NOLA's Best Bakeries
From bagels to baguettes and King Cakes to croissants, there are baked goods galore for anyone with a carb-heavy hankering in New Orleans. Known for its delectable and never-disappointing cuisine, the city is bound to satisfy your savory longings and sweet tooth desires at one of these top five establishments.
@maidennminstrel
Warehouse District
Natural light, exposed brick, and rough-hewn wooden tables make Willa Jean a comfortably rustic and inviting place to grab a bread bite to eat. Edison bulbs ensconced in whisk-shaped wireframing hang in a line over the front counter, illuminating the whitewashed words "U need a Biscuit" boldly painted across the back wall. Lined with loaves of bread and every muffin, cookie, scone or brownie imaginable, the baked goods display is certainly a tempting thing to behold. Open all day and offering a menu for every meal, Willa Jean is an extremely popular brunch spot, but don't let the time of day deter you from trying the Milk & Cookies with edible cookie dough.
@lizzie_rowe
Uptown
French influence carries itself throughout the city and this Magazine Street gem is no exception. The deep cerulean blue exterior accentuates the large gold lettering that spells out the name of the establishment. Chalkboard menus detail a delicious line-up of sandwiches, soups, and French-inspired entrées, almost all incorporating one of their delectable hand-crafted loaves of bread. With a mouth-watering array of cakes, pies, cookies, croissants and even ice cream, there is something to please every palate.
@lizzie_rowe
French Quarter
Formerly the home to Angelo Brocato's Ice Cream Parlor, the architectural stylings of this particular building were modeled after the Italian confectionary parlors of days gone by. The sky-blue ceiling dotted with circulating fans fades into elaborate crown molding decorated with floral swags in bright pinks and greens. The shop windows overlooking the street let in plenty of sunshine that reflects off of the shining white subway tiles, serving as a canvas to a striking mosaic along the back wall. Typical French pastries of every kind and animal-shaped marzipan sweets fill a glass case at the store's front. Order an espresso with your Tartelette au Citron and if you can't find a seat in the main dining room, step into the cozy courtyard. Unsophisticated but secluded, its atmosphere is punctuated by a water fountain that trickles peacefully at the far end of the space.
@morganleeeeeee
Lower Garden District
Situated on the corner of Annunciation and Erato Streets, the name really says it all. Exposed brick, dark woods, string lights, and gaslight fixtures are juxtaposed against pops of turquoise on an accent wall and the interior of the bookshelves that separate the bar from the dining area. A great gathering place for those over 21 looking for a classic cocktail (though youngsters are welcome inside), Bakery Bar also serves up brunch every day until 3 PM. Debbie Does Doberge shares the storefront and offers freshly baked doberge, "dobites" and salty balls to compliment your drink, meal or as a tasty treat all on their own.
@lizzie_rowe
Garden District
Owned by husband and wife team Sean and Chamain O’Mahony, this bakery is dedicated and passionate about sourcing fresh ingredients that are local and organic. They offer vegan tea biscuits, cakes, tarts, and brownies as well as other gluten-free options on their menu of sandwiches, soups, salads and a variety of freshly baked goods. Though the limited seating inside comes with perfect views for people-watching, their expanded courtyard is also a lovely place to relax and munch on a muffin.
@lizzie_rowe
Lagniappe (a little something extra)
All that doberge didn't satisfy your sweet tooth? Walk down Magazine Street (0.5 miles from La Boulangerie) and step into a little piece of heaven at this adorable French sweets shop. Curated savories, lollies, toys, housewares and gifts sprinkle tabletops and shelves in this bright and happy space. Be sure to peruse the marvelous selection of French honey that you can drizzle on that loaf of bread you just bought.
Lizzie
Lizzie has been at Loews New Orleans since January 2016 and is a new resident of the Big Easy—but no stranger to its rich culture, colorful character and incredible cuisine. Her mom’s a NOLA native, and she’s excited to be returning to her roots.
