Best Bakeries Los Angeles
LA’s Top Bakeries
When I’m wandering around Los Angeles in search of the tastiest bakeries, a few places always come to mind. Each one offers its own twist on baked goodies, so if you’re a fan of sweet delights, these spots are not to be missed.
Sycamore Kitchen
First stop, Sycamore Kitchen! Run by the awesome husband-and-wife team, Quinn and Karen Hatfield, this bakery is famous for its jaw-dropping pastries. The buttercup Kouign-Amann is a crowd favorite, and at just $3.50, it’s an absolute steal. Imagine biting into flaky layers that are like buttery clouds—pure heaven, and right up there with what you’d find at B. Patisserie in San Francisco.
Item | Price |
---|---|
Kouign-Amann (Buttercup) | $3.50 |
Valerie Confections
Next up, don’t pass by Valerie Confections in Grand Central Market without trying their coffee crunch cake—priced at $6 a slice. It’s the cake you’ll dream about later, a delicious nod to the classic Blum’s cake, with layers wrapped in coffee whipped cream frosting and sprinkled with toffee shards. If you’re into coffee or cake (or both!), this one checks all the boxes.
Item | Price |
---|---|
Coffee Crunch Cake | $6.00 |
Beverlywood Bakery
Wrapping up my tour, Beverlywood Bakery offers something a bit out of the ordinary with their chocolate chip danish, which goes for $2.25. It’s like a croissant met a rugelach—less sweet but packed with flavor. Perfect with your morning coffee if you’re all about balanced tastes over sugary overloads.
Item | Price |
---|---|
Chocolate Chip Danish | $2.25 |
Checking out these top LA bakeries is a sweet adventure for anyone with a sugar tooth. For more lip-smacking choices, peek at my other Los Angeles food picks and don’t miss out on the best cupcakes and donuts in town!
Unique Treats in LA
You know when you’re wandering around Los Angeles and stumble upon a little bakery that just takes your taste buds on a magical ride? Yeah, I’ve scouted out a few that have become my go-to spots when I’m in the mood for something special. Check these out!
Petitgrain Boulangerie
Santa Monica has its charms and Petitgrain Boulangerie is a top stop. Their croissants are the stuff of legend. I’m a sucker for a good pain au chocolat, and theirs nails it with the perfect blend of salty and sweet, wrapped in buttery layers. Then there are those sticky cardamom buns and orange-glazed cinnamon rolls that’ll have you dreaming about them days later. The secret’s in their age-old baking methods and that good ol’ local flour (The Infatuation LA).
Treat | What’s Great About It |
---|---|
Croissant | Light, flaky, with a hint of salt |
Pain au Chocolat | Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate layers |
Sticky Cardamom Bun | Gooey goodness with a kick |
Orange-Glazed Roll | Tangy, sweet, and oh-so-soft |
Fondry
Next on the list is Fondry in Eagle Rock. If laminated pastries are your jam, make a beeline here. The kouign-amann is where it’s at—golden spirals with a sweet touch. Those pastries are like little bites of heaven, although I’d give the croissant a pass—too flat for my liking. But hey, if indulgence is your motto, Fondry will not let you down (The Infatuation LA).
Treat | What’s Great About It |
---|---|
Kouign-Amann | Buttery goodness, sugared crust |
Flat-ish Croissants | Not up to snuff, sadly |
Other Pastries | An array of tasty choices |
Cream Pan
Hidden in Lomita is Cream Pan, a bakery that perfectly marries French and Japanese flavors. Ever tried melon buns or custard cups? They’re a creamy, sweet dream. But the real MVP here is the strawberry croissant—imagine cream and strawberries tucked inside buttery layers. It’s an experience that’ll stick with you (The Infatuation LA).
Treat | What’s Great About It |
---|---|
Melon Bun | Soft, sweet, and scrumptious |
Custard Cup | Rich, creamy, and satisfying |
Strawberry Croissant | Berries and cream in flaky layers |
These little spots each pack their own punch, turning dessert time into something to rave about. You’ve got to try ’em on your next LA food adventure. It’s like having a taste of the city in every bite!
Bakeries with a Twist
When I’m out searching for a bakery that’s anything but ordinary, these places often steal the show. Here are three unique spots in Los Angeles that you just have to check out.
Gjusta
Tucked away in Venice, Gjusta is a place I can always count on for something mouthwatering. The pastries here are something special–I can never resist the temptingly flaky tahini croissants or the rich ham and cheese numbers. And don’t even think about leaving without trying their famous carrot cake! If you’re into bagels and bread, the bialys, sourdough loaves, and baguettes will have you hooked, too. Their lineup keeps drawing me back (Eater LA, The Infatuation LA).
Item | Description |
---|---|
Tahini Croissant | Flaky, rich, and nutty |
Ham & Gruyere Croissant | Savory and delicious |
Carrot Cake | Moist and flavorful |
Bialys | Soft and chewy |
République
République is more than just a bakery—it’s where baking dreams come true. Spearheaded by Margarita Manzke, who snagged the James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker in 2023, this spot blends French flair with American comfort in its baked wonders. Their croissants cannot be missed, and you’ll find the cookies and homemade baguettes just as irresistible. The cozy vibe is just right for brunch or a sweet escape in the afternoon (Eater LA, The Infatuation LA).
Item | Description |
---|---|
Croissants | Perfectly flaky and buttery |
Cookies | Variety of flavors, always delicious |
Baguettes | Freshly baked, crisp crust |
Clark Street Bakery
Clark Street Bakery is a secret gem that’s been winning hearts with its artisanal breads and pastries. Their style is all about keeping it real with quality ingredients and a no-fuss execution. I’m all about their pastries, especially the croissants, which are often hailed as top-notch. Every bite shows their passion for great baking. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or celebrating something special, this bakery is a total win (The Infatuation LA).
Item | Description |
---|---|
Croissants | Expertly layered and flaky |
Breads | Sourdoughs and specialty loaves |
These three bakeries capture the magic of LA’s bakery scene, each one offering its special flair. If you’re hunting for a standout bakery experience in Los Angeles, these places are worth checking out!
Hidden Treasures
When you’re on the hunt for the best-kept secrets in LA’s bakery scene, these places are the real deal. Each spot is a sweet adventure waiting to unfold.
Artelice Patisserie
I can’t get enough of Artelice Patisserie. Tucked away in the San Fernando Valley, this place is the absolute VIP of dessert artistry. Think of it as the Louvre of pastries with locations in Burbank and Sawtelle Japantown. The treats here aren’t just treats; they’re masterpieces that your taste buds will remember. Ever tried dessert that looks as good as it tastes? If you’re craving something out of this world, swing by. My list of best bakeries los angeles has many more worthy contenders.
CAR Artisan Chocolate
Chocolate fans, listen up: CAR Artisan Chocolate in Pasadena is a game-changer. It’s the home of what many hail as the ultimate chocolate croissant in LA. Imagine biting into a pastry that’s so crisp it might as well shatter, only to discover a delightful trio of chocolate rods waiting inside. That’s the magic that chocolatier Haris Car has pulled off after a year of perfecting his craft. So, if chocolate is your jam and Pasadena’s your beat, don’t miss this stop. Need another dessert fix? I’ve got more goodies in my best desserts los angeles guide.
Proof Bakery
I’m also all about Proof Bakery in Atwater Village. An employee-owned wonderland, it’s your go-to for classic European and American treats. Their croissants? Legendary. And those cookies, canelés, and apricot white chocolate scones? Perfection. Every bite screams quality and love, making this place a bakery lover’s paradise. Hungry for more? Check out my take on the best cookies los angeles.
These little bakery havens in Los Angeles aren’t just about good bread; they’re about discovering fantastic bites. Every visit is a new little adventure, and I can’t wait to stumble upon even more gems!
Dessert Delights
When it comes to quenching my sugar cravings in LA, there’s a trio of places that top my sweet list. These bakeries dish out irresistible goodies, and I’m here to spill all the gooey details.
La Mascota Bakery
Nestled in Boyle Heights, La Mascota Bakery is a staple for anyone craving both avant-garde pastries and the good ol’ classics. I dig their quirky coffee concoctions, and the conch shell cookies are pure nostalgia. Come the festive months, their tamales aren’t just a dish—they’re an event! Each visit is like flipping through a living scrapbook, blending traditional charm with modern flair.
Specials | Highlights |
---|---|
Conch Shell Cookies | Timeless classics that always hit the spot |
Holiday Tamales | Seasonal magic wrapped in corn husks |
Creative Pastries | Daring flavors that’ll twist your taste buds |
Fat + Flour
Pie enthusiasts, unite! Fat + Flour is where I lose all sense of restraint. Nicole Rucker whips up pie perfection, whether it’s a zippy Key lime or her fruity, custardy triumphs. I’ve got her Grand Central Market stall on speed dial (slightly kidding), and her Culver City café is a staple for my pie escapades. If pie is your middle name, this stop is non-negotiable.
Pie Types | My Picks |
---|---|
Key Lime Pie | Tart bliss in a crust |
Fruity Custard Pies | A creamy, juicy fusion |
Bub and Grandma’s
In Glassell Park, Bub and Grandma’s is more than just dough and slices. It’s where bread dreams come alive, a sunlit haven serving up more than baker’s delights. Their sandwiches? Legendary. Fresh bread, pies, coffee cake, and drip-worthy doughnuts. My lunch go-to is the vegan-friendly Rainbow sandwich—curried tofu, tangy pickles, avo bliss, and tahini slather heaven. It seesaws between sweet and savory, prepped for any pastry binge right after.
Signature Bakes | Can’t-Miss Bites |
---|---|
Bread Loaves | Just-baked goodness you can’t refuse |
Pies & Doughnuts | Sweet loves for every dessert fiend |
Vegan Rainbow Sandwich | Perfect for sandwich aficionados everywhere |
This trio just gives a little taste of LA’s sweet scene. Pastry lovers and sweets seekers, these stops need to be on your radar. Peek at our guide on the best desserts in Los Angeles for an extended sugar fix!