye, cherry cordial and of course the pistachio...
(5)Bonnie B.
I thought I was transported to Paris, but the hospitable service reminded me I haven't left Columbus. Lovely place. Incredible pastries and delicate brunch. Friendly service. What more could you want?
(5)RB B.
Where to begin? I come to Columbus once a year and Pistacia Vera is on my list of places to go/people to see. The macarons are amazing. Perfect texture...so light and delicate, yet chewy. And every flavor is so unique and flavorful. The piece-de-resistance is most defintely the Cannelle. It's heavenly. Don't pass up the chance to indulge!
(5)Haleh S.
Love Love Love this place . Delicious pastry , beautiful design , wonderful super friendly staff . A gem of a unique experience.
(5)Sudharshan M.
The best pastry I have had till date. I could die for the French Macroons there especially the CashewNut and the Coconut Creme. Do Try the Eclair and Pista Cookie. I am pretty new to Columbus and my friend from pittsburgh took me to this place and for a foodie like me it was heaven on a plate. We ended up hogging the Macroons one of each flavor then the eclair then the Pista Cookie. Worth every penny you spend on the food here
(5)John G.
So... What can I say? The last trip here was underwhelming. Maybe just a bad Qi day for either me, Pistacia Vera or both. The owner was very courteous after my last experience and was genuinely concerned about making sure whatever happened never happened again. So she encouraged me to come back and give them another chance. My mom was in town so we sauntered down PV today as it used to be her favorite patisserie when visiting Columbus. We split a maple pecan twist and a lavender lemon tart. She had a lemonade tea and I had an iced coffee. Needless to say, the experience was a one-eighty from my last visit. The twist appears to be made from some kind of wonderful brioche-like bread and is one of the most divine carbohydrate experiences I have ever shoved into my pie hole. Ditto with the tart. The tart crust was divine and of high quality, the flavor was intensely lemon and the small pieces of candied lemon peel added just the right punch. Our drinks were superb and the overall experience was one worth remembering and repeating. This is the PV I remember. A wonderful recovery. Maybe a better Qi day for both of us. In a world of corporate-owned restaurant and food chains run by numbed, dumbed-down drones shoveling industrial, mass produced gruel out of the kitchen, my original experience and then the recovery experience at PV was refreshing and heart-warming. Mind-numbed, underpaid, under-motivated, corporate drones will never replace the experience of craft, artisanship and motivated, happy associates representative of responsible, caring, local ownership. Now if we could simply eject all corporate ownership of our entire food and agricultural system and instead return to a system where establishments like PV were the norm rather than the exception, our food culture would shine bright again. I'll be back.
(5)Mack H.
Pistacia Vera is on my list of four or five of the best and most noteworthy things to experience in Columbus, Ohio. This is a real French patisserie whose confections are equal to what you might find in Paris or the finest New York City restaurants. If you are a visitor to Columbus Pistacia Vera is not to be missed. If you live in Columbus and haven't heard of Pistacia Vera or been there yet, go now. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Sophie B.
Honestly this place was just eh OK. I came from out of town visiting and someone recommended this establishment. They are way over price on their deserts and the customer service was awful. Saturday afternoon we arrived and the place was not busy at all. However it took 5 minutes for 1 of the 7 individuals standing behind the counter to even say hello. Then another 5 minutes on top of that even to have our order taken. I was really looking forward to trying this place out and in the end just all around disappointed.
(3)Rachael S.
I am embarrassed at the number of times I drove past Pistacia Vera without going inside. Even just looking in the windows, I think I was a little bit in love. The macarons are unbeatable. My favorite is the Mocha Hazelnut, followed closely by Blackberry Violet and classic Vanilla bean. I think I have tried 3 or 4 other pastries and tarts, all of which were fantastic. I have yet to go in for brunch. I assume I will do another face palm for waiting so long to try that too. The North Market location is also very convenient for those of us in a more central part of town.
(5)Rachel C.
This is my favorite restaurant in the whole of Columbus. I've eaten my way through much of the vegetarian-friendly cuisine of the city, and Rigsby's, Alana's, Barcelona, even Skillet, all pale in comparison to Pistacia Vera. Part of this is undoubtedly the comparatively lower prices of Pistacia Vera. I occasionally drive out to German Village and indulge there on my own dime, while many other restaurants in the area require that I wait for my parents to visit and help me out. However, the quality of the food suffers not at all. The breakfast menu is relatively short and simple, but every dish on it is delicious. Pistacia Vera is traditionally known for dessert and pastries, but its breakfasts and brunches are outstanding as well. But it must be admitted that there is a reason Pistacia Vera is known throughout the city for croissants, macarons, and other delicious pastries. Everything there is perfect. It just is. The textures, the flavors, and the visual appeal is all just the best. I'm sorry if that seems like a copout of a description, but to try and explain the perfection with words just wouldn't do the place justice. Go get a croissant for breakfast, pair it with some coffee, treat yourself to a morning macaron to finish, and then you'll understand. The service and ambiance is excellent as well. There's free parking, the line moves fast, and they never disappoint. If you haven't been to Pistacia Vera, you need to go like right now, and then kick yourself afterward for how long it took you.
(5)Barbara C.
Oh my god, thank god I wandered into this place! I had a cafe au lait with my shirred eggs and croissant and it was absolute heaven. The eggs were flavorful and the croissant was perfectly buttery and flaky. The interior is very clean and uses a lot of natural light. Service was friendly... I wasn't sure what to try and they were very helpful in explaining what they offered. I will definitely be back again!
(5)T H.
I'm hooked on the apricot pinwheels!
(5)Pete C.
After walking by this German Village boutique over twenty times without giving it a second thought, I finally ventured in after work a few days ago to see what all the slick glass surfaces and clean, bold lines of this storefront were containing. Much to my surprise, I found out the wares that were on display were not, in fact, overpriced shoes or trendy designer couture items. Instead, they were some of the finest desserts my humble Ohioan eyes have ever embraced. And they were cheap! This came as a complete shock to me, especially after I just spent $2 on a stale cookie at the Cup O Joe two blocks down the street. "Screw it, " I said to myself. "I'm not on any kind of diet, so why not indulge my curiosity?" For a paltry $1.50, the fine young lady dressed in all white behind the counter set me up with one of the Lime Sugar cookies that were stored carefully behind the bright glass case that anchored the display area. to my surprise, it was both luxurious AND tasty. I'll admit that my taste in food and drink is incredibly lowbrow, which usually lends me to assume that food presented in this manner is more for show than it is for enjoyment. Boy was I wrong! The cookie was soft, rich, and tasted almost like a piece of key lime pie. And at $1.50, it was an absolute steal. I sincerely wish I had the stomach to take on more of the desserts here at Pistacia Vera, as I'm sure they're all a pleasant surprise to even the most uneducated taste buds. Don't let the looks of this boutique fool you- the price and the taste at Pistacia Vera are just right.
(3)Laura G.
Oh la la ;) Incredible! The macarons, pain au chocolat, the jams. All A+. I wish I lived closer so I could go more often. It's a rare find to have such a high end bakery also be friendly and so much fun to visit. Couldn't love it more!
(5)Seth D.
My favorite place for caffeine and a pastry Whether sitting to relax or feeling quite hasty The chocolate bomb will fulfill your chocolate dreams It's soft and rich and reminiscent of chocolate whipped creams If something less sweet with more substance you beseech I recommend trying their great mushroom quiche It's tender and filled with cheese and earthy mushroom flavor And you'll want to eat it slow so your grateful mouth can savor The dark brown croissants always look hard and dry Over cooked and burnt, not fit for a fly But one bite is all it takes to be certain They know exactly what they're doing in that wonderful kitchen They're soft and buttery and melt in your mouth Which leaves no need to add butter, they do quite fine without Their food is as good as it gets, take my word I implore But that's not all that I love, you will find there is more Their staff is always happy and helpful They enjoy their job and for their positions they are grateful This goes a long way for making a great experience And making you happy in every single circumstance The decor is also a nice little touch Clean lines, exposed brick, lots of windows an such And so to conclude I think I can say I wish I could come here every single day.
(5)Roman H.
I had a "ham and cheese" croissant, cappuccino and nutella macaron. The croissant was great, it was actually made with proscuitto and Comté cheese, but I only say great because the macaron was beyond excellent. I wanted to stop time and make the taste of that macaron last forever. It's not some cheap snack that you just munch on without notice. It's small yet completely satisfies your craving. I look forward to trying out everything else.
(5)Mallory R.
OMG. LOOOOVED this place. This place is so clean cut and refreshing to look at when you walk in. The darling girl behind that counter was SO welcoming when we came in and was very patient with us while we decided what we wanted. The husband got the Citrus Tart and a Black Raspberry Hibiscus Macaroon, and I got the Chocolate Bomb and a Nutella Macaroon. Yeah yeah, such little piglets I know ;) So worth it though. The quality of ingredients make the overall product AMAZING! I also got an Iced Coffee, and I was pleased to see that they had Soy Milk set out to add. (Usually places only have half/half and milk) The shop was smaller then I pictured it would be, but that was by no means a downfall. I would definitely go back and try more of the delicious treats they offer!
(5)Alisha C.
This is my favorite place to get a special treat. The whole shop is quaint and airy and very clean. The macaroons are fun and I try a new flavor each time but I love their little berry tarts. The service is great. It's a great place to meet up with a friend to relax and indulge in a sweet treat.
(4)Zack F.
I was sad when Pistachio closed in the Short North but Pistacia Vera is an impressively elegant space. Their desserts are delicately hand crafted with care and precision. It is like eating art. Everything I have had is delicious. I try to go here as often as I can.
(4)Laura M.
I got an assortment of a half-dozen cookies, and each one has been better than the last (and the first one was fabulous!) Be sure to pick up a cashew caramel (or two or three or twenty) as well. Yummmmmmmm.
(4)Jose P.
Best Sugar Lime Cookie Ever! Best Elephant Ears and Bear Claws in the area! Great place to chill and enjoy sweet treats!
(5)Marcia C.
People. It's the Provençal Baked Eggs, hands down. Top it off with the pastry of your choice and some really good coffee. But it's the Baked Eggs.
(5)Stella W.
OMG....their dessert was really good! We came here after a big lunch at the nearby jewish deli, so we all shared the chocolate mouse dome pastry. It was infused with tawny port, which you can taste from the chocolate mouse. The ganache was so smooth and rich that the combination of all the ingredients was just perfectly balance and satisfying! I already asked my friends to take us back there for brunch next time :D
(5)Jennifer A.
Love this place and would recommend everyone to visit there for dessert and coffee.
(5)Stephanie K.
yummm yuurrrm! This place is too cute. The pastries looked immaculate in the display cases. I tried 5 different macaroons: grapefruit, raspberry, nutella, pistachio, and pumpkin. The pistachio was probably my fav. The macaroons were that awesome just chewy consistency I love. I also tried a small pomegrante lychee pate for $1. The small gel like cube rolled in sugar reminded me of those sunkist gel candies I used to get as a kid. These however, were about a bajillionsmamillion times more delicious. I couldn't believe the intense flavor packed into that sucker. Soo mouthwatering good. I'm definitely coming back for more! I'd like to try some of the tartes, bombs and others.
(5)Justin B.
I love me some PV. If there is a nicer patisserie in town, I've yet to find it. Their cookies, candies, cake and junk and stuff are pornographically beautiful and taste great too. Their classic croissants are among the best I've had. I'm always impressed at the care and attention they give my simple cappuccino, that always turns out perfectly. (tiny firm bubbles in the milk!, woot) This is my go to joint for petit déjeuner for morning recovery after previous night shenanigans. They have a small private lot that fills up quickly, but I've never had trouble finding street parking.
(5)Nijole T.
They were sold out of croissants which is what I came for but I did manage to get my second favorite pastry, an eclaire and a lemon tart. I would have bought more, but it is a bit pricey and I am not a fan of macaroons which they have a huge selection of. Its a very nice cafe, clean, white and open with a very nice staff. The eclaire was good and the lemon tart amazing! For a special occasion, girls day out of coffee and cake with mom this place is perfect, maybe a bit expensive to go to daily.
(4)Vivian Clair M.
I enjoy very much making trips to Columbus Ohio, and appreciate the many excellent chefs who are here. One place I always visit is Pistacia Vera. The croissants, bostock pastry, almond bearclaw, and chocolate bombe are simply divine. Sadly, I never got to try the "PISTACHIO APRICOT PINWHEEL ($4) sweet dough with pistachio frangipan with fresh apricots and glaze" which has just been removed from the menu. The ham and cheese croissant is very smoky tasting. I liked it, but not all in my party did. The macaroons are excellent, although macaroons in general are not my cup of tea. There are so many things left to try, including the Pain au Chocolate, the Apple Galette, Orange Brioche, etc. They had samples of the nougat and caramels out one morning I was there, and they were also excellent. This is definitely the real deal! Worth a special trip - go hungry!
(5)Maria S.
Coffee shops often have desserts, but they aren't always the best quality, and I'm not a coffee drinker anyway. And going to a full service restaurant for just dessert makes me feel like a jerk. There aren't a lot of places in Columbus where you can go for just desserts; Pistacia Vera definitely fills that void and I love them for that. I am always amazed by how impeccably designed everything at Pistacia Vera is. Not only the gorgeous pastries they have on display, but the interior, employee uniforms, and packaging, too. They have wonderful, buttery, thick shortbread, fantastic macarons (the pumpkin pie one I had this fall was absurd), and every tart I've tried has been magnificent. The spiced pear tart I had somewhat recently makes me aspire to be a better person. This weekend, my husband and I walked over and picked up a pain au chocolat and a slice of apple galette, both of which were awesome. In fact, I don't think I've had anything here that isn't super amazing. The staff is always friendly and not stuck up about answering questions. Obviously, much has been said about Pistacia Vera, but I had to toss in my "review" just to say thanks to them for bringing some sweetness to Columbus! I only wish they were open later some days for my incessant after hours cravings!
(5)Stephan J.
Pistacia Vera is a lovely French style patisserie worth a visit! This great place in German village has macarons which will blow your mind(they are gluten free too). I visited this place as part of a food tour and this was by far the highlight! You can see how passionate the sister and brother team of Anne and Spencer are about their business. Behind the scenes we saw the magic happening, as a fierce team of female chefs were preping confections and quiches. They bake all day long to provide freshly made items for their case throughout the day. This definitely will be a place I go out of my way to visit when I am in Columbus. The customer service is wonderful and they pull a mean macchiato too!
(5)Uğur Ö.
A little pricey but totally worth it for the desserts. Me and my wife we both love their desserts. But if you want to try their brunch keep in mind that their brunch selections are limited and portions are small and pricey. It's good if you are not too hungry and want to have coffee, a small dish and some desserts to go with it. But if you want a full blown brunch then it's not the best option. We would definitely recommend for their desserts.
(5)Amasi B.
Incredibly amazing !!! i come here very often and can not get enough! everything is so delicious and well executed!! awesome service! the best in Columbus !
(5)Jason Y.
I liked this place overall. It's a unique space and the staff were very friendly. The macaroons were okay, nothing spectacular, I was there an hour before close so they might have been from earlier in the day. The buckeye macaroon was probably the best out of all of the the ones I tried. I think that the stuff you really want to get is the cakes. I had the chocolate bombe and it was very good. I'm not a chocolate fanatic but I thought that it was great! I didn't get a chance to try the other cakes, but they looked pretty good.
(4)Jessie C.
The only redeeming quality of this place are the croissants. They are the best croissants I've ever had. However 1 star removed for getting a chocolate cookie with a hair in it. One star removed for a creme brûlée eclair that was bordering on disgusting. And one star removed for subpar service. I'm writing this sitting here in this wifi-less cafe thinking about how the waitress forgot my drink and refused to slice my croissant as she snootily retorted that there was silverware in the back. So instead of spreading blackberry preserves on my perfectly sliced croissant I'm spreading it on a mess of crushed croissant on a bed of crumbs that was the result of trying to use a dull butter knife to cut this thing. I'm not pleased.
(2)Jennifer W.
If I lived in Columbus, I'm afraid I would have no choice but to spend every free moment of my time inside this lovely, wonderful, classy, modern cafe. My brother and I stopped in for a coffee and a little snack before church on Good Friday to tide us over until dinner later that night. Instead of a little snack, we left with an absolutely stunning silver filigree-etched box, tied with a big green bow, containing every flavor of their delicious and beautiful macarons. We oohed and ahhed over the presentation of these pastel treasures for about a second before we tore it apart and stuffed our faces like animals. It is nearly impossible to pick a favorite from all the different flavors we tried. I would say my Top 3 were the strawberry, pistachio and lemon. The employees were so friendly, and my soy chai was delicious! My brother, who lives in Columbus, did warn me that this place gets pretty busy and the line is pretty out of control on weekdays. I actually don't care - the macarons are worth it! Get in, get my cookies, pay up, get out. Quick and dirty. Can't wait. I'm in Columbus fairly often, and I am already looking forward to my next visit to this wonderful place!!!
(5)Colin S.
Just a ridiculously amazing experience from start to finish. Top quality baked goods, happy, friendly, helpful service, nice layout and of course the Mecca of Macaroons with at least 10 or so flavors. There is a wicked variety of desserts, which are so good you end up taking a box home, so be prepared. The lemon and the marshmallow tarts were big hits with this reviewer. Great coffee and barista's who understand how to make a latte with extra-extra foam. !Level up points! I had a ham and cheese croissant which was well done with a perfect amount of filling (not overly stuffed or overwhelming). I think they could back off the egg wash during baking or then pull them out earlier, as they do look a little dark to me, but they don't taste like it. *I have to say the macaroons are worth the trip, just to sample this hard-to-make-but-easy-to-eat cookie sensation! Fire up your teleporter and set it Pistacia Vera! Yumza!
(5)Jessica M.
One of the finest gems of Columbus! Pistacia Vera is on my Columbus tour whenever friends and family visit. Perfect hospitality, beautiful ambiance, excellent pastries, great brunch.
(5)Tonya R.
Folks the stars do the talking when it comes to this place. Just run, don't walk and try it. My favorites are the Pain au Raisin pastry and the baked eggs. I go here every time I'm in Columbus...no questions asked. Seating can be tight, so don't come here in a rush unless you plan to do pick-up. Parking can be a pain, but that is German Village for you. Enjoy!!!!
(5)Sarah M.
My husband and I frequent Pistacia. They have incredible brunch, pastries, and coffee! Every interaction with an employee makes me want to work with them. They all seem to genuinely enjoy their job and working with each other. My go to when ordering is an almond croissant and a latte. I would warn about going during peak times. There can sometimes be a shortage on seating, but that's just because everyone loves this place!
(5)Kara K.
After lunch at Claddagh, I was in the mood for something sweet that both the BF & I would enjoy. At a $1.25/macaroon, it was the perfect choice. I went with the coconut & he chose the chocolate. Both were delicious without being too filling. I think I'll be leaving work more often for dessert.
(5)Emily H.
Pistacia Vera calls itself a dessert boutique, and the name is fitting. The storefront looks like it belongs to a Chanel or Coach store on Madison Avenue. And of course the desserts are gorgeous - a bit pricey, but with great ingredients and flavors. The portions actually serve one, not like the seven-layer triple chocolate cake that every chain restaurant has nowadays. I'd prefer one of their tiny tiramisus or mini chocolate bombes anyday!
(5)Josh Q.
I was so disappointed when Pistachio moved from its old location. I still visit on occasion, but not as often as I would like. The staff is always courteous and happy to help you out with a selection. A wonderful alternative to that mid-shelf bottle of wine your accustomed to bringing to a party.
(5)Peijean T.
Macarons, oui oui! Pistacia Vera may be located in the German Village area of Columbus, Ohio, but they definitely have this French macaron thing down. Here they've mastered the macaron: moist, slightly chewy wafers with a delicate crispy shell. Each pair of wafers sandwiches a light creamy center. I went in to buy six but couldn't resist the selection of flavors and walked out with nine. A few of them had stiffer fillings (older cookies?) like the cherry cordial and the cassis bergamot (similar to a tea flavor), but a few had ultra soft and smooth fillings that made the wafers slide a bit when you took a bite. I especially enjoyed the gingerbread macaron which had a very fresh and robust flavor. Each of the macarons had a delicate sweetness punctuated by their main flavor of fruit, chocolate, etc. I love that the macarons are only $1.50 each, when I'm used to paying over $2 for one of these back in California. Given that they have mastered the macaron, I was hoping that their pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant , $4) would be close to what I've had in Paris. I was disappointed it was too dry, although the flavor of the croissant was good and not too buttery. Of the items I tried nothing was overly sweet, which I liked. I also bought a chocolate loaf cake slice ($3) which had a perfect dark chocolate taste that was dense in texture but not saccharine. Overall, this is a terrific dessert shop with tons of variety from gourmet cake slices and artisan macarons to simplier bake-sale types of fare such as chewy cookies and loaf cake slices.
(4)Candace M.
I've been trying to go through my Columbus bucket list recently, and you better believe Pistacia Vera was on there! We finally made it there after a great stop at the Book Loft. I'd heard about the macarons, but I hadn't heard how adorable the place itself is. We walked in and I was so impressed! Super clean and cozy, with bright wood floors and lots of windows, creating the feeling of open space. I can imagine that this would be a great space to study, work, or go on a date. I've only had a macaron once and wasn't feeling particularly adventurous, so I went with a safer bet, We had the chocolate bombe and the raspberry passion fruit truffle torte. They were both very good. I'd say the bombe was a bit better. There was complimentary filtered water which hit the spot with our chocolate-rich desserts. I would come again, and next time I'll have my sights set on one of their legendary macarons!
(4)Brian B.
Every day on the weekends I come in and get a coffee and pastry or two. This place is amazing. Usually when you walk into a bakery and they have a classy setup where the baked goods are on display for all to see you expect that the actual taste will be lacking (at least this has been my experience), nothing could be further from the truth here. What looks great is often better when you are eating it. During the winter months they have hot dark chocolate which is the perfect thing to have while walking around in the cold. If you feel like something savory I highly recommend their rosemary parmesan scones. Their prices are very reasonable and worth every penny.
(5)Vicky N.
The best desserts in Columbus, without a doubt! Pistacia Vera specializes in gourmet, rich desserts that are so aesthetically pleasing, you have to take pictures to remember the gorgeous artwork you just devoured. The pastry chefs here are phenomenal at making each item on the menu as delicious as they look. I usually don't like my chocolate mixed with berries, but PV really complements the two flavors well. I have had the chocolate bombe, cherry pistachio feuilletine, the chambord torte (flourless), and a handful of their macarons, and they have yet to disappoint me! The pieces of cake may look small, but are packed with flavor. It's usually too much for me to finish. And at $1.25/macaron, it's a fair price for the cute French treats that to my knowledge aren't sold elsewhere in Columbus. I also go here to buy gifts for friends and family who have a sweet tooth too. The cafe is located in the heart of German Village, a perfect addition to this blooming area of Columbus. I love the atmosphere of the place - very comforting and open with a chic design. The staff are knowledgable about the items on the menu and are great at recommendations if you need help understanding those fancy words (like me). I would love to come back and try their brunch menu next time, but sometimes parking can be a hassle. Definitely go to the lot of the salon across the street first because the one attached to the building has only 2 spaces.
(5)Dee M.
A bakery that serves macarons and croissants in German Village? How could Pistachio Vera be anything other than completely amazing? I live 4 blocks away and let me tel you, Pistacia Vera causes me sleepless nights in bed, lying awake, dreaming of the crunch and creamy sensations that fill my mouth after biting into one of their macarons. The croissants, too. Flaky, and buttery, the almond ones haunt my dreams. Every flavor is amazing, and I usually take a variety with me. The staff is simply wonderful, and they happen to make, IMHO, the best cappuccino in town. Sometimes I tell people that I moved to German Village solely because of this bakery. They usually think I'm joking. I'm not. My credit card is swiped religiously at Pistacia Vera, with no end in sight.
(5)Rachel K.
Small location but seems so elegant and always kept clean. Their macaroons are to die for. I never even liked that type of treat before having the Pistacia Vera kind. They are a must have for any special occasion at my home! It's so nice to sit on their patio sipping coffee and having a pastry. Would definitely recommend!
(5)Jackie K.
Yum! Their cookies are really good. The chocolate pistachio one is great as is the almond one.
(4)Caroline D.
these macarons are the best ever. they used to have a lemon pistachio that was to die for. the plain pistachio one is pretty close though -- it is honestly delicious. well worth the price, seriously. the lime sugar cookie is amazing too. however, i have a hard time getting anything other than a box of macarons. a must try!
(4)Mer F.
I want to LOVE Pistacia Vera, which is why I return time and time again. I bring a different friend or friends each time, hoping that maybe I'll unlock the magic. My order varies each time. Still, I feel completely unwelcome here. Last time, the gal behind the counter was fantastically helpful to my friend who had never encountered a macaron before, explaining the different flavours and textures. I ordered a prepackaged variety box as a hostess gift on my trip out of town, and I was treated with a frown... I had to wrangle my drink order before a cold shoulder was turned on me. I'm starting to take this personally. Perhaps I'm not special enough for delicious pastry. The macarons held up beautifully to their 9 hour road trip. I only wish there was a guide to which flavor was which in the box, but the hostess savoured every bite!! Amaaaaazing pastry... if you're good enough!
(3)Jenni H.
I am going to tagline my Pistacia Vera experience as "False Hope and Empty Promises". I was running late on my way to the airport and despite the rush I made a detour to pick up some presents: 4 macarons for three friends each. The person working behind the counter advised I purchase their prepackaged 12 piece box set. Perfect! One missed flight and several calls with Delta later, I sat down and unwrapped the box to inspect the toil of all my troubles. THERE WAS ONLY 11. The fastest and surest way to break a girl's heart is to under deliver on promises of macarons. For the person who prepackaged the box sets: You had one job! Do we need to revisit grade school arithmetic and learn how to count? On a side note, I have nothing but praise for the macarons itself. They are the perfect combination of crispy and chewy with delicious hints of flavors. Personal favorites are pistachio, vanilla, and grapefruit honey. Minus stars for the fail packaging and inaccurate charging. Plus stars for the redeeming macaron quality.
(3)Evalyn C.
I have been hearing about Pistacia Vera since before I even moved to Columbus. I've listened to people rave about all the delicacies that can be procured here. I've seen friends literally jump up and down they were so excited to get hired on to the staff here. So, tell me why it took me until just now get in to this amazing place? No really. What was my problem?!? My husband and I went as an after brunch dessert trek on my birthday. We wanted to try some yummies that wouldn't leave us too terribly stuffed. So, we ordered 4 macarons and one mini chocolate bombe to split. If I'm being entirely honest, I've never really enjoyed macarons (at least not prior to these bad boys) but I kept reading reviews exclaiming that they were a "must try" and my husband seemed intrigued. If it hadn't been for all my fellow yelpers' reviews, I think I would have seriously missed out. You see, for the first time in my life, I can honestly say that I not only liked a macaron, I loved one. We ordered the passionfruit, lemon, coconut creme, and matcha yuzu flavors and I loved each and every one of them. So light, just the right amount of sweet, and those pops of flavors that have me salivating just thinking about them... Heaven. As for the chocolate bombe, I couldn't stop saying "Holy crap!" after ever bite. It was so freaking tasty! Just the right amount of dense and light and crunch and soft and oh-so decadently chocolatey. If you are a chocolate lover and you haven't had one of these before, you are really missing out. In fact, I may buy my chocoholic mother several for her birthday next month. ;-) I absolutely guarantee I will be back again soon.
(5)Liz M.
So, I love Pistacia Vera. Friendly service, nice atmosphere, delicious perfect desserts. I never ever felt like I was paying too much there because the quality was worth it. My favorites are the macrons (pistachio flavor), the chocolate bombe, and any cake they offer, really. Service is always superb. I went this past Friday for brunch to-go and it really took the wind out of my sails. $12 a piece for a small brunch item and side salad. My friend had the bacon quiche and I had the croque monsieur. Her quiche was a generous size, but nothing overly special, my croque monsure had merit and the sauce was velvety smooth, but the ham was so smokey it over powered the whole dish and the bread was quite dark on the bottom imparting a burnt taste. The side salad consisted of 5% arugula and 95% frisee, which made for a bitter, poorly textured salad. The dressing was under seasoned and seemed to consist of olive oil, Dijon, vinegar , and shallots. I have never had an issue with paying a premium, but $12 left me more than a smokey burnt taste in my mouth. I will choose not to order a brunch item again. However, I will always choose to purchase pastries here as they're to die for!
(4)Rasha H.
Very nice coffee and desert place, with some limited outdoor seating for good weather days...
(5)Michael U.
It's fine but the regular food and brunch items are overpriced for what you get. For the rare sweet tooth I get it's good to satisfy that craving.
(3)Laura K.
I tried a macaron for the first time. It was the best choice ever! Tried the mocha hazelnut and it was deeeeeelicious. Yes, those extra e's are necessary :) Thank you for being in Columbus, Pistacia Vera.
(5)Rami M.
I love going to Pistacia Vera with my family. You will experience a friendly cafe environment, and everything I've had on their menu surpassed my expectations. They are known for their macarons, and I always get at least a half-dozen box to take home. They remind me of the macarons from La Duree. I love pairing it with their coffee or espresso; it's some of the best MADE coffee I've had. They have an extensive tea selection as well, with tea available for purchase to take home (try the Earl Grey Vanilla). Their quiches make for a wonderfully appetizing lunch, and the croissants are definitely the best in Columbus. If you still have a sweet tooth after all of that, try their assortments of house-made cakes and desserts. I'm glad such a place exists in Columbus!
(5)M Y.
I've had all of their macarons. I got a great look at how they make them on the German Village food tour, and quite frankly I'm surprised they don't charge more. They take so much effort for such a little bite. Excellent filling to cookie ratio. Also excellent light texture all around. My personal favorite would be the pistachio, but they are all tasty and pretty. The store itself also has a great vibe to hang out over a cup of coffee.
(5)Roger S.
I could eat everything in this entire shop.
(4)Alex K.
The strawberry macaroon tasted like Smuckers jam and soggy bread. Would not recommend.
(1)Gabi M.
Pistacia Vera is the definition of classy. They define themselves as a "dessert boutique," and that's exactly what they are. With modern sleek decor, extremely friendly staff, an incredible array of fine looking treats, free wifi, and a central location in German Village, if you live in Columbus and haven't been here, you're missing out. As if all of the above isn't enough, take one bite of your favorite flavor macaron, and you'll be sold... I guarantee it! I went with a vanilla bean macaron and a cup of hot lemon ginger tea. It was the perfect light dessert after my lunch at Katzinger's Deli down the street. The macaron was so delicious, I swear - it's what "sweet dreams" are made of! And all of PV's macarons are gluten free to boot! I knew Christina C wouldn't steer me wrong when she took me here. I can't wait to return to Pistacia Vera on future trips to Columbus!
(5)Carin W.
I used to live in Columbus and sadly this wasn't an option until the last few years...it is as close to a European pastry shop as I've seen in the US...I have traveled extensively and their macroons are some of the best I have ever consumed. Their have lavender honey right now...enjoy because they change favors seasonally. I crave their mocha; it is not sweet and syrupy like Starbucks; it is rich, dark chocolate without the sugar and once you have it you won't want anything else.
(5)Isabelle B.
The only place that comes close to the macaroons you can find in France, plus the atmosphere is great!
(5)Elizabeth R.
I was in Columbus for just 2 days and went to this place twice. Why? High quality deliciousness aimed at adults abounded Ex: 1) the most magically delicious fudgy cookies - immensely chocolaty, not crazy sweet, and normal cookie size (not so giant I must either restrain myself - as if - or throw half of the cookie away), 2) delish delish lemon tarts - tangy sweet creamy custard filling, delicate shortbread crust, 3) minimally sweetened mochas with really great quality chocolate. This is ideal for those of us who want all of their coffee to have chocolate in it, but who also want a sweet treat with their coffee. Sweet treat + sweet drink = muddled experience with both; Pistacia Vera's wonderful iced mochas solved this problem perfectly for me. And last but absolutely not least, reason #4 why I love this place - the staff are just amazingly lovely and helpful. I'm a tough customer when it comes to my nibbles and both times I was there they were just so gracious in helping me find what I would like in their shop, and then with helping me find other things I'd like in German Village. Cudos to the hiring manager - you have a truly excellent staff here. The only thing that would make this place better? If they opened a second location near me in DC!
(5)Sarah K.
I've heard only good things about this Pistacia Vera since moving to Columbus but it wasn't until someone sent a box of Macarons to my office that I went to see it for myself. The bakery itself is beautiful, a few old remnants of previous bakeries remain among the clean, modern look. I bought a sampler box of macarons for a gift and stayed to enjoy the eggs provencal for lunch - cooked wonderfully, with a large, warm croissant and house-made preserves (I would buy this by the jar if available). Nice lunchtime crowd for a workday but plenty of seats and not too loud. The service was very friendly. I would go back anytime.
(5)Silvia S.
Pistacia Vera is something you find in places like Boston or in California. Because it's so cute and stylish. Pictures of their desserts just do not do them justice. They are very beautiful in person. I had the Chocolate bombe and Praline caramel feuillitine to share with my sister. Neither of us finished either of the dishes, even though they were very small they were quite rich and packed a flavorful punch. The chocolate bombe was exactly that, an explosion of rich chocolate. I'm not exactly a fan of chocolate but both the texture and lightness of the inside were delicious to me. My sister really enjoyed the praline caramel feuillitine, though I thought the flavor was very muddled, I couldn't quite tell what was going on it was still delicious and so rich with every small bite it felt almost luxurious to eat. Needless to say I had to leave with a box of their highly rated macarons. I was very impressed, and I would surely come back just for every single flavor of them. Parking is sort of tricky if you aren't familiar with this part of Columbus, but even if you have to walk a block, Germain Village is a beautiful place to get lost on your way to Pistacia Vera.
(5)Angie P.
It's always such a treat to go here. The desserts are all gorgeous, not to mention delicious, and I always pair my macaroon (or whatever I decide to try) with a cup of coffee. Today I tried the peppermint and pumpkin but I've had a few other flavors over the past year or two. I still think my favorite of all time is the Pistachio Mascarpone Dacquoise.
(5)Joyce H.
Best place ever....... to go after running a 5k. Just kidding... but not really. The highlights for me were 1) the macarons and 2) the company! (friends in columbus that I don't get to see very often.) These French macarons were so, so perfect. Crisp shell with soft, tasty innards. My favorite flavors were definitely pistachio, black raspberry... I think there was a lavender flavored one if I'm remembering correctly. So delicious. The only downside was that we had a larger group of 8, and we didn't quite get favorable looks from the servers for moving a few tables around. They weren't so generous with refilling our waters either. 4 for the little macarons, 4 for the decor & space, but 3 for the service.
(4)Kate Q.
This is a true Columbus gem! The pastry work here is unbelievably beautiful art. The staff is always friendly and helpful and you can usually find a place to park without much of a problem (usually). For me personally, I LOVE their allergy-friendly menu. Any place that I can go to and get something for dessert that is both gluten and dairy free is such a treat (I usually just have another cocktail while everyone else is enjoying their gluteny desserts). Their famous macarons are gluten-free (yes!) and make fantastic hostess gifts for holiday parties. I think I bought about 10 gift boxes of macarons last year to take to holiday parties. Big hit with everyone. I could keep writing, but honestly, this place is just lovely. I have nothing bad to say. Go there. Totally worth the trip and the calories.
(5)Sammy T.
For years I've stared at the pastel colored macarons in fanciful dessert displays in cookbooks and on tv. They always look amazing and tempting but I never knew where to get them. I almost broke down and made them myself til I saw that almond flour is 11 dollars a pound. Then I found Pistacia Vera reviews saying they made the love confections. That fateful June 30th evening (hellish windstorm) I ran to the bakery and indeed there were probably 8 or so varieties of macarons. I ordered a sampler of 3 different flavors. Lemon, Vanilla cream and Chocolate Truffle. There were other pastries there but I was on a Macaron Mission and that was my only focus. The macarons were light and dainty , I think my favorite flavor was the tangy lemon with the vanilla coming in second. I was told that the vanilla was their most popular flavor. I was impressed by the space because it is very clean and organized. Everything looks pristine and well attended which lets me know that the kitchen/baking area is probably immaculate as well. -I'll be back!
(5)Jessica S.
THIS place is why the city is beautiful. What a wonderful find! My sister, who lives in Chicago now, used to frequent this place with me. I've been able to ship her macaroons from here to her apartment for her birthday! My sister has been fortunate enough to visit Paris, France and she loves the macaroons at Pistacia Vera more than the ones she tasted in Europe. I'm a die-hard chocolate fan, and everything chocolate I have had here has tasted so divine, so incredibly delectable...do you remember the part in the second matrix movie where Monica Bellucci eats that piece of cake? It's like that. Their desserts are so delicious you'll think you're sinning. So go on, sin a little, try this place out. You won't be dissapointed. Bon Appetit.
(5)Mary P.
Macarons are the new cupcake so the fact that columbus has a storefront now is evidence that someone is trying to make somewhere in Ohio hip. That being sad I'm an addict of these fancy french almond cookies and have eaten dozens of them from several places all over the country. These macarons definitely look better than they taste. The colors are great and the usual happiness instilling pastel chalk-like colors. Strawberry amaretto was the best flavor combination I tried and also my two favorite flavors of most things. Flavour isn't too strong so I had to think about it when I was eating each one. I tried Apricot sesame and lemon matcha I think and they were only so so because I could barely tell what I was eating aside from its color. They're also kept too warm and fall apart when you grab them. The middle part which is the glue holding the cookies together tastes like melted butter which is gross and I've never experienced that before. I really majorly disliked that. The texture of the cookie is just the right amount of chewiness though. Still I ate them all in one sitting. Plus a french vanilla shortbread cookie which was too crumbly for my taste. Maybe I was being picky that day. I'm still giving them a 4 because the atomosphere with its wood and modern clean lines makes this place a great place to hang out. Eventually they'll perfect their pastries and it'll become a hot place to hang out.
(4)Teri D.
Good cookie! Good cookie! Good cookie! Really really good cookie! While taking a walkabout in the area for the first time I was feeling the need for a desert and here they were! We walked in and stared at the offerings and initially I was afraid that my allergic self could not partake of any of the lovely goodies.........but I was thankfully wrong! It came down to the french vanilla cookies or the citron tarte. After clearing it with them that neither had any of my allergens in them I opted for the cute little tarte and then just as I was about to pay I saw the lemon sugar cookie. I have never seen nor had one before and just had to get one. That cookie was pure bliss! Soft and chewy, sweet but not so much like some sugar cookies to set your teeth on edge, and just the ideal amount of lemon flavoring to make it ideal. The cookie just made it past their very nice looking patio....and then died an honorable death about 10 feet away. The tarte actually made it home (they packaged it in a very nice box and bag) and I almost broke a promise to hubs to share with him. The crust was soft but not too crumbly and you could taste the essence of butter in it and the filling was wonderful sweet lemon goodness. The candied citrus peel on top was a nice touch as well. All this goodness plus coffee and tea AND brunch? Why are you trying to sabotage my bikini diet, PV, why??????
(5)Mindy W.
This bakery is visually stunning. They take care to be sure you feast with your eyes prior to feasting with your taste buds. Unfortunately, at least for me, I felt the food was prettier than it was tasty. The pasteries were good, but not as good as they appeared to be. We got macarons (little cookie sandwiches) which I felt were light on flavor. The texture was also deceiving, as the cookie almost seemed to disintigrate in your hand. We split a croissant, which practically jumped off the counter and into our mouths, it looked so scrumptious. We weren't disappointed, it was the best part of our "meal." I tried a shortbread cookie as well, and ended up throwing half of it away. It was very dry, to the point where you couldn't eat it without drinking something. Which brings me to the coffee. I got an Iced Latte with simple syrup and it was fantastic. Nice flavorful coffee. I'd like to go back and try some of their other items, the coffee and ambiance were worth it.
(4)Carianne M.
Macarons! I can't/won't say much about anything else at Pistacia Vera because I haven't had much else. If I'm being honest, I stick to the desserts and then walk down to Stauf's for coffee...oh my...that's awful now that I wrote it all out... The Macarons are not to be missed. The pistachio (obviously) is amazing, but the miso is also so, so delicious. Their other baked goods are not to be missed - a chocolate fudge cookie won my heart. The lighting, location, parking, etc. are all amazing. I can see why folks would come here for brunch, but the tables are limited and a bit close together for my taste.
(4)Yuri R.
Clean - beautiful - great customer service - delicious! Just very nice atmosphere! ;-)
(5)Matt W.
It's the smell that really hits you. It's one thing to see all the pretty pictures of the pastel macarons, the jewel toned fruit gels, and the lustrously dark chocolates, but one can resist the siren call of Pistacia Vera if you are simply indulging your eyes. "German Village parking can be a pain", you say. "I am trying to diet", you say. "I'd end up blowing the rent on macarons and gift boxes," you say. But if you're in the neighborhood and they've opened the windows onto their patio, or should you be walking past and decide just to step in for a coffee, perhaps, and maybe one -little- indulgence (a single macaron wouldn't be so bad, would it?), you're doomed. The moment your nose is tickled by the alluring aromas of their kitchen, caressing their way up to your brain with the velvety promise of delicious indulgences, you can't help but start to drool just a tiny bit. A look at each of the incredibly beautiful offerings in their case, combined with a smell that promises meltingly delicious flavors once the food reaches your tongue, takes you deeper and deeper into sweet seduction, with the fragrance of their freshly roasted coffee rounding it out with the promise of a dark savory brew to perfectly counterpoint the sweetness Fortunately, I was able to save myself from total moral and spiritual collapse by taking a friend along, and splitting their dessert sampler (part of their Dine Originals menu) was a wise move, allowing us to delight in a wide range of their offerings with just a bit of restraint. Though the chocolate bombe was excellent, with dark chocolate ganache encasing an almost delicate mousse and a foundation of sweet cake, the true star, and PV's signature, was their macarons. The sweet gluten free cookie is almost cakelike in texture, dissolving into a burst of flavor on your tongue that compliments and highlights the cream filling, before you melt into the companion cookie and the sweet candy coating that gives each one a beautiful pastel wrapper. The platter came with a raspberry macaron and an almond offering, and I have to admit that the raspberry came out on top for me. The almond wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but something about the perfectly captured fruit flavor really suits the Macaron's silky textures. The pistachio nougat is nutty, almost savory, with a nice toothsome texture, but not so much that you start to fear for your dental work, and the intense bursts of the fruit jellies almost make them more of a palette cleanser than a dessert choice, wiping away whatever was before them and leaving you with a lingering burst of fruity sweetness before you move on. The single chocolate truffle was almost an afterthought, and I have to admit that it pales in comparison to it's bigger bombe brother, but the bite sized treat is still well executed, with deep dark chocolate inside and out, and a satisfying crackle as the harder shell gives way to the soft sweetness within. PV also offers several savory offerings, including a their awesome croissants, but this is a place that will fire every neuron in your brain towards sweet indulgence, and I dare anyone to spend five minutes in that glorious aroma, surrounded by delicious treats and a staff willing to explain the appeal of each one in cheerful detail, and not give in to the urge to indulge.
(5)Megan K.
Made a trip to Pistacia Vera today all the way from Marysville because of the great reviews and raves from a couple of my cousins & it sure didn't disappoint. I was lucky enough to snag a parking spot on the side of the building. I was entranced by all the brightly colored rows of gorgeous macarons. I honestly knew going in that's primarily what I wanted to try, so I did a sampler pack of a few of them. So far the ones that stick out are the vanilla, pistachio and nutella. Didn't care for the lime. The macarons itself are very delicate & crunchy on the outside but so moist and chewy on the inside, the perfect combination. I personally liked the macarons with the buttercream in the middle vs. the fruit gel (lime). The buttercream is light as a feather and silky smooth and oh so flippin good. I would love to snag a big ol spoonful of the vanilla buttercream - yeah it's THAT good. Also on high recommendation from my cousin, I had to try the butter cookies. They had a 6-pack so I grabbed one. Holy moly that sh!t is GOOOOOOOD. Probably the best damn butter cookie I've ever had. It's a thick vanilla butter cookie cut in the shape of a leaf and dusted with a very fine sugar sprinkled with vanilla beans. This cookie is very light & airy and truly melts in your mouth. My only goal is to resist temptation so I'll have a few of them left for tomorrow mornings coffee. This would be a great gift for any foodie you know. So if you have never been to Pistacia Vera or even if you have but haven't tried these cookies YOU HAVE TO!!!! Yeah it's not even an option. Thank me later. I did try one of their cashew butter caramels and wasn't that impressed. It didn't have a ton of flavor in my opinion, but you know I'm not going to let one little caramel dampen my love of PV. It was definitely worth the trek from Marysville and is definitely a place I'd take out of town guests for some coffee & desserts. I'm definitely a new fan!!
(4)