Alexander’s Patisserie
Boasting locations in both Mountain View and Cupertino, Alexander’s Patisserie blends French techniques with Asian-inspired flavors. Flaky croissants are crafted with only the finest AOP butter and Valrhona chocolate, while the entremets selections span rich cheesecakes, tangy lemon yuzu tarts, decadent tiramisus and comforting bread puddings. Multiple locations, alexanderspatisserie.com
As Kneaded Bakery
This woman-founded artisan bread bakery specializes in naturally leavened sourdough loaves, classic French baguettes and challah. Owner Iliana Berkowitz is also known for her perfectly executed pastries, from blueberry muffins and delectable sticky buns to salty pretzels and seasonal carrot cake. 585 Victoria Court, San Leandro, 650.503.9285, askneadedbakery.com
Various pastries at The Village Bakery. Courtesy of The Village Bakery
Bakehouse Bread
Backhaus Bread has provided the Bay Area with naturally leavened loaves since its first brick-and-mortar in San Mateo in 2019. We love the mini chocolate sourdough special (only available on weekends) and the chocolate chip cookies, a deceptively simple sweet elevated with two types of Guittard chocolate, brown butter, two kinds of sugar and molasses, and whole grain rye flour. Multiple locations, backhausbread.com
Douce France
Palo Alto’s Douce France is a specialty pastry shop inspired by traditional French cafes. The bakery was opened in 1981 by two friends from Alsace, France. Its recipes originated over half a century ago—think croissants, Danishes, muffins, scones, brioche, breads, quiche, tarts and cookies. 855 El Camino Real, Ste. 104, Palo Alto, 650.322.3601, cafedoucefrance.com
Silicon Valley has myriad options for fresh-baked breads. Photo by Oliver Plattner
Mademoiselle Colette
At Mademoiselle Colette, emphasis is placed on organic, local and French delicacies crafted with naturally sourced ingredients, like the renowned Beurre d’Isigny butter. The boutique cafe serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, plus an extensive menu of viennoiserie, pastries, artisan breads, cookies and cakes. Multiple locations, mademoisellecolette.com
Manresa Bread
Helmed by pastry genius and 2020 James Beard finalist Avery Ruzicka, Manresa Bread’s five locations ensure Silicon Valley residents get their carb fix. The team focuses on high-quality, organic and local ingredients paired with time-honored baking techniques to craft such delicacies as cherry sesame scones, blackberry polenta cake, olive ciabatta, ham-and-cheese croissants, and sourdough baguettes. Multiple locations, manresabread.com
Colorful macarons are a sweet pick-me-up. Photo by Daniela Paola
Satura Cakes
The fine minds behind Satura Cakes believe every high-calorie treat should be extraordinary and worth the indulgence. The European-Japanese cakes are baked fresh every day and boast a variety of flavors, including classic chocolate, red velvet, yuzu passion, Earl Grey, New York cheesecake, shortcake and more. 200 Main St., Los Altos, 650.948.3300, saturacakes.com
Sweet Diplomacy
On the other end of the spectrum, Sweet Diplomacy’s 100% gluten-free baked goods are crafted with specialty diets in mind. The monthly Diplomatic Box guarantees 10 artisan-crafted goods delivered to your door. Each box is inspired by a place worldwide, from raspberry rose cookies and vanilla orange blossom madeleines à la Paris to matcha white chocolate cookies and sakura cherry blossom cookies reminiscent of Kyoto. 209 1st St., Los Altos, 650.800.3816, sweetdiplomacy.com
Tasty chilaquiles at The Village Bakery. Courtesy of The Village Bakery.
The Village Bakery
This bakery is a bar and restaurant rolled into one. Inside the bakery, Kouign-amman, palm-sized cookies and sourdough boules beckon, along with RoastCo coffee. The restaurant also offers Parker House rolls and Margherita pizzas. A fully stocked marble-topped bar and dark gray walls set the tone. 3052 Woodside Road, 650.851.5555, tvbwoodside.com
Woodside Bakery & Cafe
Established in 1981, Woodside Bakery & Cafe has almost any treat your sweet tooth can desire. The European-inspired bakery boasts a complete selection of pastries, breads, cookies, pies and cakes—think focaccia bread, fresh apple streusel, tea cakes and sweetbreads, cream puffs, buttery croissants, napoleons and eclairs. 325 Sharon Park Drive, Menlo Park, 650.854.6207, woodsidebakery.com
