Matto Fornaio

Matto Fornaio is definitely an upgrade from the cupcake place that existed in this spot previously. The workers are nice and helpful, and they serve percolated Metropolis coffee to sip with all the baked goodies. Overall a good bakery option if you’re in the neighborhood.

Soufflé was excellent, well prepared. Everything looks delicious.

Went here today and got a strawberry basil panna cotta and a fruit tart. The panna cotta was good but nothing extraordinary that would make me come back. I brought the fruit tart home and it was delicious. My only complaint is that the container they put it in was too small so the tart broke in half. If they know that they should warn you in advance or order larger containers.
I also wanted to sit there and eat but there was no one there and the lady behind the counter never said a word. Too awkward. Next time I’m in the neighborhood I might stop by but I’d never go out of my way to come here. Really wanted to love it, sorry.

I’ve never had anything un-​delicious here in the times I’ve visited — and I’m a pretty picky Italian. Both the sweet and savory sides are great (Goat Cheese and Pepperoni Bread Pudding — Hello! I love you.)
There isn’t much seating, so plan on to go. The weather is too nice to be inside anyway! It’s off Broadway on Briar — not very easy to see, but go look for it. Think of it as a scavenger hunt for some wonderful sweet and savory treats.

Cute neighborhood bakery! It smells so amazing when you first walk through the door that it’s hard not to salivate instantly.
We tried the chocolate biscotti and goat cheese tart, and both were very tasty. I’ll be back to try some of their pasta and sweet pastries… just didn’t feel like it at 9 in the morning. They serve Metropolis coffee, which is a huge plus in my book. Seating is limited, but I’m sure that can be easily remedied by outdoor tables during the summer months.

Great pastries! Really friendly staff.

Even though I live less than a block away, I just saw this place last week… And of course I had to try the homemade pasta! The pasta was wonderful and the chef’s recommendation to cook only for 2 minutes was perfect. Pasta is cut to order so you can have it as thick or as thin as you’d like. Perfection! :)

This storefront hidden off Broadway on Briar sits this tiny bakery.
Matto [Italian] = Mad, wild, crazy;
Fornaio = Baker.
I can now say that the fornaio is matto talented! Their truffles were tempting and are roughly ten for $ 8+. Maybe next time.
Instead, the chocolate tart caught my eye. It was simply delightful. Instead of being overly sweet or overly mousse-​like, it had a crunchy exterior to give it plenty of texture.
No matter what, I don’t think you could go wrong with any of the delectable pastries behind the curved window.

Unbelievable pasta: fresh, toothsome, brilliant. It’s kinda ruined me for store-​bought.
I shall return, after I go for a run.

I’ve always wanted to live near a real bakery, and now my dreams have come true. I had heard that there was a new bakery around Broadway, but it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I found it.
The bakery is cozy and the owner is very friendly and attentive. I’ve had at least ten cannoli (filled to order!), a stromboli, and a chocolate torte — all which were delicious and reasonably priced. I’m definitely making this place my priority for baked goods.

I have never had anything here that is less than perfect. The bread is so good I don’t even have words…

How do I best describe the chocolate truffles from here? I think Grayson from this season’s top chef put it best: they’re like sex in your mouth. Seriously, they were insanely awesome. I got ten for ~$ 9 and I demolished them in quick order. I didn’t intend on that, but shit happens.
I also made sure to get myself a scone as well. I got a berry scone and it had pine nuts in it as well. This was great when I had it for breakfast the next morning. It wasn’t as dry in the middle like a lot of wanna be scones are. It wasn’t completely soft either, but just right.
Matto Fornaio is pretty small and you do have to do some real looking for it. The truffles weren’t exactly cheap, but you pay for what you get. The scones were very affordable though. I’m a big fan of matto fornaio and look forward to coming back multiple times

Tucked secretly away along Briar street, this cozy yet elegant bakery is quite amazing. The interior is decorated with warm colors while pictures/​art collected from around the world hang humbly on the walls.
Walking in you are greeted by the smells of freshly baked bread and sweet treats hot out of the oven. You are then greeted by the chef himself, a humble «hello, let me know if you need anything or have any questions.» He attends to every customer with the utmost attention and courtesy.
I had trouble deciding on what to order so I went with two slices of freshly baked bread (tomatoe foccacia and a parmesan and basil loaf) as well as an almond torte and a coffee pana cotta. We started with the Pana Cotta, it was perfection: not too creamy, not too gelatinous, not too sweet and yet full of flavor. The almond torte was moist, full of flavor, and perfectly sweet.
The breads you ask? I have been spoiled by my family who has nothing but freshly baked bread at home and thus, find it difficult to stomach anything but freshly baked bread. As you might realize, finding great bread in the area is rather difficult especially due to my particular and slightly snobby inclinations towards bread. I have absolutely no words to describe the bread at Matto Fornaio, it was just like home. I won’t even try to write about the breads, words just aren’t enough.
I almost forgot, the chef that owns this bakery is so incredibly humble. He clearly has a gift that most only dream of attaining through practice… yet he isn’t pretentious about his food, he is humble to it. I find it’s rather difficult to encounter a chef that is recognized for their talent yet doesn’t have an ego that flies through the roof. You know, the kind that knows he is good and flaunts around with his nose in the air? Not this man, his love of food seems to exceed his awareness of his incredible talent…
Why are you still reading? Get your tastebuds in there and try it out!

Yay! Another winner in my hood.
I had the tiramisu and the almond torte. The torte was so nutty and delicious. You don’t get the full flavor right away, but wait about 5 seconds. You’re welcome. My boyfriend said that the tiramisu was «the best» he’s ever had. This guy knows his tiramisu. I had a small bite. It was good and the coffee was strong. Yummy. I will definitely return. However, for people who don’t live in the neighborhood it’s kind of a random location. Please put one of those signage boards at the end of the block with an arrow pointing to the shop. I wouldn’t want anyone else to miss out on this find.

Very cute place. A perfect neighborhood spot. I’m quite surprised there are so few reviews here. It’s in a pretty populated location, albeit just a tad from foot traffic.
The coffee cake was boring and flavorless. But the quiche was quite good. The place was quiet (in a good way) and the lady behind counter was very friendly.
It’s not something to make me come out of my way, but if I lived in the neighborhood, I would be here often.

I came here yesterday for a breakfast treat mid-​morning (saturday). There was nobody in there, but a few people came in and out while we were there. It’s a cute little place on briar right off broadway. It’s tucked-​in location adds to the cuteness substantially. Anyway, I was not wholly convinced by the food. Our coffee cake was really bland. There weren’t many sweet breakfast options (plenty of savory tarts, however), just a couple of scones and the coffee cake. It had berries and caramel on the top, but it was really boring. I’m not even sure we finished it, and we were hunggggggggry! Definitely wouldn’t get it again.
We got a sweet potato and goat cheese tart that was quite good. She warmed it for us and it went well with a cup of their metropolis coffee. We sat at their single table for about 20 min before going on our merry way. It’s a friendly little shop, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to come here again. I had samples of the brioche (fresh out of the oven) as well as the chocolate torte, and neither were particularly delicious. That means that I only really liked one out of the four things I tried. Not good odds! I’d get a sour cherry muffin at angel food any day of the week before making the trek back down here.
But, if you’re in the area, they are cute and you should check it out for yourself!

Since leaving Taylor Street so many years ago I have only been able to long for baked treats of my past but no longer! This place is cozy, the cookies and biscotti are wonderful, the chocolate torta is to die for and any place that knows enough to hand-​stuff cannoli to order has my business. I would have gotten more to sample but my hands were already full.
I only hope that people find this place and go there often because I would hate to see such a great place go away.

Adorable and delicious. That is the best way I can describe this place. It is a small store with only one table and five chairs for communal seating, but it is so quaint and smells so good that I don’t even notice. The owner is so sweet and nice and makes great recommendations for what to get.
We got a slice of the quiche (with prosciutto and arugula) which was insanely good, almond torte, cherry corn flower biscotti, amareno cherry marscapone treat and coffee. Yes, that was too much food, but every single thing my friend and i had was delish.
The biscotti (especially when dipped in coffee) just melts in your mouth and is perfectly baked. The almond tort was also delicious and dense without being too rich. I also cannot rave enough about the quiche. I cannot wait to go back and try the panna cotta, fruit tarts and other treats too.
There is a good balance of sweet/​savory options, but I’m more of a sweets girl and was not disappointed.
Everything is made on site and tastes delicious. The owner was there and was so nice to me and my friend, teasing along with us and delivering items right to our seats at the table.
I will definitely be going back here. Items range in price but most hit between $ 3.50 — $ 4.75 each, so a little pricey if you get a lot but I highly recommend stopping by!

This place is a little gem! Great coffee, delicious made-​from-​scratch pastries and breads, and friendly, welcoming service. Their hours have just been extended as well, letting the 9−5ers get a treat after work. So stop in and ask what’s fresh out of the oven… you won’t be disappointed.

BEST BAKER EVER!!!
This delightful italian bakery is just what lakeview needed. With a great mix of sweet and savory treats, theres something for everyone. Must try the strombilinis!!!