For this edition of Guide to Greenwich, I visited Starbucks, Raphael’s Bakery, and Maman Coffee, Bakery, and Kitchen in Greenwich, Connecticut to determine which shop sells the best pumpkin bread. I judged each bread based on taste, price, and proximity to Sacred Heart Greenwich.
Starbucks
My first stop was Starbucks in Greenwich, Connecticut, a 16-minute drive from the Sacred Heart campus. Although the distance was manageable, traffic made the trip feel longer than expected. Starbucks is well known for its convenient, grab-and-go style, making it a reliable option for quick food and drinks throughout the day.
I visited in the late morning, and the experience was smooth and efficient. I placed my order online and was able to walk in and pick it up immediately at the counter. The pumpkin bread cost $4.95, a fair price for the portion size. I was pleasantly surprised by its quality, given that it is a seasonal menu item. Pistachios top the bread, adding a subtle salty contrast to the sweetness. While the slice appeared large, it was not very filling and did not keep me satisfied for long.
Maman Coffee, Bakery, and Kitchen
My next stop on Greenwich Avenue was Maman Coffee, Bakery, and Kitchen, an upscale café and bakery serving an extensive selection of pastries and carefully curated dishes. Although the drive from Sacred Heart to Maman was the same distance as Starbucks, about 16 minutes, the trip felt worthwhile, given the nearby shops and restaurants that line the Avenue. Maman offers a warm, thoughtfully designed atmosphere, making it a popular spot for customers to sit, eat, or work.
I visited on a Thursday afternoon and had no trouble finding parking, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The staff were friendly and approachable, adding to the welcoming environment. I ordered the pumpkin bread, which cost $5.95, notably higher than Starbucks’ option. However, the taste justified the price. The pumpkin flavor was vibrant and fresh, giving the bread an organic and natural taste.
Raphael’s Bakery
My final stop was at Raphael’s Bakery, a traditional French bakery that prides itself on giving customers a true French dessert. Raphael’s was a further, 20-minute drive from Sacred Heart, but parking took about ten minutes to find. Raphael’s offers a warm environment, but it has limited indoor seating. There is outdoor seating, but in late fall, sitting outside would not be ideal.
I visited on a Friday afternoon, and the traffic put a damper on the experience. The staff were quite busy, but they were helpful when customers asked questions. Raphael’s priced the pumpkin bread at $9.75, which felt a bit costly.
Winner
After tasting all the pumpkin breads, I chose Maman’s pumpkin bread as my favorite. It tasted the most authentic and had a pure pumpkin flavor. Additionally, it was the biggest piece of bread and kept me full for a longer period of time, rather than the other two contenders. If you are looking for a filling, tasty pumpkin bread, Maman is a solid option.
Featured Image by Elin Eaton ’27
