Croi – Bakery, Brunch, Cafe

Tucked away in Budapest’s calm and modern XI. district, there’s a little gem that’s making waves in the local brunch and bakery scene. Meet Croi, a cozy bakery, brunch, and café spot located at Szedersor utca 1, just a short distance from Kelenföld, in the Gazdagrét neighborhood. Although it’s nestled in a mostly residential area, Croi’s charm and culinary offerings are already drawing in crowds from all corners of Budapest—and even beyond.

But what sets Croi apart from the many brunch spots popping up all over the city? Let’s dive in!

A Warm Welcome – The Vibe at Croi

From the moment you step inside Croi, it’s clear that this is more than your average café. The bright, open space is flooded with natural light thanks to the glass walls, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. The golden rays streaming through the windows seem to spotlight the café’s minimalist yet stylish decor, where wooden tables and chairs contrast against lush green plants and artistic touches. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a coffee, indulge in some freshly baked goods, or enjoy a leisurely brunch with friends. Whether you’re popping in for a quick pastry and coffee, or settling in for a full brunch, Croi’s chill vibes will make you want to stay just a little longer.

Croi’s Story – From Food Truck to Flourishing Café

The story of Croi begins with Tóth Péter, who, after working in Vienna’s bustling nightlife scene, decided to trade in late nights for early mornings and started a career in hospitality. After gaining experience at a French brunch café in Vienna, Péter eventually returned to Hungary and continued his journey in the events sector—until COVID hit. Like many during that time, Péter found himself needing to pivot, and that’s when the early seeds of Croi were planted.

After a year of running the small pavilion, Péter and Orsi knew it was time to go bigger. They parted ways with a franchise they’d initially been part of and launched Croi in its current form—an independent bakery and brunch café that has since become a local favorite. Some customers have even traveled from Zalaegerszeg, a city far from Budapest, just to stock up on Croi’s baked goods!

What’s with the Name? Croi’s Origins

If you’re wondering about the name, Croi comes from a cute inside joke between Péter and Orsi. When they were dating, Péter would often ask what Orsi had eaten for breakfast, and she’d always reply, “Oh, just a croi” (short for croissant). The nickname stuck, and when it came time to name their café, Croi was an obvious choice.

Originally, Croi was mostly focused on baked goods—croissants, pastries, breads, and other delightful sweets—but soon, customers started asking if they’d ever offer breakfast or brunch dishes. The couple listened, and thus, their brunch menu was born!

Baked Goods That Wow – Croi’s Pastries

What is a New York Roll?

In short, the New York Roll is a game-changer in the pastry world. Combining the light, flaky layers of a croissant with the indulgent, creamy filling of a Danish, the New York Roll is like the best of both worlds. The outer layers are perfectly crisp, while the inside is soft, buttery, and filled with deliciousness.

While these rolls originated in New York (as the name suggests), Croi has taken them to the next level with their own special touches and flavor combinations. Made with premium ingredients like Madagascar vanilla and Iranian pistachios, their rolls are as decadent as they are innovative. The white chocolate vanilla version is a fan favorite, with a creamy, indulgent filling that’s just the right balance of sweet and rich.

Another standout is the pistachio roll, which is equally amazing. The filling is light yet full of flavor, and the pastry itself is perfectly flaky without being soggy. Of course, this end result was preceded by a lot of experimentation, but the end result really speaks for itself!

But the pièce de résistance? Croi’s Dubai Roll

Beyond Pastries – Croi’s Brunch Menu

As much as we adore the pastries at Croi, the brunch menu is equally impressive. Whether you’re after something light or a more substantial meal, there’s something here for everyone. In addition to our breakfast, IO’s premium quality 100% Arabica coffee can give you the impetus.

Croi might be a little off the beaten path, but it’s a destination that’s more than worth the trip.

Whether you’re here for their incredible pastries, unique New York Rolls, or inventive brunch dishes, Croi delivers on all fronts. With its friendly atmosphere, commitment to quality, and creative twists on classic dishes, Croi is quickly becoming one of Budapest’s must-visit spots.

So next time you’re craving a delicious brunch or just need your pastry fix, head to Croi. Trust us—you won’t be disappointed.