Violette Gluten Free Bakery

Highly recommend this gluten free bakery! Everything was extraordinarily delicious! It will be my stop every time in the area!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The frosted donuts are incredible, and oat-free as well as gluten-free. Chewy and yeasty, just how I like them. And the fruit flavors are fantastic! I've also had the cheesecake which is great, but I miss donuts more and am so delighted that they make such good ones.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

Violette Bakery is a great place to get gluten-free treats. The baked goods are generally yummy and it's a relief to walk into a store where everything is gluten free. However: the owner's customer service leaves so much to be desired that I don't want to give her any more business. She messed up the writing on my son's birthday cake (spelled his short and common name wrong) and could only claim that "human error" is always a possibility. She doesn't care much about allergens beyond gluten + dairy. Her online ordering system is a mess and impossible to navigate and when I tried to contact her about an order that wouldn't go through, she said it was my own fault -- "user error" was the term she used. I really really really hope someone else will open up a GF bakery in the area because I am done with this place.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Offers online ordering

The owner could not have been more lovely. The entire place is gf which was amazing! Unfortunately, we did not love the items that we purchased- crumb cake, eclairs, and cream puff. The cookies were better.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Visited this bakery with my mom and a friend, we got a bunch of their macaroons (the not-DF ones) and cupcakes + one of their peanut butter chocolate cookies! Note: I believe we only got the not-DF/vegan items so I can’t speak for them, but my mom’s friend said that they were delicious. Macaroons: highlight. Best thing that I ate. I devoured all of them in a matter of minutes. Best macaroons I’ve ever had - frosting was incredible, almond flour macaroons but you couldn’t tell at all - absolutely perfect. Cupcakes: I didn’t like their cake very much, but my mom and her friend spoke highly of it. The frosting (not-DF) is absolutely spectacular. Cookie: I wasn’t much of a fan - it melts on your fingers (chocolate) and is the classic crumbly mess that somewhat holds itself together. Wouldn’t recommend.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies

I've been a customer on and off for about 5 years. As others have noted, quality consistency is an issue. Given the high price point, it can be a tough pill to swallow when something is disappointing.

The #1 benefit is that it's dedicated, they have a lot of dairy free options also, and they use a lot of organic ingredients.

Challah and lemon cookies and pecan bars are usually good. Cupcakes are okay (dry) and the last lemon square I purchase was downright depressing (very dry and sour). Their donuts (a special they run about once a month on a Saturday) are pretty good - brioche style which is unusual - but I've also had some that are really greasy (we get come with our donuts and the bottoms are soaked in it) which can be off putting. Also the bagel special is a good one.

I've wanted to support this place over the years but it can be a turn off when the staff and service are intense and unpleasant.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

The challah and cheesecake are pretty good, but everything else I’ve had from Violette is just bad. Poor texture, poor taste, expensive.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

I’ve been coming to Violette off and on for years. Some things are divine and others are disappointing and crumbly. The chocolate chip and zimsterm cookies, the tea cakes, the eclairs and cupcakes are very good. Whatever they’re baking as a Saturday-only special is usually great. The rest is a crap shoot in my experience, and since it’s so expensive — it’s a dedicated gf bakery in Cambridge — I don’t go much anymore.

You need to subscribe to the email list to know what baked goods are coming on what weeks and days. The owner is intense and very particular and has no bones about shaming employees or customers (not by name) in the email who are displeasing her. She can also be very scattered and then blames employees or customers. I feel for her, this business isn’t easy, but for consistency, value, and a less intense vibe I go to Twist in Burlington.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

This is the only place that I can buy food for Jewish holidays and it's consistently amazing.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

the food was ok, but they didn’t have many options and it was a little low quality. love a good gf bakery tho!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

It's always nice to have a dedicated gluten free bakery nearby, but unfortunately a lot of the baked goods are just not that tasty. A few things are great - the peanut butter cookies and challah buns are great, and the bagels are pretty good. Most other things are pretty underwhelming - either the taste is off or the texture is unpleasant. I keep going back hoping to get something delicious, but I am always pretty underwhelmed. Additionally, its pretty pricey so its extra disappointing when you end up with something that just doesn't taste worth it.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering

Absolutely adore this place. Dedicated gluten free baking facility, ordering ahead makes it so simple to pick up food and go. I go here as often as I can!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Amazing. Worker was very nice. Make sure you check which days they have the food you are looking for as they change daily. I got the chocolate donuts and peanut butter chocolate cookies. Donuts were spongey and not dry, and the cookies were phenomenal. Definitely Recommend!!!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Delicious bakery with a HUGE variety! The cookies were so incredible, and so were the cupcakes. I also loved the quiche! It was also the only place I could find a celiac-safe Boston crème pie at. I highly recommend!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I love Violette bakery whenever I want a treat. My dad is dairy-free, and he was ecstatic when I brought home the first eclair he could eat in years!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Cupcake was quite bad. Like way too dense and stale. Chocolate chip cookie was quite good though. I’d go back but stick to the cookies and similar items.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Maybe I’ve been spoiled by Mariposa Baking in CA, but this place was just gross. Items are sad and crumbly, dough was way oversalted and had an unpleasant flavor, neither me or my husband finished our pizza. My son liked the frosting on the cupcake, but left the most of the cake part.

Truly gluten free, I didn’t get sick, so I guess that’s something.

Super disappointing- much better to just get a frozen baked food at Whole Foods or something like that.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

I got the lemon olive oil cookies like the reviews told me and I wasn’t disappointed!! All the cookies were above average. So good, followed by the unique icings on the cupcakes (pretty average batter but the coolest flavours: cider apple, spiced cream cheese, banana chocolate). Very reasonable prices for the area and the allergen. I’ll be back for work and definitely return!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

A bit pricey but the dedicated gluten free facility definitely puts me at ease and willing to spend a little bit more!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Sooo good! I got the vegan cupcake and cobbler. Both were amazing

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

A large variety and very good, I recommend the lemon cookies

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free

A heaven for celiacs! Very tasty and fresh baked goods.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Pretty shocked by some of these reviews - love Violette! I’ve had their biscotti, banana tea bread, brownie, and birthday cake, and I’ve loved it. Truly a gem in the Cambridge area.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for takeout

Wide variety, helpful staff, delicious!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We tried a cupcake, macaron and eclair. Everything was tasty!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Ordered a birthday cake from here for my partner and it was pretty good and held up well over multiple days in the fridge. Some of the other pastries have been hit or miss in terms of taste, but you can’t beat a dedicated gluten free bakery that is conveniently located!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

A bit over priced. The owner is incredibly unpleasant to deal with and this unfortunately seems to have been passed down to her employees. I asked for ingredients on an item to check for food allergies and the owner started yelling at me that she won’t tell me the ingredients. This was over a year ago. Recently I returned and the gentleman at the register seemed angry that I was ordering items to buy. When there was literally no one in line. Most of the baked goods are decent in my opinion. Generally not over sweet but sometimes dry. The cakes for example are very dry and not so tasty but the cupcakes are great and nice and moist and soft. Pumpkin pie was delicious. But really the whole “attitude “ of my last few visits will probably prevent me from going back. I’ll go to twist instead

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout

I don’t get the reviews on here that say the food is bland. As with every other bakery, there are hits and misses, but nearly everything is absolutely delicious. Donuts, pop tarts, and even fritters some Saturdays! A bit overpriced, but totally worth it for the safety and quality. One of the only places in the country where you’ll find gluten free versions of some of the items they make.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for takeout
• Good vegan options
• Offers delivery

I’m lucky to live nearby this gluten free, allergy sensitive gem. Sign up for their emails so you can see the specials they offer every well! I’ve had so many wonderful things here. I’m a huge fan of their English muffins, the best I’ve ever had! Their brioche donuts are absolutely delicious, light and airy like I remember donuts tasting. They occasionally offer pop tart like pastries and other delights. They also have par-baked pizzas that change with the season, breads, and pot pies and quiche besides the usual bakery yummies.

Treat yourself and check them out!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I love the variety of cupcakes, pies, and donuts that this bakery has!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Good for Birthday Cakes. The carrot cake is very good.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Ordered eclair and a cupcake. Eclair was bland, muffin tasted like olive oil.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for kids
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies

While it’s always exciting to find a gluten free bakery, I’m not giving them 5 stars just because of the poor quality/taste. I’m all for supporting GF bakeries but most of what I tried was dry and disappointing . However, they clearly label other allergies and maybe they have some really tasty things I didn’t try!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for takeout
• Good with other allergies

Mediocre customer service; person answering the phone needs a psychiatrist urgently.

Ordered a cake for a birthday celebration at work. Order was placed one week in advance with a request to decorate the cake with "Happy birthday, (person's name)!". Minutes after placing the order, I realized that someone else at work was celebrating their birthday in the same week, so I emailed the bakery requesting to amend the cake's decoration with the other person's name.

Six days went by and no reply to my email, not even an acknowledgement that it was received. No one contacted me to schedule a delivery time either. In the afternoon of the day before the delivery date, I called the bakery 5 times and no one picked up. I had given up. Then, a crazy woman calls me back saying that "people under 40 do not take phone calls" and that I should have sent a message to the bakery instead - to which I replied by saying that I emailed 6 days ago. Then, she said that she did not receive my email and started searching her inbox. After a few seconds, she found my email (surprise!) and said she did not reply because there was no question mark! Then, suddenly (possibly after realizing she was not behaving appropriately), she started to apologize and said "the order will be ready tomorrow".

The cake was scheduled to be delivered "before 1 pm" in the next day. Until 11:30 am no one had contacted me and I could not find a number to text in the bakery's website. I could not risk getting murdered over the phone by calling the bakery's phone number again. So I decided to go there and pick it up. I arrived at the bakery at 12 pm and the cake was not even boxed. The employee who talked to me was able to box the cake and I said it was okay to not reimburse me for the delivery charge - after all, it was me who decided to pick it up.

The cake's taste was below average - definitely not worth getting yelled over the phone by a rude and unprofessional person.

If, after reading this very long review, you are still unsure whether you should spend your time and money at this bakery, I would highly recommend that you check their replies to their other 1- and 2-star customer reviews on Google and Facebook - perhaps even their reply to this review. One of those customers getting treated poorly could be you. Stay away from this business and let it disappear as it should!

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

This is rated very highly but the products taste chalky and are without flavor. I would not recommend at alll. I took a drive there based on the reviews and was so disappointed because I was looking to order a cake for my baby shower.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Entirely GF, rotating menu of weekend specials that you can/should pre-order (e.g., bagels, doughnuts, pop tarts, etc)

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The sourdough bread was the best gluten free bread I had. The Boston creme pie was also really good.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Very safely GF for celiac. Safe protocols for Covid. Expensive but most treats were good.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Fully gluten free (but oats in basically everything which is super annoying for those of us celiacs who can’t do oats...) but generally poor service and quality of food leaves MUCH to be desired. The only reason it gets so much business is because it’s the only gf bakery nearby. On the plus side, I don’t crave baked goods anymore because I’ve had so many disappointing ones from here that I’m completely put off...

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

This bakery is very conveniently located. I just wish the products were better. I've tried numerous products here and they are either too sweet or too dry or both. Nine times out of ten I'm disappointed, so I go episodically, when I'm desperate.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for takeout

It’s nice seeing a dedicated gf bakery, however the food was very average and super dry. Also is incredibly expensive. We bought 4 things and it came out to be $37.

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

Completely gluten free here! They even have take and bake items in their grab and go freezer.

Great for gluten free and vegan customers. For those w/ more obscure allergies such as chocolate or seeds should be extra cautious and ask about your options. Also a little bit pricey (even amongst gluten free things) and pushy for tips (I went on multiple visits and friends went on multiple separate visits and found this the case as well).

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers online ordering

Celiac friendly?

Yes

100% celiac safe. Great options for dairy free and vegan as well. Would recommend the cupcakes, sourdough loaf, rosemary pita crackers, macarons and donuts!

I like the frozen foods as well like the chicken pot pies, but they can be a bit pricey for the amount of food so I don’t get those too often.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Overall good but not necessarily worth the price.

Great! Expensive: It cost $26 for a small frozen pizza and 2 cupcakes. But I really loved everything I had. The pizza crust was flavorful with excellent texture; the closest to regular pizza crust I think I’ve tried so far. There was jjst enough cheese and the sauce with fresh grape tomatoes was wonderful. I tried the vanilla and caramel cupcake, which was just okay, and a dairy free cardamom and rose, which was AMAZING. I am looking forward to going back.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

First time I've been able to eat a florentine in 12 years. I literally can't put a price on that. Even ricotta pie! I mean, come on! Eventually I'll try the ice cream sandwiches.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Dedicated gluten free facility and the chocolate cake with lavender blueberry icing was delicious!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Was thrilled to find this place - a dedicated GF bakery!! It’s my go-to spot for GF challah, which is out of this world, probably the best I’ve had, and I’ve tried quite a few! I love that every time I go in, they have something fun and new, usually seasonal (the pumpkin muffins were delish!).

Celiac friendly?

Yes