12 Ohio Bakeries Where Pastries Make The Drive Worth It
In Ohio, some bakeries turn an ordinary drive into a delicious adventure. From flaky croissants to gooey cinnamon rolls, these spots bake with a passion that locals can’t stop talking about.
Each pastry is a little masterpiece, tempting you to take a detour just to savor it fresh from the oven.
Even the simplest treats feel extraordinary here, proving that in Ohio, the journey really is just as sweet as the destination.
1. Presti’s Bakery — Cleveland
Walking into Presti’s feels like stepping into your Italian grandmother’s kitchen, except she’s got a lot more cannoli.
Since 1903, this family-run gem has been cranking out cookies, cakes, and pastries that make Clevelanders weep with joy.
Their cassata cake is legendary, layered with custard and strawberries that taste like summer.
The lobster tails (sfogliatelle, if you’re fancy) are crispy, flaky, and filled with sweet ricotta that’ll ruin all other pastries for you. Grab a number, be patient, and prepare to leave with way more than you planned.
2. Corbo’s Bakery — Cleveland
Corbo’s has been feeding Cleveland’s sweet tooth since 1948, and they’ve perfected the art of the cream puff.
These aren’t your sad, deflated grocery store versions. We’re talking cloud-like pastry shells stuffed with silky custard that practically melts on your tongue.
The bakery also whips up gorgeous wedding cakes and butter cookies that disappear faster than you can say “carbs.”
It’s a Little Italy staple, so expect a crowd on weekends. But honestly, even a line out the door is worth it for pastries this good.
3. Kiedrowski’s Bakery — Amherst
Kiedrowski’s brings a taste of Poland to northern Ohio, and their paczki are the stuff of legend. Forget Paczki Day.
This place serves up these jelly-filled beauties year-round, so you can indulge whenever the craving hits. They also bake amazing rye bread, kolaczki cookies, and babka that’ll transport you straight to Warsaw.
Everything is made from scratch using old-world recipes that have been passed down through generations. Swing by early because once word gets out, the shelves empty fast.
4. Jack Frost Donuts — Cleveland
Jack Frost has been slinging donuts since 1937, and they’ve mastered the art of the perfect glaze. These rings of fried dough are light, sweet, and dangerously addictive. One is never enough.
The shop opens early, which is perfect for grabbing a dozen before work or after a long night out (no judgment here).
Their cake donuts are dense and satisfying, while the raised varieties practically float off the tray. They now accept cards as well as cash, so you can pay however you like. Trust me, you’ll want to stock up.
5. Wixey Bakery — Toledo
Wixey Bakery has been a Toledo treasure since 1930, churning out cookies, cakes, and pastries that taste like childhood.
Their sugar cookies are simple but perfect, with just the right amount of sweetness and a soft, buttery crumb.
Birthday cakes here are a big deal, decorated with buttercream that’s smooth and not too sweet.
The staff is friendly, the prices are reasonable, and everything tastes homemade because it is. Stop by for a treat, stay because the smell alone is worth the trip.
6. The BonBonerie — Cincinnati
Fancy a macaron that doesn’t taste like sugary cardboard? The BonBonerie has you covered. This Cincinnati institution has been baking French-inspired pastries since 1983, and their attention to detail is unmatched.
Their fruit tarts are works of art, topped with berries so fresh they practically sparkle. The croissants are buttery, flaky, and shatter into a million delicious pieces with every bite.
Sure, it’s a bit pricier than your average bakery, but quality like this doesn’t come cheap. Treat yourself.
7. Servatii Pastry Shop — Cincinnati
Servatii has been baking up German and Swiss goodies since 1963, and their strudel is the stuff dreams are made of. Thin, flaky pastry wrapped around spiced apples or cherries, it’s comfort food at its finest.
They also make fantastic wedding cakes, cookies, and breads that keep Cincinnatians coming back for more.
The bakery has multiple locations, but each one maintains that old-world charm and quality. Grab a loaf of rye and a few cookies for the road. You won’t regret it.
8. Pistacia Vera — Columbus
Pistacia Vera is where Columbus goes when they want to feel fancy. This French-inspired bakery serves up macarons in flavors like lavender honey and salted caramel that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Their croissants are buttery perfection, and the pain au chocolat is dangerous (in the best way).
Everything is made with high-quality ingredients, and you can taste the difference. It’s a bit of Paris in the heart of Ohio, minus the plane ticket and jet lag.
9. Resch’s Bakery — Columbus
Resch’s has been a Columbus staple since 1912, serving up no-nonsense pastries that hit the spot every time. Their donuts are classic and delicious, with a glaze that’s just sweet enough.
The cookies are huge, soft, and loaded with chocolate chips or frosting. Nothing here is overly complicated or trendy, and that’s exactly the point.
Sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned bakery that delivers quality without the fuss. Resch’s does exactly that, and locals love them for it.
10. Schneider’s Bakery — Westerville
Schneider’s is the kind of bakery where everyone knows your name and your favorite cookie. This Westerville spot has been around since 1936, and they’ve perfected the art of the classic American bakery.
Their cakes are moist and beautifully decorated, perfect for any celebration.
The cookies are soft, the pastries are fresh, and everything tastes like it was made with love (because it was). Stop by for a treat and stay for the warm, friendly atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
11. The West Side Bakery — Akron
West Side Bakery is Akron’s best-kept secret, tucked away in a neighborhood where locals line up for their famous cookies and cupcakes. The frosting here is legendary, piled high and impossibly creamy.
Their cupcakes come in flavors like red velvet and chocolate peanut butter that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about cake.
The staff is friendly, the prices are fair, and everything is baked fresh daily. Skip the chain bakeries and support this local gem instead. You’ll be glad you did.
12. Belle’s Bread — Columbus
Belle’s Bread is where carb lovers go to worship. This Columbus bakery specializes in Japanese-inspired breads and pastries that are soft, pillowy, and incredibly satisfying.
They also whip up treats like melon pan, cakes, and croissants that pair perfectly with your coffee.
Everything is made with careful technique and high-quality ingredients, so you’re getting baked goods the way they were meant to be.
Fair warning: once you try their signature breads and pastries, regular store-bought options will never taste the same again.