Reviews & Ratings for Ceci-Cela

Delicious French Pastries

by Athena Chang , Citysearch Contributor

I love Ceci-Cela! They have some really amazing French pastries in the house. Fruit tarts, creme brulee, cakes, croissants and more. It is pretty small with some tables in the back so I usually just do take out.

Pastries here are not cheap. It is about $5 per fruit tart or cake. But it is well worth it.

YUM

by ilanaSAN

I went to ceci-cela last week and it was delicious. Best truffles I have ever had. And their chocolate croissants....yummm. Just as good. I would recommend both but they still have so much I haven't tried yet. I am going again next week. I just got myself a certificate for $15 when i only paid $7. They still have some until tomorrow so go to halfoffdepot. Check em out...

• Pros: Best chocolate croissants
• Cons: none

EXCELLENT croissants!

by curiousg6

BEST croissants in NYC! the coffee is also very good. This place tends to get very busy during rush hours in the mornings, but that usually depends on who they have working that day. If you're lucky you'll get my favorite pair and you'll be in and out with your delicious treats! If you're not so lucky, you'll either be waiting in line for a bit or get some rude service. Regardless, the smell of the place is always pleasant!

• Pros: delicious food, good coffee, good music, sometimes exceptionally friendly
• Cons: staff is always varied, sometimes too slow or rude service, small space

best croissants!

by bandtlc

A taste of paris....my french friends come here for the best croissants in NYC. My personal favorite is the pear william cake.

This place gets trashed regularly on city search for their service, however, I've never had problems. Totally worth the trip downtown.

• Pros: delicious
• Cons: gets very busy

Are they rude on purpose?

by joanaaaa

These employees are so rude, so rude, I can't help thinking it's a marketing strategy -something such as "enjoy the true Paris environment: arrogance and good croissants". It can only be!!!...they are SO rude its surreal. The pastry is nice and I don't want to stop consuming...please give me some ideas to fight back. being equally rude? laughing on their faces? Today's eg (at the counter):

me- I would like to have 2 plain croissants, please

waitress -Do you want a plastic bag?

m-No, thanks, yes...sorry, no, I have one.

w-Yeah! Why don't you change your mind again?

m-I'm sorry, what did you say?

w-Why don't you change your mind again?

... I don't reply back, I pay.

m- Bye

w-...no answer

m-Bye...

w-...no answer

m-Excuse me, what is your name?

Waitress looks at me and walks away.

Rude employee!

by bargain_girl

On the plus side, desserts are great (esp. rasberry chocolate cake), place is quaint and cute, but the service is TERRIBLE!

I just called to find out the price for said rasberry cake to buy one for x-mas, and the guy who answered the phone ACTUALLY told me to call back later, he was busy...let's just say I won't be calling back nor will I be going back.

Great pastries,very nice stuff

by geo_smith

I stop by Ceci-Cela almost every day.Reading the other reviews I should admitt that there was a time that the staff at this charming French shop was extremly rude.Thanks God, somebody realized that the attitude of the people working there was not really helpfull......I love the new people working in Ceci-cela now.They are always smiling,and that makes the whole atmosphere much more pleasent...Now I not only enjoy the pastries but the service as well....However, there still be some of those folks who are always complaining about something and blame everthing on the service no matter where they go. Actually, all I that I noticed was an excellent service and food that everyone can enjoy.If you have a minute stop by Ceci-Cela you'll love it.....

Poor Customer Service!

by snappyjake

I cannot speak on the service of the wait staff, but I can say that the delivery service is terrible. In addition, the manager does not understand customer service. I would NEVER order from them again!

I called two weeks in advance and placed an order for a cake. The cake was for my husband's birthday and was to be delivered at 5pm. I was charged a significant delivery fee, so I expected the cake to be delivered on time. The cake was delivered 30 mins late. When the delivery woman got to my door, she was not apologetic. When I told her that the cake was suppose to come at 5pm, she simply shrugged her shoulders and acted as if that's not her problem. The uncertainty of whether the birthday cake was coming was very stressful and almost ruined the birthday celebrations. So I called the bakery to complain. The manager agreed to refund the delivery charge.

However, the next day, the manager called and was extremely hostile. He got the delivery girl's version and implied that I was lying. He treated me as if I was a criminal. What ever happened to the customer's always right? The manager concedes that she did not deliver the cake at 5pm, that she arrived only 10 minutes late. Last time I checked, 10 minutes is still late. Regardless, she did not deliver the cake to me until 5:30 pm. I am now sending him phone records and a letter from my doorman as proof that she was "extremely" late.

• Cons: Terrible Customer Service

A Little Slice of Heaven--Served By The Finest Staff

by amandapa

I am honestly quite disturbed by the previous posts concerning a rude waitstaff. As a frequent patron of ceci-cela I can not help but be both shocked and appalled by the reviews. My daily walk down Spring Street after a hard days at work is not complete without stopping in to Ceci-Cela to visit with a staff that is both accomodating and well mannered. I must, in order to be the most precise, point out two young ladies in particular whom even mother theresa herself would consider barista angels. They exemplify the best in customer service with care and concern to every detail of your order. They even take the time to ask me how my kids Bailey and Gretchen are doing. The place has character but what makes the bakery a worthwile visit is these two special ladies who strive to make your short visit the most pleasant as possible. It is unfair and absurd to see how some people whom may have, out of their own ignorance could come to such a conclusion about a staff so diligent in serving their patrons individual needs. In summation, the baked goods and coffee are great and the service is beyond outstanding.

Best place to sit and read a book

by wr0002

I happened upon this cafe one day while waiting to meet a friend. I went to the back of the cafe and ordered a coffee and a mixed fruit tart. The coffee was served in an oversized coffee mug, which I just adore. The whole experience was just so nice because I was able to finish reading my book while enjoying the delicious treat. The service that I experienced was a complete pleasure. Prompt and allowing me to read and relax rather then rushing me out. I was so happy that I've gone back repeatedly to grab a coffee on the go!

• Pros: Great place to hide and read a book!