By: Conchita Widjojo
Porto’s
An authentic Cuban bakery located in Burbank, Glendale and Downey, with the most intricately detailed and mouthwatering pastries one could ever imagine. The cream cheese rolls are perhaps one of the best pastries you will ever taste in your entire life. Even that is an understatement, as it truly is difficult to describe the flavor of the cream cheese custard filling inside of a sweet, flaky pastry dough topped with white sugar to caramelize. Beware, lines get extremely long.
Gjusta
Think of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where you just want to eat everything because it looks so edible and delicious. Well, here’s the real life verison. Located on Sunset Avenue in Venice, Gjusta offers a delectable variety of flaky croissants, freshly made bread, assorted cookies and brownies, pies, cakes, doughnuts…We could go on, but you should just find out for yourself!
Lady M
Combine a mille-feuille with crepes. What do you get? An extremely unforgettable, mouthwatering sensation from that beautiful combination. Lady M on West 3rd Street offers 20 layers of thin crepes alternately layered with sugar, and the final piece topped with powdered sugar. With flavors such as Original, Citron, Coconut, Chocolate, Chocolate Banana, Green Tea, Marron Mille, and Strawberry, these crepes will take you out of this world. Regular, and still delicious, mille-feuilles are offered, but why not take it a step further and try the crepes?
Bottega Louie
Love macarons? Well, now you don’t have to go all the way to Europe for them! If you haven’t heard of or been to Bottega Louie in DTLA, it is time to educate your taste buds. Offering exquisitely decorated pastries and a stunning assortment of macarons, this place offers a Ladurée-esque vibe right here in LA. Beware, a popular place to get together and drink tea, make your reservations now!
Bouchon Bakery
Located on Canon Drive in Beverly Hills, and tucked away in the extravagant Montage hotel, Bouchon Bakery offers a great variety of chewy cookies, pastries, tarts and éclairs, and even freshly made loaves of bread. Spruce yourself up a little bit and walk down Rodeo Drive after treating yourself to a scrumptious bear claw!
Huckleberry
One will never get bored in Huckleberry because they change their menu quite frequently. Offering a range of artisan pastries, breads, and breakfast items with their own little twist, this adorable bakery will have you coming back for more. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica, great for brunch or coffee throughout the week!
Joan’s on Third
Joan is simply killing it. You may have seen this name before, as it is truly a foodie staple beloved by all who walk on its black and white floors. This place will exceed your expectations in all aspects, including its wide range of baked goods! From cakey red velvet cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and other wonderful pastries, Joan’s will always have you leaving with a smile on your face, and the intention of coming back for more.