Here’s our roundup:

SPLIT Bakehouse  

100% vegan bakery that has the classics and also offers the elusive cruffin, a tasty croissant-muffin hybrid filled with delicious flavored cream. You can visit their storefront at Grossmont Center in La Mesa or make an order online for pickup.

Wayfarer Bread 

Small-batch, freshly baked loaves available at their brick and mortar in Bird Rock and select locations around town. If you catch them in the afternoon, they offer pastries and sandwiches. 

Image: Wayfarer Bread

Azúcar

Patisserie in Ocean Beach with savory and sweet Cuban-inspired baked goods. The guava cheese pastelito and Divina cake do not disappoint.

Image: Azúcar.

Pacha

Sprouted, organic, paleo, plant-based, gluten-free bread. Yep, that’s right. Their loaves are nutrient-dense and prepared using multi-cultural techniques. You can find their loaves at Olivetree Marketplace, Ocean Beach People’s Organic Market, and other markets, or purchase directly from their website.

Image: Pacha.

Maya’s Cookies 

A Black-owned vegan cookie company with award-winning recipes. Buy a batch at their San Diego storefront or order online. Don’t forget to check out their curated collections–a great way to sample multiple flavors.

Image: Maya's Cookies.

Michele Coulon Dessertier

This established La Jolla patisserie offers macaroons and other goodies for a quick sugar fix, as well as custom cakes for momentous events. Their desserts and lunch offerings are made with as many fresh, organic ingredients as possible from purveyors like Chino Farms and Terra Bella Ranch.

Image: Michele Coulon Dessertier.

The Gluten Free Baking Co.

This bakery was opened to support those dealing with food sensitivities and to show the community that gluten-free baked goods are just as delicious. You can pick up bread, doughnuts, cookies, and other treats—there are even dry mixes you can purchase if you want to practice your at-home baking skills.  

Image: The Gluten Free Baking Co.

VG Doughnut and Bakery

A “Very Good” full-service bakery that’s been feeding Cardiff-by-the-Sea since 1969. Favored by local surfers and San Elijo State Beach campers will agree, it’s hard not to love their classic doughnuts, pastries, and breads.

Image: VG Doughnut and Bakery.

Hazel & Jade Bakery

Another vegan gem. The menu includes plant-based ham and cheeze croissants, frittatas, and cheeze danishes. Keep their beautifully designed cakes in mind for your next big celebration.

Image: Hazel & Jade Bakery.

Extraordinary Desserts

Last but not least, this place is a San Diego go-to for elevated desserts. The Banker’s Hill location gets so much action, an expansion to a second location in Little Italy was needed. There may be a long line, but their treats are well worth the wait.

Image: Extraordinary Desserts.

That wraps up our first bakery roundup. Be sure to check out Part Two for the best spots to grab a dozen doughnuts.

This article was originally published April 27, 2021 exclusively on Edible San Diego Weekly. Want to join the club? Support the region's only dedicated, local, and independently-owned food media company by signing up for a digital membership or subscription today.

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