You’ve probably seen the videos. A cube-shaped croissant, perfectly golden, being pulled apart to reveal a heavy, oozing center of pistachio cream or chocolate ganache. It looks like something from a high-budget food commercial, but it’s actually just a Tuesday morning at Lakon Paris Patisserie Walnut Street Newton Highlands MA.
Honestly, the hype is a bit exhausting sometimes. Social media has a way of turning a local bakery into a "destination," which usually means long lines and a lot of disappointment if you show up five minutes too late. But Lakon is one of those rare spots where the substance actually matches the style. It isn't just about the "Instagrammable" look. The technique is legitimate.
Why the Location Matters (and the Parking Doesn't)
Located at 1169 Walnut St, this is the original heartbeat of the Lakon brand. While they’ve expanded to Brookline and the Seaport, there is something specific about the Newton Highlands vibe. It's tucked into a neighborhood that feels like a real community, even if the weekend crowds are currently dominated by people who drove forty minutes just to try a "Flat Croissant."
Parking? It’s a mess. Don't expect a dedicated lot with wide spaces. You're basically fighting for street spots on Walnut St or nearby side roads. If you’re coming on a Saturday morning, just accept that you'll be walking a block or two. It’s part of the ritual.
The interior is clean, bright, and surprisingly small for the volume they move. It’s not the kind of place where you set up a laptop for four hours to write a novel. You come in, you get mesmerized by the display case, you buy way more than you intended, and you head out.
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The Thai-Paris Connection You Might Not Know
Most people assume Lakon is just another French-inspired bakery run by a traditionalist. That’s not quite the story. The owner, Vichaya "Jenny" Kiangkaew, actually trained at Le Cordon Bleu in both Bangkok and Paris.
This background is critical.
It explains why you’ll see flavors like lychee and rose or Thai tea lattes sitting right next to a classic pain au chocolat. It’s a fusion that isn’t forced. It feels earned. Her husband, Urupong "Kope" Kharuharat, manages the business side, and together they’ve scaled this from a local secret to a Boston-area powerhouse. They use French butter—specifically imported—to get those thin, glass-like layers that shatter when you bite into them.
What to Actually Order (and What to Skip)
If it’s your first time, you’re going to want the Pistachio Mascarpone Croissant. It’s the bestseller for a reason. The cream is rich but not cloying, and they don't skimp on the filling.
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But here is a pro tip: the Weekend Specialty Menu is where the real madness happens.
- The Cube Croissants: They are visually stunning, but they are heavy. One cube is basically a meal. If you like a high filling-to-dough ratio, this is your holy grail.
- The Ferrero Rocher Ring: This is a circular croissant stuffed with hazelnut cream, topped with a whole Ferrero Rocher and edible gold leaf. It’s excessive. It’s delicious. It’s also $12+, so be prepared for the price tag.
- The Squid Ink Danish: If you want something savory, this is the sleeper hit. It’s visually striking (jet black) and offers a break from the sugar rush.
- Rose and Lychee Macaron: This isn't your tiny bite-sized cookie. It’s giant—about the size of a burger. It’s messy to eat but the floral notes are perfectly balanced.
One thing to keep in mind: the "Flat Croissant" trend is polarizing. Some people love the caramelized, crunchy texture. Others feel like it ruins the point of a light, airy pastry. If you prefer the fluff, stick to the classics.
The Logistics of a Visit
Lakon Paris Patisserie Walnut Street Newton Highlands MA operates on a specific rhythm.
They are closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Friday, they open at 7:00 AM. On weekends, it's an 8:00 AM start.
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If you show up at 11:00 AM on a Sunday, don't be surprised if the specialty items are gone. They bake fresh daily, and once a specific flavor is sold out, that’s it until the next batch or the next week. Also, be aware of the "Standing Around Shoes" rule—the line often snakes out the door and down the sidewalk.
Pricing and Expectations
This is not a "cheap" bakery. You are paying for the labor-intensive process (some of these take 24 to 48 hours to prep) and the high-quality ingredients. Expect to spend $6 to $13 per pastry. If you’re bringing a box home for the family, a $60 tab is very easy to hit.
The service is usually fast. The staff is used to the high volume, so they move the line efficiently. Just have your order ready by the time you reach the counter so you don't become "that person" holding up the twenty people behind you.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of Lakon without the stress, follow this game plan:
- Check the Instagram: They post their monthly specials and weekend exclusives on @lakonparis.patisserie. Don't walk in blind; know what's available that specific day.
- Go Early on Weekdays: If you want the full selection without the hour-long wait, Tuesday through Thursday mornings are your best bet.
- The Coffee Strategy: Their Tiramisu Latte is a fan favorite, but if you're getting a heavy, cream-filled croissant, a plain Americano or a hot tea is actually a better palate cleanser.
- Transport with Care: These pastries are delicate. If you're driving home, keep the box on a flat surface. The cream-filled rings can slide around and turn into a (delicious) disaster if you take a corner too fast.
- Reheating Tips: If you don't eat them immediately, a few minutes in a 350°F oven (not the microwave!) will revive the crunch. Just be careful with the cream-filled ones—you want to warm the dough without melting the center into a soup.
Lakon Paris Patisserie isn't just a trend; it's a high-level execution of a very difficult craft. Whether you're there for the gold leaf or just a solid butter croissant, it's a staple of the Newton food scene for a reason.