Diotima Bakehouse

So many delicious and creative options to choose from! The line was out the door on a Saturday afternoon and took about 15 minutes to get to the register. Service was great, everyone was very friendly and patient as guests undecidedly made their selections. Lovely assortment of baked goods, pastries, cookies, sandwiches and cakes. Sadly, some items ran out just before it was my turn to order, so I didn't get to try the chocolate crinkle cookies I was eyeing while in line. But I did pick a few treats to take home and try with my husband. Brown Butter Coffee Chocolate Chip Cookie: 10/10, This was amaaazing, loved it. Chocolate Raspberry Pistachio Croissant: 7/10, I really only tasted the raspberry filling, didn't taste much of the chocolate or pistachio flavors. Diotima Delight: 9/10, Tasty, gooey and delicious. Cinnamon Sticky Bun: 10/10, so freaking yummy. Salmon Mousse Croissant: TBD, planning to eat that one in the morning for breakfast.

Did you have something else to do on Saturday morning? Cancel it and get over to Diotima.Looking for some addictive baked goods, we headed over to Diotima on Sunday morning only to find that it was closed. This was our mistake as we didn't check the hours of operation and were amazed it was only open 3 days a week. Intrigued by this and the fact it was so well reviewed, we planned to come back the following Saturday morning and the wait was completely worth it.We arrived about 10 minutes before opening and there were already a few people waiting outside. They opened a minute or two early and greeted us very warmly. The space is elegantly decorated with a beautiful display for the pastries. The staff was great with a very helpful and attentive attitude. They helped us pick out a mixed berry custard tart, almond croissant, and kouign amann which they freshly fill with a custard upon request. Everything was delicious and didn't last the car ride back home. If it's your first time, get the kouign amann, you won't be disappointed.After trying the delicious treats that Diotima has to offer, you truly understand that good things DO come to those who wait.

Diotima is a gem of a local bakery that everyone in and around the Mission Viejo should try. Right as you walk in the door, you're instantly greeted by the amazing smells of everything that's been baked that day, which only builds the anticipation of trying as many different pastries as you can! The spread of pastries is a joyful assault on your senses, and the stores vibe lends perfectly to what you are about to eat!Chef Kian is apparently the big draw here with his online presence, but we didn't know anything about him when we first visited, but he was incredibly friendly and helpful when we ordered. Additionally, all of the staff is always so kind when taking orders, and helpful in deciding what to get!Of what we've had, the standouts are definitely the almond baklava cake and the pistachio cake. The flavor and texture of both are incredible and are a must try. Additionally, we happened to get there right as they took the trays of cookies out of the oven, and each of the flavors we had was delicious! The mixed berry custard tart was a sleeper hit the second time we went and was nearly our favorite as well!Honestly everything we have had at Diotima is a cut above the rest and worth having, I find myself wanting to go back on different days just to see what has been made that day, and I can't wait to try more of their creations and see what they come out with next!

Oh, Diotima, I only wish you were open more (although maybe it's a good thing for my budget and waistline that you're not). We came by on a Saturday about 20 minutes before open and there was a line already--that's how we knew we were in the right place. A friend who follows Kian on Instagram recommended this bake shop and Kian was actually there to greet us as we walked in the door! He was even working behind the register cashing customers out. But his real talent is in his creatively crafted and wonderfully baked pastries. So flaky, so buttery, I didn't know croissants could be this good, whew. My favorite goodies were the kouign amann and the peanut butter and jelly cookie. My husband also loved the beef bourguignon croissant. It's a little far from my usual comfort zone but well worth the trip. Will definitely be back!!

Kian is incredibly talented and his passion for baking shines through in each and every creation he's makes. I have never had a pastry from there that I don't like. The flavor profiles of each and textures are so delicious and amazing. As someone who loves to bake unique and flavorful goods, I admire Kian for his skill sets. I'm not alone, either. The long line of people every day that he opens is a true testament of how amazing his creations truly are. Please support this local business. You will not be disappointed.

Apricot croissant, chocolate croissant, pistachio croissant, almond croissant, raspberry croissant Oh My! Add Baklava cake, and soo much more with a side of "Cup of Joy" and friendly service and you have a recipe for perfection. I was the first to visit when the bakery opened at 11am and love the smell of fresh pastries when you enter. It's like a hit of a dopamine rush on your olfactory senses. IYKYK! On today's visit, i tried the Apricot cream cheese croissant and chocolate croissant and it was 10/10. The texture of my croissant was perfect. It was crispy, and soft at the same time. The taste of the blend apricot and cream cheese was delightful. My taste buds were dancing with each savory bite. I eat with a fork and knife ( don't judge me) , and cutting into the croissant, the sounds of the crispy crunch is like music to my ears. Seriously! I love the vibe of this gem located inside the strip mall where sonic and Popeyes chicken meet. The french music and cute little tables makes this my "go to" place to grab delicious pastries and "A cup of Joy" to start my day. 10/10 recommend with all my heart! . Hot tip: You can also follow the owner kianthechef on Insta and see what new items will be on the menu that day. Come in at 11am when they open and thankMe later! I love it. 12/10!!!

I don't know how long this place has been open but I try hard to patronize small businesses to help out those who are giving it a go.They seem to be open every other day from 11-4.Very good pastries and even better drinks. Tried the saffron latte thingy.. it was even better than anticipated! Service was very polite and prompt so no worries there. Just get there shortly after opening for best selection.

It has truly been a long time since a restaurant or food establishment has impressed me, but this lovely bakery has blown me away. Five stars isn't a high enough rating for this place and every pastry and dessert I have had here has me longing for more! Currently the hours are Tues/Thurs/Sat 11 AM-4 PM, or until they sell out I'm assuming. I have only been here twice, but it seems like they have some staple items along with 2-3 rotating different pastries/desserts. My favorites (so far):Butter croissant: The perfect crunch on the outside, and so soft and buttery on the inside! So satisfying, and literally perfection. One of my absolute favorite things here, and probably the best croissant I've ever had in my life!Guava cream cheese: I had this during my first visit, but sadly it wasn't there during my second. The guava flavor was so refreshing, and it was the perfect ratio of guava filling and cream cheese. The filling is nestled in a perfectly baked croissant, and had me drooling for more after I finished it. Sorry, but Porto's version can't even compare. This pastry is in a league of its own and I pray it becomes a staple so I can buy it every time I visit here!!!Sea salt chocolate chip cookie: Honestly, at first glance I wasn't expecting this cookie to be as good as it was. Prior to this, my favorite cookies were the ones from Paderia and Levain, which have a crispy outside and soft gooey inside. But I was SO surprised at how much I loved their cookie!!! Despite how flat it looks, it still has a delicious, crispy exterior and soft, chewy center. Their ratio of sea salt to chocolate is perfect and the cookie overall is so well-balanced. Strawberry chiffon cake: The cream was so light, the chiffon cake so fluffy. It was like an elevated strawberry shortcake. Heavenly is the only way to describe it. Besides these, I also tried their Kouign Amann (unfilled), vanilla custard, BBB cookie, and strawberry matcha tart. Everything I've had here has been exceptional, but my absolute favorite pastries were the ones I listed earlier in my review. The staff have always been helpful, welcoming, and patient (especially when I'm staring at everything trying to decide what to buy!). Kian, the chef/baker of Diotima Bakehouse, comes across very humble and kind, which makes me want to support his business even more, haha. If you're looking for a new bakery to check out, I cannot recommend this one enough!

I found this place on Instagram, oh they pastry was best. I tried Saffron Latte was amazing. Service is great Kian is very helpful. Ambiance was very cozy and such a friendly staff. I would recommend this place.

The best in OC! You can hear the crunch from the fluffy croissant from a few feet away.Such quality ingredients too!