Perfect Pastries

Karamela Café

South Loop’s sweet tooths should be satisfied with the new bakery on the block - the Euro-style, family-run Karamela Café, which may be tiny in size but compensates with a variety of big flavours. Seemingly determined to tick as many European boxes as possible, Karamela offers a menu of French and Greek/Mediterranean specialty dishes, all perfectly paired with delicious Julius Meinl lattes not often found outside of Vienna.

Filling the French quota are crepes both savoury (buckwheat crepe with chicken, mushroom and tarragon are a fan favourite) and sweet (try lemon zest and banana nutella), plus fresh baguette sandwiches like the Parisian club and the vegetarian ratatouille. Rounding out the Greek treats are standout spanakopita (spinach pie with feta cheese) and homemade baklava, while an assortment of Greek cookies fill the display cases alongside bakery standards including tiramisu, cheesecake, and Chef Maggie’s famous French Vanilla cake infused with orange and Grand Marnier. They’ve also got sweet treats from popular patisserie Vanille on offer here, ensuring there’s something to suit every appetite. It’s all served up in a charming neighbourhood nook of warm red walls and a wraparound counter, with a handful of fresh flower-topped marble high tables ideal to while away the day. Lucky Chicago!