Don’t Miss the Princess Cake: Costeaux French Bakery

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

May 26, 2008

Restaurants | California | Destinations | North America | Travel | United States

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Healdsburg, California is in the heart of Sonoma wine country. Sitting in the heart of Healdsburg, you’ll find Costeaux French Bakery & Cafe, a fabulous little cafe that makes a trip to Sonoma worth it.

Costeaux French Bakery & Cafe was established in 1923. It’s known for the fabulous sourdough breads and desserts. The cafe also serves up an incredible lunch. Before I went, everyone in town told me to try the onion soup. Now I know why. It was, quite simply, the best onion soup I’ve ever eaten. I also tried the Costeaux Fromage Board, featuring an assortment of French cheeses and a sampling of the Costeaux artisan breads.

The crowning glory of Costeaux’s offerings, however, is the dessert menu. I’ve not seen such an array of desserts in a long time. I tried a little of several different desserts, but I fell in love with the Princess Cake, one of the cafe’s specialties. (It’s the beautiful one with the green marzipan in the photo below.)

Costeaux French Bakery signature desserts. Photo courtesy Costeaux French Bakery

The Princess Cake is moist white chiffon cake filled with Bavarian custard, raspberry conserve and whipped cream, all enrobed in marzipan. It is the most heavenly dessert I’ve ever tasted. Anywhere. If I could figure out a way, I’d have a Princess Cake delivered regularly. I have told people that I’ll go back to Healdsburg just for the Princess Cake.

If you’re in Sonoma Valley, be sure to go through Healdsburg and find Costeaux French Bakery & Cafe. It’s in the center of town at 417 Healdsburg Avenue. Check out their website at www.costeaux.com.

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

Founder and publisher Susan Lanier-Graham is an award-winning travel writer and author of more than 75 books. For more than three decades, she has explored the world in search of unforgettable “wow moments,” from the jungles of Thailand and the temples of Egypt to wine regions, coastlines, and hidden gems closer to home. Her work blends immersive storytelling with practical insight, helping readers experience destinations more deeply. Based in Spearfish, South Dakota, Susan covers travel, food, and wine with a focus on meaningful experiences. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and is a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS).