As leaves start to fall and fog serves as a blanket over Marin County, there is nothing quite as comforting as cozying up with a freshly baked pastry. Just a four-minute drive from Redwood, Emporio Rulli serves a wide variety of sweet treats ranging from authentic Italian coffee to a pastry and dessert bar. This family-owned business is best known for its artisan handmade pastries and roasted coffee. I sampled four fall-inspired treats, each a top contender for autumn snacking.
Polenta Scone: 5/5
Emporio Rulli’s polenta scone is the perfect fall comfort food. Priced at $3.50, this scone has a similar taste to cornbread, but with a more refined texture and presentation. The subtle sweetness from the powdered sugar on top goes well with the crumbly outside and soft, gooey inside. It’s not overwhelming in flavor, but it still satisfies one’s fall taste buds. It paired perfectly for me with a hot cup of coffee. If you are looking for a high-quality, not-too-sweet pastry to quench your fall cravings, this scone should be your new go-to.
Chocolate Brioche: 2/5
While the chocolate brioche is very visually appealing, it did not live up to my expectations. The dark chocolate filling is rich and creamy, but the brioche bread itself was dry and lacked the light, airy texture one might expect when looking at its presentation. The glaze on top adds shine to the pastry, but overall, it overpowers the taste with sweetness. I was underwhelmed with the results because the presentation of the pastry was so promising of decadence. I expected a flakey, light chocolate croissant, but instead encountered an overwhelmingly sweet and dry pastry. Overall, I would not recommend purchasing the chocolate brioche, as other local establishments serve a better, more satisfying chocolate croissant.
Pecan Frangipane: 4/5
The pecan frangipane is a small Italian pecan pie with the perfect sizing for a grab-and-go autumn treat, and an inviting appearance. However, the flavor of this pie doesn’t fully match the expectations of such a rich pecan dessert. The filling lacks the typically strong pecan flavor you would long for in a fall pastry. With that being said, the crust is perfectly baked, leaving it flaky and buttery. It is a great treat for fall, but it might leave some pecan pie lovers craving more intense flavors.
Apple Slipper: 5/5
Emporio Rulli’s Apple Slipper is a must-try for pastry lovers. The apple filling presents the perfect balance between sweet and tart, and the pastry is crunchy and buttery without being dry. This sweet treat is the perfect serving size, and the slipper shape is visually appealing. But, what stands out the most is the combination of the flaky crust and flavorful apple filling. This is an amazing treat for anyone searching for a seasonal dessert that is phenomenal with every bite.
Overall, Emporio Rulli proved its reputation as a beloved Larkspur bakery with its unique fall pastry selection. While a few treats could benefit from more balanced flavors, the Polenta Scone and Apple Slipper offer the true autumn experience for anyone wanting to indulge in a cozy fall bite. Whether you are stopping in for an afternoon treat after a long day in class, or having a warm pastry on a crisp fall morning, Emporio Rulli has a sweet dessert to satisfy your fall cravings.
