45 Best Bakeries in Washington

“Excellent food and the best chai!“

“I will start with this, I love Rose Ave.

I came in today at 10am and was deciding on a drink I wasn’t sure I would like because it might be too sweet. The cashier was genuinely kind and reassuring, and told me that if I didn’t like it, I could always change it. That made me feel comfortable trying something new.

Unfortunately, the drink did end up being too sweet for me, so I went back to the barista to ask if I could switch it to something else. The response I got was honestly kind of a bummer. She sighed loudly, exchanged dirty looks with another barista. She also tried to convince me the other drink would be even sweeter, which wasn’t even true. It made me feel embarrassed for asking, especially after being told it would be okay to change it.

She wouldn’t even look at me when I went back to pick it up and tell her thank you….

I still love this place and will continue to come back, but this experience was a big reminder that customer service matters just as much.“

“No other bakery like Seylou. We travel in to the city every weekend to eat here. The staff is so kind and feels like an extension of our family. They’ve taken my child behind the scenes and shown him how grains are killed and bread is baked. I could not ask for a better community and diet staple.“

“I love this place! The food is phenomenal! I can’t get over the tempeh burger!!!“

“Love love love Levain!

The cookies are always so delicious, it is so hard to not order all at the same time.
I often take the classic two-chip chocolate cookies, but I’ve also tried the oatmeal raisin, the chocolate walnut, and the caramel coconut chocolate ones.

They’re all absolutely delicious, and depending on my mood I’ll get different ones.

They have seasonal cookies too, lately it is the carrot cookie. Can’t wait to test it! I’ve also tried the gluten free chocolate walnut cookie, and it is also worth the hype.

The staff is pretty quick, it’s not particularly a seating cafe but it’s a nice little snack at the end of the day :)“

“Besides delicious pastries, the best part of Boulangerie Christophe is the staff! Super friendly and kind to everyone who walks through the door. The gourmet sandwiches are a huge hit for my 15-year-old son too.“

“A chill little bakery with fantastic pastries, cookies and croissants, as well as quality coffee. Also ordered a cake for my husband's birthday and it was a major hit!“

“Highly recommended! Very delicious food, excellent service, and absolutely great place.“

“Visited a second time after my first visit over a year ago when everything was out of stock.

A Redditor’s comment describing the Kouign amann bringing tears to their eyes was the pull. And it really is quite fantastic: flaky, soft layers, a crunchy top helped along by the crystallized sugar, instead of the usual syrupy finish I’ve found at other bakeries in the city. It’s not too sweet, and has a slight saltiness from the butter.

It’s a little smaller, more akin to a kouignette, and comes to around $5.80 with taxes, which is on the pricier side.“

“We’ve always loved Baked & Wired’s goods, and we knew they would make the perfect cake for our wedding day. Of course, they delivered. Baked & Wired was very easy to work with and the cake was just right! Our guests loved it, and we can’t wait to eat the last slice on our one year anniversary!“

“The cookies are so fresh and full of flavor. Also am a big fan of the coffee.“

“Very beautiful area. The quiche was the best I’ve ever had! Very cozy place.“

“Really love their pastry and croissant. Cappuccinos are wonderfully made each morning. Frassier white chocolate cake is my favorite. Also tried the new grilled cheese for brunch - excellent.“

“Awesome pastries, bread and other baked goods. Very creative seasonal menu that uses fruit and veggies at the peak of their flavor. Love love love it!“

“The cinnamon rolls are so amazing. Tasted like the real (gluten) thing. I’m very picky with cinnamon rolls and I read other reviews so the expectation was high, but it exceeded my expectations. I was so happy to see the large menu and so many options“

“the breakfast sliders are yummy and the sticky pretzel with chocolate inside is good not real sweet but just right❤️“

“This place was an absolute gem during our week-long stay in DC. We visited it a whopping five times! We had such a great time, especially when we made a funny joke about breakfast for the next morning. 😂 Because we had already eaten it .“

“Delicious food and coffee! Bakery items amazing! Cute area inside and outside!“

“Wonderful selection of bread and pastries! Absolutely worth a visit.“

“We had a great lunch! Highly recommended! 😋😋😋“

“Such good macarons. The texture was just right and the flavor are so tasty. The strawberry reminded me if fresh strawberry ice cream. My wife loved the gingerbread and pumpkin spice. Will be ordering again!“

“Maman is hands down the best coffee shop in the entire DMV area! Their special coffee flavors are absolutely amazing, offering a unique experience with every sip. The pastries and cookies are equally incredible, fresh, and delicious every single time. The environment is cozy and welcoming, with beautifully decorated interiors that make you feel right at home. Whether you're there to work, relax, or catch up with friends, Maman's ambiance creates the perfect setting. I highly recommend stopping by—you won’t be disappointed!“

“Timmy is just the best! I have ordered from him for years. Just recently I needed the best key lime pie and I got the best key lime pie!“

“Grateful for the experience! Special thanks to Father Curry for having the forethought to create a program to help Veterans like myself build sustainable businesses with dignity.“

“Randomly stumbled across this great restaurant with amazing food and service. You can tell this food is make with love and that’s what I like. If you’re getting breakfast I recommend getting the French toast platter, also if you don’t eat pork this is a great place that has turkey alternatives.“

“Stopped in for a mocha breve. It was exceptionally good. I didn't have to ask for them to make is half sweet or anything. They use the perfect amount of chocolate. The half and half was steamed perfectly and not overdone. If I had known this coffee shop was here a year ago I would have come to is more. It's right beside Prose and Politics.

I also purchased the brown butter financiers which also were gluten free. They were delicious and even kid approved. Highly recommend them for coffee and pastries.

As far as seating, it's very minimalist. Not a place I'd want to come hang out. Maybe grab the coffee and find more comfortable seating outside. Otherwise, way above average coffee and pastries.“

“delicious-quick-friendly!“

“Last Saturday morning, my husband and I jumped in the car at 6:35 AM and drove to the Catania Bakery at 1404 North Capitol Street, NW in DC. We'd just found out his grandfather had worked there when he registered for the WWII draft in 1942 (he was a 60 year old Sicilian baker at the time). We are both half Sicilian American and know what real Sicilian American baked goods taste like, .

Anyway, I looked them up on the internet when we found the draft regis. card and fully expected to find zip. To my amazement the bakery is still there and still family owned, and still using the same recipe to make the bread. They switched to selling wholesale to restaurants and stores several decades ago, but are still open to the general public from 7:30 AM to noon on Saturdays. So, we hightailed it down there.

The owner personally sells the baked goods at a counter from the turn of the 1900's at the front of the old bakery. We bought a big sample of goodies to try them out -
- 4 big loaves of Italian bread (which my mom said was the same taste and texture as the bread made by her Sicilian grandfather in his bakery in Corona, NY from the 1920's to the 1950's)
- 1 loaf of Sicilian Easter bread (seasonal)
- 9 five-inch long, par-baked sfogliatelle (you finish baking them at home for 30 minutes in a 350F oven)
- and 6 bags of cookies (each bag contained about 20-24 good sized cookies). 1 bag each of anise almond biscotti, pignola cookies, pistachio cookies, coconut macaroons, anise cookies with anise icing, lemon cookies with lemon icing

I'm thrilled to report that everything was incredibly delicious. The Real Deal. Unbelievable. My 91 year old 1st generation Sicilian American mom, who is the ultimate judge on whether Sicilian baked goods are legit, gave them her stamp of approval, which is so rare it's ridiculous. We're definitely going back, a lot. At that hour of the morning on a Sat. the trip to the bakery took just 25 minutes or less. We parked right on the side street, tho we could have aslo parked right in front on N. Capitol St. Parking was no problem. At 7:30 there wasn't a line, so we got in right away. The storefront and the inside of the bakery are old and careworn, but the baked goods are perfection. You can't even find the real thing on Long Island anymore. The Sicilian bakeries up there have closed, sold to new owners, or cheaped out - they all use cheap ingredients, but NOT THIS PLACE. It's still family owned, flavors are pure, the bread crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, and the pastries don't leave an oil slick on the roof of your mouth.

If you want to experience real Sicilian baked goods the way they used to be made by the first 2 generations who to came to America, then take a trip down there and get ready to be amazed.“

“This bakery had done a magic for our party at the Woman's National Democratic Club on March 6, 2024 whereas their wonderful baker transform the cover page of our art album as an image onto the top of the cake that we ordered. This is not done by AI but by human with humanistic feelings and taste. Applause!“

“From the moment I walked in, Layla and Frank made me feel genuinely welcomed. The service was fast, friendly, and you can tell they really care about the experience they’re creating.
The iced latte itself was fantastic, rich, smooth, and clearly made with attention to detail. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and I would definitely visit again!“

“Amazing service. 10/10. Communication was very easy & the quality of the bread was so authentic. I will be returning anytime I am in the DC area. Thank you so much!“

“We've gone here the past 2 mornings and the caramel lattes are perfect, the croissants are delicious even when cold. Not a fan of the broccoli quiche. It was very heavy with the crust and the broccoli was chewy. You should t have to work that hard to eat broccoli. My husband loved the quiche lorain, the egg and cheese cro'gul. He had a croque ham for lunch today and liked it. He said it would have been better if it was heated properly. I had the tomato, mozz, pesto on a baguette and it was delicious. Loved it. The staff was kind and helpful during every interaction. Definitely recommend for the coffee alone.“

“This. Was. The. BEST. Cupcake. I. Have. Ever. Had.

The cupcakes are unbelievably light and fluffy! The frosting perfectly pairs! AND they are each made to order!

I ordered 6 and I’m going to have to lock myself away just so I don’t eat it all in one sitting. I can’t wait to come back and try more flavors!

Wayyyyyy better than Georgetown cupcakes!“

“The Pound Cakes are known for their rich, buttery flavor, moist texture, and perfectly balanced sweetness—delivering that classic, comforting taste with every bite. Whether you’re indulging in a signature favorite like the beloved 7-Up pound cake or exploring new flavor creations, every cake is baked with premium ingredients and a commitment to quality you can taste. What sets Joella’s pound cakes apart is the love poured into each one. From mixing to baking to presentation, every detail matters. These cakes aren’t just made—they’re thoughtfully created to bring people together, spark joy, and turn everyday moments into something special.“

“Very good breakfast and Delicious pastries“

“Their Little Devils are beloved by my family. We've been going here for years just to have them. I also have their Rasberry Chocolate Cake for my birthday almost every year“

“Urzula went above and beyond to create the PERFECT "piano cake" for my visually-impaired pianist son! Working from just a picture I sent her, Urzula recreated the Kit-Kat piano "keys" that gave the cake a 3-dimensional texture my son could "feel" as well as taste! She helped me make my son's special 30th birthday in his new 'hometown' of DC so wonderful--even working long-distance with his mom in another state to surprise him! Kudo's galore! Thank you, Urzula!!!“

“Stepping inside, you're greeted by the smell of fresh-baked bread and pastries that instantly lifts your mood. Their coffee pairs perfectly with any treat, and the staff always makes you feel right at home. This spot is a true neighborhood treasure.“

“Perfection! The cakes are both delicious and gorgeous,really high quality.“

“Eshet Injera sells for $4.99 "Best Mango Juice" 50% juice from Egypt, 32fl oz/1qt/946mL. It has been difficult to find so I am glad they sell it. They accept EBT. Only place with cheaper price is devil walmart in Virginia for $3.72. 7-11 sells it for 5.99 but not every location. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS!“

“I love this brand of coffee and was so excited to see a brick and motor location getting off the metro. The store is so clean and comfortable, I feel so safe here. The manager Freddy creates an upscale & family feel- she’s so knowledgeable about the brand and genuinely cares about her customers experience. I feel so REFRESHED with the elite level of customer service. Every coffee shop should take notes from how they run things!!!!“

“Delicious cookies. The Dubai chocolate cookie is outstanding!“

“We stumbled upon Baked by Yael when we visited the Old Town Alexandria’s farmers market and David was wonderful and helped us discover their cake pops and that our little guy could eat them! We then had the pleasure of speaking with Yael when we visited the shop in DC. We had a cookie bar, black and white cookie (divine) and more cake pops that our kiddo could have! Finding a place that understands food allergies and has items that we can eat has been amazing! Highly recommend!“

“Baguette sandwiches are out of this world!“