Atlanta is a diverse city full of eateries to please any palate. One thing that most can agree on, is that sweets are always a good idea. Whether it is a birthday or special occasion, or you just want to bring some cheer to your office, a surefire do this is with a treat from one of the many delicious bakeries that can be found throughout the metro Atlanta area.
Several of the bakeries on this list have become so popular, they have expanded to other locations. However, the original almost always remains the best. A couple of examples of these are Henri's Bakery as well as the Highland Bakery. Henri's Bakery has been an Atlanta institution for over eighty years, wowing guest with their tasty offerings. Highland Bakery, on the other hand is newer but dazzles guests with their unique brunch and fresh lunch options. Alon's with two locations has become known for its fabulous fresh baked bread. Corner Cafe and Piece of Cake, also both with several locations throughout the city have received tremendous accolades from patrons since opening.
Southern Sweets Bakery is one of the lone Decatur bakeries. Funny thing is, you've probably tasted their desserts and not even known it, as they supply many of the restaurants in Atlanta with desserts. Joli Kobe Bakery is unique in its own right in that it is a fusion of Japanese and French.
Several of the newer bakeries on the list are located on the north end of town. Breadwinner in Sandy Springs has become known for their sweet loaves. Atlanta Cheesecake Company in Kennesaw makes cheesecakes it ships to anywhere in the country and Alpine Bakery in Alpharetta offers a selection of Italian foods as well as sweets.
Metrotainment is a great choice for special occasions or parties or if you are simply looking to treat yourself. Cakes are done well here. Some of the most popular are the Carrot Cark, Red Velvet Cake and Rainbow Cake. Many of the cakes here can be made gluten-free. Regulars love the cupcakes too. The cakes are perfectly moist. You know how sometimes the frosting can be overly sweet? Well, that's not a worry at Metrotainment. The frosting is just sweet enough to make each slice of cake or cupcake glorious! Staff is extremely friendly here and goes out of their way to help.
Local Expert tip: Be on the lookout for the seasonal sweet potato cupcakes.
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As the name suggests, the restaurant sells bread. But these loafs are dessert not for sandwiches. The variety is tremendous and these breads theses breads have funky names like the "Papa Don't Peach" or the "Party at My Place Pumpkin" Popular Flavors are the Cranberry and Pumpkin. Although the loaves are pricey at $15, they are quite tasty. Many choose the 3-pack variety, which comes in a gift box and wrapped in bow, to give as gifts around the holidays. They also have a cafe that serves soups, salads, and sandwiches. Sandwiches like the Caprese or Tuna Melt with tomatoes, Muenster cheese are menu highlights.
Local Expert tip: Closed Sundays.
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Alon's has unbelieveable fresh-baked bread. Challah, Country French, rye and croissants are done to perfection. Named after owner, Alon Balshan, Alon's opened in 1992 Inspired by specialty markets in Europe and New York, Alon brought a full service gourmet market to the Virginia Highlands. Later, Alon's expanded to include a line of Artisan cheeses Wines and secialty food items. The Bakery and Market now includes European-style pastries, cookies, artisan breads and wedding cakes. Alon's bakes a variety of breads including bagels, sandwich loaves and croissants. The selection is good but prices are expensive. Tip: They make great espresso so stay for a while and enjoy this treat!
Local Expert tip: Some of the specials are all you can eat pizza on Mondays for only $12 per person.
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Piece of Cake bakery has been baking gourmet cakes from scratch since 1985. Get a personalized decorated cake for a birthday or special event or stop in to satisfy your sweet tooth. Customer favorites are the caramel frosted cake and sour cream coffee cake. And be warned - many customers have become highly addicted to the red velvet cake. Cupcakes are equally delicious in flavors of strawberry, pineapple and orange to name a few. They have even been mentioned on creative loafing for their strawberry cake. Some of the more popular cakes are available in sheet size to feed large crowds.
Local Expert tip: Don't have time to pick up your dessert? Don't worry they will deliver to your door!
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What started as a little bread bakery, supplying freshly baked bread evolved into a cafe serving tasty sandwiches, sweets, savory panini, fresh salads, and hearty bowls of soups and pasta. Visit during lunch for a gourmet selection of sandwiches. Customer favorites include the egg salad, roast turkey, and roasted rosemary lamb, or a simple fried green tomato BLT. Baked goods and coffee are also available. They are very big on building and establishing relationships in the community they serve. The CEO was recently interviewed by the Huffington Post because his company is so successful and there is little employee turnover.
Local Expert tip: They boast a light menu of meals under 600 calories.
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Even if you've never eaten at the Southern Sweets Bakery, chances are you've eaten some of their desserts as they supply many of the restaurants in the surrounding area with their delicious sweets. The small bakery is located in close proximity to the Dekalb Farmers Market. The Red Velvet Cake and Apple Pie are two of the most popular desserts. A relatively unknown fact is that they have completely vegan desserts and sandwiches. Though there are sandwiches, besides the Chicken Salad Sandwich, the highlight of this establishment is the desserts. Make sure to visit this bakery during the day as it closes early.
Local Expert tip: Vegan foods available.
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Henri's has been an Atlanta institution for eighty years. Great spot to grab a sandwich and go. They also offer a wide variety of pastries and desserts. The tuna sandwich and Po Boys (beef or turkey) are menu highlights. On the dessert side of the restaurant, there are nearly forty different kinds of pastries to choose from. Customers rave about the lemon coconut cookies. They cater and offer boxed lunches, so perfect if you need to pick up lunch for an office. Insider secret: they carry NYC Macaroons. They usually leave a sample basket out for customers to try pastries.
Local Expert tip: Next time your office orders out for lunch, suggest Henri's and you will be very popular.
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Highland Bakery is located in the charming Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. During weekday lunch and weekend brunch customers spill out onto the outdoor seating. Plan to wait for a table on weekends or anytime when the weather is nice. Foodies love to frequent this establishment for the delicious and unique selections. Famous dishes like peanut butter-stuffed French toast, sweet potato pancakes, crab cakes Benedict and cilantro corn pancakes are just a couple examples of the playful menu. Come hungry as the portions are huge. Also served are sandwiches, soups and salads. Great choice if you are dining with a vegetarian.
Local Expert tip: Expect to wait for a table on weekends as reservations are not taken.
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