The galette des rois — the traditional French Epiphany cake — is one of France's most cherished culinary traditions, eagerly anticipated each January as families and friends gather to share this golden, flaky pastry. The classic version features a buttery puff pastry shell encasing a rich frangipane filling of almond cream, but today's finest pastry chefs offer inventive variations: pistachio, praline, rose and raspberry, or dark chocolate. The hidden feve inside, the paper crown atop — these small rituals transform a simple cake into a joyful celebration of togetherness.

Our annual reviews evaluate the best galettes des rois from renowned patisseries, bakeries, and palace hotels. We assess each galette on the quality of its puff pastry — which should shatter at the first bite into golden, buttery layers — the flavor and generosity of its filling, and the overall craftsmanship that distinguishes an exceptional galette from an ordinary one. We also cover brioche des rois for those who prefer the southern French tradition, as well as gluten-free and inventive alternatives from creative pastry chefs.

Whether you seek the most perfectly executed frangipane galette in the classic tradition, a daring flavor combination from an avant-garde patissier, or a prize-winning creation from a neighborhood boulangerie, our curated guide helps you find the galette des rois that will make your Epiphany celebration truly memorable.