50 Best Bakeries near Highwood

“An absolute North Shore institution and a total treasure in Highwood! Everything here is stunning and delicious. The fresh fruit tarts, passion fruit mousse cake, and eclairs look like works of art and taste incredible. They also serve fantastic quiches and savory pastries if you're stopping by for lunch.
Tony and the team provide such warm, friendly service that makes you feel right at home. Perfect spot to grab a dessert for a special occasion or pick up a signature white box of sweet treats for the weekend!“

“Cutest yummiest cookies… totally worth the visit“

“So glad I tried and continue to enjoy Maria’s Italian Bakery and Cafe! This authentic spot offers wonderful service and excellent quality menu items— highly recommend!“

“oh my gosh, Hewn is so cool – – such inventive and hearty and wholesome and beautiful flavor combinations – – I especially love what they do with fruit and nuts. I’m not surprised at all that their holiday special offerings sell out so quickly – – This is a special kind of bakery – – not too refined as to only have the sweetest and most delicate of desserts – – but more of a chefs kind of place – – you know the ingredients are going to be the finest out there. My only quibble is the inflexibility with the vegetarian sandwiches in their refrigerator – – the staff would not make me a fresh sandwich. But this is a minor quibble. I really do recommend them without reservation.“

“I’m pretty sure that the nuns’ loveliness and the pastries could convert even the most rock-solid of atheists. This was absolutely amazing, go here and leave with 8 more things than you came in for! I almost started crying with joy from the cream puffs, the pastries are made with so much love and taste incredible.“

“These cookies are so yummy and pretty, their not too sweet compare to other stores cookies. Frida greeted us with a smile right when we walked in. Even though she was busy with an order I also saw her greet other customers as soon as they came in the door as well. The service was quick. The store was kept clean! Crave Cookie in Mount Prospect has become my kids and I favorite cookie store!! :)“

“this little bake shop is quite a gem , just off the Metra UP North line. the Canadian bacon, egg and cheese danish is a buttery delight. highly recommend“

“Everyone keeps talking about the cakes but everyone has been missing out on the absolutely 5 star cookies! We were able to try these at work, thanks to the absolutely wonderful donation of their products to help share with the community on Friday’s and for this we are so grateful and want to wish you good luck because the taste is wonderful!“

“Very nice, very friendly store with a great selection of bundt cakes in various sizes. Go and enjoy, you deserve it...“

“That Little French Guy makes us happy every time we head that way. The Champs de Élysées doesn’t have better! It’s being back in Paris, every unique French delight. Thank you for our favorite place to visit often.“

“Great place for finding a gift or sweet treat! They do have coffee -- I just haven't tried any. I usually get lost in the merchandise because it is so interesting and varied - and not overly expensive! You can't help but buy a gift or two for yourself as well.....“

“A huge THANK YOU to Central Continental Bakery for creating the most beautiful, delicious cake for my daughters baby shower. I cannot tell you how many guests asked me where it was from. Their attention to detail is extraordinary. Their patience (Bobby) was above and beyond and he really listened to my description of what I was trying to achieve. THANK YOU! Thank you for making our special day even that much more beautiful!“

“I went to this location. The staff was friendly when I walked in. Also, I tried the dirty soda when they were having a free promotion and they were a good refreshing drink if you need a pickup in the afternoon. Come check out this location in a big shopping center with lots of other stores.“

“Their pan dulce is AWESOME!!! This is the only bakery I go to get pan dulce! I know the owners are they are very sweet. However lately the workers they have are a bit unprofessional. On the phone and having loud conversations. Product wise, the bread, LOVE IT!!!!!“

“I’ve been so impressed with Hewn bakery. Everything has been incredible. The heirloom wheats are particularly delightful and I love trying out their various pastries. All are exceptional and I would recommend this bakery to anyone who appreciates quality, thoughtful and timeless ingredients.“

“I tried the donuts from Mini Donut Factory, and it was unforgettable! These little masterpieces literally melt in your mouth—fresh, fluffy, and incredibly delicious. If you’re looking for something special to treat yourself or your loved ones, this is the place. Highly recommend!“

“Well ordered a half sheet tres leches cake for our family Christmas gathering. This was an amazing cake best we have had and great price for the size and quality. We will order again!! The churros plain and filled either strawberry or vanilla were also great! We warmed them up in the oven ! Kids loved them. Definitely great place for desserts🎄🎄🎄Breads muffins and more“

“Nice and tasty and a great gluten free option“

“Huge thank you to Cindy! My baby was sleeping in the car and I didn’t want to wake her. I paid over the phone and cindy ran it out to my car. Great service!“

“absolutely delicious!!!!!!!!“

“Sales rep who helped me was very friendly and helpful. Very personable service!!! Highly recommend❗️❗️❗️“

“🛣️🚙 My girlfriend Gretchen 👩🏻‍🦰 and I 🧑🏻‍🚀 went in before they 🏪 closed and found this place to be magical 🪄🪄🪄🪄. The owner is super nice 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻 and knowledgeable on his goods and his 🧁🧁 muffins, brownies 🟫🟫 and cakes are 🍰🤯🤯🤯 DIVINE. 🌹🌹🌹His mother happened to be there when we visited and she was so soooooo sweet 🤗. I would HIGHLY 🗣️📢 recommend this jewel in this charming building. 🥹🟨🟨🟨🟨🪟🪟🟨🟨🟨. Thank you Oscar and Blanca 🥹“

“This is the only coffee shop in America that I truly enjoy going to. Today, my youngest daughter accidentally dropped two pastries on the floor, and the staff all came over, kindly told me not to worry, and didn’t even make me pay for them. Such warm-hearted and genuinely wonderful people! I highly recommend this place to everyone. ❤️“

“Jaziel was amazing! His energy and passion stood out the entire time, and his performance was powerful from start to finish. His team was also super welcoming and created such a good vibe , you could really feel the unity and love for what they do!“

“These aren’t just cookies! They are a MEAL😊 Kudos to Carol’s Cookies for creating masterpieces!“

“Everything is so delicious and healthy! I recommend the beet humus and crackers and the pb&j power balls!“

“Haven't been here in years! Got some tasty sandwiches and sweets today! Everything sill fresh and always beautiful in here. Lots of options!“

“These ladies saved the day! I had a horrible experience with another shop and called them in a panic! And not only were they polite and kind to me, they went above and beyond to meet my needs! Would recommend ! 10 out of 10!! Special thanks to Christy!“

“Run. Do not walk to Fred's. This is not a 'european style' cafe, or a 'french themed place'. Fred is French. His flour is French, his receipies and techniques are French, and as I found out when I visited last weekend.. all of his ovens and various baking machines have been imported from France too.

Where to begin? The pastries were divine. Fresh, packed with flavour and refreshingly light, I tried my best to taste as many of them as possible but I failed. Though I was stuffed to the gills, I still had to try some of the lunch options - Le Parisean (the sandwich) was exceptional, so too the quiche.

They are also serving locally roasted coffee from one of Evanston's own roasting companies - we love that, especially when it comes in those beautiful Vero glasses.

As an owner of a coffee shop myself (in another country) I want to compliment and congratulate Fred's for the exceptional attention to detail throughout this lovely place. Those who have not done so before will struggle to appreciate the many multitudes of decisions required to put together a perfectly designed Brand and shop experience. The glasswear, the plates, the cutlery, the chairs and various shapes of table - hell, even the light fittings are a bueatiful metalic shade to compliment the strong 'french blue' accent colours throughout.

This independent bakery & cafe is doing absolutely everything right, and it will be an absolute scandal if you have read this far into this review and you don't drop what you're doing right this second and run to Fred's. They deserve it and you won't be sorry.

Saludos desde Argentina“

“Mollys is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Dori and GM Dritan and Avrielleas and Brooke are very nice. Amazing cupcakes. Must come back. 10/10.“

“As a busy working, traveling mom, I was trying to plan my precious daughter’s sixth birthday party when I was out of town and was in a bind because I didn’t order a cake I envisioned in advance. The bakery called me back promptly as I was sitting at the airport in Boston, I sent over a picture of the unicorn cake I envisioned, and they had it ready along with 2 dozen cupcakes that day! Also ordered their butter cookies and the broffee and it was all a huge hit with our guests. Thanks again for coming to the rescue. My daughter and her friends absolutely fell in love with the magical unicorn cake.“

“At first taste I was hopelessly hooked. Suzanne and her staff have been baking the most delicious irresistible treats since 1986! Wow are we lucky and especially today with her distribution and availability spreading through the likes of Peapod, Whole Foods and more. Thank you Hot Cakes Bakery, I couldn't hope to even start my day off right without you“

“The best Ube Pandesal, the bread is smooth, the filling is unique, well blended flavor. The Ensaimada is moist and soft. The ube on top is to die for! Hindi minadali ang pagkagawa...It’s made with love! 😍 Highly recommended!“

“Todo esta muy rico ademas se sus antojitos 🌮, reposteria y mas yo regresó 😋😋“

“Ice cream is the best around“

“I had such a great experience at my local Cinnabon! The atmosphere was welcoming and inviting, and the service was excellent from start to finish. Everyone was friendly, attentive and made the visit feel genuinely enjoyable.

I also picked up a CinnaPack, and WOW — it was absolutely amazing. I followed the instructions on the box and heated them up for 30 seconds, and they tasted like they had just come out of the oven. They were warm, soft, gooey and perfectly delicious. Honestly, that 30-second reheat made such a difference!

Between the great atmosphere, excellent service and incredible Cinnabons, this location definitely earned five stars from me. I’ll absolutely be coming back!“

“Great thrift, bake shop and cafe! Haven’t visited the other services yet!“

“The lady that was at the event yesterday at 10:45 am I met her she had all blue on light powder blue dress shirt on and long auburn dark brown hair seemed to have an attitude issue with customers so not sure if she was manger or someone from the higher ups but major attitude issues and she seemed snooty towards people“

“The Baking Institute made my daughter's gorgeous wedding cake. We ordered a lemon cake and it was outstanding. They have so many cakes to choose from in design and flavor and it's easy to look at them all as they are on display at the office. The employee that took our order was great as well. He gave us 3 different cakes to taste and they were all very delicious. I would highly recommend them for your special occasion.“

“Been to Tous les Jours a few times, but finally gave in and tried the macarons for my birthday :) Yeah, they’re a little pricey, but WORTH IT. Had the lemon, pistachio, and salted caramel, and each one was better than the last. They’ve always got really unique breads and pastries, and everything tastes super fresh every time I go in. You can tell they actually care about quality here. Definitely recommend checking this place out!“

“In addition to great lo-carb bread, was very responsive to replacing 2 loaves that had an extremely rare problem... so excellent customer suppport as well.“

“I am now in love & have found my new little favorite bakery. When I walked in I thought it was the cutest little shop ever. So bright & clean. So many cute little gift items, even for your pampered pooch. I bought 2 dozen variety mini bundts and they were sooooo delicious and very moist. The cream cheese frosting was out of the world. The presentation was awesome. I loved how they put a card inside each box so everyone knew what they were eating. I will definitely be back.“

“i ordered my daughter’s 1st birthday cake and it was fabulous, not only does it look good but it tastes so good too! we’ll definitely order again and recommend this place to my friends“

“We are so grateful for the wonderful donation of cinnabon bites from the Vernon Hills Cinnabon store.
They were so fresh and delicious and our teaching staff was over the moon with excitement when they came in for breakfast.
The service picking them up was outstanding and the order was ready right on time.
Thank you for making the Vernon Hills High School staff very happy:)

Robin, Suzanne and Nora from Vernon Hills High School“

“Very good recipe and good taste.“

“This place is so unique and immaculate. Bravo Bakery is really amazing! I really love their neat service. Their staff are friendly, accommodating, cooperative, professional and patient which is a good thing since I would always ask for their opinion. they would also talk to you properly and help you with your food choices and even regarding about the place. I would always order cinnamon bread, chocolate cake, churros and pair those all with a delicious hot Choco or coffee. Definitely recommending those! Their size portion is also neat, their price deal is just perfect and every pastry they have is just so mouthwatering. Would definitely like to go here again if ever I had my free time. Thank you for the great service and amazing experience! Keep up the great work guys! You all did really great job! Thank you! Well done!“

“For over 20 years, Lana’s Dazzling Desserts has been our go-to place for every special occasion and it never disappoints! It’s a cozy, welcoming place with an always beautiful display, exceptional quality, delicious flavors, and wonderful customer service. Lana is incredibly creative and flexible, always ready to bring any idea to life and create the most beautiful, delicious, and unique cake designs. She’s constantly coming up with new flavors and ideas while maintaining the outstanding quality we’ve loved for years. Simply the best!“

“We were in last week. Had chicken noodle soup and a poultry salad sandwich on a salted pretzel bagel. Both huge and delicious. Great value for what you get and the man at the counter was very kind and patient with these first time visitors!“

“Definitely the best khinkali in Chicagoland 🤤“

“GREAT ATMOSPHERE- GREAT COFFEE & that Ham & Cheese Roll was amazing“