Sub Rosa Bakery
620 N 25th St, Richmond, VA, 23223
Sub Rosa Bakery Menu
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Address :
620 N 25th St
Richmond, VA, 23223 - Phone (804) 788-7672
- Website https://subrosabakery.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Damian L.
A recent downtown exploration landed us at the foot of this hip little bakery by the name of Sub Rosa. Alright, fine, we knew we wanted to check it out, and happened to be in the area, so it wasn't so much of a random stumbling upon. But I digress. If anyone reads or follows my reviews, you'll know I'm not much a baked goods kind of guy (outside of those delicious little bread rings known as donuts), so I more or less just got something from here to say I tried it. And oh my goodness. --Food: I got a black currant croissant. This fella' is packed with partially dried black currants, a little bit of pastry cream, and comes on a flaky and buttery swirly croissant. And how delectably flaky it is! I like fruit jam pastries, but even without the jam, this was so delicious with exactly the right amount of flaky to chewy to moist proportions. I didn't get to sample my fiancee's chocolate croissant or her family's picks of salami and cheese, asparagus and cheese, and various other bready delights, but they all looked really good. There were also some free samples of bread, which was pretty awesome. --Cost: I guess if there is a downside to here, it's how much the pastries cost. Each one, depending on the size and whether they have meat in them or not, will run you somewhere from $2 to $7. Given how delicious, fresh, and unique their inventory is, it's a fair price, but if you go for lunch or seeking a meal, expect to buy at least a couple. I think our bill came to about $30 or $40 for a spread of things. Worth it? Yes. --Service: As if the food wasn't already delicious, the staff is great. The Daniel Radcliffe look alike at the counter was super helpful and went into great detail explaining each of the items. (If you're reading this and find this this comparison offensive, I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name, and you sort of remind me of him.) He didn't pressure us at all and was very friendly and likable. One of the bread makers came through as well to answer a bread question and was also knowledgeable and friendly. --Atmosphere: You wouldn't guess it, but the place actually has a very hip and modern vibe. It's not surprising based on the building, but it's surprising based on the general run-down surrounding. Quite honestly, it's a little bit sketchy walking around the outlying side streets, but the store itself is in great condition and is pretty much exactly what you'd get if you Google "Hip bakery and coffee shop". --Overall: I was expecting to like it, but ended up loving it. It's a bit out of the way, but I fully expect to make it here again. I've love to try some of the other fruity things there that I didn't have the chance to try today. If you like bakeries and don't mind paying $5 - $15 for a handful of pastries, give it a try! It's fantastic.
(5)Joaquin X.
Absolutely INCREDIBLE pastries. Flaky, tasty and a wide array of styles. You can tell that a lot of love goes into their baked goods. A very pleasant spot!
(5)Bob T.
Very, very, Poor, paid $ 11 for a loaf of rye bread. Got home and the next morning tried to cut some off, it was so hard and stale, I don't think a chain saw could have cut it off. This place is just a flash in the pan, will be out of business very soon. Oh, as for the bread it now a door stop!
(1)Kevin P.
After hearing some friends talk about this bakery, I had to give Sub Rosa Bakery a try for myself! The best part of Sub Rosa after its baked goods is its friendly service and casual atmosphere. The employees greet you as soon as you set foot in the bakery no matter how busy it gets. The atmosphere is ideal for a person looking to do some work or catch up with some friends. The noise volume is loud enough for some privacy so that the table next to you won't hear what you're talking about but quiet enough that you can carry on a conversation without having to raise your voice. Now, here comes the review of the food: || The Chocolate Bomb || This is my favorite thing here. The name is misleading, and it isn't as sweet as the name sounds so for those of you who aren't a big fan of very sweet things you should definitely still try this! The chocolate that's melted into each layer of the bread has a semi-sweet flavor that is balanced out by the pistachio worked into the dough of the Chocolate Bomb. The texture is flaky like that of a croissant, while the buttery exterior makes for a nice crust. They stopped making Chocolate Bombs on a regular basis, but if you call in at least 48 hours before you plan to eat it or pick it up, they'll prepare you some as long as you buy 5 other pastries to go along with it. || Salami and Cheese Croissant || It's not filling enough to warrant a satisfying breakfast, but it's delicious to say the least. I have gotten it a few times when the cheese was a little rubbery instead of gooey and melted through, so make sure to ask for it to be warmed if it hasn't been freshly made. Otherwise, it has a good meat to cheese ratio and could be paired with one of the coffee drinks on the menu if it's too salty for your liking. || Shortbread Cookies || I wasn't a big fan of their cookies, but they are the cheapest thing on the menu. I like my shortbread cookies to be buttery to give it some flavor, but the regular shortbread cookies without anything on it were just too plain and hard to enjoy. If you want to try these, go for the ones coated with chocolate or the ones with the nuts in the middle and ask for the ones that have just come out of the oven. All in all, Sub Rosa has become one of my favorite local food establishments in Richmond! It's safe to say that when I come back to visit Richmond this will be one of the things on my list for places to go back to! Food: 5/5 Quality: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 4/5
(5)Mark A.
Sub Rosa is just one amazing bakery. This is one of those neighborhood gems you hope to have if you are living nearby. The staff are all very friendly and it is the type of place you just want to hang out in. As for the bakery itself, they are churning out the most delicious pastries and bread. I've had the chocolate almond and almond croissants - some of the best I've ever had. I also took a half loaf home of the polenta bread and it too was perfect with some olive oil. It also lasted several days which is another plus. They use quality ingredients and it shows. I'll be back if I'm ever close to it again.
(5)Ching H.
After reading Colleen N.'s review of this place, I knew I had to try it. At 11AM I called and they had 11 chocolate croissants, 1 chocolate almond croissant, and 11 almond croissants. I debated whether I should ask the young gentleman I spoke with on the phone to "save" me the chocolate almond croissant, which I totally should have done. I just didn't know if that was proper etiquette, or if he would think I'm crazy and deranged. Instead I power walked with my friends from Union Market, about .3 miles away, and to my dismay discovered that they no longer had the chocolate almond! I pouted for a second, and mourned the loss of my unconsumed croissant, cried 1 air tear, and opted for the almond! I mean how could they have sold the last one in the 5 minutes it took for me to walk over?! First world problems..I know. Ultimately I was more than okay with the almond because why?!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that almond paste is the nectar of the most heavenly, angelic, pastry, baking goddesses. Oh hey!!! Can I get a lifetime supply forever?!!?
(4)Han V.
I love to walk here with my boyfriend on our lazy Sundays to lounge around while enjoying their pastries and coffee. The staff is so welcoming and friendly. They really seem to know everyone who walks in and I love the homey atmosphere. It's also so neat to watch them bake with the wood-fired oven. They don't have AC though, which makes it difficult to eat in on a hot day (we first tried this place mid-summer). Pretty much everything I've tried here has been enjoyable. Remember to also ask them to heat up your item if you're eating in--it makes a huge difference in my opinion. Below are some of my faves. --Pain au chocolat-- Great with a cup of coffee. Not too sweet, just enough chocolate. Yums. --Salami and cheese-- Though it's not super filling, this makes for good a light breakfast. --Chocolate Bomb-- I was expecting their chocolate bomb to be gushing with chocolate, but it just had a little bit of melted chocolate on the inside. Instead, I think that it's more appropriately a pistachio bomb because they pack in so much. Regardless, I really enjoyed it. --Shortbread cookies-- These came right out of the oven and were amazing! They just melted in our mouths. They also had pistachios in the middle which got toasted while the cookies baked. Surprisingly, I have yet to try their bread (since I load up on everything else on the menu board) and will definitely do so the next time I visit! Food: 5 Value: 5 Service: 5
(5)Ashley W.
Delicious greens and feta tart. Hint of spice, great texture and the cuts was to die for! Paired with latte #foodchronicles
(4)Brian C.
The baked goods are astounding. The coffee is from Lamplighter. The atmosphere feels like something out of a Pottery Barn catalogue, yet authentic - very authentic. There are even gorgeous orange sunflowers here today. The windows are big and let a lot of natural light in. So lucky to have this place in RVA.
(5)Carissa K.
Richmond, VA--Road Trip #1 Road trippin' with my two favorite allies Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies It's time to leave this town It's time to steal away Let's go get lost Anywhere in the U.S.A. --Red Hot Chili Peppers I love road trips; taking a journey to a "new" place and exploring turns me on. That was why I decided to drive to Richmond the other day. Richmond is the capital of Virginia, and is about 90 minutes from Hampton Roads. The first spot on my adventure that morning was Sub Rosa Bakery (SRB) in the historical Church Hill. I needed some coffee, and my tongue was ready to try their pain au chocolat. Allez! SRB is located on the 25th Street roundabout. There is only street parking, but it was easy enough to find. When I walked up, the doors were wide open, welcoming me to their inviting bakery. The interior is spacious with wood floors, and a comfortable space to sit and relax. SRB has a wood-fired masonry oven and they use freshly ground stone-milled flour at the bakery (organic wheat, corn and rye), which makes their items so delicious. I went to the counter and ordered a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) and a macchiato. SRB has a limited menu of breads and pastries; they also have granola for breakfast and panini and soup for lunch. The pain au chocolat was fantastic! Taking a bite, the inside was full of layer after layer of flakiness, and the semi-sweet chocolate was a great contrast to the croissant. I really wanted to try their Fig and Manchego--next time! SRB serves Lamplighter Coffee and it is their own signature blend. Remember when ordering a macchiato that you're going to be getting an espresso, as opposed to the large cup of coffee that the chains give you. This was like a shot of espresso--no sugar added; it was excellent. If you're looking for a great bakery, especially pain au chocolat, SRB is the place to be. In addition to the above, SRB offers custom milled flours for wholesale. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or buy their wonderful flours to make your own bread. Check them out!
(4)Nick V.
The best bread I've ever eaten in the US, with the sole exception of Jules and Helen Rabin, the now retired Vermont couple who pretty much launched the artisanal bread movement on the East Coast. I especially love the flatbread, a variation Ramazan pidesi, the Turkish Ramadan bread. The pastries are to die for--flaky and perfect. I've tried nearly every pastry on the menu and have never been disappointed.
(5)Patti S S.
Fantastic!! Really high quality. They have a mill right next door they actually grind their own flours! So fresh I felt like I was in Europe! I wish they would open one up in the West End I'd be there a few times a week! Just super! Great atmosphere, great quality, really the go-too bakery in Richmond! Keep up the good work I know the owners work hard at what they do to ensure the highest quality. Their passion comes through in their product!
(5)Erik I.
I was excited about a new bakery in Church Hill. I had never been in, but I heard the owner speak at a Church Hill event, saying that he wanted to be a good neighbor, etc. I decided that this would be a great local business to support. The next day, I actually broke speed limits to get there. I arrived five minutes early, but the door was already locked. the woman inside looked at me and went back to cleaning, indicating to me that they were not looking for business. I did make it on time a couple days later and paid a lot more than I am used to for a loaf of bread. But that's what neighbors do, right? The bread was OK. I don't want to say it was stale.But it was drier/denser than expected, and I ended up throwing 3/4 of it away. I was willing to try another type of bread. but when I showed up, I walked in and was told that it was a private function. I haven't been back.
(1)Julia D.
Came here twice in the week I was visiting Richmond. I've never had anything baked so well or that tasted so flaky and decadent. First, I got the lamb borek and second, a fig and cheese pastry. Super duper quality.
(5)Colleen N.
I love pastries, I love chocolate and therefore I LOVE the chocolate bomb. The best way to describe a chocolate bomb is a chocolate croissant, filled with a pistachio cream, all baked in a clay pot. The outside is golden and crisp while still maintaining the softest, flakiest interior. There are ribbons of rich chocolate folded throughout and hints of pistachio with every other bite. The butteriness is far from shy and makes the pastry sublimely decadent. This is one of my go to bakeries whenever I have friends visiting. However, I would go early...everything sells pretty quickly.
(4)Yuvia M.
I was very excited about visiting Sub Rosa because everyone raved about their Chocolate Croissants and that's my favorite pastry so I was disappointed to find the croissants very underwhelming. It's not that they're bad, it's just that they are (a) not authentic and (b) too greasy. The croissant was dense and heave and your fingers were left with a lot of butter grease after eating it It was a good pastry and the dough and chocolate filling were good but as we know, fat add flavor to things. The chocolate croissant was not the only greasy pastry we had, the same was true for the sour cherry and pistachio pastry. Fine flavors but too greasy. Sadly, I wouldn't return.
(3)Jessi B.
I finally got around to trying this place. I walked in and there was a huge line and by the time I got to the cashier, the line was out the door. I wanted to try the blood orange and cheese croissant but literally right as I was ordering they took that sign down. anyways, I got the chocolate almond croissant and iced coffee. literally, the best iced coffee I've ever had! the pastry was also amazing. the prices are pretty high but they do use mostly local and organic ingredients, so I can justify the high price. I can't wait to go back and try more, everything looked so good!
(4)Kirstina C.
My best friend lives in Church Hill, and she wanted to take me to her favorite bakery. We don't have too many places like this close to home, so I was pretty excited to try it. Upon arriving to the bakery, the ambiance gave me the Richmond feel: small, homey, and peaceful. I also liked the large windows which brought so much natural light into the bakery. The menu wasn't too extensive, and it was nice to see the pastries in the display case. The place wasn't very busy at the time, so I was able to place my order right away. I ordered an iced coffee (which they serve to you black and you are able to add cream and sugar to your pleasing, a plus!) and a salami croissant. They were able to warm the croissant and brought it out to our table. The croissant was a pretty large size for me, and I ended up taking some of it home. It was very flaky, cheesy, and delicious! Just thinking about it makes me want another one...the baristas and bakers are so nice. This is definitely one of my favorite bakeries in Richmond and I can't wait to visit again.
(4)Prashant M.
Amazing. Happy to have this in Richmond.
(5)Dana M.
Definitely not a spot to hang and do work. They have no wifi network (what is this, San Francisco?), the girl behind the counter was minimally friendly and about 0% helpful, finished my $5 drink in two sips, everything in the bakery case was burned. Do better.
(2)Samantha B.
I hopped in to Sub Rosa one day on the way home from work because I had been meaning to try the place. The only thing in the display that caught my eye was the chocolate croissant. Honestly? It was ok. Just ok. The texture of the croissant itself was good, but the chocolate didn't mix quite right with it for me. Maybe I'm just weird, haha. I plan on going back sometime to try something else, hopefully. Expect an updated review!
(2)Thuy V.
One of two newish bakeries in Church Hill. Tried both this week and Sub Rosa blew me away with their pastries. I don't eat pastries often and am so glad I don't live that close or I'd be in trouble. We tried the chocolate croissant, almond croissant, and fig and manchego pastry. They were all very fresh and delicious. I can't say one was my favorite because they all were different. The chocolate croissant was especially crispy and flaky on the outside and soft in the middle. Great walking on the side and seeing them bake in their oven. On a Sunday morning all the seating was taken with families eating and drinking.
(5)Dominic O.
We went a couple miles out of our way into town to try this place and boy were we glad we did. I picked up a Blood Orange and Cheese Croissant and an almond Croissant and they were both outstanding. Their croissants are denser than most croissants I've had but still have a light and flaky crumb. They also cook the croissants darker than you're used to, and it develops some great deep nutty flavors in the pastry. Another bonus: they have lamplighter coffee. We didn't get any bread but I hope I can try it sometime in the future.
(5)Sonia P.
What a sweet coffee shop whose pastries are even sweeter! Sub Rosa doesn't have a ton of choices for pastries, but they're unique because they're all baked in a wood-fired oven and they include French pastries that I haven't found anywhere else in Richmond. We tried the pain aux raisins (tasty but was more like a croissant than an authentic pain aux raisins - still delish), butter croissant (lightly charred from the woodfired oven and super flaky), and the sour cherry and pistachio (my favorite of the 3, unique and I have an increasing love affair with pistachios). Next time, I'll be sure to try their almond croissants - I hear they're divine! Don't forget to pair your delicious pastry with one of their caffeinated pick-me-ups; we all thoroughly enjoyed our cappuccinos, lattes, and drip coffees (no iced drinks). Not a ton of seating, but grab a seat at one of the tables, a stool by the window for people-watching, or on the cozy bench for a casual yet homey experience. Saw lots of families with adorable children all hungrily eyeing the buttery pastries. Another awesome bakery in Church Hill!
(4)Dawn S.
Two words -- pastry excellence. Sub Rosa's baked goods are divine. The goods I've tried (thus far): 1. The fig and cheese twist: perfection. Super flaky crust twisted over a sweet (but not too sweet) fig jam and nutty flakes of manchego, all glistening under a very light glaze. You need to try it. This was absolutely my favorite one (though they were all freaking amazing). 2. The sour cherry and pistachio pastry: a dream. A little tangy from the dried cherries and a nice nutty pistachio crumble swirled in between soft cakey dough (think super elegant cinnaswirl bun). It's dusted with pistachio crumbs too. 3. The spring greens tart: outstanding. Imagine the stuffing of a spinach pie atop a crusty pie shell instead of phyllo. 4. The chocolate almond croissant: superb. A flaky croissant topped with toasted almonds and powdered sugar with a super gooey, rich, dark chocolate filling. This one is sinful. I went on a Sunday morning at around 10 and barely had to wait. By the time I left at like 10:30 there was a bit of a crowd. There are a few tables with chairs, a couple lounge chairs and a few stools -- so you can enjoy your pastries on the premises. The staff is not particularly friendly or warm but I don't care -- it's basically impossible for me to knock a star with how good the food is. Sub Rosa made better baked goods than I've had in Paris. No kidding. I will absolutely be back.
(5)Terry D.
This bakery is awesome! Delicious breads and pastries, solid coffee and an awesome atmosphere. They don't have a huge selection of breads because they prefer to perfect what they offer (Who can argue with that?). They're closed on Monday and they bake certain breads on certain days so take note of their board if you're looking to get a particular loaf at it's freshest. I'd love to comment on how long loaf can last but I'll be honest, mine was gone within a day an a half, it was some of the most delicious rye I've ever had! When I went in I planned on getting just a loaf of bread but when I saw their pan au chocolate I couldn't resist and grabbed on with an espresso (well made lamplighter coffee). Their seating is cozy with a few tables if you're with a group or several stools if you're just stopping in and big windows keep it warm even if it's chilly out. I will definitely be visiting Sub Rosa again soon and being a granola fiend will have to try their granola next!
(5)Karen R.
I've heard so many great things about Sub Rosa since moving to Richmond a few months ago, and today I found out exactly what all the fuss is about. This adorable bakery 100% lives up to the hype! The staff was really friendly and gave me great recommendations, and I ended up ordering 2 amazing croissants--the salami & cheese and the fig & cheese. Both were perfectly warm, flaky, and aromatic, and they were a great combo given the saltiness of the salami and the sweetness of the figs. I honestly felt sad when I ate the last bite (not because it wasn't a filling breakfast, but because I wanted it to go on forever)! I will absolutely go back and try more of their menu options because everything looked and smelled heavenly. I'll be hard pressed to not start my next order with another fig & cheese croissant in addition to trying other things, but hey, life's too short to limit yourself, right? :)
(5)Duy N.
A fantastic bakery with some delicious goodies! The place smells so good right when you walk in! I love the small town feel and friendly atmosphere. The prices are fair and they also have great coffee. If I lived closer, I would definitely frequent here more often. I can't wait to go back. Warning: Parking can be a little tricky.
(4)Joy H.
Wow! We just enjoyed the fresh apricot, blackberry, blueberry tarts. They were still warm from the wood-fired oven and tasted like pure Heaven melting in our mouths! Not too sweet - just bursting with flavorful fruit and flaky crust! The almond croissants are incredible as well as the chocolate. Sub Rosa Bakery is a jewel in Richmond's ever sparkling crown of culinary delights! Thanks, Ephraim! You are an amazing baker!
(5)Bryce C.
After trying bread from Sub Rosa multiple times at Richmond restaurants, I decided to finally make the plunge and buy my own loaf for my first return back since the reopening. I had previously been and tried some pastries, but I was really excited yesterday to try the bread. Don't get me wrong, their classic loaf is good, it's really good, it's just hard to justify $8.50 on a loaf of bread that's going to go stale as soon as I cut it. Maybe next time I go, I'll buy the smaller size loaf. Warning: don't try using an Amex, you'll get turned down.
(4)Joseph H.
This feels like a neighborhood bakery with regulars. Staff was friendly and i could tell they knew their customers and remembered their preferences. The bakery goods were all calling my name and I was tempted to order several things such as the chocolate bomb, the apple tart or the morning bun. I settled on a chocolate almond pastry which was big enough to split. I also enjoyed a delicious cold brewed coffee which was ready super fast. I would go to this bakery again and I will definitely try their fresh baked bread.
(5)John P.
Sub Rosa is far and away one of the best bakeries I have ever frequented. I don't give out five star reviews very willy-nilly, just ask my Netflix account. The morning bun is superb, The pistachio fresh cherry bun reminded me of when I was in France and my GF loves the chocolate croissant. Sub Rosa Bakery is AMAZING!!! Guess where I'm taking my parents first when they visit.
(5)Na Lee K.
My friend and I stopped by here to get a quick bite, and it was one of the chillest and most laid back places we've been to eat at in Richmond. I got the salami and cheese croissant and my friend ordered the apricot and cheese croissant. We decided to divy them so we could sample both. The hardest thing about ordering here was having my attention diverted continuously by the racks of fresh baked goods that kept coming out of the wood fired ovens. My friend stuck with her preserve and cheese croissant and I ended up adding a fresh seeded braid, a hot apple turnover and pogaca to take home with me (#AwesomeImpulseBuys). The croissants were both warm, flaky, and delicious, but my faves by far was the apricot and cheese croissant. I know this place is known for using organic ingredients and crafted breads, but my favorite part about eating here was the quaint, quiet ambiance. The food comes out on wooden cutting boards and mismatched plates and you fill your own water in little mason jars (It feels like you're eating at a rustic home in the countryside somewhere). The food is simple but it is good. This is the perfect spot to catch up with old friends and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. I will definitely be coming back to give the other items on their menu a whirl!
(4)Jennifer W.
Fig with manchego cheese tart. I fly from Texas to get them! That's how awesome this place is. I haven't had a bad thing yet!
(5)Vena V.
My favorite bakery - inconveniently located 3000 miles from my home. The fig and cheese croissant was the best croissant that I have ever eaten. The roasted pepper quiche was sublime with the best crust I have ever had on a quiche. They had honey pepper rye cookies, which were wonderfully savory. The beef boreks (beef in pastry) were divine - best boreks I have ever eaten by a very large margin. It's all about the pastry. Brought these with me to DC because neither DC nor San Francisco have any bakeries this wonderful. Yeah, DC and SF - time to raise your game. One last borek made it to the plane, but didn't make it home. YUM.
(5)Cindy Ann B.
Ok, this woman just might be able to love on bread alone. I have the luxury of bring able to take a scenic 25-minute walk to this rustic bakery/coffee shop, which I enjoy about every other week. It's like a little pilgrimage. I walk out with anticipation of the rush of warmth and bakery goodness rushing over me with the opening of the door and I walk home with the smell and heft of the fresh loaves in my canvas hip bag. The loaves freeze well. I love the Classic and Polenta loaves the best. One frosty day while leaving, I happened to look in their back gate and saw the baker chopping firewood for the ovens, his breath steaming the air above his axe. Wish I had stopped to say hello and ask for a picture. Occasionally I have lingered on a weekend morning with a book, a cup of tea (I only wish the cups were bigger) and one of their heavenly, raisiny, cinnamonny, swirly pastries. Go, you'll get hooked.
(5)Dave L.
Wood burning oven baking artisanal croissants and quiches. Brilliant! Sweet and savory options. Served hot if you time it right. Good coffee. Cozy tables. A little out of the way, but that's part of the charm. A real gem.
(5)Kelli P.
EVERYTHING was very good!! I will be back! The croissants were my favorite- the chocolate croissant was heavenly. Brother/sister owned. The sister owner even gave us a tour of the flour mill where they mill all flour for the bakery. A gem in Church Hill.
(5)Dawn Y.
The owners are an amazing brother and sister team of bakers from Turkey. Their braided breads, quiche, lamb borek, and other tasty pastries are not to be missed! Turkish patrons will go crazy over their green beans dish, swearing they have traveled home to their mothers' kitchens! This small cozy shop in Church Hill also boasts one of the most premier espresso machines in the world. So make sure to have a latte or espresso, you will not be disappointed :)
(5)Aaron S.
Go here! Seriously, don't walk... Run. The pastries and breads here are world class. I'd pit this against any foreign bakery any day. They only down side is the seating which I think may be intentionally slightly uncomfortable and cramped to keep people from staying to long... This is strangely a good thing in this case... You'll see when you go. I drive 35min a few times a month to eat two mini chocolate pastries and drink a flat white made with a special sub rosa bean blend by lamplighter. While I don't prefer this blend over lamplighters kaleidoscope blend the expert espresso preparation at sub rosa makes up for it. Top notch.
(5)Mike W.
It's really frustrating that I found out about this place right as I'm about to move out of Richmond. This is the best bakery I've ever been to in my life. I went all out when I ate there. I got a croissant, an "east" sandwich, and a bag of their granola to take home. The espresso was pretty good as well (lamplighter, not surprisingly). They usually have two sandwiches, east and west, east is the vegetarian, the west is not. They are always on amazing bread. The granola? Was gone in a day and a half. But that croissant. My gosh. After eating it, I now realize that life is all downhill from here. I'll look back on that meal and think "yep, that was the best moment of my life. It will never get better." FYI they usually don't have fresh bread on Tuesdays since they're closed Monday. So go Wednesday and onward if you're looking for bread only.
(5)Natalie S.
This neighborhood coffee shop is just a perfect reflection of the neighborhood. A little eclectic and a whole lot of good the dog and cheese pastry is to die for and the croissants are amazing. The pastry is so flakey and delectable. Worth every calorie. May not be the kind of coffee shop you sit to work at. But it's a perfect spot to catch up with friends over coffee and a (maybe) shared pastry.
(5)Crystal C.
Really liked this place! Not too expensive, food was really good (if a little on the heavy side). Tried the fig and cheese pastry and it was amazing! Staff was super friendly too! Will be back!
(4)Elissa Jane M.
delicious cold brew, an unbelievably killer croissant with fig and manchego and friendly service is how I came to experience my new favorite coffee shop in RVA. tucked away in historic Church Hill, the vibe in here was easy, comfortable and low key. can't wait to get back just so I can try some other tasty goodie from this killer coffee shop.
(5)Cristina P.
Fig and cheese pastry and lattes amazing! Friendly staff. Very busy on a Saturday afternoon. Space is small but people come and go pretty fast!
(5)Steve D.
Just moved to Richmond - This place was great! Friendly staff, great food, great coffee! Outside tables would be great, but maybe its just a bit early since i just moved! Can't wait to return.
(5)Noodle N.
This review is probably going to be skewed since we went to Sub Rosa right when the chocolate croissants came out and was literally sitting next to the cooling rack when we order one. Needless to say, AMAZING. I pretty much changed my opinion of chocolate inside pastries. I will definitely be coming back to try their other items.
(4)Lacy D.
Agreed with everyone else - breakfast here was delicious. We ordered coffee, the salami and cheese croissant, and the chocolate filed croissant. Everything was delicious. The chocolate inside the croissant tasted semi-sweet and hit the spot. The reason for 4 stars is that you never know what you're going to get. Will your favorite be ready or do you have to wait and see what's coming out of the oven next? Ok the other hand it's all fresh and you get experience new foods!
(4)Jess S.
So glad this place is back and still wonderful! You can't go wrong here, but my personal favorite is the seeded braids. So delicate and buttery! The bread has the excellent crust and bite to it--great with a little olive oil! Get there early so you can have your pick of items, otherwise the neighborhood customers will see to it you have limited choices--it's that popular!
(5)Darcy R.
I have been grabbing pastries and bread at Sub Rosa ever since I moved to Richmond about 6 months ago - not to brush off the bread and pastries, because they are EXCELLENT. However, I need to take a moment to talk about their sandwiches. I eat sandwiches all the time, usually to alleviate hunger. BUT, BUT. A truly great sandwich is one of the world's natural wonders. It is like some super natural being, came here, knew I was hungry, or sad, or even thought I was happy and decided to BLOW MY MIND. Sub Rosa makes a TRULY MAGNIFICENT SANDWICH. If you are EVER in Richmond, you should come and worship this sandwich. They offer two daily. Do not ask for additions or subtractions. Just order one and indulge. They are perfect the way they are. Trust me. These are delicious god sends made for people who love food. Good food.
(5)Abbie A.
The place is located right across from The Roosevelt on such a quaint corner. When you walk in, it feels like a homey cafe you'd regularly go to. I ordered the bread plate of toasted bread with honey butter & got a cup of coffee. My friend ended up ordering the ollie salami & manchego cheese with coffee as well. Fresh bread really does make a difference & it tastes amazing. I even got a bite of my friend's plate & I would definitely order that the next time I go.
(5)Daniel T.
Only had a croissant, and it was flaky, buttery goodness. Their selection becomes quite limited by the end of the day.
(4)David J.
This. Place. Is awesome. The following is from their website, subrosabakery.com . It should give you an idea of why the 5 stars as well as the level of care, and craftsmanship, and commitment to plying a "trade" or an "art" or a "craft"...or all the aforementioned...very well, as this brother & sister team & their employees do: "We are an open secret. Everything we bake comes from our wood fired masonry oven. Whenever possible we first use organic fruits, meats, & vegetables grown on Virginia soil. We use certified organic flour & sugar. The wheat, corn, & rye that we freshly stone-mill in house is also organic and we strive to use locally grown, heirloom varieties. We proudly serve Lamplighter Coffee, who has thoughtfully sourced and created our own signature blend." This past Sunday after church, we were all feeling rather peckish and were unwilling to wait to eat at home, although there were plenty of leftovers from the Friday night party I threw with copious amounts of Spanish Tapas. My daughters and their friend wanted to go to Proper Pie, (which I love), but they are closed until Sept 3rd. Thankfully I remembered seeing some sandwich options at Sub Rosa when I jumped in there to buy their amazing bread, prior to the fire and subsequent rebuild/re-open. So glad we ventured in. They had 2 different paninis on Sunday that my daughters dove into, all ingredients locally sourced. 1 was proscuitto and some other awesome stuff, the other was vegetarian I believe, but equally raved about by these young foodie women. My wife and I had their Quiche, and shared a beef Borek. The quiche is incredible. It's hard to imagine how they get it THAT perfect in a wood-fired masonry oven, given how I assume temperature must be controlled to make something so delicate as a proper quiche. The quiche crust was appropriately crunchy, slightly smokey, and yet delicate. The egg part was savory and flavorful and soft just right. Evidence that it was not made long before I consumed it. AS GOD INTENDED QUICHE TO BE. The beef Borek was teeming with wonderful Mediterranean flavors. The product is a square, and seemingly sheet dough layered product with just the right amount of seasoned beef inside. The outer layers are beautiful, brown, & flaky, and the inside is delightful. These were served with a very simply, and perfectly dressed and locally sourced, cucumber and tomato salad, cut perfectly for you to have the right amount of the great homemade dressing on each forkful, that you should shove-in the hole beneath your nose, with a bit of the Borek. Even the sodas they serve are perfect. I forgot the craft brand now, but the mandarin one is phenomenal. I can't say enough about their coffee and the options and varieties you have. Why is their bread, pastries, products so awesome? They stone-mill the grains on the friggin' premises! Then bake it "like a boss," in a wood burning masonry oven. Also, check the ingredients for some of their varieties: sea salt, hard red wheat, cultured wheat, turkey red wheat, bloody butcher corn, abruzzi rye, filtered water, etc. Who else uses awesomeness like that? I'm a native Jersey guy and when I visit, I always go and rave about the great Italian "real bread" bakeries. I'd put a loaf from Sub Rosa up against the BEST from up there any day. The next time you're undecided about where to go to breakfast or lunch, or dinner, or the next time you have a hankering for fresh real bread, amazing pastries, savory pastries, please forgo the supermarket bakeries, the nationwide bread chains, etc, and reward YOURSELF and the wonderfully responsible owners of this establishment in Church Hill. Only don't tell TOO MANY people because I want the Polenta Loaf to be there when I arrive.
(5)Brian M.
Great coffee, amazing croissants & quiches and really friendly staff. Its a win all around for me. I had the kale with onion jam quiche. The crust on this quiche was pure flaky amazingness!! The onion jam had me slightly reserved -- after tasting it I was a fan. This is one of the best quiches I have had. You add the fact that they combine the great quiche with quality coffee from Lamplighter and this was knockout. I highly encourage everyone to go and give this place a go! I have also had the fig croissant which was decadent. Their Polenta blue corn loaf bread is also a winner! This is a weekly visit for me now.
(5)Tasha G.
I was in the neighborhood and dropped by after reading the yelp reviews. I got a pain aux raisins, salami and gruyere croissant, and Apple tart. I have never been to a bakery that uses a wood fired oven, and probably would never step foot in a regular bakery again. Customer service was top notch, and they are very willing to snap you out of your trance when you get stuck watching the breads bake. Will become a weekly trip for us.
(5)Esther J.
I heard about this bakery via the NY Times, and was really intrigued by its mission to make bread that has the taste of the grain. I live near Philly, and when I visited Richmond, I knew I had to check this place out. As of the writing of this review, I've been to this bakery twice, and hope to come back many more times in the future. I have tried the polenta and light rye bread, and can safely say that they are some of the best loafs I have ever eaten. The polenta was crusty, creamy, and tart. The rye with sesame was nutty and subtle. Both breads offered different flavors with each bite; the first bite had a different taste after being chewed, and the aftertastes of both loafs were equally unique and incredible. Their prepared food is also delicious - my companions and I have collectively tried the greens and feta pastry, the lamb pastry, (I've forgotten the exact name), and an iteration of the East (vegetarian) panini with green squash and a creamy white cheese. Everything I have tried has been *phenomenal*. I have yet to try the sweets as the savory options are so well-made and satisfying. Portions aren't large, but the quality of ingredients means that the dishes themselves are more flavorful and satisfying. A few reviews mentioned prices being high, but for the craftsmanship you get with every pastry, it is frankly a bargain. Beyond the food, the staff is welcoming and friendly, and the seating area for guests is open and beautiful. I fully intend to make this a part of every future trip to Richmond. If I lived in the area, I would come every week. Sub Rosa- you are doing it right! Come to Sub Rosa with the intention of savoring carefully-crafted food made from quality ingredients, and you will not be disappointed.
(5)Belal E.
I'm a little jealous that I don't have this bakery in my neighborhood. I had the chocolate croissant and fig & cheese croissant. Both were great. I love a good chocolate croissant and sub rosa bakery delivered. I actually liked my fig & cheese croissant even more so that should tell you how good it was.
(5)Fran T.
The bread, the pastries, the coffee. The sunny Church Hill corner. This place is truly not to be missed. Try the spring greens and goat cheese tart and take home a round loaf of polenta bread. To die for.
(5)Stacey S.
Light rye bread is delicious - great chew and crust. Also enjoyed their fruit & cheese pastry and the salami & cheese. The location is cozy and has lots of natural light - perfect for lounging a morning away with some coffee and any of their pastries. Service was friendly and the menu varied enough that I'm sure we'll be back to explore more of it. And to pick up some more of the rye bread!
(4)Amanda H.
So worth the prices! We tried the quiche, chocolate croissant, morning bun, and fig & cheese. They were all perfect. Lamplighter iced coffee & latte were amazing. For someone who usually buys pastries from Starbucks, this place was life changing. Friendly staff and plenty of seating inside.
(5)Daniel W.
This is master-class perfection nestled in Church Hill! The service great, coffee awesome (more on that in a sec.), and wood fired pastries are baked to perfection. Quasi-orgasmic, really. The pain au chocolat is out of this world. On par with Tartine in San Francisco which is considered by many to be the best there is...but only because they haven't tried Sub Rosa Bakery! To return to the coffee, I'm sure everything is great but since their service is so great I asked for a café au lait (which isn't on the menu), I didn't look. I know, I was that guy...a jack ass, I know! However, offering the great service they do Sub Rosa Bakery didn't skip a beat and just made it! Those guys and gals are amazing! I'm a frequent flier now. They just make the café au lait when I hit the door. Amazing!
(5)Jo Ann B.
It is so nice to live in a neighborhood that supports local business with full enthusiasm. It makes me proud to live in Church Hill. After a long waiting period for Sub Rosa to reopen their doors, my wish has finally materialized. There is something magical about it, honestly. Whether it's how I'm greeted, always with a smile and a hello or it's the light that shines through the window or it's the aroma of fresh baked goods, Sub Rosa always delivers. I enjoy coming in for my morning Lamplighter coffee that complements my buttery croissant. I commit a sin every time I eat a chocolate croissant...my derriere knows it. But, I love that I can work that off by walking just a few blocks to indulge myself with a read and a savory prosciutto, arugula, and mozz panini. Lastly, you can bet if you sit in that window seat long enough, you'll be exchanging words with a fellow denizen. So, if you are looking for a place to sit and relax and feel welcome, then you want to be at Sub Rosa. If you want to satiate your love of baked goods or maybe you want to take a nice Light Rye as your contribution to a friend's dinner, or you want to start your day off right, then Sub Rosa is your milieu.
(5)Em l.
Excellent lamination and perfect amount of chocolate in the pain au chocolat. I've only tried the sesame rye, but their breads are beautiful, and they appear to mill their own flours. Coffee from lamplighter was good. Friendly and knowledgeable service in a cozy, bright shop.
(5)Robin T.
I heard about Sub Rosa during the summer of 2013, and was disappointed that they were closed due to a fire. Well, they reopened a few months ago and I finally was able to try it. I purchased a chocolate croissant and their classic bread. The croissant was amazing! It was as good as the croissants I had in Paris. The classic bread was great as well. It had a very rich taste. Not like the processed bread you get at the store. I love sub rosa and wish I lived closer.
(5)Kate R.
The moment I walked into this place on a Saturday morning I just knew: This was going to be a good experience. Maybe it was all the hipsters around. Or maybe it was the delightful aroma that greeted us. Whatever it was, my initial inclination was correct. We'd found our way here on a road trip pit stop thanks to the many yelp reviews. I got the chocolate pastry and my husband got a savory croissant. The pastries are good. Like I'm-thinking about-them-a-month-later-and-still-craving-them good. You can tell the pastries are made from scratch the way they flake and are so light and delightful. The real butter they use is evident in the wonderful nuanced taste of the edible pieces of heaven. I've got a severe sulfite sensitivity so I basically can't eat any preservatives and all things I eat need to be from scratch. I can tell if a place advertises "homemade" but doesn't really deliver because I usually feel like death after. This place was true to it's high-quality ingredient claims. Had my pastry and the rest of the day was smooth sailing with no reaction. Next time I'm in Richmond, I will definitely return.
(5)Mei Y.
The pastries were pretty good, but I absolutely LOVE their iced coffee. However, they didn't have any skim milk for the coffee, which was a bit of a bummer.
(3)Gus P.
Missed this place after the fire. Glad they finally reopened. Almond croissants are the bomb! Interesting combinations of savory pastries like the lamb and feta. Favorite spot for Sunday morning people watching with a cappuccino and a sunny window seat.
(5)Amanda W.
My third time here and my first time caving to the oft recommended pain au chocolate (verbally described to the host as a chocolate croissant because of my aversion to sounding dumb in French). My question now is "WHY!?" Why did I wait to try this delectable treasure?! Let's be honest, the other pastries I've devoured were amazing. But really, nothing has topped this croissant and I am skeptical that anything will--flaky, warm, just the right amount of chocolate and butter... I'm thankful this is in the neighborhood and can't wait to come back and eat another one (or 10). Other pastries and coffee put Sub Rosa at a solid 4.5 stars, but the pain au chocolate is way over the top.
(5)Jessica L.
I can definitely see the potential in this new bakery, however, wait time is quite long (maybe because they are still getting into the swing of things) and I wish they labeled the pastries in their displays so you knew what you were looking at (other than tempting deliciousness). But the interior is very cozy and looks like an old-fashioned bakery straight out a movie, with their lovely brick oven in the back turning out heavenly smelling pastries that invite you to stay and wait. I ordered a latte and a plain croissant, as well as a spinach and onion quiche. I loved it all! The latte was a solid cup of Joe, the croissant was perfectly light and flaky, and the quiche was very flavorful. I also got to snag a few bites of my roommates' bread with honey butter and bread with salami and cheese - both delicious. The orders came with 4 slices of bread, but with it being a little heavy for my liking I could probably only eat 2 if I had an order for myself. Definitely bring someone with you so you can share! I would love to come back and try some of their sweeter pastries but will save that when I'm feeling like rewarding myself and splurging! An extra treat - they hand-stamp their to-go cups with their own stamp of a pretty flower. It doesn't necessarily look like a rose, and I'm not even sure if that's what they were going for but I loved the extra finishing touch!
(4)Jacqueline B.
Absolutely amazing croissants (the fig and manchego is my favorite) and bread. It's a great place to pick up bread before a nice dinner, or pastries for breakfast. If you haven't gone yet, you need to check it out!
(5)Peter R.
Best croissant in town. Great location and very welcoming. Good coffee as well.
(5)z y.
Occasionally, on a nice day for a walk, I'll walk over to Sub Rosa and grab some baked goods. It always smells so wonderful and it's nice and warm inside. I even can smell the yummy goods on the way to work when I pass it in my car in the mornings. I have had a borek (lamb and other stuff filled pastry), croissant, and salami and cheese pastry. All of these were great, but I have to say the croissant was literally the best tasting croissant I have ever had! I also tried a bite of a friend's pain au chocolat and that was out of this world good! I need get one when they are fresh next time. I know where I'm going Saturday morning :)
(5)Tom W.
I'm spoiled by this neighborhood spot. When the lamb borek is there, it's a must eat. Amazing lattes & croissants & pretty much anything you get. Fantastic spot.
(5)Marna B.
I heard ravs from friends about this place, so I thought I'd try out after the re-opening. I agree with other reviewers - simple signs in front of the trays of product would expedite checkout instead of the cashier (not a happy girl) enduring continuous "what's that?" questions. I got the chocolate croissant that everyone talks about. Meh. I'm probably tainted from living in larger cities, so I do intend to go back during off hours and try the coffee and some other bakery item. Then and only then will I be able to decide if going out of my way to come here is truly worth it.
(3)Bro H.
Great vibe, awesome staff, fantastic food, what more can you ask for?
(5)Arun M.
The food is good, I believe the food/bakery is Turkish influenced. They have a good variety of sweet and savory items. However, there are certain times of the day when they don't have all their menu items available. Their signature is baking everything in a wood fired oven but for me I don't notice much of a difference other than the crust is darker. They also serve coffee and teas. Which I'm not a fan of their espresso because it was too much on the citrus side. The prices is what you would pay at a specialty shop so be prepared to open up your wallet. One issue that I notice is that they don't seem to have a system to handle a long line. Things tend to move slow when they are busy but that gives you time to think about what you want. Just keep in mind that because the bakery is the size of your typical Starbucks and some people tend to linger around drinking coffee that you might not find a place to sit and have to take your food to go. Even though there are some things this place needs to work on, the food is not one of them and once you take a bite you will understand why it was all worth it.
(4)Elle M.
If you are in the area (or at least downtown) GO HERE!!! Almond croissant (only on weekends) = 5 stars Pain au chocolat (yummy bittersweet chocolate & flaky, buttery layers) = 5 stars Fig and manchego tart (artsy shape, perfect cheese ::to:: preserves ratio) = 5 stars I only give 4 stars because (a) I haven't tried everything (b) my cappucino was LAME (c) the bread looks really burnt (perhaps that's just my perception), (d) staff are NOT monitored on hand washing! Yes, I will go back. No, I will not consistently drive out of my way. Yes, I will report the hygiene issues. Yes, you should go try the pastries.
(4)Kim G.
Just reopened and I felt a civic duty to be supportive:). Very limited but delicious selection of sweet and savory pastries with buttery and flaky crusts. Spelt cookies sound weird but are awesome. Friend and I split 3 savory selections for lunch, all home runs. Not cheap, but you can taste your money's worth!
(5)marcella l.
This is, hands down, my new favorite eating establishment in richmond. It's clear this place is passionate about its craft. When you walk in you are accosted by the amazing aroma of butter and pastry. You could drop this bakery into any major city in the country and I believe it could compete with the best.
(5)Tyler L.
zomg. some of the best croissants I've ever had. if you're trying to dine in, it can be a little hard to get a seat on a weekend morning, but I think most people just come to buy takeout anyway. i have a feeling that we'll be trekking here frequently. good coffee, too.
(5)Kate P.
I have been wanting to check this place out for a few weeks and a sunny Sunday morning walk seemed like a great idea! This place lived up to the hype I have been hearing and then some! A friendly greeting when we walked in and my favorite new method of payment - iPad with a square and we had placed our orders. The interior is bright and sunny with tables, bench seating with smaller tables and a bar with stools looking out an awesome curved front window. Now on to the food! I had a chocolate croissant and my hubby Dan H. had the almond one. I wanted to try the salami and cheese one but I only have one stomach :( These were hands down the best croissants I have had since a trip to France a few years ago. Flaky on the outside with a nice buttery soft flavor in the middle. The chocolate was perfect - not too sweet. The almond was also the perfect amount of flavor. Also the complaint of the pastries being too small is crazy - they were huge! I can't wait to go back and try their bread plate with warm bread, goat cheese, honey and black pepper. So glad to have an awesome bakery in the neighborhood and glad to see it doing well!
(5)Navia G.
They're finally open! I've tried a few of their pastries by now, and each one has been absolutely delectable. I have had a chocolate croissant, an apple tart, a swiss chard and feta tart (my fave, I think!), an almond croissant (my other fave!), and a plain croissant. I can't explain how amazing these things tasted, it literally blew away every notion I had of what fresh-baked treats were like. I don't know if I can even buy croissants from Kroger anymore... I'm sure that if you get something from there you'll love it too. The staff is also extremely friendly and they're more than happy to tell you about their admirable efforts to utilize local ingredients. The one gripe I have, which I didn't even take points off for in the rating, is the price of their delicious offerings. A single pastry will set you back between $3-5. A chocolate croissant is $4.50. Now, these pastries are pretty sizeable, probably bigger than you'd be expecting, and they are quite tasty, but $10 for 2 pastries qualifies as living luxuriously for me... I will still visit Sub Rosa (I'm 2 blocks away!), but it's going to be a lot less frequently than if they were a bit cheaper.
(5)Marissa M.
You are the love of my life Sub Rosa, I just wish you were not such an expensive date. I still love you. I love their pastries and I also love how the bakery uses all local organic wheat. I also love the old world style of this bakery, the ruggesd and thick loaves made from scratch, fresh bread are hard to find these days.
(4)Neil C.
Best chocolate croissant in RVA, hands down. Their re-opening is highly anticipated.
(5)Bonoca Y.
Got an apple tart today. While the quality was good, for five bucks I expect something big and spectacular. It was neither. Won't be going out of my way to come back. Sorry guys :-(
(2)Diane H.
This is a wonderful bakery and the addition of soups for lunch is a welcome addition. I had the yogurt and chickpea soup the other day and loved it!
(4)Don D.
Excellent bakery..Wood fired owen and organic bread and pastries...Can not get any better than this...We love the place..
(5)Mary N.
Just wonderful! My husband and I went to this neighborhood spot today for breakfast. I got an apple tart and it was delicious. The shell of the tart was flaky and buttery and the thinly sliced apples were perfectly spiced and soft. It was really big and filling. My husband got a coffee and a chocolate croissant. The croissant was filled with smooth dark chocolate and the pastry was just right. The coffee is from Lamplighters and was delicious. We also picked up a loaf of whole wheat bread to go with some homemade soup. I was very impressed with the bread. It was not cheap at $6.00, but it was worth it. The loaf was big and easily fed us for several meals. The crust was thick and, well, crusty. The inside was airy and chewy. The taste was incredible: a little nutty and wholesome. It was so good! We ended up eating much more that we should have with olive oil for lunch and will probably do the same thing for dinner. This place is definitely worth a try (or four).
(5)Carla B.
I really want to support this bakery...I really do. My husband and I recently purchased a house here in Church Hill because we love the community vibe. Most of the businesses have been welcoming, with friendly staff. I've been into Sub Rosa twice and the service leaves a lot to be desired. The first time I visited, I purchased two loaves and a few pastries to take home. The loaves were burned (charcoal-like) on the bottom and the service was indifferent. No matter, we just chalked it up to an off day. The next time I visited, this morning, I asked the woman behind the counter if I could see the bottom of the loaf before she put it in the bag because the last loaves were a little burned. She snapped at me "This is the way they come!" When I asked for one bag for my pastries, the young man behind the counter acted as though I was being unreasonable. Funny enough, I am one of those humans with two hands...hard to juggle 4 bags and a coffee. As I said, we'd really like to support this business, but unless the staff is trained to treat ALL their customers with respect, we will take our business elsewhere. Which would be a shame.
(2)Jonathan G.
Old World / European quality bakery operating entirely out of a handsome corner building in Church Hill. If you're looking for a Cinnabon, head west.
(5)Brittany T.
I am SO happy that Sub Rosa is back open!! I haven't been since the reopening, but I used to get the croissants and they are amazing. Buttery, flaky, just delicious. Go here, you don't be disappointed.
(5)Kara R.
The cafe is finally open for business and it's gorgeous. There's great coffee and the pastries and bread are per usual. I could eat the chard and feta tart every day!
(5)Alex M.
Best bread in Richmond, although a little pricey. Their almond cookies are great. Unfortunately, they had a fire a while back and are closed for renovations. Should be back open soon.
(5)Robin M.
I visited Sub Rosa on a chilly, wet February day. The warm wood and clean white decor was immediately welcoming and calming, and the bay windows at the front of the shop make the space feel airy. I didn't play anything, but I really liked the addition of the game box at the table; it very effectively communicated the bakery's hope that their customers will stay for a while and relax. That was a notion that was explicitly articulated by the two women who were working behind the counter, who were as welcoming and helpful as they could possibly be. I knew I wanted to come back before I even ordered anything. On to the comestibles, though! I ordered the house bread with a dipping plate of olive oil and honey, and a Chemex pour-over pot of coffee. Short, boring assessment: One of the most delicious afternoon coffees I've ever had. Longer assessment: First, I love that Sub Rosa offers Chemex pour-overs. They're gaining popularity around Richmond, but they're not yet widespread (I know Urban Farmhouse has them too, but not sure who else). They cost more and they take 7 minutes or so to get to you, but this is coffee the way roasters make it -- it extracts all the flavor from the fresh-ground beans and none of the bitterness. Even if you're a sugar/cream person, you might find you enjoy a Chemex coffee black. Instead of participating in the "consume mass quantities" coffee culture that's come with the ubiquity of Starbucks, Chemex pour-overs are a rather Zen-like approach to coffee. It's very much in keeping with the atmosphere of Sub Rosa. The bread was... just... YUM. I'm a bread person; if I had to choose between chocolate and bread, I would go with bread. I eat it and I bake it too, so I can say with some experience that Sub Rosa's house bread is excellent artisan bread. They actually mill their own grain on site. If the side door is open, you can watch them, which is really cool! It's made with a sponge -- that is, a bread starter that's like a sourdough starter, rather than just plain fresh or dried yeast -- and baked in a wood-fired oven at the back of the shop (so cozy!). So the bread is really rustic, and has a tang from the starter that is not something I've tasted alongside the nutty flavor of the milled grain -- wonderful. It's both tender and chewy, with a nice crust. The olive oil was fruity and had a thick swirl of honey in it. I've never thought about that combination for dipping bread before, but it was a revelation. Like Sub Rosa itself, it was simple, clean, elemental, and amazingly delicious. All in all, I would say that Sub Rosa is a place that seeks to take things back to first principles. They don't have a huge extensive menu, they don't make 50 kinds of bread and pastries. Instead, they do a few things REALLY well. I'm looking forward to trying some of their cookies and other bread dips. I plan to visit often!
(5)Lauren C.
This place is so worth the hype! I visited early on a Sunday and you can smell the baked goods from down the block- always a good sign. The staff was friendly and laid-back and made helpful suggestions. The interior is cute and definitely a place you could kick back for a few hours on a weekend morning reading the paper and drinking coffee, but we got our croissants to go, and I am not joking when I say that it was the best croissant I have ever had in my life. Slightly crispy and chewy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside. And very filling. And I love that you can pay via iPad- always the sign of a business that knows what's up. Sub Rosa is the best thing to hit Church Hill since it's neighbor, the Roosevelt! I can't wait to visit again!
(5)Jdrp P.
Visited Richmond for the weekend and decided to check out this place. I had a chocolate croissant and a salami and cheese croissant and they were both excellent. Now, I don't think that I will enjoy chocolate crossaints from other bakeries because Sub Rosa has set a very high standard. The crust was perfect and the Chocolate was smooth and creamy and sweetened to the right sweetness to tickle my taste buds. The atmosphere was very nice and the staff were welcoming. My only issue was the lack of seating. The place was crowded, so I had to order to go. I would not hesitate to stop here or to make a detour from I95 to enjoy another chocolate croissant.
(4)Diana S.
I am totally feelin this place because it's a cute chill corner cafe where the sun shines through the big windows in the right spots and of course, they have tasty baked goods. Don't write off these baked goods because some might have a bit of a char. This bakery is unique because of its wood fired oven. They try to use grains, fruits, and vegetables grown in Virginia as much as possible. Since I got 2 different pastries, I said that I'd only take a bite each and save the rest for later....didn't happen with the Fig and Manchego pastry. I ate the whole thing. I stopped to share a bite but then quickly and politely grabbed it away so I could devour the rest of the buttery, flaky layers filled with sweet, tart fig and nutty cheese. The almond croissant was okay but was too dense for me to enjoy. I wanted to try the Salami and Gruyere but it was sold out. I'm looking forward to my next visit to Richmond so I can get another Fig and Manchego!
(5)Ghia E.
Let's talk about this. I only ordered the blueberry croissant and let me tell you!... BEST croissant I've ever had. Flaky but not dry Moist but not oily Flavorful but not over-powering My soul happy. My mouth is watering for more. And my belly.... Doing a happy dance.
(5)Huy H.
Love this place! Their selection of pastry and bread is top notch. I've been here twice and have gotten various croissant rolls and each time they have been great. The pastries are light, airy, and buttery with a nice oven char on them to create a crisp crust. The two times I've been, I did not see an almond croissant offering which I hope they will consider offering more often as it is my ultimate favorite pastry. Two pastries and two coffees will run you about $17+ so it's a bit on the pricey side. I believe they sell their breads priced by the ounce or pound. They serve Lamp Lighter coffee and their breads are served at local restaurants. We got some slices at Metzger's that came with their Mette and it was a very flavorful bread. Only problem is that I have to drive there, but maybe this is a good thing since I would end up going all the time otherwise!
(4)Jessica S.
First time coming since moving to church hill and the food is fantastic! Got a quiche and blueberry pastry. They both were flakey and buttery. Just the right crunch. Was a good sweet and savory combo! This will definitely be my new regular go to!
(5)Jam C.
I was looking for a place to grab a few pastries to bring to a friend's house and I'm glad I found this place on Yelp! It was definitely a lovely surprise to find this place in Richmond. Everything I got were delicious and everyone loved them. The pastries were perfectly flaky, buttery, and soft. The pain au chocolat was def only one of the best I've ever had. I'm glad I was able to snag the last seasonal peach/berry tart too. :) The higher prices are well worth it for the quality stuff that comes out from their wood fired ovens.
(5)