Roggenart European Bakery, Bistro and Cafe opened last spring in 2024 in Arlington. The bakery offers a wide variety of drinks, pastries and sandwiches that bring a piece of Europe to Arlington.
The exterior of the shop was a bit plain, but it featured outdoor seating and charming plants that created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Inside, soft hip-hop music played in the background, and there was plenty of seating for customers to relax and enjoy their food. The cafe had a bright, airy feel with thoughtful fall decor that made the place feel lively and welcoming.
The staff at Roggenart were friendly and attentive, creating an inviting atmosphere from the moment I walked in. They greeted customers with friendly smiles and were patient in helping me decide what to order. Their polite and considerate service added to the cafe’s comfortable and relaxed environment.
Almond Frangipane – 4.5/5
Upon biting into the almond frangipane, or almond croissant, I was met with a sweet almond filling that clung to my teeth. Although the filling was sticky, it had a rich, nutty flavor that didn’t taste artificial and wasn’t overwhelming. The croissant was dusted in a light coating of powdered sugar and topped with toasted almonds that added a nice contrast to the gooey filling and provided a satisfying crunch. The pastry itself had a crispy, yet soft exterior that gave way to a fluffy, airy interior. Overall, the combination of the crunchy almonds, sweet filling and soft croissant created a pleasant and well-balanced mix of flavors and textures.
Lemon Danish – 4.5/5
The Lemon Danish was the most delicious item I ordered. The pastry was square shaped and had a crunchy, golden-brown exterior that was extremely flaky, which made it messy to eat. In the center, there was a tangy, lemon custard that was drizzled with vanilla icing. Between the flaky pastry and the tart lemon custard, each bite offered a delightful experience.
Apple Strudel – 3/5
The apple strudel was my least favorite item. The strudel was in a cylindrical shape and had a strip of pastry that wrapped around the spiced apples. The pastry was dusted in powdered sugar and tasted of cinnamon and apples. However, it was dense and chewy, making it difficult to bite through and less enjoyable to eat. The spiced apples had a pleasant soft crunch to them and tasted lightly of cinnamon, but had an oddly sticky exterior that felt unpleasant.
Pretzel – 4/5
The pretzel had a crispy, brown exterior and slightly dense interior with a perfect amount of salt. While the interior was flavorful, the pretzel tasted a bit dry overall, which made my experience less pleasant. Adding a sprinkle of salt to the pretzel would enhance the flavor and allow more of a contrast between the soft interior and crisp outside. Overall, despite its dryness, the pretzel was still flavorful and had a soft texture that made it worthwhile to try.
All in all, I had an incredible experience at Roggenart European Bakery and highly recommend others try it. From the inviting atmosphere to the delicious pastries, it’s a perfect spot for anyone looking to enjoy a taste of Europe.
