The city of L.A. has continued to elevate and evolve its loaves. With renewed interest and appreciation for heirloom grains, extended fermentation, and Old World milling among the city’s bakers, Los Angeles is tasting some of the best bread in its history. Thats why we listed the top picks for everyones favorite carb.
Seed Bakery
Location: 942 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91104
Nestled in Pasadena’s northern outskirts, Seed Bakery adheres to Old World traditions. Freshly milled whole grains undergo a slow fermentation process before being baked into some of the most appealing whole grain country and rye breads in LA.
Bub and Grandma’s Bread
Location: 2433 Riverside Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039
While Bub and Grandma’s doesn’t have a dedicated retail store, Andy Kadin’s bread made with Grist and Toll wheat can be found just about everywhere, from the Hollywood Farmers Market to some of the best restaurants around town like Chi Spacca, Here’s Looking At You, and Sqirl.
Friends & Family
Location: 5150 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Now that Roxana Jullapat has a permanent brick and mortar in East Hollywood, fans of her bread and pastries can swing by any time of day for a carbohydrate fix. Jullapat’s constantly tweaking and experimenting with different grains, so arrive with an open mind because who knows what rarities will be behind the counter.
République
Location: 624 S LA Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
To recreate the exceptional bread service at République, first head to the restaurant’s bakery counter for a crusty baguette from pastry goddess Margarita Manzke. Then, pair it with an ungodly amount of Normandy butter or better yet, pan drippings.
Clark Street Bread
Location: 317 S Broadway., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Zack Hall’s dedication to baking with European techniques, organic grains, and natural leaven has made Clark Street Bread one of the most sought-after loaves in town. His stall inside Downtown’s Grand Central Market serves up whole wheat levain and sourdough in simple and fanciful ways.
Pitchoun
Location: 545 S Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
The rustic French-style loaves served up at Downtown’s Pitchoun come from an old family recipe from its founders Fabienne and Frédéric Soulies. The daily selection includes baguettes, ficelle, country bread, pain de mie, and more.
Tartine
Location: 757 S Alameda St Suite 160., Los Angeles, CA 90021
Much like the San Francisco original, this Downtown behemoth spans tens of thousands of square feet of retail, wholesale, and prep space. Pick up some of the wonderfully crusty loaves that made Chad Robertson and Liz Prueitt household names from the takeout window.
Bread Lounge
Location: 700 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021
Ran Zimon’s Bread Lounge serves restaurants and Downtown denizens alike with naturally-leavened bread made in the heart of the Arts District. Choose from fig and walnut, Kalamata olive, and potato rosemary.
Bon Temps
Location: 712 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021
Chef Lincoln Carson knows a thing or two about baking. He designed the entire pastry and bread menu at Superba Food + Bread, and before that he spent years in fine dining under Michael Mina and at Le Bernardin, Picasso at the Bellagio, and Daniel Boulud at Wynn. The baguettes at Bon Temps are nothing short of perfect.
Roan Mills
Location: 250 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Andrea Crawford and her husband, Robert Dedlow, launched Roan Mills in 2013. Their shared passion for heirloom grains can be tasted in every baguette, boule, and batard. Pick up a loaf at the Santa Monica farmers market.