Walk into the Ames Street Marketplace in Matthews, and you’ll likely see people hovering around a specific counter with their phones out. They aren't just checking emails. They're taking photos of pastries that look more like modern art than food.
Innesca's Sweets of Europe Matthews NC is the kind of place that feels like a secret, even though it’s sitting right next to the Carolina Beer Temple.
If you’ve spent any time in Charlotte’s suburban food scene, you know it’s often a sea of chain bakeries and overly sugary cupcakes. Innesca’s is a hard pivot away from that. This is a boutique, European-style patisserie where the "wow" factor isn't just about the glitter or the frosting—it’s about the technical precision of a mousse that’s been tempered to a mirror glaze.
But here is the thing: people have some very loud opinions about this place.
The Price Tag Talk
Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. You’re going to pay for these.
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In a world where you can grab a pack of glazed donuts for five bucks, seeing a single lemon-shaped mousse cake for $14.50 or a macaron for $6.75 can be a literal shock to the system. I’ve seen the Reddit threads. I’ve heard the whispers at the counter.
Honestly? It's pricey. But there's a reason.
These aren't mass-produced in a factory and shipped on a truck. They are baked in-house at 215 N Ames St. When you look at the "Lemon" or the "Raspberry Cheesecake," you’re looking at hours of labor-intensive layering. These are hyper-realistic desserts. The lemon looks like you just plucked it from a tree in Amalfi, right down to the textured "skin" which is actually a thin, crisp shell of white chocolate.
If you’re looking for a cheap sugar fix, this isn't your spot. Go to the grocery store. But if you want a high-end experience where the sweetness is balanced and the ingredients are premium, you pay the premium.
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What’s Actually on the Menu?
The selection changes, but the core vibe is "Parisian chic meets Charlotte local."
The menu usually features:
- Signature Mousse Cakes: Often shaped like fruit (the lemon and pear are fan favorites).
- Macarons: These are significantly larger than the tiny ones you find at the mall.
- Tarts: Raspberry pistachio is a staple, though some regulars swear by the chocolate Ganache.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Surprisingly, for a place so delicate, their cinnamon rolls are massive and rustic.
One thing you've got to realize: they run out. Fast.
Because everything is made in small batches, the display case starts looking pretty lonely by mid-afternoon. If you show up at 4:00 PM on a Saturday expecting the full spread, you’re probably going to be disappointed.
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The "Vibe" at Ames Street
The location is a bit of a curveball. Being tucked into the Ames Street Marketplace means you have this weird, wonderful juxtaposition. You can grab a heavy craft IPA at the Beer Temple and then walk twenty feet to get a delicate, rose-water infused pastry.
There is indoor and outdoor seating, and it’s actually a decent place to get some work done if you don't mind the temptation of sugar staring you in the face. The staff is generally super patient, which is good because most people spend five minutes just staring at the case trying to decide if they want the "Apple" or the "Heart."
Why It Matters for Matthews
For a long time, Matthews was just "that place outside Charlotte with the nice downtown." Now, it's becoming a legitimate food destination.
Places like Innesca's Sweets of Europe are shifting the expectation. We are moving away from "good for the suburbs" to just plain "good." It brings a level of technical pastry work that you usually only find in the center of major metropolitan hubs or, well, Europe.
Does it have flaws? Sure. Some people find the shortbread bases occasionally hit-or-miss, and the price point means it’s a "special occasion" spot for most families rather than a Tuesday morning habit. But the craftsmanship is undeniable.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Go Early: If you want the photogenic fruit-shaped cakes, arrive before noon.
- Share the Wealth: Most of the signature cakes are rich enough that two people can easily share one. It makes the $15 price tag feel a lot more reasonable.
- Check the Seasonal Rotation: They tend to swap flavors based on what’s fresh. If they have anything with pistachio, get it.
- Parking Tip: The lot at Ames Street can get tight. Don't be afraid to park a block away in the public lots near the tracks; it’s a short, nice walk.
- Ask About Ingredients: If you aren't a fan of super sweet treats, ask for the "least sweet" option. European-style baking often relies on fruit acidity and nuttiness rather than just dumping in cups of sugar.
The best way to experience Innesca's is to treat it like a tasting, not a meal. Grab a coffee, pick one piece of "art," and actually sit down to eat it. It’s a slow-down kind of place in a go-go-go world.