50 Best Bakeries near El Cerrito

“Gluten-free goodies, gluten-free goodies, gluten-free goodies! Call ahead if you want one or couple three GF cupcakes. They don't always have GF cupcakes available.
It was a hearty crumb kind of reminded me of a sweet cornbread. I don't know if there's any corn used in the making of the cake though. delicious! Raspberry buttercream on top or in the center as I like to eat my cupcakes. I wouldn't get the biscotti again but maybe if they dipped them in chocolate :-) I'm so pleased I live close to a gluten-free bakery! They had several GF offerings when I went there“

“Grabbed some breakfast and it was yummy! I would definitely come back to either dine in or get a pastry or two to go. I was a little confused on how dine in worked, and had to ask a guest about water refills but overall was satisfied with my meal and service. Got a cookie and pastry to go and those were very good too!“

“Absolutely the best French pasteries I’ve had on this continent!“

“A very cozy place in the financial district. Even though we went on a weekend, there were still a lot of people working there. Their pour over coffee is reasonably priced and they also provide coffee beans in the shop. I like the paintings they have inside. The coffee also comes with a postcard telling us where the coffee beans come from and the history, which I think is very nice. If you like coffee, I recommend giving this place a try.“

“A delightful classic Chinatown bakery that looks like it hasn't changed in decades. They carry all the classics, though I'd recommend getting a cocktail bun (if you're lucky they'll still be warm from the oven). A few small stools and chairs inside, often with a bunch of old fellows sitting around talking. This place is great, don't change a thing ❤️“

“I am Italian. We passed by here by chance in 2017 and apparently 8 years later we are still talking about it. A dive into the past and a focaccia to remember; a bit on the soft side compared to the way we have them where I am from. Packed with care.“

“Jane is my favorite bakery in San Francisco!! Wide variety of delicious pastries and amazing selection of bread - try the cardamom bun, pistachio strawberry Nutella tart and purple corn bread - also fresh salads and sandwiches.“

“We were gifted our first ever Bake Sum box. After trying just one bite of a Yuzu meringue bun I knew I needed more. Ordered our second BSB last week and shared amongst the roomies, huge hit. Well baked, not too sweet, great flavor combinations. 10/10 would recommend the Bake Sum box. If you can’t grab a box, you can grab al a cart day of pick ups just to tide you over until you can get a box 😋“

“This gem in Financial District is a must-try. I bought a box of four pastel da nata of various flavors and each one was delicious: crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your mouth custard. Really delectable! The traditional, pistachio, Nutella, and caramel were all equally as great. Make sure to ask for a sprinkle of cinnamon to add to the tastiness of this Portuguese treats!“

“Heading over to Forma Bakery on a weekday morning is a breeze. Arriving right at the 8:00 AM opening window means you can walk straight to the counter with no wait at all. For parking, there is a generous patch of free street parking available just around the corner about a block away, though the immediate storefront strip also offers standard metered street parking options if you want to pull up closer.

The setup inside is wonderful. They feature a great selection of morning goods, all displayed beautifully, which makes scanning the options and making your precise selections incredibly easy. The staff is exceptionally friendly and the service is quick. Plus, they package everything perfectly with zero damage: the heavy Blue Corn Sourdough loaf was placed flat on the bottom of a large paper bag, while the fragile, individually bagged pastries were gently layered on top to keep them from getting crushed.

If you want to eat right there, they have some nice outdoor sidewalk seating, which gives the place a great, community-forward neighborhood atmosphere along Telegraph Avenue.

Traditional Butter Croissant: Where so many other bakeries have failed, Forma has it down. I could smell the rich butter before I even bit into it. A proper croissant requires the correct kind of butter and baking techniques, and this one delivered. It had the exact shattering flake effect you want on the outside and tasted absolutely phenomenal.

Chocolate Concha: This is the best concha I have ever had. It has a real, deep cocoa flavor, and both the texture and flavor are incredibly hard to beat.

Flan Croissant with Strawberry & Rhubarb: This was the absolute favorite of everything I bought. The contrast between the crisp, flaky pastry base and the smooth vanilla flan custard layered over the tart strawberry and rhubarb is incredible. It’s an absolute must-order item.

Passion Fruit Morning Bun with Earl Grey Sugar: This was a really pleasant surprise. I wasn't entirely sure how it would taste, but the flavor combination is fantastic. The light, bright flavor of the passion fruit perfectly balances out the sweet crunch of the Earl Grey sugar coating. My only small wish is that there was a bit more substance to the center of the bun, but the flavor and textures are totally there.

In fact, everything I purchased tasted really good. Every single pastry had the perfect crunch and flavor. Forma has firmly established itself as a top-tier bakery in the East Bay, and I highly recommend checking it out.“

“Service was great. The almond croissant was bussin. I had a fair share of almond croissants and this one takes it out of the ballpark! From soft texture to flavor to just the amount of filling, it was sooo good. I wished the bakery was closer so I could get it more frequent. However the plain croissant was unfortunately a let down and nothing to write home about.“

“So this place has something going with the baguette sandwiches. There's not really anywhere within a 10 block radius to get anything that feels like an actual breakfast option that's not a sweet pastry . The problem is that they're served late and the veggie option runs out fast, usually with a mountain of ham & cheese remaining.

Would be cool to have two vegetarian options or just make more cause I'd eat these for breakfast and / or lunch any time.“

“Yum! A colleague brought in a selection of pastries from Maison Nico, and everything we tried was delicious. The croissant was especially good, flaky, buttery, and perfectly baked, and the bread was just as impressive. Overall, a great spot for high quality pastries, and definitely one I would go back to.“

“sourdough croissants, the corn cherry and oat scones, sundry shortbread flavours that are always exquisite...and today, a new treat, a lil pizza" bakers special" with kale and mojo and crust texture inexplicable, beyond magic. ✨👍🏽✨“

“I rarely do reviews, but loquat deserves it. I came here after my city hall wedding and the staff treated us with unbelievable kindness. The food and coffee are also great- everything we got was good and I love that they have some gf options. But the atmosphere and the staff make this place really really special.“

“Breakfast is definitely the best thing here.“

“The olive bread was amazing, as well as the croissants and other pastries. The service was off the charts, truly exceptional! Highly recommended.“

“Absolutely the best cake of my entire life! The princess cake was bought on a Sunday for a birthday. Brought home and stored in the fridge and it didn’t go bad. We ate on it for days and it tasted as if it did the day we bought it. SO GOOD!“

“The pastry from this place is out of this world!! If you are passing by and this store is open, just go in and invite yourself to the best Berliner ever!!! I can’t believe what I am eating right now that I am writing this review :))) the best part? The lady who works there is super kind!“

“Yummy coconut custard bun! Can’t wait to go back and try more of the beautiful treats“

“I dropped in for a morning audit of Ruby King Bakery and easily found free parking around the corner toward the freeway. The energy inside was vibrant, with a lot of people hanging out in the cafe enjoying fresh pastries. They have a beautiful, incredibly nice display of goods for sale in their front glass cases that instantly shows the depth of their traditional Cantonese baking.

I thoroughly enjoyed everything that I purchased, but my absolute favorite was the Coconut Tart. The interior crumb structure has a perfect sweetness and a dense, authentically rich coconut flake texture. I also highly recommend the Mini Melon Cake (their traditional Wife Cake / lo por boon) which features flawless, flaky pastry lamination peeling back over a chewy wintermelon-sesame filling.

To round out the triad, the cross-section of the Bird's Nest cake slice reveals an impressive, lightweight structural execution. Rather than a standard singular base, it features a traditional Chinese chiffon sponge built with two distinct layers of cream running through the middle. The light, airy sponge aeration beautifully anchors the stabilized cream layers, perfectly balancing out the thick, glossy red glazed topping. It's an excellent technical build.

The employee behind the counter was friendly and efficient, and all my items were carefully placed in two separate paper bags to prevent the delicate glazes and flaky laminations from crushing each other. Just note for your transaction log that they charge a 30-cent fee to use a credit card (under $20), so it is best to bring cash if you are just buying a few items. This is easily one of the best bakeries in Oakland's Chinatown for authentic quality and execution. Highly recommended!“

“I was in the neighborhood and felt like treating myself, so when I came across Boho Petite, I decided to give it a try. Great decision! I am a huge fan of pistachio, and the pistachio entremet I had here is easily one of the best pistachio pastries I've ever eaten. The textures and flavors are perfectly balanced–a beautiful light mousse, a rich and gooey pistachio praline center, and a crunchy base layer. It is a stunning dessert that tastes just as incredible as it looks. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the Marina and looking for something special! One thing to note is that the options are limited, so don’t expect a large display case to peruse.“

“Best of the best. Tons of choices, exquisite French patisseries, true North African specialties… there is so much to choose from. High quality and scrumptious! We will be back!!!“

“absolutely a must try! beyond delicious.“

“The pizza was everything 🥹🤤🧘🏿“

“Not only DELICIOUS, but such a generous and community conscious company. Love love love!“

“Great coffee and pastries.“

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“I had an amazing experience with Crumble & Whisk! They catered a community event for me during the holiday season, and I can't wait to use them again! This Black-owned bakery offers the most delicious, fresh-baked treats with a perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the buttery, flaky pastries to the rich, moist cakes, every bite is a delight. The staff is warm and welcoming, making you feel like family from the moment you walk in. Their commitment to quality and community is truly inspiring. Charles is a master at his craft, and both his catering and baking will elevate anyone's event to the highest standard.“

“My wife found Mary Kate’s baking before she found a permanent spot, and I have been following her from pop up to this location. I tell everyone about sesame, it is my favorite bakery. The food is fresh, seasonal, organic, creative, and expertly crafted. The people working there are all happy and wonderful, it really is a magical little place. I personally love their cookies, pavlova, galette de rois, frangipane tart, and pumpkin pie. The menu is always changing so be sure to go often!“

“HERCULES is a great place to live crime rate is low compared to other cities . But it would help a lot to encourage neighborhood watch “ MODESTY ASIDE I DO . I have knocked to several houses esp when I was still working swing shift I kept my eyes open n still doing it if garages are open when I go hone from work n 1 time called the police station when 1 of the neighbor’s garage was opened n no one answered when I knocked her door . Let’s have a neighborhood watch all over “ HERCULES THIS IS OUR HOME AND WE HAVE PROTECT IT AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE WHO LIVES HERE . OUR CITY OFFICIALS SHOULD BE TOUGH LIKE ( MANILA PHILIPPINES ) MAYOR FRANCISCO DOMOGOSO HE MADE N MAKING MANILA A NICE PLACE TO LIVE IN . MANILA IS HOW MANY TIMES BIGGER THAN HERCULES !! HE WAS JUST A MAYOR FOR 7 MOS BUT MADE A LOT OF CHANGES NO WONDER PEOPLE LOVE HIM SO MUCH NOT ONLY IN MANILA BUT ALL OVER THE WORLD .“

“Wow, wow, wow.... hands down and by far the best cookie I've eaten. We were staying just down the street and could smell the deliciousness as we walked down the street, we had to go in and find out what smelled so amazing. Best decision of our entire trip. The fresh made cookies were phenomenal. I have told everyone about them. I'll definitely be going back today before heading to the airport. I only wish we could get it in TN. So yummy!!“

“Mariposa Bakery is excellent place to have breakfast or a sweet snack while at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Tables and benches along the pier by the water is perfect for enjoying the sights including passenger ferries and the Bay Bridge.

Line can be long so recommend you go at an off time between breakfast and lunch or later in the day.

Great to also bring back home or your hotel if visiting“

“Great selection of sweet and of savory pastries. I love the cheddar scones. And two quiches daily, one vegetarian and one not. The chocolate cream pie is superb. Good coffee. Really nice folks.“

“Came over for some pineapple buns and egg tarts. A word of caution pineapple buns here do use pork fat so be careful if you have dietary restrictions. Ended up getting the egg tarts, the egg white ones tastes much richer than the egg yolk ones which is surprising. Also got the soy milk and boy was it an expensive cup lol $5.5. Each egg tart was $3. Was it good? Yes. But not to the point of the price point I would say $2 for egg tart and $3.5/4 for the drink kinda good.“

“Lors de notre séjour à San Francisco nous avons découvert Le Marais Bakery. Nous avons ADORÉ, la nourriture est délicieuse et le service vraiment très chaleureux et très professionnel. L’équipe est souriante et au petit soin. N’hésitez pas à vous arrêter pour déguster les délicieuses viennoiseries et/ou les autres plats proposés, vous ne serez pas déçu(e)s!!“

“In fond of the lava lemonade. And the bagels are delish.“

“Stopped by Golden Hat Fortune Cookie and had a good time! The fortune cookies were fresh, crunchy, and way better than the ones that show up after takeout.

I was a little disappointed, though. My fortune promised I’d “come into unexpected wealth,” and I checked my bank account three times… still nothing. I even bought another cookie just to give fate a second chance. Nope.

Overall, it’s a fun stop with friendly people and tasty cookies. I’ll definitely be back—mainly to negotiate a better fortune next time.“

“I ordered items to be shipped to our hotel in Napa. They arrived the next day! We had shortbread cookies, croissants, and pan au chocolate. They are all fantastic! The hotel kitchen warmed them up for us which made them even better! Great service. Fantastic pastry! Thank you, Mariposa! (Wife is celiac/no cc/symptomatic and had NO issues)10 out of 10“

“Wow acme is so good. If you haven’t, please try the pizza. You won’t regret it. All of their different pizza offerings are great. Also it goes without saying that the rest of the bakery offers are great as well. I often walk buy and get a sour baguette or pain epis to take home.“

“Kouign-amann is one of my favorite cakes.“

“Bakerie demonstrates a strong operational standard in both product quality and customer experience. The assortment reflects a thoughtful balance between classic offerings and modern preferences. Execution is consistent, indicating a well-managed production process. The service team maintains professionalism while ensuring efficiency during peak hours. From a customer perspective, Bakerie delivers a dependable and scalable experience that could easily meet the expectations of a broader market.“

“😍Once I week I allow my self the indulgence of one of their amazing cookies. It's my cookie Friday treat. Soooooo good. Ya gotta try it!“

“A new contender for the best kalamata olive bread (4/5 Green Stars). It’s Day 3 of Shelterfest, sponsored by Coronavirus, and I was feeling kinda satisfied (i.e., less guilty than yesterday) after making an earnest attempt to work remotely. So I took myself off for an afternoon stroll and, landing in the vicinity of College and Alcatraz Ave, decided to pick up some bread if there was any to be had. La Farine was quiet and there was plenty of bread left, even at 4 pm. (So pop in to support them if you’re in the area!) I usually get their rustic baguette but this time bought a loaf of olive bread. The servers were super friendly and one asked me if I wanted some free pastries. Ya-ha I did! I scuttled home with my bag of goodies and heated up one of the freebies – a chocolate croissant (toaster oven, bake for 3-5 min). The croissant doesn’t look that amazing, I have to admit, but it tasted wonderful. Buttery, flakey pastry and just the right amount of good quality chocolate. Later I had the bread – I’m a big fan of Semifreddi’s Kalamata olive bread so the bar was pretty high. I have to say that it was up there with my favorite bread – it was a little fuller than the Semifreddi’s loaf, but that wasn’t a bad thing as I sometimes feel that I’m eating a lot of air with the latter. In summary, I can’t believe I’ve never reviewed La Farine before because I’ve gone there many a time. I recommend the three things mentioned above and also their Irish soda bread is really good and pretty authentic. I just found out that La Farine started out in this location in 1977 – almost as old as I am, said Bilbo. I'm also giving La Farine 4/5 "green stars" for social and environmental impact, based on these reasons: • It seems that they use conventional white flour and organic whole wheat flour. • Their website is lacking on information on ingredient sourcing (compared to, say Acme). I’d like to know more about their flour, eggs, butter, chocolate, etc. • La Farine donates leftover products to area food banks and senior centers • They also support Bay Area schools and other local causes • Their bags are made from post-consumer recycled paper and printed with water-based inks. • Most of the menu is vegetarian and some of the breads are vegan. Interested in writing green star reviews? If so, contact me!“

“A piece of old San Francisco on one of the busiest blocks in North Beach. Charming decor right out of the 50’s. Excellent bread with the perfect crunch and the mortadellla sandwich is huge and delicious, as well as their homemade biscotti - great with a single espresso! Of course I had to try the bagels (says the NJ in me). OMG good and perfectly priced. Enjoying a little picnic of everything I bought - so good!“

“Excellent cookies and friendly customers service would recommend to everyone locally and visitors. A gem we have in Hayward!“

“Gregory’s gourmet deserts is a little peace of heaven on earth! The soul that goes into his deserts are not only filled with passion but also with flavor! Humble beginnings and beautiful cheesecakes are coming out of his paradise! I am from Wisconsin and we know a thing or two about cheese but I can tell you we can’t compare to Gregory and his cheesecakes! I hope he decides one day to create a cookbook because he is just that amazing! I can’t express how heavenly and rich his deserts are but please don’t pass this gem up if you do, you will regret it!!!“

“Super easy to work with getting my design exactly how I wanted. Not sweet or greasy~ so cute!“

“Thank you Third Culture for satisfying my gluten-free cravings, for your wonderful service and staff, and for your commitment to your community. Wenter and Sam rock!“