I enjoy a well made pastry just about as much as anything else. Over the last 2 years, I've compiled a list of patisseries that I have tried. For a detailed review of each patisserie, click through on the bakery name. If you live near a place with an 8.0/10 or above, it's worth a visit.
Arsicault (9.6/10) This is perhaps the best pastry I've ever had. If you like flake, this is your spot. San Francisco, CA
Artelice Patisserie (9.5/10) This is an incredible overall establishment. Polished and incredible. Mar Vista, CA
Fournée (9.4/10) My local spot. I love this place to death. Incredible pastries minutes from Clark Kerr. Berkeley, CA
Gjusta (9.2/10) Really great spot for any baked good. Pastries are great, but the sourdough baguette is a must. Venice, CA
Huckleberry (8.8/10) Great spot to grab lunch and get a pastry, and a Rustic Canyon sister spot. Santa Monica, CA
Tartine (8.4/10) Nice venue and great bread, a little on the pricey side though. (watch out for the parking man) Santa Monica, CA
Claremont Hotel (8.2/10) Good pastries at the getaway spot from Berkeley's grime. Berkeley, CA
Clark Street Bread (8.2/10) Solid pastry in Brentwood and Echo Park where you can't go wrong. Los Angeles, CA
Intelligentsia Venice (8.1/10) This is THE spot to crank out an essay in LA, vibes are unmatched. Venice, CA
Joan's on Third (7.6/10) Farmshop vibes right at the Studio City Farmers Market. Studio City, CA
Farmshop (6.8/10) The restraunt itself? Great. The Brentwood country mart vibes? There. But the pastry is mid. Los Angeles, CA
Nabloom (6.6/10) Alright pastry right off college across from Baker and Commons. Berkeley, CA
Nonna (Westwood Farmers Market) (6.4/10) Can't expect much from a stale farmers market pastry. Los Angeles, CA
Alfred (6.4/10) Run of the mill corporate prebake. Can't be suprised. Studio City, CA
Le Pain Quotidien (6.1/10) Not bad for a prebake and good overall atmosphere. Encino, CA
Belwood Bakery (6.0/10) Holy dense! There are better options across the street at Clark Street Bread. Los Angeles, CA
Frogs Bakery (5.6/10) Meh. It's a farmers market pastry after all. Studio City, CA