The Best Bakeries in Portland, Maine: A Local's Guide

Portland’s Best Bakeries + The Bakeries worth driving to.

Zu Bakery  – Best Artisan Bread and Croissants in Portland’s West End

📍 81 Clark St, Portland, ME 04102

Why Go?
Zu is the kind of place that makes you wonder how the hell more people don’t know about it. It’s James Beard Awarded, food writers and chefs can’t shut up about it, and yet every time you walk in, it still feels like you’re getting away with something. Baker Barak Olins has been at this for years, sourcing grains, milling flours, and turning out some of the best bread in the country like it’s no big deal.

The space itself feels more like an artist’s studio than a bakery, exposed ceiling beams, white walls, and sunlight pouring in through the front windows. Tiny. A couple hundred square feet, max. But the best part? You’re not just in a bakery, you’re in the middle of the operation. Step inside, and you’re there, dough being kneaded behind you, fresh challah coming out of the oven to your left, croissants handed to you straight from the front counter, still warm.

And look, I go a lot. Enough to say that Olivia, who runs the front, and Sam who is always rolling dough are some of the kindest, most welcoming people in Portland. That alone is reason to keep coming back.

Also, not to brag, but I was the talk of a Rosh Hashanah dinner when I walked in with a Zu Bakery Braided Challah and had a bunch of Long Island purists questioning their loyalty to Zabar’s. Let’s just say, I left with my ego inflated and zero leftovers.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🥖  Challah Rolls or if you are lucky the Braided Loafs
🥐 Any croissant - But Chocolate is my favorite

Belleville  – Iconic French Pastries and Cardamom Buns on Munjoy Hill

📍 1 North St, Portland, ME 04101

Why Go?

To the East End, Belleville is more than a bakery. It’s an institution. Every pastry feels like the product of quiet obsession, the kind of precision you’d expect in the best Parisian boulangeries. Their croissants are textbook perfect, golden, impossibly flaky, and shattering on impact. The cardamom buns are spiced just right, balanced and buttery without being too sweet. And if you get there early enough, don’t sleep on the pizza. It’s every bit as revelatory.

This is a place that doesn’t cut corners. No gimmicks, no shortcuts, just impeccable technique and damn good pastries. Grab a box, walk up to the Portland Observatory, and take it all in. Then head to the Eastern Prom and eat your spoils in the grass, the way it was meant to be.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🥐 Cardamon Bun 
🥠 Palmiers

Bread & Friends – Modern Pastry and Coffee Destination in Downtown Portland

📍 505 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101

Why Go?

Bread & Friends isn’t just a bakery. It’s the backbone of Portland’s pastry scene, supplying some of the best coffee shops like Another Round in town and elevating morning lattes from routine to ritual. But the real magic happens in their own space, where they mill their own grain, bake in a Llopis wood-fired brick oven, and turn out goods that feel both deeply traditional and entirely their own.

Their menu runs the gamut from classic croissants and morning buns to plated breakfast. The coffee program features Bolt Coffee, and teas that come from the Rare Tea Company. Every detail feels intentional, down to the stunning designed Cafe by local firm Mey & Co.

If you haven’t been yet, consider this your sign.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🍞 Blueberry Thyme ( or any flavor ) Pop Tart
🧈 Morning bun – flaky, cinnamon-sugar heaven.

Tandem Bakery – Southern-Inspired Pastries and Coffee in Portland, Maine

📍 742 Congress St, Portland, ME 04102

Why Go?

Tandem might be known for coffee, but their bakery is just as legendary. Head baker Briana Holt has a gift, one that turns classic Southern-style baked goods into something borderline spiritual. The biscuits are flaky, buttery perfection. The ginger chocolate scone? A masterclass in flavor.

Back when I was studying, I’d come here with every intention of just getting a coffee and working. Every single time, I left with a pastry. Eventually, I gave up pretending. There isn’t a single thing on that menu that will let you down.

And when it comes to birthdays? I don’t want cake. I want a Tandem pie specifically, the Brown Butter Maple Pie, which I pray makes a return every year. If you haven’t been yet, fix that.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🍪 Breakfast Sandwich .
🥮 Sticky Bun
🥐 Kimchi Scone 

Onggi Cafe - Small Batch Pastries and Fermented Goods in Portland’s East End

📍 131 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101

Why Go?

Onggi is first and foremost one of the best specialty shops in Portland, a haven for all things fermented. I hesitated to put them on this list for that reason. But the truth is, their pastries( though limited in number )are nothing short of revolutionary.

The miso scone is a study in contrast. Crumbly but never dry, deeply savory with just the right amount of richness. The matcha black sesame mochi is soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced, never tipping too far into sweetness. And then there’s the sourdough chocolate chip cookie, the kind of thing that ruins all others for you.

Pastry chef Amy Ng knows what she’s doing, and it shows. They may not have the biggest pastry case in town, but what they do have is thoughtful, unique, and impossible to forget. While you're there, check out their selection of hard-to-find ferments like Hana Makgeolli and Kettl Matcha Powder. It’s one of the most interesting shops in Portland, and somehow, one of the best bakeries too.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🥖 Miso Scone with Chili Crunch Butter 
🍵 Matcha Black Sesame Mochi

Night Moves Bread - Naturally Leavened Bread and Seasonal Baked Goods in South Portland

📍 695 Broadway Unit 2, South Portland, ME 04106

Why Go?

Night Moves doesn’t mess around. This bakery treats bread like it’s a fine wine. The sourdough? Perfect. The bird bread, packed with seeds and freshly milled whole grain spelt, will make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about bread.

But it’s not just the bread. The pastries are outstanding, and if you catch their soft serve, grab it without hesitation. It’s from Dear Dairy, and if you think “vanilla ice cream, how interesting could it be?” trust me, you’re wrong. Vanilla de Veracruz is the best vanilla ice cream I’ve ever had. It’s somehow caramel-like without the caramel, nutty without the nuts, and packs a more complex flavor than you’d expect from vanilla. It’s worth the trip just for that.

On Fridays, Night Moves slings pizza from 4-8 p.m. Forget your standard pizza joint. The dough has real character. The red sauce can be a bit acidic for my taste, but the pizza still delivers. Grab one, head next door to Lambs for a drink, and you’ve got your Friday night made. Go for the specialty pies if you’re feeling bold, or stick with the classic pepperoni. Either way, it’s going to hit the spot.

Need a quick dinner party gift? Pick up a loaf. It’ll steal the show.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🍪 Malted Oat Shortbread
🍞 Sesame Spelt

Norimoto Bakery - Japanese-Inspired Pastries in Deering Center

📍 469 Stevens Ave, Portland, ME 04103

Why Go?

Norimoto Bakery is the kind of place you go because you’ve heard the buzz, and trust me—it’s worth every bit of it. James Beard Award-winning baker Atsuko Fujimoto has an almost magical ability to turn simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s where European craftsmanship meets Japanese sensibility, all with the finest Maine ingredients.

When I first heard about it, I thought, “This better live up to the hype.” And it does. The kouign amann? It’s crispy, golden, and packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and flaky perfection. You bite into it, and you realize you’ve been missing out on one of Portland’s best pastries.

What stands out at Norimoto is intention. This isn’t just another bakery churning out pastries. Each creation has a purpose, and every bite feels like an experience. The quiche? Rich and comforting, the granola? It’ll make you rethink what simple ingredients can do when treated with respect.

It’s a tiny spot, takeout-only, and the line often stretches out the door—especially on weekends. But when you step inside, you’re treated like family. The staff are warm, patient, and genuinely want you to enjoy what they’ve crafted. It’s a place where you’ll get lost in conversation about the pastries, and when you leave, you’ll find yourself already planning your next visit.

So, grab your pastry and head next door to Rambler Cafe (formerly Rwanda Bean) for a cortado from Grace. It’s the perfect way to enjoy that kouign amann—or whatever else you grab. You’ll leave satisfied, but probably already thinking about when you’ll be back.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🥐 Jalapeño Sausage Roll  
🍰 Kouign amann 
🍦 Panna Cotta

Scratch Baking Company - Bagels and Cinnamon Rolls in South Portland, Maine

📍 416 Preble St, South Portland, ME 04106

Why Go?

Scratch isn’t just a bakery. It’s a ritual. A neighborhood anchor. The kind of place where locals shuffle in before sunrise, knowing if they’re late, the bagels are gone. And these bagels? Worth setting an alarm for. Crackly outside, soft and chewy inside, with just the right amount of pull. No gimmicks, no shortcuts, just the best damn bagels around.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. The cinnamon roll isn’t what you expect. It’s better. Not some syrupy, over-sugared brick drowning in frosting, but a laminated marvel that shatters on impact, leaving a trail of golden flakes down your shirt. Buttery, rich, indulgent without feeling like a mistake. The kind of pastry that makes you resent every cinnamon roll that came before it. Then there’s the shortbread. So simple it feels almost arrogant. No toppings, no distractions, just a buttery, crumbly masterpiece that vanishes too fast and makes you question why most shortbread even bothers existing.

We here at The Portland Logbook are big fans of the baguette. It’s the kind of bread that demands to be eaten immediately, preferably while walking to the beach, tearing off hunks with your hands, leaving a trail of crumbs behind like some well-fed French fairytale character. No matter what you get, don’t sleep in. Scratch waits for no one.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🥯 Sea Salt Bagel
🍩 Ring Ding
🥮 Super Duper Cinnamon Rolls

Solo Pane - Italian Cornettos and Pastries in Bath, Maine

📍 29 Centre St, Bath, ME 04530

Why Go?

Solo Pane e Pasticceria in Bath, Maine is one of those spots you don't expect to find in a small town, until you walk through the door and realize you’ve stumbled upon a little piece of Italy that you didn’t know you needed.

From their pistachio-filled cornettos to the rich chocolate hazelnut pastries, Solo Pane doesn't just make food, it makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about pastries. And yeah, it’s a bit pricier than your typical bakery, but when the pastries taste like they've come straight from an Italian bakery in Milan, every bite feels worth it.

This place isn’t just about baked goods. It’s about a feeling, an experience. You’ll walk in, inhale the smell of fresh bread, and feel like you’ve been transported to another world.

And if you happen to be in the area, don't just grab a pastry and bolt. Get a coffee, sit down, take in the charm of Bath’s streets, and let this bakery remind you of what good food should feel like. It’s worth the detour. Hell, it’s worth a second trip.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🥐 Pistachio Cornetto 
🍞 Sour Dough Loaf
🥪 Any of there amazing Sandwiches

The Place - Artisan Bakery and Cinnamon Babka in Camden, Maine

📍 117 Elm St, Camden, Maine 04843

Why Go?

The Place Bakery in Camden, Maine, is one of those spots that lives up to the hype—and then some. A tiny bakery with a line out the door before the sun even fully wakes up. This kind of place is as much about the food as it is about the obsession.

Outside of New York, it’s hard to find a cinnamon babka that stands out, but here, it’s a game-changer. The crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, slightly tangy interior. It’s the kind of thing you take one bite of and immediately start plotting your next trip back.

But here's the thing: this bakery isn’t a leisurely stroll in the park. They’re only open Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. until they’re out, and when they’re out—they’re out. So, get there early. If you roll up at noon, don’t be surprised if you’re walking away with nothing but regrets.

It’s worth the hype. Hell, it’s worth the drive to Camden. They recently made it onto The New York Times list of “Best Bakeries Across the U.S. Right Now,” and that’s not some random accolade. It’s deserved. If you want in, pre-order. Or, roll the dice, get there at 9 a.m., and see if you can snag one of their masterpieces before they’re gone.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🍪 Almond Chocolate Chunk Cookie
🍋‍🟩 KeyLime Pie

Wax Wing Bakery - Pastries and Savory Quiche in Windham

📍 868 Roosevelt Trail, Windham, ME 04062

Why Go?

Let’s be honest, there are a lot of great spots in Portland, but sometimes you need to leave the city to find something truly special. Waxwing Bakery in Windham is exactly that place. Co-owned by Hannah (former kitchen manager at Tandem) and Billy, it’s everything you want from a bakery without the need to fight for a pastry in line in the city. They serve Tandem coffee, so you already know the coffee’s on point.

Now, about those pastries. Walk in and you’re immediately hit with the scent of fresh-baked magic. The blueberry cream cheese danish is worth the drive alone—flaky, sweet, and perfectly balanced. If you're in the mood for something a little more unexpected, the lemon poppy olive oil cake will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about baked goods.

And it’s not all sweet stuff. The sausage roll is a game-changer—savory, satisfying, and wrapped in buttery, flaky perfection. The quiche? One of the best you’ll find, hearty and packed with flavor.

But here’s the kicker: I’ve been craving a rainbow cookie for weeks, and Waxwing’s looks like the real deal. That’s next on my list. I’ll be back soon, no doubt about it.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🍪 Chocolate Thumbprint cookie 
🐖 Sausage Roll 

FIKA - Scandinavian Pastries and Cardamom Buns in Saco, Maine

📍 17 Storer St, Saco, ME 04072

Why Go?

Fika is a walk-up café and micro bakery in Saco that keeps things simple: Scandinavian-style pastries, great coffee, and a small but mighty menu that sells out fast. If you like cardamom, this place will ruin you for all others. If you don’t, you might want to rethink your life choices.

Their pastries lean toward the classic but with a Nordic touch. The fig tart has a perfectly crisp crust and a rich, jammy filling. The apple cake is deeply spiced with a lacquered top that looks almost too good to eat. The breakfast sandwich, built on a biscuit with uniquely Swedish flavors, is a local favorite.

They open at 9 AM, which feels late for an early-morning bakery run, but the line forming before they even open proves it’s worth the wait. The staff is friendly, the coffee is strong, and while the iced drinks are on the smaller side, everything is made with care.

Fika is small, and they sell out fast, so get there early. It’s one of those spots that keeps people coming back, and once you’ve had their pastries, you’ll understand why.

Go-To Order: Local’s Favorites

🥯 Cardamom bun 
🌾 The Beer and Barley Sausage Hand Pie

Final Thoughts

Portland punches way above its weight when it comes to bakeries. Whether you’re after an impossibly flaky croissant, a rustic sourdough, or the best morning bun of your life, this city delivers.

Did I miss your favorite spot? Let me know.

I’m always looking for an excuse to eat more baked goods.

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