Howdy, Chow Hounds! It’s time to explore one of the best bakeries in Texas. You know I believe everything tastes better with a story, and this tale could fill a book on its own. I absolutely love food stories of struggle that pave the way for success through hard work, passion, determination, and craftsmanship.
A few months ago, Jana alerted me to a fantastic story about unforgettable and deliciously crafted croissants. She asked, “Have you heard or seen Tom Segura’s story about how much he loves a certain croissant?” I replied, “No, I haven’t!” That’s when my baking meter went into overdrive. Jana told me, “You need to see his discussion on the podcast about how much he loved this croissant and how he walked around handing them out in LA for free because he loved them so much.” Knowing how much I admire Tom, Bert, and uniquely different baked delights, I had to drive in like a crack addict looking for my next fix, lol.
As soon as I watched the videos and started researching the bakery situation, I called Jana and said, “Jana, pack your bags! We’re heading back to Austin to try the famous legendary croissants of deliciousness.” That’s what I needed to do, and we’ve managed to do it in thirty-three different states. I have to put my lips to that deliciousness so I can evaluate the butter layers of fermented perfection myself. You know what I’m saying: lips to layers, baby! “I want to look at this croissant the way a French pastry chef looks at butter and softly serenade it with my tongue.” Then I will know for sure if the croissant is already legendary!
Off we went at 4 AM, hammering down to Austin in the Triple T, straight down I-35 like a crack addict on a mission of deliciousness.
But first, I want to set the backstory of the partnership between Italian-born chef Gianbattista “Gianba” Vinzoni and his friendship with co-owner and comedian Tom Segura. It all began when Segura frequented Vinzoni’s restaurant in California, which eventually led them to bring authentic Italian baked goods to Austin.
After their restaurant suffered severe damage and their home faced major destruction during the devastating January 2025 Palisades wildfires, the Vinzonis temporarily operated out of a Venice ghost kitchen before fully reopening their beloved Italian restaurant, Cinque Terre West, on Rose Avenue in Venice. While the couple was eventually able to move back into their Pacific Palisades home, the tragedy prompted a major shift for the chef. Expanding beyond the Los Angeles area, Chef Gianba partnered with comedian Tom Segura to open a new café in Austin, Texas, called Ciccio Bomba, which now has three locations. He dedicated significant time to Texas, setting up their initial Fareground food hall pop-up and opening the flagship South Lamar Union brick-and-mortar location.
All I can say is I’m so glad they did because as soon as we walked in the doors, I had to laugh when I saw a statue of what looked like Tom holding a croissant. Then the staff started shouting, “Hello! Can we help you? Have you been here before? Can we make some suggestions for you?” OMG, I was in love already! For the record, anyone who has been to Paris, Rome, Florence, Sicily, Tuscany, and many more European places understands that friendship and fantastic service are the cornerstones of any great small bakery.
I asked Jana to take the lead on ordering since I didn’t know anyone at the restaurant and wanted to take my time exploring the menu and investigating the array of baked goods offered at this stunning restaurant. She enthusiastically placed an order for a generous assortment of pastries, and we eagerly awaited their arrival.
As the servers began to bring out the dishes, the atmosphere quickly turned lighthearted. After the third trip to our table, we began to hear playful comments from the staff, such as: “Are you all hungry?” “Do you have a love for baked goods?” and “How on earth are you planning to eat all of this?” The highlight of the morning came when Jana, in all her excitement, exclaimed to the server, “What time can we order pizzas for lunch?” I could hardly contain my laughter on the inside as I watched her eyes widen with excitement, resembling a dragonfly in its most animated form. She paused momentarily and asked, “Y’all want some pizza too?” In that moment, I was both laughing and crying inside, sensing that she was thinking, “WHAT THE F$%^& is going on at this table?” It was a comical sight to see the confusion of those around us, who couldn’t fathom why we had ordered so much food. The folks aorund us were staring like school kids, too. We loved it!
Now, let me cut to the chase and share the incredible experience of tasting these baked goods. Everything we sampled was simply out of this world. However, the standout item was undoubtedly the croissant—truly a life-changing indulgence. The moment that flaky, golden pastry touched my lips and rolled over my tongue, my eyes rolled back in pure ecstasy. It was a 3-day fermented croissant, a masterpiece of baking that showcased a complex, deep flavor and an incredibly airy texture.
The slow fermentation of the dough enriched it with subtle sourdough-like, yeasty notes, while the infusion of toasted milk solids or brown butter delivered a deeply nutty and caramel-rich flavor profile that was so delectable, it could easily invade your dreams. These croissants should be renamed “MORE” because once you have one, all you will crave is more.
If you are a fan of baked goods, you absolutely need to rush over to Ciccio Bomba and indulge in some of the finest croissants you will find not just in Texas but across the whole of the USA.
I’m already counting down the days until I can return to Los Angeles and try Cinque Terre West BUT I can’t because they have MOVED to Austin full time now has of JUNE 21, 2026. Texas, YEE HAW!
Let’s get pumped, y’all—it’s time for Ciccio Bomba in TEXAS! Lips to Layers, baby! What are you waiting for? Don’t blame me when you find yourself addicted, because I’ve already warned you.
Love you all, and remember to stay hungry!
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Trey, Jana and Team
