While the name suggests a French origin, various iterations of French toast have been created around the world for centuries. The earliest known reference to the dish comes from the Apicius, a collection of recipes from the Roman Empire, thought to have been compiled in the first century. This ancient recipe, described as “aliter dulcia” (“another sweet dish”), involved soaking large pieces of white bread in a mixture of milk and beaten eggs, frying them in oil, and then drizzling them with honey.
In the 14th century, similar recipes appeared in Germany as Arme Ritter (“poor knight”) and in France’s influential cookbook Le Viandier as “tostées dorées” (“golden toasts”). Today, the French call the dish pain perdu (“lost bread”), while it’s still known as Arme Ritter in Germany. Variants like torrija in Spain and rabanadas in Portugal reflect the global adaptations of this simple yet satisfying dish.
So, how did “French toast” get its name in the U.S.? One legend attributes it to Joseph French, a chef in Albany, NY, who allegedly named his version of the dish in 1724. Another theory suggests the term originated in 17th-century England and made its way to America with early settlers.
Regardless of its name or origins, French toast has stood the test of time as a sweet, golden breakfast delight. Whether it’s for a fancy brunch or a quick breakfast for the kids, its versatility is unmatched.
With National French Toast Day (Nov. 28) around the corner, why not treat yourself to this breakfast of champions? Here are some of the best spots in Santa Rosa to dig into this timeless dish.
Grossman’s Noshery & Bar
Description: Grossman’s serves a luxurious Cinnamon Babka French Toast with two eggs, chicken apple sausage, and orange ginger butter.
Location: 308 1/2 Wilson St., Santa Rosa
Opening Hours: Daily, 8 AM - 8 PM
Price: $18
Website: grossmanssr.com
Crepevine
Description: Choose between French Toast La Suisse, made with housemade French white bread dipped in yogurt-vanilla egg batter, or French Toast Parisienne, featuring cinnamon raisin bread. Both are topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Location: 740 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa
Opening Hours: Daily, 8 AM - 9 PM
Price: $13
Website: crepevine.com
Dierk’s Parkside Cafe
Description: Four slices of baguette dipped in an egg and cinnamon batter, served golden and delicious.
Location: 404 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa
Opening Hours: Daily, 7 AM - 2 PM
Price: $12.50
Website: dierksparkside.com
Jeffrey’s Hillside Cafe
Description: Texas toast French toast topped with powdered sugar and strawberries, served with two eggs and a choice of bacon, sausage, or ham.
Location: 2901 Fourth St., Santa Rosa
Opening Hours: Daily, 7 AM - 2 PM
Price: $16.50
Website: jeffreyshillsidecafe.com
J&M’s Midtown Café
Description: Indulge in Cinnamon Swirl French Toast, served with two eggs and a choice of meat. Also available: Ciabatta French Toast.
Location: 1422 Fourth St., Santa Rosa
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat, 7 AM - 3 PM; Sun, 8 AM - 3 PM
Price: $14 - $18
Website: jm-midtowncafe.com
Piner Cafe
Description: French Toast Sandwich with an egg and a choice of bacon, sausage, or ham. Other options include Walnut Cinnamon French Toast and Raisin Bread French Toast.
Location: 975 Piner Road, Santa Rosa
Opening Hours: Daily, 7 AM - 2 PM
Price: $14.45 - $14.95
Website: pinercafe.com
Omelette Express
Description: Classic griddled French toast topped with cinnamon, perfect for any breakfast enthusiast.
Location: 112 Fourth St., Santa Rosa; 150 Windsor River Road, Windsor
Opening Hours: Daily, 6 AM - 2 PM
Price: $13.25
Website: omeletteexpress.com
Your Turn!
Make this National French Toast Day one to remember by trying out one of these amazing spots—or all of them! Whether you're a fan of the classic or prefer unique twists like babka or ciabatta, there’s a French toast waiting for you.
