7 Shocking Secrets And Must-Try Items From Tous Les Jours West Des Moines Reviews (Updated December 2025)
The buzz around Tous Les Jours in West Des Moines, Iowa, has reached a fever pitch, making it one of the most talked-about new additions to the Des Moines food scene. This isn't just another bakery; it's the state's first location of a globally recognized French-Asian bakery chain, promising a unique fusion of delicate French patisserie techniques with beloved Korean baked goods. Since opening its doors, the West Des Moines branch has generated a flood of reviews—some glowing, some critical—that every first-time visitor needs to know about before planning their trip.
The current conversation, as of December 2025, centers on the sheer variety of the menu—reportedly over 300 items—and the unique blend of sweet and savory offerings. While the beautiful presentation and charming atmosphere near Jordan Creek Town Center are universally praised, recent customer feedback highlights a few key operational challenges and must-order items that define the true experience. This deep dive into the latest reviews will equip you with all the knowledge needed to navigate the cases and select the best of the best.
Tous Les Jours West Des Moines: Location and Bakery Profile
Tous Les Jours, which translates to "Everyday" in French, is a global bakery franchise with its roots in South Korea. The concept is built on the philosophy of providing freshly baked goods daily, blending the artisanal baking industry's best practices from France with distinct Asian flair, particularly Korean baked goods. The West Des Moines location marks a significant milestone as the first Tous Les Jours in Iowa, bringing a new level of international flavor to the Midwest.
- Location: Near Jordan Creek Town Center, in front of the Scheels store.
- Address: 6880 Ep True Pkwy, Unit 101, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
- Concept: French-Asian Bakery (French Patisserie meets Korean Baked Goods).
- Signature Offering: Over 300 different items, including breads, pastries, cakes, and handcrafted beverages.
- Iowa Significance: The first and only location in the state, making it a destination spot for foodies across Iowa.
The establishment’s décor and merchandise consistently reflect the French-Asian fusion concept, creating a bright, modern, and inviting atmosphere that reviewers often describe as a perfect spot for a coffee break or a special occasion cake pickup.
The 7 Must-Try Items That Reviewers Are Raving About
With a menu boasting hundreds of options, deciding what to order can be overwhelming. Based on the latest Tous Les Jours West Des Moines reviews, a few specific pastries and treats have emerged as undeniable fan favorites. These items perfectly encapsulate the unique French-Asian bakery experience and are the most frequently mentioned entities in positive feedback.
1. The Honey Cheese Pancake
This is arguably the most talked-about sweet pastry on the menu. The Honey Cheese Pancake is a soft, fluffy Korean-style pancake often described as having a delicate sweetness and a wonderfully creamy, savory cheese filling. Reviewers praise its unique texture—lighter than a traditional American pancake—making it an ideal portable breakfast item or afternoon snack.
2. The Jalapeño Cheese Croissant
For those who prefer a savory croissant, the Jalapeño Cheese Croissant is a revelation. It takes the flaky, buttery structure of a classic French croissant and infuses it with a surprising, spicy kick and savory cheese. Customers note that this item is particularly intriguing and a great example of the successful fusion of flavors that the French-Asian bakery is known for.
3. Pistachio Macarons and Cloud Desserts
Macarons are a staple of French patisserie, but Tous Les Jours elevates them with a distinct quality. The Pistachio Macarons are frequently highlighted for their intense flavor and perfect chewiness. Additionally, the lighter, airier cloud desserts—often Korean-inspired—are a top pick for those seeking a less heavy, decadent treat.
4. Fresh Milk Bread
A simple yet essential item, the Milk Bread receives high marks for its incredible softness and slightly sweet flavor. This is a staple in Korean baked goods and is perfect for toast, sandwiches, or simply tearing apart and eating plain. Reviewers consider it a benchmark of the bakery's commitment to freshly baked everyday quality.
5. The Signature Cakes (Buttercream & Custom)
Tous Les Jours is a major destination for cakes, particularly their custom cakes. The buttercream cakes are a popular choice, known for their beautiful, elegant presentation and moist texture. The bakery’s unique approach to birthday and celebration cakes, blending European pastry aesthetics with Korean flavor profiles, makes them a standout in the West Des Moines area.
6. Pain-au Chocolat
While some reviewers found certain savory croissants to be merely "OK," the classic Pain-au Chocolat (chocolate croissant) is consistently rated as a very good, reliable choice. It's a perfect example of their ability to execute traditional French items with high quality, making it a safe and satisfying order for purists.
7. Handcrafted Beverages
The experience is incomplete without one of their signature drinks. While specific names vary, the handcrafted beverages, including various coffee and tea options, are designed to complement the delicate pastries. Customers praise the quality of the coffee, making it a true cafe experience, not just a bakery stop.
The Unfiltered Truth: What Recent Reviews Reveal About the Experience
While the product quality is generally praised, recent Tous Les Jours West Des Moines reviews provide a balanced perspective, highlighting the growing pains and operational realities of a popular new establishment. Understanding these details can help manage your expectations and ensure a delightful visit.
The Inventory Challenge and "Freshly Baked Everyday"
A recurring theme in recent feedback is the issue of inventory, particularly early in the day. Several customers have reported that cases were "mostly empty" or lacking a full selection of the 300+ items just 30 minutes after the store opened. This suggests that demand often outpaces production, or that the "freshly baked everyday" philosophy means items are rolled out throughout the morning. To combat this, plan your visit for later in the morning or early afternoon for the widest selection, or call ahead if you are seeking a specific, high-demand item.
Customer Service and Quality Control
The majority of reviews describe the atmosphere as nice and the presentation as excellent. However, a few isolated but significant complaints have surfaced regarding customer service. One widely discussed review mentioned a bad experience with a specific worker, describing them as "rude" when asked about a cake. While this appears to be an exception rather than the rule, it highlights the importance of consistent quality control in service, especially in a new, high-volume store.
The "Frozen Dough" Debate
Perhaps the most critical feedback touches on the texture of some pastries. A few reviewers mentioned that certain items tasted like the "dough was shipped in frozen," suggesting that not all of the 300 items are prepared from scratch on-site, a common practice in large-scale bakery franchises. While the taste was described as "not bad," it indicates that the experience may not be the same as a purely independent, scratch-only artisanal bakery. The Milk Bread and signature cakes, however, are typically exempt from this criticism, reinforcing their status as must-try entities.
Final Verdict: Navigating the West Des Moines Bakery Scene
Tous Les Jours in West Des Moines has firmly established itself as a major player in the local food scene, offering a truly unique French-Asian bakery experience that was previously unavailable in Iowa. The sheer variety of the menu, from sweet and savory pastries like the Jalapeño Cheese Croissant to the elegant custom cakes, provides something for every palate.
The key to a successful visit in late 2025 is to manage expectations. Go for the unique, highly-rated items like the Honey Cheese Pancake or the Pistachio Macarons. Be prepared for potential inventory shortages if you arrive right at opening, and understand that, as a franchise, the quality control process may occasionally have an off day. Overall, the positive reviews far outweigh the critical ones, making Tous Les Jours a delightful and essential stop for anyone exploring the best of the West Des Moines, Iowa, culinary landscape.
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