10 Florida Bakeries Baking Pastries Worth The Sunshine State Road Trip
Think Florida is all sand and roller coasters? Think again. The state is home to bakeries creating pastries that are destinations in themselves.
Miami offers artisanal sourdough, Key West tempts with buttery croissants, and small-town shops deliver surprises around every corner.
Grab your sweet tooth and hit the road because you won’t want to miss these stops.
1. Bachour – Coral Gables’ Pastry Masterpieces
Antonio Bachour creates pastries so beautiful you almost feel guilty eating them. Almost. His signature kouign-amann offers caramelized layers that shatter delicately with each bite.
The display case showcases jewel-like entremets in vibrant colors and precise geometric shapes. Every pastry represents the intersection of art and baking, making this Coral Gables gem worth visiting just for the Instagram opportunities alone.
2. Zak the Baker – Miami’s Sourdough Sensation
Hidden in Miami’s vibrant Wynwood district, Zak the Baker has transformed from a small operation to a beloved institution.
The bakery specializes in traditional sourdough loaves with perfectly crackling crusts. Locals line up daily for their chocolate babka and flaky croissants.
The kosher bakery-café operates Sunday through Friday, closing for Sabbath, making those morning visits even more special.
3. La Segunda Central Bakery – Tampa’s Cuban Bread Pioneer
La Segunda has been baking Cuban bread the traditional way since 1915. The palm frond placed atop each loaf before baking creates that signature split down the middle that bread enthusiasts recognize instantly.
My grandmother used to wake at dawn just to get these loaves fresh. Their guava and cheese turnovers remain unchanged for generations, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tangy filling wrapped in flaky pastry.
No Tampa visit is complete without stopping here.
4. Alessi Bakery – Tampa’s Century-Old Sweet Spot
Family-owned since 1912, Alessi Bakery blends Italian and Latin influences into Tampa’s food scene. Their tres leches cake achieves that perfect moisture balance without becoming soggy. The bakery doubles as a deli, offering savory options alongside sweet treats.
Generations of Tampa residents have celebrated milestones with Alessi’s custom cakes, making this West Cypress Street location more than a bakery – it’s a community cornerstone.
5. Gideon’s Bakehouse – Orlando’s Cookie Phenomenon
Cookies weighing nearly half a pound each have made Gideon’s Bakehouse legendary among Orlando visitors. Their signature chocolate chip cookie features a crisp exterior hiding a soft, almost dough-like center studded with chocolate.
I once waited 90 minutes in the Florida heat for these cookies – worth every sweaty second. The Gothic Victorian aesthetic adds mysterious charm to the experience.
Their limited edition flavors create such demand that Disney Springs often implements a virtual queue system.
6. Se7en Bites – Orlando’s Southern Comfort Bakery
Nestled in Orlando’s Milk District, Se7en Bites transforms Southern classics into something extraordinary.
Their oatmeal cream pies put the packaged versions to shame with soft cookies sandwiching rich vanilla buttercream. The bakery’s savory options, including bacon-cheddar biscuits, deserve equal attention.
Chef-owner Trina Gregory-Propst infuses each recipe with homestyle comfort, creating a menu that feels like your grandmother’s recipes – if your grandmother was a pastry genius.
7. Buttermilk Bakery – Winter Park’s Seasonal Sensation
Mother-daughter team Lana and Taissa Rebroff bring European techniques to Winter Park with stunning results. Their fruit tarts showcase Florida’s seasonal bounty atop delicate pastry cream and buttery crusts.
The bakery’s croissants achieve that perfect honeycomb interior structure that pastry chefs dream about.
Everything emerges from their small-batch kitchen with intention and care, making their limited hours and occasional sellouts both frustrating and completely understandable.
8. Cinotti’s Bakery – Jacksonville Beach’s Donut Destination
Cinotti’s pumpkin donuts have achieved cult status in North Florida. When fall arrives, locals obsessively check social media for the seasonal release date, often forming lines that wrap around the building.
Back in 2018, I drove two hours just for these donuts and bought three dozen – they were gone within 24 hours. Beyond the famous pumpkin variety, their classic glazed donuts maintain perfect texture balance.
This family bakery has served Jacksonville Beach since 1964, with recipes passed through generations.
9. Old Town Bakery – Key West’s Croissant Paradise
Tucked away on Eaton Street, away from Duval’s tourist crowds, Old Town Bakery serves French pastries with island flair. Their almond croissants achieve that perfect balance – crisp exterior, tender layers, and generous almond filling.
The tiny shop fills with the aroma of baking bread each morning. Locals and in-the-know visitors grab fresh baguettes for beach picnics or key lime cookies for an authentic taste of the Keys.
Early arrival is essential as favorites sell out by mid-morning.
10. Tasty Pastry Bakery – Tallahassee’s Time-Honored Tradition
Since 1963, Tasty Pastry has been Tallahassee’s go-to for celebration cakes and morning pastries. Their King Cakes during Mardi Gras season bring New Orleans tradition to Florida’s capital city.
The bakery maintains old-school charm with handwritten signs and simple displays. Cookies are sold by the pound, encouraging customers to mix and match favorites.
Florida State University students discover this bakery as freshmen and return as alumni, creating a multi-generational customer base.