Delicious Revolution: Los Angeles Bakeries You Must Try Now!

The bakery scene in Los Angeles has seen a significant transformation in recent years, with an explosion of inventive, buttery, and flaky creations that cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. Whether you are leaning into carbs, seeking gluten-free options, or following a vegan diet, Los Angeles has something to offer. This article delves into the best bakeries in Los Angeles, highlighting the unique offerings that make each one a must-visit.

Local Favorites and Hidden Gems

Los Angeles is home to a plethora of bakeries, each with its own unique charm and specialty. In Long Beach, Gusto Bread stands out as a finalist for the James Beard Award, while Colossus on Second Street in Belmont Shore offers delightful treats. In Glendale, Zhengyalov Hatz, an Armenian bakery, specializes in flatbread filled with twelve different herbs, making it a unique culinary experience.

Bub and Grandma’s in Eagle Rock is another local favorite, known for its pies, while Fat + Flour in downtown LA’s Grand Central Market offers a variety of baked goods. La Monarcha in Lincoln Heights is celebrated for its coffee and strawberry cake, making it a perfect spot for planning a party.

Shelley from Studio City recommends Aroma Coffee and Tea on Tujunga Avenue for its vegan cinnamon rolls, which are soft, dripping with sugar, and relatively guilt-free. Rochelle in Duarte praises Delight Pastry on Raymond in Pasadena, while Julian from West Hollywood has a soft spot for Art’s Bakery in Glendale, known for its extra puffy nazook.

Brian from Los Feliz highlights Kneaded in Frogtown for its vegan pastries and hot sandwiches. Asher from Van Nuys loves Rose Bakery in San Fernando Valley for its coffee cake and chocolate rugelach. Robin from Leimert Park recommends Baked Bar LA in Culver City for its fantastic gluten-free items, especially the sourdough.

Michael from New York City, born in France, vouches for Lou, the French on the Block in Burbank, claiming it offers better croissants than some places in Paris. This sentiment is echoed by many who have experienced the world-class quality of Lou’s offerings.

Pizzeria Sei: A Unique Pizza Experience

Pizzeria Sei has been making waves in the Los Angeles food scene, not only for serving the best pizza in the city but also for introducing Los Angeles to its first Tokyo-style pizza omakase. This three-hour-long experience, crafted by husband-and-wife team William Joo and Jennifer So, has earned Pizzeria Sei a spot on the 50 Top Pizza’s 2024 list of best pizza restaurants in the United States, landing at number eight.

The Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizza, characterized by its thin, blistered dough with pinched crusts and mochi-like consistency, has been praised for its simplicity, deliciousness, and lightness. Despite being on the pricier side, Pizzeria Sei’s pies typically sell out early, reflecting the high demand and willingness of Angelenos to pay for quality.

High-End Sushi and Persian Delights

Los Angeles is also home to some of the best high-end sushi experiences, with Mori Nozomi standing out for its unique approach. Headed by Nozomi Mori, one of the rare female sushi chefs in the city, Mori Nozomi offers an omakase experience that focuses on grace and aesthetics, inspired by the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and ikebana (flower arrangement).

In addition to sushi, Los Angeles is set to welcome one of the best Persian restaurants in the country. Rumi’s Kitchen, based in greater Atlanta, is slated to open a location in Westfield Century City in the summer of 2025. Known for its kebab-centric Middle Eastern menu, Rumi’s Kitchen will offer a variety of dishes, including koobideh, hummus, mast-o-khiar, and khoresh bademjan, along with house-made sweets like kunefe.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city that offers a rich tapestry of culinary experiences, from its diverse bakery scene to its high-end sushi and Persian delights. For occasional travelers, we recommend starting your day with a visit to one of the city’s top bakeries, such as Gusto Bread or Lou, the French on the Block. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with a croissant or a piece of nazook, and then head out to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.

For expert travelers, consider planning your visit around one of the unique culinary experiences the city has to offer. Book a spot at Pizzeria Sei for their Tokyo-style pizza omakase or make a reservation at Mori Nozomi for an unforgettable sushi experience. Additionally, keep an eye out for the opening of Rumi’s Kitchen in Century City for a taste of some of the best Persian cuisine in the country.

In conclusion, Los Angeles is a city that never ceases to amaze with its culinary diversity and innovation. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is always something new and exciting to discover. So, take a moment to savor the flavors, enjoy the ambiance, and immerse yourself in the rich culinary culture that Los Angeles has to offer.