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Are you looking for a cozy French bakery cafe with all the right vibes? Head north to Bella Vista, and you’ll never want to leave.
Years ago, historic downtown Rogers had the most adorable French Bakery and Cafe, which then relocated to downtown Bentonville. I mourned the day they closed because I think they were ahead of their time.
Fifteen or so years later, the time was right for another French bakery and café to open its doors, this time in beautiful Bella Vista.
The wait is over!
Carl and Lindie Garrett, owners of multiple “table” restaurants in Northwest Arkansas (Table Mesa, Bella’s Table, Table on 6th, etc.), had an idea to open a French bakery in 1989.
Finally, their dream came true as Table A Pain became part of the Table Restaurant Family in August 2024. “Inspired by the spirit of a French marketplace that fills the air of freshly baked bread and ground coffee, creating that warm and welcoming ambiance we all love to experience in a bakery café, ” the restaurant is small and quaint, with pretty table covers, understated yet cozy décor, and, yes, the smell of baked bread.
Table A Pain is just a few doors down from its Italian sister restaurant, Bella’s Table, which is open for lunch and dinner. You can sit outside on a beautiful day and wave to your friends enjoying lunch at Bella’s Table.
Stay awhile
Table A Pain is both an experience and a familiarity. As an experience, you will want to try out all the dishes on the menu, at the pastry counter, or the dreamy coffee offerings. By familiarity, I am talking about that feeling like you could get used to the place as a second home, the office spot away from the office, or a place to stop by on the way to wherever, to sit, sip and nibble.
While I can’t wait to eat through the menu myself, there are some dishes that I would love to recommend.
If you’re in the mood for breakfast or brunch, try the Ratatouille Quiche. It’s a custard quiche with fresh spinach, zucchini, roasted red peppers, toy box tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and mozzarella, baked in an all-butter pastry dough crust and served with an arugula salad dressed with lemon thyme vinaigrette and topped with Parmesan cheese.
My friend ordered a Veggie Egg Sandwich stuffed with roasted mushrooms, kale, and truffle cheese. She opted for scrambled eggs instead of fried eggs on a gorgeous bakery-made croissant and side salad.
Kiddos will be happy to know they can have chocolate chip pancakes, and moms will be delighted that the scrambled eggs on the side are delicious and kid-approved. Throw in some frites for the win!
There are many lunch offerings, and you can continue to order breakfast until 3 p.m.. I HIGHLY recommend the Chicken Velvet Soupe, a classic made with homemade chicken stock, poached chicken, cream, mushrooms and broccoli and topped with a freshly toasted French baguette slice. At $6 for a cup, I would go here every day just for this offering alone.
Along with many Omelet offerings, Table A Pain has two crepe offerings. I recommend the Crepes Provencal, which the menu says is “like a bite of pure farmhouse goodness.” They’re right! This crepe has sliced seasoned chicken breast, mushrooms and spinach, topped with grilled asparagus and covered with a creamy mushroom sauce. Swoon!
One quick insider tip: If you want to have a pastry and coffee at the end of your meal, order and set them aside JUST in case they sell out. This place is getting popular, and I would be so sad if you missed out on a Nutella Cookie or Chocolate Croissant.
Coffee and pastries after 3 p.m.
Speaking of coffee and pastries… from 3 – 5 p.m., Table A Pain strictly becomes a coffee shop and bakery. Food service is done for the day.
Another insider tip: If you get there around 4 p.m., don’t be alarmed if all the pastries are no longer on display. Instead, ask for a “mystery box,” a bargain that contains a mixture of daily baked goods at an incredible price. For instance, I grabbed a box for $6.99, including a Chocolate Croissant, several cookies and a Jalapeno Cheddar Scone.
Grab and go
While the bakery’s name includes the word “pain,” this is simply the French word for bread or a piece of bread. If you’re wondering, the final “n” isn’t pronounced. When spoken, it sounds more like the word “pan,” except when you drop the letter “n,” it sounds like “PAYHn.” Something like that. Just ask the friendly team who works there; they will happily help you sound it out. Besides, if you’re going to be a regular, you might as well say it right!
Since this is a bakery, you can grab a loaf of bread, baguette, sandwiches, coffee, or pastries. Call ahead and order whatever you desire.
You’ll want to stay and sip, nibble, or relax.
Table A Pain Bakery and Cafe
628 W Lancashire Blvd
Bella Vista, AR 72715
479-364-0647
IG: _tableapain
HOURS:
Monday – Saturday – 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday – Closed
Breakfast 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Brunch 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Coffee and Baked Goods – 2 – 5 p.m.
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