While western NC may be better known for its scenic views and booming craft beer industry, it’s also home to some incredible bakeries in Asheville. It might just be possible to make a vacation out of trying out the city's various baked goods. From donuts to pastries to beignets, the local sweets could satisfy the most intrepid sweet seeker.
West Asheville Bakeries
With a large number of Asheville bakeries, it’s impossible to mention all of them, but we have informally surveyed some locals and come up with a possible list to try out. One possible approach to trying out several bakeries is to head to Haywood Rd in vibrant West Asheville. If naturally leavened bread and European-inspired pastries intrigue you, check out OWL (Old World Levain) Bakery. Their classic table sourdough and baguette are offered daily, but they also have specialty breads offered Wednesday-Sunday.
Our personal favorite? Saturday's Rouge de Bordeaux– a sourdough hearth loaf made with special heirloom wheat grown and milled in Madison County by their former baker, Lindsey, of Two Stones Farm & Mill! This loaf has a rich, nutty, and cinnamon flavor profile, and it pairs perfectly with their impressive list of coffee and tea. If pastries are what you seek, they also offer croissants, danishes, strudel, and more. We especially love their Almond Rose croissant and Coffee Walnut strudel!
A little further along on Haywood Road, you’ll come to Hole, a tried and true favorite of locals and visitors alike. Laurie, who is co-owner will always brighten your day and somehow manages to remember everyone's name! Specializing in made-to-order donuts that are always served piping hot, you can actually watch the entire process unfold from their open kitchen. Paired with donut's best friend, PennyCup Coffee, you'll have your choice of vanilla glazed, toasted almond sesame cinnamon, cinnamon sugar, or a special weekly seasonal flavor. In the past, our favorites of this rotating flavor have been juneberry & basil, chocolate sumac, and golden beignet. Don't forget to snap a picture with the vintage blue bus!
Still hungry? Keep going, and you can finish the tour of Haywood Road by stopping in at West End Bakery. You'll know you've made it when you come to the iconic purple building with a toast and wheat blade sign. This staple offers a variety of delicious options for breakfast and lunch along with pastries baked fresh daily. Their cinnamon rolls are otherworldly, and we're also particularly fond of their homemade bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit.
Downtown Asheville Bakeries
On day two of your best bakeries in Asheville tour, head downtown to begin at MOTHER, a bakery/restaurant/wine shop/cafe. Named after the "mother" sourdough, this South Slope eatery serves food all day. They typically sell out, so get there early for breakfast to snag one of their plates or gourmet toasts. We usually opt for the croque madam and confit mushroom or cured salmon toast with an espresso. We also recommend grabbing a bottle of natural wine and sourdough loaf to go for a picnic later on.
Continue your culinary journey at Old Europe Coffee & Pastries. This European-inspired confectionery is our go-to for legendary desserts. From eclairs to truffle cake to macarons to napoleons and everything in between, these sweets are a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach, which you'll encounter firsthand at the display case.
A short distance away is Vortex Donuts, a bucket-list stop whose claim to fame is its decadent selection of vegan, cake, yeast, and gluten-sensitive doughnut options. They also have an amazing gourmet coffee menu. With a focus on quality, local, organic, and GMO-free ingredients, it's easy to see why it's a crowd favorite. City Bakery has been serving fresh artisan bread, pastries, and more to the Asheville area since 1999. The majority of their flour comes from Lindley Mills in Graham, NC, a smaller, family-owned flour mill that has been in operation for 10 generations (since 1755). Our favorites of their bread are Jewish rye (available every day), challah (available Friday), and focaccia (available every day). Stop in for breakfast to try their garden bagel or cheddar scallion biscuit. For lunch, opt for their pastrami reuben sandwich.
North + East Asheville Bakeries
If you’re in the Weaverville/North Asheville area, stop by Well-Bred Bakery and Café. Located along quaint Main Street in downtown Weaverville, this bakery/cafe is open seven days a week and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. In addition to an all-day breakfast menu and a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads for lunch, their sweet treats are what keep us coming back time and time again. Our go-to order rotates between the giant eclair, baklava, and ginger molasses cookie, but you truly can't go wrong with whatever you choose.
Last but not least on our bakeries in Asheville NC list is Filo Pastries & Post 70 Indulgence Bar. This cozy spot is perfect for a date night. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5-9 PM, this spot offers cocktails and tapas (along with a full selection of wine, craft beer, and NA options). On the bakery side, they offer everything from spanakopita and sticky buns to crème brûlée and Greek kourabiedes.
Enjoy A Sweet Stay in Asheville
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As you can see, there is no shortage of bakeries in Asheville North Carolina! So while you may choose to vacation in the area for its hiking and mountain crafts, be sure to take advantage of the various breads, pastries, and confections to be found throughout the city.
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