Julie Myrtille Bakery: French Pastries with an Austin Soul

When Julie Myrtille moved to Austin from France, she wasn’t planning on opening a bakery.

“I actually moved to Austin to follow my husband, whose work brought him here,” she said. “At the time, I wasn't expecting anything, but instantly, I fell in love with the city’s creative spirit, supportive community, and growing food scene.” 

What began as a personal move became a professional turning point, giving Julie the chance to bring her background in classic French patisserie into an entirely new setting. She had trained in Paris in the traditional techniques of pastry making, from delicate viennoiseries and rich cakes to gluten-free creations that blend classic skills with evolving tastes.

“That foundation has been central to everything I do,” she explained. “Austin has given me the space to grow, create, and share my French pastry roots in a way I never imagined.”

A Bakery with Heart

Julie first opened in East Austin, and within a few years, her shop was recognized as Best Bakery in 2016, 2017, and 2019. In 2023, she launched The Rose Bakery by Julie Myrtille at The Arboretum. The new location brought her story full circle. “The name Rose Bakery holds a very special place in my heart. It's named after my daughter, Rose. She’s been my greatest inspiration and motivation throughout this journey.”

Her pastries reflect a global journey, shaped by time in New York, Dublin, and Maui. One of her most popular items, the Maui Banana Bread, came from a trip to Hawaii. “Along the Road to Hana, I discovered the best banana bread I’ve ever tasted,” she recalled. “After extensive research and testing multiple recipes, I finally captured that exact same flavor.”

Another standout is the Tiger Financier, a round, ganache-topped take on the classic almond cake. “It’s a small pastry with bold character,” she said. “Rich, nutty, and elegant, with just the right balance of texture and flavor. And it’s made with no gluten.”

But the bakery isn’t only about what’s on the menu.

“Being part of the local community means everything to me,” Julie said. “It’s about more than just serving great food. It’s about building genuine connections, supporting one another, and contributing to the vibrancy of the neighborhood.” She sees the bakery as a place where friendships are made and memories are created. 

Rooted in Community

Julie’s experience as a business owner has taught her to stay adaptable and grounded. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability,” she said. “No matter how much you plan, unexpected challenges will come your way. Being able to pivot while staying true to your vision is crucial.”

That same mindset shaped her online presence. When it came time to launch her website, Julie chose a .US domain.

“It reflects our strong connection and commitment to the United States community we serve,” she explained. “It helps make our website easy to remember and accessible to customers nationwide. It felt like the perfect way to show that while our inspiration is global, our heart is right here at home.”

To aspiring bakers, she offers this advice: be patient, stay passionate, and trust your instincts.

“Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of dedication, long hours, and learning as you go,” she said. “Really focus on your craft, but also remember that building real connections with your customers and community matters just as much.”

After nearly 10 years in Texas, Julie is still shaping pastries by hand, still experimenting, and still drawing energy from the city she now calls home. “Austin has truly become home for me,” she said. And for the many people who walk through her doors, the bakery has become a home of its own.