San Francisco’s Tartine, considered one of the best bakeries in the US, opened their Los Angeles branch in DTLA’s The Row. Named The Manufactory, it’s comprised of the Market, Tartine Bianco, The Market Bar and Alameda Supper Club.

Tartine Bianco is the more casual of the two restaurants, serving food all-day from a seasonal menu. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available, though indoors is a bit loud and cavernous. If the weather’s nice and you want to easily converse with your companion, dining al fresco is the way to go. Water, either still or sparking, is provided free of charge.

At lunch, there are sandwiches, both open-faced and traditional, salads, quiche and flatbreads, along with a handful of appetizers, including a basket of their famous bread for $6.  If you’re on a budget, there are the flatbreads at $6.75 per slice or the quiche of the day at $12.

The quiche of the day was a spinach and cheese, served with mixed greens. The spinach had been strewn on the very top of the thick layer of egg custard, encased in a perfectly flaky crust.

My grilled cheese had corn and zucchini, well-grilled on their fabulous bread. I tried to pretend I was being healthy with the addition of the vegetables, but that crispy bread soaked in buttery goodness said otherwise. My sandwich, with no side included, cost $15. Ouch. Considering the price, the menu at Tartine Bianco isn’t quite as innovative nor mind-blowing to justify the charges.

A visit to The Manufactory is not complete without checking out the Market, with a wide selection of both sweet and savory pastries. If you get there early, I highly recommend their morning bun, cinnamon sugar suspended in pillowy tufts of dough – totally worth the calories.

After my first visit, everyone had asked me if I bought bread, shocked – no more like horrified – that I didn’t. The next time I made sure to pick up a hearty rustic semolina bread that actually stayed moist for a few days.

Outside, there’s a coffee and ice cream window for takeaway. The ice cream is one of the better-priced items at $4 for a single scoop and their soft serve costs $5. I tried the fior di latte and hojicha (roasted matcha) soft serve, which tasted a little nutty – different from regular matcha.

When you walk to The Manufactory, you’ll pass their large bakery area, where their army creates their breads and baked goods.  In a city where the word carbs is almost a dirty word, it seems like a throwback to a more innocent time. This is where Tartine excels, so give into temptation and indulge.

Location – 757 S Alameda St Suite 160, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Website – https://www.tartinebakery.com/los-angeles/the-row
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Friendly – Yes

Update: As of December 16, 2020, The Manufactory/Tartine Bianco has closed.