Ems & Co, Crieff | Perthshire’s Most Beautiful Pastry Shop
Ems & Co, Crieff
A small pastry shop in the historic Perthshire town of Crieff, Ems & Co Pastry Shop is one of those places that quickly becomes a reason to travel rather than just a stop along the way.
Led by Emily - formerly head pastry chef at Cromlix - the team here isn’t afraid to experiment, turning out a thoughtful mix of sweet and savoury bakes that feel like small, hand-crafted luxuries.
I’d had Ems & Co on my list for a while, drawn in by photos of perfectly layered pastries and beautifully finished cakes that almost didn’t look real. We eventually stopped in as part of a wider Perthshire drive, and it didn’t take long to realise it wouldn’t be a one-off.
We’ve since been back a handful of times, frequently going out of our way just to factor it in.
Cakes
Ems & Co sits on the corner where King Street meets Addison Terrace, just a short walk downhill from the main street. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there -but step inside, and it immediately feels worth seeking out.
One window (usually lined with customers) is anchored by a long countertop.
The other is where your attention goes: a display of pastries and cakes that are almost too perfect to touch. Precise, delicate, and beautifully arranged, with colourful sponges and intricate bakes layered into a quietly impressive showcase.
I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the most aesthetic pastry shops in Scotland.
It’s also the kind of place where choosing just one thing feels unrealistic. Every visit, we tell ourselves we’ll be restrained, and every time we leave with far more than planned.
So far, highlights have included the orange blossom and almond cake, but the real surprises were the courgette, pistachio and golden raisin loaf sponge, and the poached quince and hazelnut mille feuille - both inventive, well-balanced, and genuinely memorable.
Pastries
Alongside the cakes, the pastry selection is where the skill really comes into its own. There’s a clear sense of craft here, and it shows in every detail.
Perfectly laminated croissants, pain suisses, and an ever-changing line-up of specials all speak to the level of work behind the scenes. You notice it immediately: the crisp edges, the defined layers. And even more so once you take a bite.
On one visit, I picked up a lemon and pistachio bow pastry, and it’s still the one I’d go back for without hesitation. Bright citrus, subtle nuttiness, and those delicate, flaky layers - it’s a balance that’s difficult to get right, but here it feels effortless.
Savoury Selection
It’s not just about the sweet side, either. The savoury offering is smaller, but just as thoughtfully put together.
A black pudding and pork sausage roll - generously filled and deeply satisfying - stood out straight away, while a rabbit and turnip rillette offered something a little different and mouthwateringly good.
The coffee more than holds its own, too. Flat whites made with beans from Unorthodox Roasters in Kinross are consistently well-made and exactly what you want alongside something fresh from the counter.
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most over multiple visits is how much the selection evolves. It never feels static - there’s always something new in the cabinet, which makes it dangerously easy to keep coming back!
Sitting In vs Takeaway
It’s a small space, with just a handful of seats and a counter, so more often than not we’ll take everything to go. But if you do manage to stay, you can watch the team working in the open kitchen, a small detail, but one that reinforces just how fresh everything is.
Getting Here
You’ll find Ems & Co in the historic market town of Crieff, deep in Perthshire’s rolling countryside. The best way to get here is by car, either on a wider Perthshire road trip or a day trip from the city; that said, there are buses from Perth and Comrie.
Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
42 King St, Crieff, PH7 3HA
