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A peach and blueberry galette from Levee Baking Co.

Here Are New Orleans’s Essential Bakeries

19 glorious bakeries to count on for those sweet, sweet carbs

by Eater Staff Updated Aug 26, 2022, 2:14pm CDT

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A peach and blueberry galette from Levee Baking Co.

| Levee Baking Co.

by Eater Staff Updated Aug 26, 2022, 2:14pm CDT

Carb and sugar lovers, rejoice. This map is for you. The New Orleans baking tradition goes back at least to 1722, when a map of the city referenced a baker called Bellegarde. By the early 1900s, New Orleans had over 100 bakeries, but industrialization and the advent of grocery stores changed that soon after.

In recent years, bakeries in New Orleans have multiplied — and become more diverse. Think of this list as a snapshot of the excellent bakeries New Orleans has to offer. All the bakeries here have some variety, not just sweets, and not just bread, with a few notable exceptions. And while a number of home bakers have made a splash in New Orleans in the last few years (Katelyn Guerin’s Lagniappe Baking Co. and chef Dee Lavigne’s Deelightful Desserts, for example), for the purposes of this map, we’re sticking to bakery operations with physical shops.

A word of caution: Remember that bakers rise before the sun, and generally close up shop in the early afternoon, so do check hours in order to secure your goods.

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La Petite Sophie

Named for co-owners and chefs Lya and Jeff Becnel’s beloved daughter, La Petite Sophie offers what may be the area’s best croissant selection. Both Becnels bring their extensive training (she: Le Cordon Bleu; he: CIA) and experience in both American and German restaurants to bear on sweet and savory varieties of the French breakfast staple, including chocolate almond, kumquat, ham and cheese, and kouign amann, Brittany’s salted caramel take on the pastry. Also available: sweet buns, quiches, muffins, palmiers, and soft German pretzels.

Open in Google Maps

9047 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, LA 70123

Visit Website

Chocolate kougn amann

Also featured in:

Haydel's Bakery (Multiple Locations)

Now in its third generation, this family-owned bakery is best known for the tens of thousands of king cakes it produces each Carnival season (many of which are shipped out of state) and custom designed confections, including wedding cakes. While other bakeries on this list may look to Europe for inspiration, Haydel’s remains firmly rooted in New Orleans and Cajun country with Saints-themed cupcakes and the Cajun Kringle, a praline-filled Couronne topped with a caramel glaze and pecans.

Open in Google Maps

4037 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121

Visit Website

Haydel’s Cajun Kringle.

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Breads On Oak

Warm, woody, and welcoming with seating inside and out, this neighborhood bakery has become a popular weekend breakfast spot for the Riverbend since opening in 2012. Always popular for its vegan and gluten-free options, last year Breads on Oak made the switch to 100 percent vegan, serving up delicious versions of crusty artisanal rolls, decadent sweet rolls, brioches, quiches, cakes, and hot and cold sandwiches.

8640 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

Red wine poached local pear, peaches and cream, and lemon curd brioches from Breads on Oak

Also featured in:

Maple Street Patisserie

It’s not surprising that many bakeries draw from European influences; however Maple Street Patisserie’s charming master baker and pastry chef Ziggy Chichowski, is, in fact, European. The dedication to craft and traditional Viennese and French goods are evident in Maple Street’s beautifully rendered cakes, pastries, and repertoire of classic breads. A low key but warm spot to grab and cup of coffee and a breakfast treat (sausage biscuits are divine) or a sandwich on house-baked bread.

7638 Maple St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

The blackberry tart at Maple Street Patisserie

Also featured in:

O'Delice French Bakery

Nancy Nguyen’s Uptown bakery flies under the radar, situated in a house set back from the street next to a small shopping center on Magazine, but inside she churns out light-as-a-cloud buttercream cakes. Nguyen is more accommodating than many bakers, often trying to get that last-minute cake ready (and sometimes she has some ready in the case). If committing to a cake is a bit much, be sure to scoop up a few of her lovely petit fours, or organize your visit around lunchtime and leave time to devour the chicken salad on a croissant.

Open in Google Maps

6033 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

King cake from O’Delice

Also featured in:

Bellegarde Bakery

Bellegarde is the ubiquitous and beloved bread that’s been found in New Orleans restaurants, grocery stores, and wine shops for years, but now residents can pick up Graison Gill’s remarkable wares direct from the source at his Leonidas bakery. In addition to its famous loaves, Bellegarde sells sweet and savory croissants, cookies, baguette sandwiches, and pizza.

Open in Google Maps

8300 Apple St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

Breads at Bellegarde Bakery

Also featured in:

Where to Find Fresh Baked Goods for Takeout or Delivery in New Orleans Right Now

Gracious Bakery (Multiple Locations)

The fact that Gracious now has three locations plus a cafe in NOCHI, the fancy new culinary school, speaks for itself. Word of this upbeat, modern, and light-filled breakfast and lunch spot from pastry chef Megan Forman quickly spread and with good reason: Gracious serves up satisfying sandwiches on homemade bread that won’t leave one in a food coma. The chicken tarragon and meatloaf options are good bets. Gracious also offers a small breakfast menu and outstanding breads and baked goods: baguettes, sourdough boules, and ciabatta; pastries, cookies, whole cakes, and pies.

Open in Google Maps

4930 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Meyer lemon rosemary danish at Gracious Bakery

Also featured in:

La Boulangerie

No shortage of Uptown buzz has surrounded this longtime Magazine street bakery since Donald Link and partner Stephen Stryjewski took over from the previous (French) owners in 2015. What is undeniable: La Boulangerie’s impressive selection of hearty breads, among them the splurge-worthy olive fougasse, the blue cheese, and rosemary with sea salt loaves. Sandwiches served all day, including Boulangerie’s uptake on the egg McMuffin. Notable: La Boulangerie uses locally milled whole wheat flour, Louisiana honey, and raw sugar.

4600 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

La Boulangerie

Also featured in:

Laurel Street Bakery

This bakery and cafe has found a sweet spot (sorry!) in a pocket of Broad (at one time, it was actually on Laurel Street) that for years was in desperate need of one. Step inside sunny and hip Laurel Street Bakery, and it’s hard not to feel an uptick in good vibes. More than anything, it’s bagels that rule the day with a solid selection including spreads, all made in-house. Schmear options include shallot and bacon, date and honey, pimento olive, and lox. And yes, sweets do abound: cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, rolls — you get the picture.

Open in Google Maps

2701 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125

Visit Website

Beth Biundo Sweets

After building a following online, this much-accoladed former pastry chef for Lilette (and trained interior designer) opened a storefront on Baronne last year. The spare, ethereal space offers a gallery-like feel that puts the focus on the art: Biundo’s upscale, immaculate cakes, tarts, and sweets. A top choice for custom, contemporary wedding cakes as well.

Open in Google Maps

3917 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Norma's Sweets Bakery

Norma’s is loved for so many things; its cakes, Central American pastries and other sweets, the imported market goods, prepared meats, and its guava cream cheese king cake during Carnival, as well as sandwiches, particularly the standout Cuban.

Open in Google Maps

2925 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Guava and cream cheese king cake from Norma’s Sweets Bakery.

Also featured in:

Levee Baking Co.

Link Restaurant Group alum Christina Balzebre opened her own bakery to great fanfare, having gained a following at farmer’s markets and then popping up for Saturday brunch at Mosquito Supper Club. In addition to Balzebre’s stunning tarts, pastries, cinnamon rolls, and crusty loaves of bread, Levee currently offers a few breakfast and lunch items (like a garlic croissant bun with prosciutto and asiago cheese wine).

Open in Google Maps

3138 Magazine St Ste D, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Two peach and blueberry tarts — Seasonal galette

Also featured in:

A Guide to Dining in the Irish Channel

Leo's Bread

After selling her beloved bread and bagels at farmers markets, pop-ups, and for home delivery throughout the pandemic, local baker Kate Heller opened her much-anticipated bakery, Leo’s Bread, in Spring 2021. Her bakery cafe offers gorgeous bagels and bagel sandwiches, crusty loaves of daily bread (think semolina, sourdough, and wheat sourdough), croissants, sandwiches on semolina, and a few sweets.

Open in Google Maps

2438 Bell St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Find the Best Bagels in New Orleans

Buttermilk Drop Bakery

Buttermilk Drop Bakery isn’t just a bakery. The busy no-frills location in Treme serves breakfast and sweets to a non-stop line of hungry locals. If you’ve never had a buttermilk drop, think donut hole, but even that isn’t quite right. Fried and crispy outside, sweet and yielding at its heart, this is a treat of dreams.

Open in Google Maps

1781 N Dorgenois St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Visit Website

Buttermilk drops

Also featured in:

Bittersweet Confections

Initially known for its handmade candies like salted caramels and chocolate bark, Bittersweet Confections is now a New Orleans favorite for cupcakes, custom cakes, tarts, cookies, breakfast pastries, and coffee. Owner Cheryl Scripter has upped the bakery’s breakfast and lunch game and introduced weekend brunch items; its savory options alone now make a location worth a visit.

Open in Google Maps

725 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit Website

A cupcake from Bittersweet Confections

Also featured in:

Croissant D'Or Patisserie

Look down as you enter to see the tiles embedded in the sidewalk from when this French Quarter storefront said “Angelo Brocato.” Indeed, the space once belonged to Angelo Brocato’s, the city's most beloved gelato and cannoli maker. Croissant has kept its vintage tiled walls and handsome Italian looks, and the result is a classic breakfast and lunch cafe with a secret courtyard worth seeking out. Aside from tarts and mousses, traditional French baked goods include quiches, and of course, croissants. Sandwiches are also available.

Open in Google Maps

617 Ursulines Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

The space occupied by Croissant d’Or

Bywater Bakery

After years of overseeing the bakery departments of several dozen Rouse’s supermarkets, owner Chaya Conrad traded the corporate model for this bright red corner spot in the funky Bywater. Breakfast options include egg scrambles or “go cups” made from different classic combinations such as egg, bacon, grits, and cheese; shrimp and grits; tofu scramble; or hot sausage, biscuit and gravy. For lunch, build-your-own salad or hearty sandwich options on house-made bread satisfy. Bonus: Live music often pops up on Saturday or Sunday.

3624 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Dong Phuong Oriental Bakery

For years this New Orleans East Vietnamese bakery’s perfectly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside take on french bread has been the undisputed reigning champ of po’ boy loaves. Always worth the drive for its banh mi, the bakery also offers a sampling of Vietnamese sweets such as moon cakes, and in season, some of the most sought-after king cakes in town.

14207 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129

Visit Website

Dong Phuong

Also featured in:

Wishing Town Bakery Cafe

Wishing Town has emerged as one of the most exciting bakeries in the area in the last few years, originally opened in Metairie and now with another, even more, charming location in Uptown. The family-run bakery and restaurant serves show-stopping desserts like green tea, durian, and taro crepe cakes; the playful Wishing Cake; and a gorgeous tiramisu, among other creations — not to mention the incredible dim sum and other savory specialties.

Open in Google Maps

802 Nashville Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

A Wishing Town cake.

Also featured in:

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La Petite Sophie

9047 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, LA 70123

Named for co-owners and chefs Lya and Jeff Becnel’s beloved daughter, La Petite Sophie offers what may be the area’s best croissant selection. Both Becnels bring their extensive training (she: Le Cordon Bleu; he: CIA) and experience in both American and German restaurants to bear on sweet and savory varieties of the French breakfast staple, including chocolate almond, kumquat, ham and cheese, and kouign amann, Brittany’s salted caramel take on the pastry. Also available: sweet buns, quiches, muffins, palmiers, and soft German pretzels.

Open in Google Maps

9047 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, LA 70123

Visit Website

Chocolate kougn amann

Haydel's Bakery (Multiple Locations)

4037 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121

Now in its third generation, this family-owned bakery is best known for the tens of thousands of king cakes it produces each Carnival season (many of which are shipped out of state) and custom designed confections, including wedding cakes. While other bakeries on this list may look to Europe for inspiration, Haydel’s remains firmly rooted in New Orleans and Cajun country with Saints-themed cupcakes and the Cajun Kringle, a praline-filled Couronne topped with a caramel glaze and pecans.

Open in Google Maps

4037 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121

Visit Website

Haydel’s Cajun Kringle.

Breads On Oak

8640 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Warm, woody, and welcoming with seating inside and out, this neighborhood bakery has become a popular weekend breakfast spot for the Riverbend since opening in 2012. Always popular for its vegan and gluten-free options, last year Breads on Oak made the switch to 100 percent vegan, serving up delicious versions of crusty artisanal rolls, decadent sweet rolls, brioches, quiches, cakes, and hot and cold sandwiches.

8640 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

Red wine poached local pear, peaches and cream, and lemon curd brioches from Breads on Oak

Maple Street Patisserie

7638 Maple St, New Orleans, LA 70118

It’s not surprising that many bakeries draw from European influences; however Maple Street Patisserie’s charming master baker and pastry chef Ziggy Chichowski, is, in fact, European. The dedication to craft and traditional Viennese and French goods are evident in Maple Street’s beautifully rendered cakes, pastries, and repertoire of classic breads. A low key but warm spot to grab and cup of coffee and a breakfast treat (sausage biscuits are divine) or a sandwich on house-baked bread.

7638 Maple St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

The blackberry tart at Maple Street Patisserie

O'Delice French Bakery

6033 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Nancy Nguyen’s Uptown bakery flies under the radar, situated in a house set back from the street next to a small shopping center on Magazine, but inside she churns out light-as-a-cloud buttercream cakes. Nguyen is more accommodating than many bakers, often trying to get that last-minute cake ready (and sometimes she has some ready in the case). If committing to a cake is a bit much, be sure to scoop up a few of her lovely petit fours, or organize your visit around lunchtime and leave time to devour the chicken salad on a croissant.

Open in Google Maps

6033 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

King cake from O’Delice

Bellegarde Bakery

8300 Apple St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Bellegarde is the ubiquitous and beloved bread that’s been found in New Orleans restaurants, grocery stores, and wine shops for years, but now residents can pick up Graison Gill’s remarkable wares direct from the source at his Leonidas bakery. In addition to its famous loaves, Bellegarde sells sweet and savory croissants, cookies, baguette sandwiches, and pizza.

Open in Google Maps

8300 Apple St, New Orleans, LA 70118

Visit Website

Breads at Bellegarde Bakery

Gracious Bakery (Multiple Locations)

4930 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115

The fact that Gracious now has three locations plus a cafe in NOCHI, the fancy new culinary school, speaks for itself. Word of this upbeat, modern, and light-filled breakfast and lunch spot from pastry chef Megan Forman quickly spread and with good reason: Gracious serves up satisfying sandwiches on homemade bread that won’t leave one in a food coma. The chicken tarragon and meatloaf options are good bets. Gracious also offers a small breakfast menu and outstanding breads and baked goods: baguettes, sourdough boules, and ciabatta; pastries, cookies, whole cakes, and pies.

Open in Google Maps

4930 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Meyer lemon rosemary danish at Gracious Bakery

La Boulangerie

4600 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

No shortage of Uptown buzz has surrounded this longtime Magazine street bakery since Donald Link and partner Stephen Stryjewski took over from the previous (French) owners in 2015. What is undeniable: La Boulangerie’s impressive selection of hearty breads, among them the splurge-worthy olive fougasse, the blue cheese, and rosemary with sea salt loaves. Sandwiches served all day, including Boulangerie’s uptake on the egg McMuffin. Notable: La Boulangerie uses locally milled whole wheat flour, Louisiana honey, and raw sugar.

4600 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

La Boulangerie

Laurel Street Bakery

2701 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125

This bakery and cafe has found a sweet spot (sorry!) in a pocket of Broad (at one time, it was actually on Laurel Street) that for years was in desperate need of one. Step inside sunny and hip Laurel Street Bakery, and it’s hard not to feel an uptick in good vibes. More than anything, it’s bagels that rule the day with a solid selection including spreads, all made in-house. Schmear options include shallot and bacon, date and honey, pimento olive, and lox. And yes, sweets do abound: cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, rolls — you get the picture.

Open in Google Maps

2701 S Broad Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125

Visit Website

Beth Biundo Sweets

3917 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70115

After building a following online, this much-accoladed former pastry chef for Lilette (and trained interior designer) opened a storefront on Baronne last year. The spare, ethereal space offers a gallery-like feel that puts the focus on the art: Biundo’s upscale, immaculate cakes, tarts, and sweets. A top choice for custom, contemporary wedding cakes as well.

Open in Google Maps

3917 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Norma's Sweets Bakery

2925 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Norma’s is loved for so many things; its cakes, Central American pastries and other sweets, the imported market goods, prepared meats, and its guava cream cheese king cake during Carnival, as well as sandwiches, particularly the standout Cuban.

Open in Google Maps

2925 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Guava and cream cheese king cake from Norma’s Sweets Bakery.

Levee Baking Co.

3138 Magazine St Ste D, New Orleans, LA 70115

Link Restaurant Group alum Christina Balzebre opened her own bakery to great fanfare, having gained a following at farmer’s markets and then popping up for Saturday brunch at Mosquito Supper Club. In addition to Balzebre’s stunning tarts, pastries, cinnamon rolls, and crusty loaves of bread, Levee currently offers a few breakfast and lunch items (like a garlic croissant bun with prosciutto and asiago cheese wine).

Open in Google Maps

3138 Magazine St Ste D, New Orleans, LA 70115

Visit Website

Two peach and blueberry tarts — Seasonal galette

Leo's Bread

2438 Bell St, New Orleans, LA 70119

After selling her beloved bread and bagels at farmers markets, pop-ups, and for home delivery throughout the pandemic, local baker Kate Heller opened her much-anticipated bakery, Leo’s Bread, in Spring 2021. Her bakery cafe offers gorgeous bagels and bagel sandwiches, crusty loaves of daily bread (think semolina, sourdough, and wheat sourdough), croissants, sandwiches on semolina, and a few sweets.

Open in Google Maps

2438 Bell St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Visit Website

Buttermilk Drop Bakery

1781 N Dorgenois St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Buttermilk Drop Bakery isn’t just a bakery. The busy no-frills location in Treme serves breakfast and sweets to a non-stop line of hungry locals. If you’ve never had a buttermilk drop, think donut hole, but even that isn’t quite right. Fried and crispy outside, sweet and yielding at its heart, this is a treat of dreams.

Open in Google Maps

1781 N Dorgenois St, New Orleans, LA 70119

Visit Website

Buttermilk drops

Bittersweet Confections

725 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Initially known for its handmade candies like salted caramels and chocolate bark, Bittersweet Confections is now a New Orleans favorite for cupcakes, custom cakes, tarts, cookies, breakfast pastries, and coffee. Owner Cheryl Scripter has upped the bakery’s breakfast and lunch game and introduced weekend brunch items; its savory options alone now make a location worth a visit.

Open in Google Maps

725 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Visit Website

A cupcake from Bittersweet Confections

Related Maps

Croissant D'Or Patisserie

617 Ursulines Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

Look down as you enter to see the tiles embedded in the sidewalk from when this French Quarter storefront said “Angelo Brocato.” Indeed, the space once belonged to Angelo Brocato’s, the city's most beloved gelato and cannoli maker. Croissant has kept its vintage tiled walls and handsome Italian looks, and the result is a classic breakfast and lunch cafe with a secret courtyard worth seeking out. Aside from tarts and mousses, traditional French baked goods include quiches, and of course, croissants. Sandwiches are also available.

Open in Google Maps

617 Ursulines Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116

Visit Website

The space occupied by Croissant d’Or

Bywater Bakery

3624 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

After years of overseeing the bakery departments of several dozen Rouse’s supermarkets, owner Chaya Conrad traded the corporate model for this bright red corner spot in the funky Bywater. Breakfast options include egg scrambles or “go cups” made from different classic combinations such as egg, bacon, grits, and cheese; shrimp and grits; tofu scramble; or hot sausage, biscuit and gravy. For lunch, build-your-own salad or hearty sandwich options on house-made bread satisfy. Bonus: Live music often pops up on Saturday or Sunday.

3624 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Visit Website

Dong Phuong Oriental Bakery

14207 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129

For years this New Orleans East Vietnamese bakery’s perfectly crisp on the outside, soft on the inside take on french bread has been the undisputed reigning champ of po’ boy loaves. Always worth the drive for its banh mi, the bakery also offers a sampling of Vietnamese sweets such as moon cakes, and in season, some of the most sought-after king cakes in town.

14207 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129

Visit Website