Both Dominique Ansel Bakery and Proof Bakery offer high-quality pastries and unique items. Dominique Ansel is known for its innovative creations like the Cronut, while Proof Bakery emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients in its European-style offerings. The choice depends on whether one prefers innovative pastry hybrids or classic pastries with a focus on local sourcing and a cozy ambiance.
| Attribute | Dominique Ansel Bakery | Proof Bakery |
|---|---|---|
| Croissant Quality | Light, airy, buttery, and flaky with a honeycomb structure and golden color. | Known for flaky and buttery croissants made with a touch of sourdough starter. |
| Pastry Variety | Cronut, DKA (Dominique's Kouign Amann), Cookie Shot, Frozen S'mores, éclairs, macarons, and seasonal tarts. | Offers a variety of pastries, including croissants, pain au chocolat, fruit danishes, scones, canelés, Valrhona Chocolate Chip Cookie, Almond Frangipane Shortcake, Yogurt Cheesecake, and Flourless Chocolate Torte. |
| Signature Item Uniqueness | Cronut (croissant-doughnut hybrid) with monthly changing flavors. | The tomato basil croissant is a unique offering. |
| Bread Selection | Country sourdough bread and Nutella milk bread. | Offers European-style sandwiches made with their signature Stecca bread and baguettes. |
| Cake Customization Options | 'Mini Me' cake and other customizable options. | Whole cakes are available, such as Chocolate Mousse Cake, Gâteau de Savoie, and Strawberry Malt Cake. Pre-orders are accepted for cakes with at least 3 days' notice. |
| Ingredient Sourcing | High-quality butter (84% fat) and naturally organic French flour. | Emphasizes high-quality, seasonal ingredients, sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers' markets. Uses organic dairy and flour. |
| Gluten-Free Options | Macarons, flourless chocolate pecan cookies, and mini chocolate cake slices. | Offers a Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookie that is gluten-free. |
| Vegan Options | Vegan version of the Cronut. | Offers a vegan sandwich and a lemon tea cake. |
| Coffee Quality | Artisanal coffee. | Serves artisan coffee from roasters like Cognoscenti Coffee. Serves single-origin coffee, cold brew, espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte, mocha, hot chocolate, chai latte, hojicha latte, fresh-squeezed orange juice. |
| Ambiance and Seating | Los Angeles: Free seating indoors/outdoors for 70. New York City: Cute seating area, quaint garden porch. | Cozy, Parisian-style ambiance with a hip, SoCal influence. Features small marble tables and bistro chairs. Limited seating inside, with a few tables on the sidewalk. Outdoor seating is available. |
| Price | Cronuts: $6, DKA: $5.25, Salted Caramel Éclair: $5.50 | $10-$25 per person |
| Location and Accessibility | SoHo, Manhattan. Accessible by Spring St (C, E lines) and Prince St (N, Q, R, W lines) subway stations. | Located in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles at 3156 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039. |