A bakery cafe is a restaurant-like dining establishment specializing in light meals that include bakery products, especially rolls, croissants, and sandwiches. It may or may not feature table service; in many bakery cafes customers pick up their orders from a counter.

Light meals incorporate bakery products, especially rolls, croissants, or sandwiches. The dining role distinguishes it from a shop focused only on selling bread.

Table service is optional. Counter collection is expressly included, so the cafe need not use waiter service for every order.