10 Washington State Bakeries That Will Make You Rethink Dessert
Washington State may be known for its coffee and apples, but it’s also a hidden haven for amazing bakeries. Across the state, talented bakers are turning out everything from perfectly flaky croissants to creative pastries with global flair.
Whether you live nearby or are just passing through, these ten standout spots serve up unforgettable treats that’ll have you coming back for more.
1. Sea Wolf Bakers: Sourdough Sensation
Morning sunlight streams through Sea Wolf’s windows, illuminating loaves that have earned national recognition from Food & Wine magazine.
Brothers Kit and Jesse Schumann craft sourdough with a perfectly crackly crust and tender interior that will make you question all the bread you’ve eaten before.
Their cinnamon rolls, pillowy and not too sweet, sell out by mid-morning. I once drove 30 minutes in Seattle traffic just to snag the last one!
2. Bakery Nouveau: Triple-Threat Locations
Chocolate lovers, prepare for a spiritual experience. The twice-baked almond croissants here are legendary—buttery, flaky layers give way to a creamy almond filling that’s simply transcendent. Owner William Leaman brings his World Baking Championship expertise to every creation.
With three Puget-Sound locations—West Seattle, Capitol Hill, and Burien—you’re never too far from their signature chocolate cake that locals call “life-changing.
3. Coyle’s Bakeshop: Scone Paradise
Rachael Coyle’s neighborhood bakery feels like stepping into your coolest friend’s kitchen. The scones—oh, those scones! Crumbly yet moist, they shatter beautifully when broken apart, revealing pockets of seasonal fruit or herbs.
My first bite of their blackberry sage scone three summers ago literally made me gasp. The line forms early on weekends, but trust me, you’ll happily wait for pastries this extraordinary.
4. Zary Bakery: Lamination Station
Hidden in Ravenna, this unassuming shop creates pastries that belong in an art museum. The matcha croissants feature 81 gossamer-thin layers that shatter gloriously with each bite, revealing a vibrant green center.
Their blackberry cream cheese Danish combines tangy Northwest berries with silky cheese in a way that makes you wonder why all fruit pastries aren’t made this way.
5. Saint Bread: Asian-European Fusion Heaven
The New York Times didn’t name Saint Bread among America’s best bakeries for nothing. This University District gem blends Asian and European techniques into something entirely new and magical.
Their gochujang snickerdoodle delivers a sweet-spicy punch that will forever change your cookie expectations.
Last month, I brought their yuzu cake to a dinner party and watched as conversation stopped mid-sentence when guests took their first bites.
6. Le Panier: Pike Place’s French Connection
Amid Pike Place Market’s bustle, Le Panier transports you straight to Paris. Their macarons come in rainbow hues with perfectly crisp shells giving way to silky ganache centers—the pistachio version is particularly dreamy.
The pain au chocolat achieves that elusive balance of buttery flakiness and rich chocolate. When you bite in, the still-warm chocolate center creates a moment of pure joy that makes market crowds disappear.
7. Dahlia Bakery: Tom Douglas’s Sweet Legacy
Celebrity chef Tom Douglas’s tiny bakery packs massive flavor into every bite. The coconut cream pie—tall, luscious, and crowned with white chocolate curls—has inspired marriage proposals and cross-country pilgrimages.
Their breakfast sandwich deserves its own fan club: a perfectly fried egg nestled between housemade English muffins that put store-bought versions to shame.
I once saw a tourist buy four pies to carry on a plane home—that’s dedication!
8. Piroshky Piroshky: Russian Pastry Palace
The aroma from this Pike Place institution will hijack your senses from half a block away. Watching bakers hand-shape these Russian pastries through the window is almost as satisfying as eating them.
The beef and cheese piroshky combines savory ground meat with melty cheese in a golden-brown package.
For something sweet, their cinnamon cardamom braid creates a spice harmony that will haunt your dreams.
9. Pike Place Bakery: Market Classic
Sometimes, the classics exist for a reason. This original market bakery’s cinnamon rolls are the size of dinner plates—gloriously gooey, generously frosted, and perfect for sharing (though you won’t want to).
Their maple bars achieve donut perfection: light, airy interiors beneath a maple glaze that actually tastes like real maple.
Open Thursday through Sunday, early mornings here offer a peaceful moment before the market crowds arrive. Just you, coffee, and carb heaven.
10. Sluys Poulsbo Bakery: Scandinavian Treasure
Worth the ferry ride to Kitsap County, this bakery honors the area’s Nordic heritage with cardamom-scented pastries that would make any grandmother proud. Their Poulsbo bread—dark, dense, and studded with raisins—has a cult following across Washington.
Taste of Home magazine named Sluys the state’s best bakery, and one bite of their Viking Cup (think cinnamon roll meets cream cheese danish) explains why. The quaint waterfront setting only enhances the experience.