Maybe it’s just me, but there’s nothing a good pastry can’t fix. And we’re lucky, because Los Angeles has some seriously amazing bakeries to choose from. Places you have dreams about, that you always want to take your out-of-town guests to, places you save your cheat day for!
Below are six of my absolute favorites. When I’m out showing houses or in between client meetings and I’m in the neighborhood, you can bet I’m stopping in.
République
République blends history, technique, and serious pastry talent in one of LA’s most iconic spaces. Set inside a 1929 building originally built by Charlie Chaplin, the Miracle Mile destination feels grand but still approachable, with a bustling bakery up front and a more formal dining room in the back.
Margarita Manzke, 2023 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Pastry Chef, leads the pastry program. The croissants are flawless, the baguettes are beautifully baked, and the bomboloni filled with crème brûlée, matcha rose, or chocolate hazelnut are essential.
624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 | @republiquerestaurantla
Proof Bakery
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Proof Bakery is an employee-owned Atwater Village staple known for thoughtful, well-executed baking. The space is compact and often has a line, but it moves quickly and is absolutely worth the stop.
The croissants are as good as they come, and the case is filled with canelés, scones, cookies, cakes, and seasonal pastries. The caramel cornbread cake is a standout, and the savory sandwiches (available starting late morning) are just as strong as the sweets. Everything feels balanced, high quality, and never overly sweet.
3156 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 | @proofbakeryla
Gusto Bread
Gusto Bread is a Long Beach panadería rooted in tradition and driven by craft. What started as a home baking project has grown into one of the area’s most respected Mexican-influenced bakeries.
They bake with masa madre and in-house nixtamal, producing everything from cacao-topped conchas and masa sweet breads to seeded loaves. The guava and cream cheese pastelito is a favorite, especially paired with an agua fresca or café de olla.
2710 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814 | @gustobread
Bakers Bench
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Bakers Bench is a vegan viennoiserie focused on precision and creativity. Now located in Victor Heights, the shop pairs intricate lamination with bold flavor combinations in a quiet, courtyard setting.
The croissants rival traditional butter versions, and the lineup includes fruit danishes, black sesame cookies, and sprinkle-topped brownies. The egg roll croissant is especially memorable, combining savory filling with crisp, flaky layers.
1021 Alpine St Unit A, Los Angeles, CA 90012 | @bakers.bench
Santa Canela
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Santa Canela brings chef-driven pastry to Highland Park in a small but striking space next to Gold Line. The interior leans mid-century, with marble counters and rich wood that give the tiny shop a polished feel.
The menu draws from Mexico City and Los Angeles influences, featuring concha croissants, pepita financiers, and champurrado maple doughnuts. The “LA” shaped churro is a standout and worth seeking out. Savory options like the potato soyrizo croissant and focaccia sandwich round out the case.
5601 N Figueroa St unit 120, Los Angeles, CA 90042 | @santacanela.la
Artelice Pâtisserie
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Artelice Pâtisserie offers modern French pastry with a focus on precision and presentation. Everything is made in small batches daily using premium ingredients, from European chocolates to vibrant fruit purées.
The desserts are technically sharp and visually striking. The tiramisu and tarte tatin are excellent, and the Italian Princess croissant filled with mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and basil is a standout savory option. Their macarons are some of the best in the area, consistently delicate and well-balanced.
11301 W Olympic Blvd UNIT 123, Los Angeles, CA 90064 | @artelicela
These are the bakeries I really go to. Not a “best of” list I found online. These are the stops I make between showings, after inspections, or when I have ten minutes to kill and want something good.
If you’re new to LA, start here. If you’ve lived here forever, you probably already know a few of these and should try the rest. And if you’re out house hunting or checking out a new neighborhood, this is an easy way to make the day better.
Good pastries. Good coffee. Good excuse to explore more of the city. That’s a solid plan.
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