There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread and sweet treats, so if you’re looking for the best bakeries in Raleigh to pick up some tasty treats, you’re in the right place.
Our kids have a huge sweet tooth, and are connoisseurs when it comes to all things baked goods, so they’ve been testing out (and indulging in) sweet and savory pastries, cookies, cupcakes and breads from the local Raleigh bakeries to help our readers find delicious options.
Whether you’re looking for pies, pastries, desserts, ice cream, or even a birthday cake, here are some of our favorite bakeries in the Raleigh and Wake County area…
The Best Bakeries in Raleigh
To help you find a bakery near you, here is a map of the bakeries we’ve listed below. You can download this map by clicking the star icon in the top bar.
1. Boulted Bread
Listen up bread and pastry lovers! Boulted Bread is that chic, local neighborhood bakery you’ve been craving that features pastries and loaves of bread made with local and organic grains.
Located just outside the western boundary of the Warehouse District, this is one of the most popular bakeries with Raleighites (locals) serving artisan bread and pastries ranging from their popular flaky croissants, to sweet fruit-filled tarts, and savory breakfast quiches and morning buns.
You can expect phenomenal artisan bread and sweet and savory pastries created in a bright, rustic bakery that might be small in size but is big on quality and run by passionate locals.
Popular items:
The Morning Bun. Chocolate Croissants. Nordic Rye Bread. Seeded Levain bread. And the staff favorite is the Baguette.
Pop in and grab something to go then head to one of our favorite neighborhoods in Raleigh, the Warehouse District.
They do decent coffee here, too. Keep in mind this place is apopular and gets busy, especially on the weekends – arrive close to opening time for the freshest goods and a seat.
- Hours: 7.00 am -4.00 pm Tuesday – Friday, 8.00 am – 4.00 pm Saturday and Sunday
- Address: 614 W. South St
- Website: BoultedBread.com
2. Yellow Dog Bread Company
Yellow Dog Bread Company is a coffee shop and bakery specializing in handmade artisan breads and southern influenced pastries in the North Person Street neighborhood.
Here you’ll find this small and local neighborhood bakery with fresh baked bread daily, croissants, rolls, sandwiches, cookies, cakes and coffee.
And they have a cute seating area to meet with friends, where you can sit back and watch the world go by while your taste buds get their fix!
This bakery is bright and welcoming offering a full coffee bar.
There’s plenty of parking or bike racks available. Either hang around or get a pastry and coffee to go and wander up and down Person Street or our favorite, Historic Oakwood.
Popular items:
Their bread. Almond croissants. Cranberry pecan scone. Sticky buns. Maple bacon scones. Crostinis. Chocolate chip scone. Homemade pop tarts. Iced chai vanilla latte.
- Hours: 7.00am – 4.00pm Tuesday – Friday, 8.00am – 4.00pm Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday
- Address: 219 East Franklin Street
- Website: Yellowdogbread.com
3. La Farm Bakery
If you’re searching for a “French bakery” in Raleigh, you won’t find better than La Farm Bakery! This is a modern day boulangerie (French bakery) as opposed to a pastry shop, and is known for having the highest quality baked goods in all of Wake County.
Our love of French style bread and pastries has put a stop at La Farm Bakery on not only our list of favorite bakeries, but our list of places to eat in Raleigh, period.
At this modern day bakery, master baker Lionel Vatinet produces 15 different styles of bread (plus seasonal breads throughout the year) made with the freshest ingredients and using centuries-old baking traditions from a European-style hearth oven.
They have three locations in the heart of Cary, an easy drive from downtown Raleigh.
So if you’re looking for a bakery in Cary, stop in, grab a loaf to take home or pick up a pastry as you enjoy walking around.
The original location at 4248 NW Cary Parkway also has an excellent cafe on site serving up breakfast, brunch, lunch/dinner and coffee.
If you visit the one in downtown Cary on W. Chatham Street, check out the cool mural on the backside of the building!
They are also now in the Raleigh Durham International Airport and are HUGELY popular. Expect a line but it moves quickly.
Popular items
- Hours: Hours differ by location, check the website for details
- Address: Various locations across Cary
- Website: LaFarmBakery.com
4. The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery
Got a sweet tooth and looking for tasty cupcakes in Raleigh? Look no further than the Cupcake Shoppe Bakery in Glenwood South.
This cozy and stylish of Raleigh bakeries whipps up bespoke cakes & cupcakes using fresh, high end, local ingredients.
They have daily cupcake flavors, we like the red velvet with cream cheese icing. Plus pastries and confections like cookies, croissants, cinnamon rolls, muffins, brownies and scones.
Even the gluten free cupcakes are moist and delicious.
And if you have an upcoming celebration or event, they even create custom celebration cakes (2-3 days notice required), and they always beautifully created with intricate designs.
They also have a coffee bar and proudly serve locally roasted Joe Van Gogh coffee and espresso.
Popular items
Strawberry Cupcake. Vegan Cupcakes. Gluten-free Cupcakes. Wedding Cakes. The Mint Choc Icing!!
- Hours: 7.30am – 6.00pm Monday – Thursday, 7.30am – 8.00pm Friday – Saturday, Closed Sunday
- Address: 104 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: TheCupCakeShoppeRaleigh.com
5. Lucettegrace
When you’re right in downtown, check out the cute Lucettegrace cafe, a contemporary patisserie that specializes in sweet and savory breakfast pastries, and French inspired desserts and light lunches.
Located in a bright and airy space on S. Salisbury Street and not far from the NC State Capitol building and Raleigh Convention Center, this eclectic, modern patisserie is led by chef/owner Daniel Benjamin.
After spending more than 15 years in some of the finest kitchens in the U.S., Daniel put down roots in Raleigh downtown to create a style of pastry built on tradition, but unique to Raleigh.
Popular items
Most popular for their macaroons, but also cookies and inventive dessert pastries, plus traditional croissants, brownies, baguette’s, and sandwich bread loaf.
Also on the menu are soups, sandwiches, salads and coffee.
- Hours: 8.00am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 4.00pm Saturday
- Address: 235 S Salisbury St, Raleigh
- Website: LucetteGrace.com
6. Union Special
Union Special is another popular full service cafe and bakery located in the heart of downtown, in Gateway Plaza off Capital Blvd. They also have a location in downtown Raleigh, but the Gateway Plaza is their flagship and our personal fav.
They produce fresh bread, sweet and savory pastries, cookies, and cafe fare.
Yes, it’s one of the most popular bakeries, but it’s so much more – they have an evolving cafe menu serving breakfast and lunch, creative sandwiches, vegan options, a kids menu, coffee, and even beer.
They are known for their sourdough, which is made from locally sourced flour from Lindley Mills in Graham, using a single, whole wheat natural sponge which gives it its unique flavor and delicious crust.
Most dishes at Union Special are made from scratch. All the flours are sourced exclusively from Lindley Mills in Graham, NC.
Popular items
Their top quality daily breads. The Union Egg Sandwich, Blue Corn Cookie, Vegan Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookie.
- Hours: 8.00am – 3.00pm daily
- Address: 2409 Crabtree Blvd
- Website: Uninospecialbread.com
7. Edible Art Bakery & Dessert
Edible Art is a long-running bakery and cake shop that nestled in the North Hills area. They are known for their specialty cakes, some tiered wedding cakes to artisan cupcakes for special events.
They also have freshly made cupcakes, cookies and sweet treats made from scratch each day. They also have gluten-free and vegan options! I absolutely love their gluten free cupcakes! (it’s a favorite thing to do in North Hills with kids)
They also have seasonal special brownies and cookies, so be sure to check out their ever changing menu when in town!
There’s a lovely and cozy seating area where you can enjoy your delicious cakes whilst watching the world go by outside with a cup of coffee.
Popular Items
Red Velvet Cake, White Chocolate Strawberry Cupcake, Cake Batter Cookie Dough, Lemon Blueberry Cake, Sangria Cake, Salted Caramel, Cookies
- Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Thursday, 10.00am – 7.00pm Friday and Saturday, Closed Sunday
- Address: 4351-115 The Cir At North Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609
- Website: http://edibleartnc.com/
8. Southern Sugar Bakery
Another popular place for if you’re in the mood for sweets is Southern Sugar Bakery – I mean, it’s in the name! They are famous for their custom, hand-decorated sugar cookies, that not only look good but taste good too!
This isn’t your rock up and sit down type bakery, it’s more for finding bespoke and custom cookies, but they are so beautiful it would be a shame to leave them off this list.
If you have a baby shower coming up, or a bat mitzvah, or graduation celebration, or even to send a Mother’s Day present, this is the place to get a unique gift.
- Hours: 9.00am – 4.00pm Tuesday – Thursday, 9.00am – 1.00pm Friday
- Address: 4517 Lead Mine Rd Suite B, Raleigh, NC 27612
- Website: https://southernsugarbakery.com/
9. Layered Croissanterie
For flakey pastries, don’t miss Layered Croissanterie! They have the best croissants in Raleigh, hands down!
Not only are they flakey and buttery, but the flavor combos are on point. They are a little on the pricey side, but for a special treat, I would say it’s worth it.
They also have other artisan pastries such as cinnamon rolls, Danish pastries, and kouign amann pastries.
You can find sweet options as well as savory options. The Ham & Cheese croissant and the Egg Danish make the perfect breakfast item.
They also have an espresso bar and a lovely seating area with lots of natural light. If you’re looking for somewhere for breakfast in Raleigh, consider this!
Popular Items
All the croissants! The brown butter chocolate croissant is particularly good, as is the almond croissant.
- Hours: 8.00am – 2.00pm Wednesday – Sunday
- Address: 911 N West St Suite 107, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Website: https://layeredcroissanterie.com/
10. Groovy Duck Bakery
Another place to bite into some sweet desserts is Groovy Duck Bakery, which has the best chocolate cake in Raleigh! It’s so moist and sticky and fudgy, just oozing in chocolatey goodness!
As well as having a collection of freshly made cupcakes, cookies and brownies each day, they also make cakes for special occasions.
Grab yourself a coffee and relax in the inside seating area. It’s small and cozy, with only a few tables and bar stools looking out the window.
Popular Items
Muffins, Cupcakes, Cookies, Chocolate Cake
- Hours: 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Saturday
- Address: 3434 Edwards Mill Rd #110, Raleigh, NC 27612
- Website: http://www.groovyduckbakery.com/
11. Premier Cakes
Looking for a new flavor to fall in love with? The flavor combinations of the cakes at Premier Cakes will be right up your street!
Ever tried a sweet potato cake? How about coconut and pineapple? Whether you want something fruity or sugary, there’s a cake combination for everyone.
Their cakes are a little old-fashioned with a classic three tier, simply frosting design, but that’s how we like them. They’re not too sweet or sickly, with just the right amount of frosting.
The only downside is that they are only open three days a week and only in the afternoon, so you have to time your visit right!
Popular Items
Lemon Blueberry, Hummingbird, Tres Leche, Pineapple Coconut, Sweet Potato, or the Tiramisu
- Hours: 12.00pm – 6.00pm Wednesday – Friday
- Address: Falls Village Shopping Center, 6617 Falls of Neuse Rd #105, Raleigh, NC 27615
- Website: http://www.premier-cakes.com/
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, those are our favorite bakeries, and as you can see, there’s a lot of tasty options!
Whether you’re visiting North Carolina or you’re local to the area and looking for a special occasion cake such as cakes for weddings or baby showers, there’s a bakery for everyone on this list.
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