20 Bakeries Worth Flying For (Yes, They’re That Good)
Some bakeries are worth skipping lunch for. Others? Worth crossing oceans for. These aren’t your average neighborhood spots—they’re the kind of places that make jet lag feel like a fair trade for a perfectly crisp kouign-amann or a sourdough that haunts your dreams in the best way.
From buttery classics to bold, modern bakes, these iconic ovens around the world serve up more than just carbs—they deliver culture, craft, and pure joy, one bite at a time. Ready to fly for flavor? Let’s go.
1. Tartine Bakery – San Francisco, USA
Sourdough enthusiasts will find their paradise in a bustling bakery renowned for its tangy, artisan loaves. Known for its perfect blend of crusty exterior and soft, flavorful interior, the bread here is a true labor of love.
While sourdough takes center stage, the flaky morning buns are its charming sidekicks. Each bun is a swirl of cinnamon and sugar, making mornings considerably sweeter. A must-visit for flavor adventurers!
2. Du Pain Et Des Idées – Paris, France
Step back in time at a charming bakery where tradition and taste meet in every loaf and pastry. The signature pain des amis steals the show with its rich, earthy flavor.
Don’t miss the escargot pastries, not the snails, but spiraled delights filled with pistachio or chocolate. This Parisian gem offers a bite of history with every treat.
3. Bageriet – London, England
In a cozy corner of London, you’ll find a bakery where Swedish flavors reign supreme. Cinnamon buns, rich with spices and sugar, offer a comforting taste of Scandinavia.
Not to be outdone, cardamom rolls bring a fragrant twist, their aroma inviting passersby inside. It’s a slice of Sweden in the heart of England, perfect for a sweet escape.
4. Bourke Street Bakery – Sydney, Australia
A slice of neighborhood charm awaits at this beloved bakery, famous for its savory pies that are nothing short of show-stopping. Each pie is a hearty blend of flavors, encased in a perfectly golden crust.
For those who prefer the classics, crusty loaves offer a taste of tradition that’s hard to resist. It’s a place where every visit feels like coming home.
5. Hofbäckerei Edegger-Tax – Graz, Austria
Steeped in history, this bakery offers more than just pastries; it’s a piece of the Habsburg era wrapped in buttery goodness. Known for its ornate facade, this spot is as visually appealing as the treats it serves.
Butter-infused delights tempt the palate, each bite a journey back to a time of elegance and tradition. A visit promises both taste and history in equal measure.
6. Forno Campo de’ Fiori – Rome, Italy
Beneath the Italian sun, this bakery crafts thin, crispy pizza bianca that echoes the simplicity and honesty of Roman cuisine. Each slice is a testament to time-honored techniques.
For those seeking a taste of authenticity, the breads here are humble yet profoundly satisfying, a staple that has nourished generations. It’s a Roman holiday for the taste buds.
7. Konditorei Café Schober – Zurich, Switzerland
Tucked away in a picturesque setting, this café-bakery offers a retreat into elegance and indulgence. The cakes here are not just desserts, but works of art.
From chocolates to pastries, every creation is crafted with precision and passion. The old-world charm of the place makes it a perfect spot for sweet escapes and lingering talks.
8. Asanoya Bakery – Karuizawa, Japan
At the crossroads of European and Japanese culinary traditions, this bakery serves loaves that are soft yet flavorful. Its breads are a harmonious blend of east and west.
Matcha-infused sweets add a splash of green to the menu, offering a unique twist that’s both delicious and intriguing. It’s a journey of flavors worth taking.
9. Hart Bageri – Copenhagen, Denmark
Natural leavening takes center stage in this bakery, where each loaf is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The bread here is hearty, wholesome, and deeply satisfying.
Laminated pastries offer a buttery, flaky contrast, while seasonal specials surprise and delight. It’s a must-visit for those who appreciate craftsmanship in every crumb.
10. Gjusta – Venice (Los Angeles), USA
In the heart of the city, this bakery-deli hybrid offers a culinary adventure that ranges from flaky croissants to tangy sourdough. Each bite is a dance of textures and flavors.
Breakfast sandwiches here are an art form, their layers of ingredients coming together in harmony. It’s a hotspot for foodies and brunch lovers alike.
11. Hafiz Mustafa 1864 – Istanbul, Türkiye
Sweets have a legacy here, where every piece of baklava is a testament to skill and tradition. The rich, honey-soaked layers are nothing short of divine.
Turkish delight adds a colorful, chewy touch, each bite a burst of flavor. It’s a place where history and taste blend seamlessly, promising an unforgettable experience.
12. Poilâne – Paris, France
Rustic charm abounds in this bakery, where dense, country-style sourdough captures the essence of tradition. Each loaf is a labor of love, with a depth of flavor that tells a story.
Butter and apples come together in tarts that are as beautiful as they are delicious. It’s a slice of Parisian life, one bite at a time.
13. Pasticceria Marchesi – Milan, Italy
Elegance defines this pastry shop, where artisanal panettone takes center stage. Its rich, fluffy texture is a celebration of Italian craft.
Refined sweets add to the allure, each one a delicate balance of flavors and aesthetics. It’s a decadent experience steeped in sophistication and tradition.
14. Cédric Grolet Opéra – Paris, France
A world of illusion and taste awaits here, where fruit desserts are crafted with such precision they could be mistaken for the real thing.
Pastries, too, boast a level of detail and flavor that is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a masterclass in pâtisserie, where taste and technique unite.
15. Tartine Manufactory – Seoul, South Korea
Creative flair meets baking tradition at this design-forward bakery, where inventive pastries are crafted for both taste and aesthetics. Each creation is a feast for the senses.
Tangy loaves offer a contrasting bite, their flavor a testament to careful craftsmanship. It’s a gathering place for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
16. B. Patisserie – San Francisco, USA
Flaky and buttery, the kouign-amann here are a pastry lover’s dream. Each layer is a testament to skilled baking and indulgence.
Beautiful tart displays add a splash of color and elegance, with flavors that dance across the palate. It’s a taste of San Francisco’s vibrant culinary scene.
17. Mama Shelter Bakery – Tel Aviv, Israel
In a lively setting, this playful bakery serves up colorful breads that are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Each slice is a canvas of flavors.
Fusion pastries bring together unexpected tastes, offering a delightful surprise with every bite. It’s a place where creativity knows no bounds.
18. Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki – Tokyo, Japan
Innovation is the name of the game at this bakery, where French technique meets Japanese ingredients in perfect harmony. Matcha éclairs offer a green twist on a classic favorite.
Yuzu tarts surprise with their citrusy zest, a refreshing conclusion to any meal. It’s a fusion of cultures and flavors that’s as delightful as it is unique.
19. La Colmena – Barcelona, Spain
For over a century, this pastelería has been crafting sweets that capture the essence of Barcelona. Nougat and marzipan are the stars, each piece a nostalgic nod to tradition.
Cream-filled pastries offer a rich, indulgent experience, bringing together textures and flavors in harmony. It’s a sweet escape to the heart of Spain’s culinary heritage.
20. Gerstner K. U. K. Hofzuckerbäcker – Vienna, Austria
Elegance and flavor are the cornerstones of this bakery, where cakes are crafted with precision and care. Each slice is a celebration of European tradition.
Fruit tarts and flaky strudels offer a taste of Vienna’s rich culinary history, their flavors as timeless as the city itself. It’s a feast for the senses.