20 New Orleans Bakeries Worth Seeking Out
New Orleans takes its sweets seriously, and the bakeries here prove it with every flaky layer and sugar-dusted bite. You can chase cult-favorite king cakes, stumble into a croissant that stops you mid-walk, or find a slice that tastes like someone’s best memory.
This list cuts through the noise to spotlight spots locals actually recommend and visitors remember. Bring curiosity, a little patience, and room in your bag for one more pastry.
1. Dong Phuong Bakery
Start with Dong Phuong when king cake season hits and you want the real deal. The tender brioche, generous cream cheese, and just-right icing balance make lines feel worth it.
Outside Mardi Gras, you will still find reasons to go, from banh mi bread that crackles perfectly to sweet Vietnamese pastries.
Grab a box and you will suddenly remember people to share with. The cases move fast, so follow your instincts and point decisively.
If you time it right, you can snag a still-warm loaf, then drive home breathing in that toasted, buttery perfume.
2. Bywater Bakery
Bywater Bakery has that walk-in-for-a-look, walk-out-with-a-box energy. The space feels playful, with bright cakes, seasonal specials, and a pastry case that reads like a mood board.
You will catch yourself pointing at one thing, then adding a second for research.
Their king cakes lean fun and flavorful, while daily treats swing from savory pockets to lush slices. Expect friendly chaos on weekends, the best kind.
If you are exploring the neighborhood, this is your refuel stop, part sugar jolt, part local color, always cheerful.
3. Breads on Oak
Breads on Oak proves plant-based baking can be full-on satisfying. The croissants shatter, the loaves have character, and the sandwiches feel abundant rather than “healthy compromise.” You will taste intention in the flours, the lamination, the slow-fermented crumb.
Weekend mornings mean a lively line, but it moves. Grab a kouign-amann, a seeded loaf, and something savory for later.
There is comfort in the variety here, and a sense that technique and values are baked right into every bite.
4. La Boulangerie
La Boulangerie is where you go when you are craving pure, buttery French technique. The croissants are textbook, the pain au chocolat satisfies that deep cocoa-butter urge, and the tarts look like postcards.
Order coffee, park at a table, and watch the case disappear tray by tray.
There is nothing fussy about the experience, just consistently polished execution. If you want something for later, grab a baguette and a few macarons.
It is a dependable move for mornings, errands, or any day that needs a flaky reset.
5. Ayu Bakehouse
Ayu Bakehouse is the spot for flavor curves you did not see coming. Think seasonal ingredients, clever textures, and pastries that balance comfort with curiosity.
You will find yourself taking a slow first bite, then rushing back for another before it sells out.
The case feels curated rather than crowded, which keeps choices focused. Staff will happily steer you to a sleeper hit.
When you want something different but still deeply delicious, this bakery nails the brief without ever feeling gimmicky.
6. Gracious Bakery
Gracious Bakery delivers that classic bakery rhythm: morning danishes, lunchtime treats, and grab-one-more moments. The menu rotates with seasons, but execution stays steady.
You will find croissants with real structure, cakes that lean flavorful not cloying, and cookies that beg for a coffee companion.
It is a reliable choice for meeting a friend or stocking up for the office. Specials keep things interesting without losing the core hits.
If you like the feeling of becoming a regular, this place makes that easy.
7. Hi-Do Bakery
Hi-Do is proudly unfancy in the way that makes weekends better. Expect classic donuts, cream puffs, and cakes that taste like childhood parties.
Prices are friendly, and there is a rhythm to the regulars who know exactly what they want.
If you are craving a pink-box kind of morning, this is it. Grab an apple fritter, maybe a custard bun, and a bag for the road.
Sometimes simple is exactly what hits, and Hi-Do gets that beautifully.
8. Willa Jean
Willa Jean blurs the line between bakery and dessert destination. You will see tables ordering pastries like appetizers, then circling back for cookies and seasonal sweets.
The pastry team treats classics with respect and also plays with textures and temperature in satisfying ways.
Even if brunch is the draw, save room for something from the case. The cookies are legendary, and the cakes feel celebratory.
It is a place where dessert rightfully steals the show, no apologies.
9. Sucré
Sucré is your move when you need something giftable and gorgeous. Macarons line up like little color stories, and the petite cakes practically demand a photoshoot.
Texture is the quiet star here, with mousses, glazes, and crisp layers playing together.
Grab a box for a host gift or a self-care moment. The vibe is polished, but not cold, and staff can guide flavors if you feel indecisive.
It is almost too pretty to eat, until you taste why it earned its reputation.
10. Bittersweet Confections
Bittersweet Confections saves the day when you need a dessert that looks intentional. Think generous cake slices, brownies with real heft, and truffles for something polished.
The case leans rich, which is exactly what you came for.
It is a classic stop for birthdays, office treats, or a midnight fridge raid. Ask about seasonal flavors, then add one more to your order.
Everything feels like it was made by someone who understands cravings and delivers without overcomplicating.
11. Leo’s Bread
Bread obsessives speak about Leo’s Bread with real affection. The crust carries that deep, caramelized snap, and the interiors are open and alive.
You will taste long fermentation and restraint in the best way.
Keep an eye out for pop-ups and market appearances if you are timing a visit. Pastries rotate, but the loaves are the anchor.
If a great slice with butter can make your day, this is your happy place.
12. Levee Baking Co.
Levee Baking Co. keeps things low-key and detail-driven. The pastries taste careful, like each fold and proof got the time it needed.
You will notice it in the crumb, the lamination, and those subtle finishes that separate good from great.
The selection is tight, which helps everything stay fresh. If you like the thrill of arriving early for the best pick, you will fit right in.
It is the kind of place that quietly becomes a habit.
13. Croissant d’Or Patisserie
Croissant d’Or is your French Quarter pause button. Step inside, slow down, and let a real croissant moment happen.
There is charm in the tiles, the light, and the way a quiche slice pairs with a simple coffee.
Touristy? Sometimes.
But the pastry case remains legit, and morning visits can feel wonderfully calm. If you are wandering the Quarter and need flaky reassurance, this is a sure bet.
14. Angelo Brocato Ice Cream & Dessert
Angelo Brocato is a dessert institution with old-world comfort. Yes, the gelato is famous, but do not skip the cannoli, biscotti, and Italian cookies.
It feels like stepping into a timeline where sweetness is steady and traditions matter.
Grab a box to go, then add a scoop for the walk. The staff moves quickly, even when the line stretches.
It is a place where generations meet over something simple and good.
15. Swiss Confectionery
Swiss Confectionery brings dependable, timeless pastry energy. Expect petit fours with neat edges, buttercream roses, and cakes that taste like celebrations.
There is a comforting familiarity to the flavors that makes repeat visits easy.
When you need a dessert that will please everyone, this is a safe, happy choice. Order ahead for special occasions, or walk in for a sweet fix.
It is Uptown tradition in a pastry box.
16. Loretta’s Authentic Pralines
Loretta’s leans fully into pralines, a New Orleans essential. The pecans are generous, the texture hits that fudge-crumble sweet spot, and the aroma escapes the bag immediately.
You will swear you are saving some for later, then realize you are not.
Look for praline-filled beignets if you want extra drama. It is simple, sticky, and perfect with coffee.
Bring cash, bring friends, and prepare to share only grudgingly.
17. Gambino’s Bakery
Gambino’s is a go-to for celebrations across the metro area. You will see generations ordering the same cakes their families grew up with.
The king cake is iconic, but the everyday lineup keeps people coming back year-round.
Expect reliable execution, bright designs, and that comforting bakery smell. Place orders early around holidays.
If you want something that feels truly local for a party, Gambino’s will get cheers when you walk in with the box.
18. Haydel’s Bakery
Haydel’s is another beloved name in the New Orleans sweets universe. Their king cakes anchor many family traditions, and the petits fours feel like little gifts.
You will find that classic bakery comfort, from buttercreams to neat layers.
Holiday seasons get busy, so plan ahead. Otherwise, swing by for a pick-me-up and leave with more than intended.
It is a long-running favorite because it delivers the hits consistently and kindly.
19. Piety and Desire Chocolate
Piety and Desire is chocolate-forward rather than bready, but it absolutely belongs on any dessert hunt. The bonbons are thoughtful, with origins and flavors that tell stories.
You will taste precision in the temper and a real respect for cacao.
Grab a bar for later and a box for right now. Staff can guide you toward profiles you will love.
If your bakery run includes high-caliber chocolate, this is the spot to savor slowly.
20. French Truck Coffee – Bakery Program
French Truck’s bakery program is perfect when you want a quick pastry with excellent coffee. The case is concise, leaning fresh and reliable, with something sweet and something flaky.
You will be in and out fast, feeling slightly more put-together.
It is ideal for weekday mornings or low-effort weekend treats. Grab a croissant or a seasonal muffin, then go live your day.
Not a destination bakery, but a very smart stop that still feels like a reward.
