A pastry case can hold a lot of stories. This Iowa bakery has a founder who earned a James Beard semifinalist nod.
I like that the spot feels friendly and casual. Croissants, quiche, and sandwiches share the spotlight.
I can’t imagine a better reason to get up early. Was the hype real, and which treat should lead the way?
A James Beard Nod Behind The Counter
La Mie Bakery has a story that sounds like a movie pitch. Its founder was a James Beard semifinalist, which is a big deal in the food world.
That kind of recognition tells you the bakers care about craft. At La Mie Bakery, you can see that care in the pastry case.
Think of it as a neighborhood bakery with serious training behind it. Croissants, tarts, and breads sit side by side, and each one looks carefully made.
The menu also includes cafe fare like sandwiches and soups.
It’s a smart place to start if you like knowing the story behind your breakfast. The honor is a nice bit of trivia to share while you wait in line.
It also gives you a reason to try something new instead of ordering your usual.
The bakery is in Des Moines, Iowa, and it fits right into the city’s food scene. A semifinalist title is not a guarantee of anything, but it does set the bar high.
This bakery seems happy to meet it with every tray it brings out.
Croissants Steal The Show
Croissants are the most talked-about item at La Mie Bakery. The list includes almond, chocolate, and ham and cheese versions.
Flaky layers are the whole point of a good croissant. Pair one with coffee and you’ve got a simple breakfast that feels special.
Variety makes choosing tough. Fruit-filled pastries and chocolate brioche also sit in the case, so you might want to bring a friend and split a few.
The ham and cheese croissant gives you something savory when sweets feel like too much. The almond croissant leans sweet and nutty.
Either one works well with a hot drink.
Pastries at a busy bakery can disappear as the day goes on. Arriving earlier gives you a better shot at your favorite.
That’s smart advice for any bakery, and it fits here too.
Choose one sweet and one savory, and you’ll cover your bases. Then pick a third for tomorrow.
Nobody will judge you, and it keeps the croissant plan going.
Sweets Beyond The Croissant
Macarons, danishes, and pecan rolls fill out the sweet side of the case. French pastries are a big part of the appeal here.
Chocolate brioche is another popular pick. It makes a good bridge between a roll and a dessert.
Tarts add color to the display. Fruit and citrus flavors keep things bright, which helps if butter-rich pastries feel heavy.
Danishes bring fruit and flaky layers together. A pecan roll leans cozy and sticky, the kind of treat that pairs well with coffee.
Macarons are small enough to tuck into a bag for later.
A mixed box is a fun way to sample. Ask yourself who you’re sharing with and pick accordingly.
Some people want chocolate, others want fruit, and a few want one of everything.
The best part is the choice itself. You can stand at the case and take your time deciding.
Just remember the line behind you, and make your pick before the coffee gets cold.
Quiche And Savory Breakfast Plates
Quiche gets plenty of attention at La Mie Bakery. It’s a good pick when you want breakfast that isn’t sweet.
The menu also lists scrambles, including a southwest style. Hot breakfast options make this more than a grab-and-go stop.
Eggs and pastry go together naturally. A savory plate can balance out a croissant you plan to take home.
Not every bakery offers a full breakfast menu. This one does, which makes it handy for groups with different cravings.
One person can order eggs while another grabs a pastry.
Coffee drinks round out the table. A latte or cappuccino fits the French bakery mood.
Plan your order like a mini tasting. Savory first, sweet second, and a loaf of bread for later.
It’s a simple system, and it works.
Sandwiches, Soups, And Salads For Lunch
Lunch has its own lane at La Mie Bakery. The cafe fare includes sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Bread is the star of a good sandwich. A bakery that makes its own loaves has a head start.
Chicken salad on a croissant is one option people mention often. A turkey club is another classic that fits the menu well.
Salads give you a lighter choice. Pair one with a cup of soup and you have a balanced lunch.
Grab-and-go sandwiches are handy on busy days. Pick one up, add a pastry, and you’re set for a picnic.
Lunch here shows the bakery’s range. It isn’t only about sweets.
Savory food gets just as much attention.
Fresh Bread To Take Home
Bread deserves its own spotlight at La Mie Bakery. Sourdough is among the loaves people pick up to take home.
Fresh bread turns a plain sandwich into something better. It also makes toast feel like a treat.
Take-and-bake items and prepared foods are available too. That helps on days when cooking feels like a chore.
Bakeries like this make weeknight meals easier. A loaf, some soup, and a salad can cover dinner.
Buy bread early if you can. Popular items can sell out as the day moves along.
It’s a small way to bring the bakery home. Your kitchen will thank you.
The Back Patio Is The Place To Linger
Outdoor seating is a big draw here. The back deck gives you a place to enjoy your order in the sun.
Inside can get busy, so the patio helps spread out the crowd. It’s a relaxed spot for coffee and a pastry.
Table space outside suits a small group. Bring a friend and share a few treats.
The indoor space is large, with a clean, modern look. Still, a nice day makes the deck tempting.
Fresh air and croissants make a good pair. That’s a simple plan for a Saturday morning.
Grab your order, find a seat, and slow down a little. It’s an easy way to enjoy Iowa weather.
Parking And Timing Tips
Plan ahead for a smooth visit. La Mie Bakery sits at 841 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312.
Front parking is limited. A small lot sits out back, and side streets can help too.
Weekends tend to be busy. A little patience goes a long way.
Hours run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. most days. The bakery is closed on Sundays.
Early arrival gives you the best selection. Pastries are most popular in the morning.
Know where you’ll park, and decide your order in line. Then you can enjoy the first bite sooner.
A French Bakery Feel In Des Moines
The overall mood at La Mie Bakery feels French in the best way. Pastries, breads, and cakes fill the space.
The interior is large and modern. Seating includes indoor tables and a back patio.
It works for brunch with friends or a quick coffee stop. The menu has enough range for everyone.
Founded by a James Beard semifinalist, the bakery has real credentials. The food backs that up with variety and care.
This is the kind of place you tell friends about. Start with a croissant and see where it leads.
Iowa has plenty of good food. This bakery deserves a spot on your list.
Share this story
