The Best Bakeries on Earth (According to Lazy Oaf)
You know what hits like nothing else? A fresh-out of the oven pastry. When the steam rises out as you bite in – it’s bloody magical. For this reason, we’ll search high and low for places that’ll be the flaky win in our day.
Whether you like your bakes saltier than the sea or as sweet as can be, our definitive list of top-tier bakeries from all around the world will always fill the void.
Add to your list, get planning a visit or heck just read so you can have pastry-filled dreams.
DYLAN, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Bar Pasticceria Pegaso
Florence, Italy
Via Pisana, 140r, 50143 Firenze FI, Italy
"A proper local Florentine bakery south of the Arno near Santo Spirito, a neighbourhood that specialises in all sorts of pastries and cakes. The perfect spot for an espresso and my personal fave, a Cornetto alla Crema (always get two because one is just not enough)."
Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun: 6:30am to 8pm
KATIE, ASSISTANT MERCHANDISER
Bunhead Bakery
Herne Hill, London
145 Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0NG
"The best sweet and savoury buns, some with a Palestinian twist which also help raise money for Palestinian charities!"
Opening Hours:
Thurs, Fri: 9am to 4pm
Sat, Sun: 10am to 4pm
NICKY, SENIOR BUYING AND PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Okja
Cape Town, South Africa
77 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
"My absolute favourite bakery to visit when I'm back home, they make the most incredible vegan baked goods. Their Chocolate Babka and Peanut Butter Choc Chunk Bomb are my top picks. Starting out as a vegan milk brand, they branched out into cafés, spreads, coffee, etc. and have even opened a branch in London (I've just found out and will be visiting immediately)!"
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 6:30am to 4:30pm
Sat, Sun: 7am to 4:30pm
RUTH, SENIOR DIGITAL MANAGER
Toad Bakery
Camberwell / Peckham, London
"An independent spot that does the most DELICIOUS pastries. Their Porchetta Honey Butter Swirl, which I believe was a special last summer, absolutely slapped. Toad, if you’re reading this, please bring it back soon."
Opening Hours:
Tues – Sat: 8am to 3pm
Sun – Mon: Closed
DAYNA, OAF SUPPORT AND ECOMMERCE ASSISTANT
La Panifacture
Paris, France
104 Rue Saint Maur, Paris, France 75011
"I cried after eating a croissant from this bakery in Paris (happy tears, of course). I went back the next day and bought 2 pain au chocolats, a Parisian Flan and a salted chocolate chip cookie."
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri: 7:30am to 8pm
Saturday: 8am to 8pm
Sunday: 8am to 7pm
EVIE, SENIOR GARMENT TECHNOLOGIST
Bobo & Wild
Various Locations, London
39-41 High Street, Wanstead, London, E11 2AA
"They have a few different locations across London but my favourite has to be the Wanstead branch. Their desserts are amazing – my go-to at the moment has to be their Snickers cake!"
Opening Hours:
Monday: 7am to 6pm
Tues – Weds: 7am to 9:30pm
Thursday: 7am to 10pm
Friday: 7am to 11pm
Saturday: 8am to 11pm
Sunday: 8am to 9pm
ELLA, BRAND AND MARKETING ASSISTANT
Cornfield Bakery
Croydon, London
51 High St, Thornton Heath CR7 8RW
"I’ve tried my fair share of Jamaican bakes from England and the motherland itself. Whilst I have to give a shout out to Juici Patties, Cornfields makes the best patties on the entire planet and I will die on that hill. Their bun is also stunning - nice and moist for the perfect bun and cheese (gotta be mature cheddar)."
Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 7am to 7pm
Sunday: Closed
ZOE, SENIOR BRAND MANAGER
Wood Street Bakery
Walthamstow, London
"Female-founded, this spot is an independent hidden gem that everyone needs to try. Whether you’re wanting to sit and have a natter or want something to go, it’s accommodating and has lovely staff to match. You have to try the Cheese and Jalapeno Swirl, thank me later!"
Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 8am to 4pm
Sunday: 8am to 3pm
DAISY, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
The Dusty Knuckle
Various Locations, London
"Not only do they serve up delicious bakes and sandwiches, they hold baking classes so you can have a whack being a master baker. My order at the moment is the Potato and Tofu Sarnie which is so good, I could eat two, maybe three."
Opening Hours:
Mon – Sun: 8am to 3:30pm
