A Dubai chocolate croissant sold me on Maison Skalli
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The front counter and entryway of Maison Skalli in Short North. Photos: Casey Weldon/Axios
I wasn't planning on breakfast during a recent trip to Columbus. Then the aroma of warm spices and fresh-baked pastries drifting onto High Street stopped me in my tracks.
Dining the news: Maison Skalli is a Moroccan cafe and bakery that just opened its second Columbus-area location in the Short North.
- The concept, launched in Dublin in 2024, specializes in pastries, croissants, breakfast plates, coffee drinks and teas.
The vibe: Amid a row of darker storefronts, Maison Skalli's off-white facade practically glows from the sidewalk. The inviting dining room does the rest.
- Warm woods, cream-colored walls and gold accents give the space a polished but comfortable feel.
- The mellow soundtrack was so good I found myself hanging around for nearly an hour.
The team regularly wheels ornate silver tea kettles through the dining room, adding a little ceremony to breakfast.
What I ordered: A mushroom quiche with a simple side salad, iced mint tea, lemonade and a Dubai chocolate croissant.
- The quiche delivered exactly what I wanted — flaky crust, rich filling and enough substance to justify calling it breakfast.
Best bite: The Dubai chocolate croissant.
- Building off the viral Dubai chocolate craze, it combines chocolate, pistachio cream and crispy kataifi pastry inside a buttery croissant.
Between the lines: The pastry case is dangerous. You'll be weighing pain suisse, pistachio croissants and almond pastries before you even glance at the actual menu.
- I'm getting the hot tea service next time.
If you go: 662 N. High St. Open 8am-6pm Monday through Thursday; 8 am-9pm Friday and Saturday; 8am-6pm Sunday. Menu.
