These Iconic Georgia Bakeries You Need To Visit At Least Once In Your Life

If you love fresh pastries, warm bread, and irresistible sweet treats, Georgia’s bakery scene is full of delightful surprises. Across the state, talented bakers are turning out everything from flaky croissants and crusty artisan loaves to decadent cakes and creative desserts that feel almost too pretty to eat. Some bakeries lean into classic European traditions, while others embrace bold, modern flavors that reflect local tastes and creativity.

No matter the style, each spot shares a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and comfort. Walking into these bakeries often means the smell of butter, sugar, and fresh dough filling the air, instantly making the day feel better. Locals return to their favorites again and again, while visitors are often amazed by what they discover.

I have put together a list of must visit bakeries across Georgia that truly stand out. These are places that satisfy cravings, spark joy, and make you want to plan your next visit before the first bite is even gone.

1. Savannah Candy Kitchen

Walking into this place feels like stepping back in time to when candy-making was an art form passed down through generations. You’ll find this sweet spot at 225 E River St, Savannah, GA 31401, right along the historic riverfront. They’ve been creating handmade confections since 1973, and you can watch the candy makers work their magic through the shop windows.

The pralines here are legendary. Each batch gets made fresh daily using traditional copper kettles. The smell of melting sugar and roasting pecans fills the air and draws people in from blocks away.

Beyond pralines, they offer saltwater taffy, fudge, and their famous bear claws made from caramel and pecans. The staff happily offers samples so you can taste before committing. I recommend trying their sea salt caramel—it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty.

Plan to spend some time browsing because the selection is huge. They also ship nationwide if you want to send gifts to friends and family.

2. Back In The Day Bakery

This bakery serves up nostalgia with every bite, bringing back memories of grandma’s kitchen with modern twists. Located at 2403 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401, it sits in a charming neighborhood that makes the visit even more delightful. The husband-and-wife team behind this gem trained at the Culinary Institute of America before opening their dream shop.

Their buttermilk biscuits are flaky perfection. You can order them plain or filled with country ham and fig preserves. The lunch menu changes daily but always features fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Don’t skip the cake selection—red velvet, coconut, and lemon are customer favorites. Each layer cake gets frosted with real buttercream, never that artificial stuff. The cupcakes come in creative flavors that rotate throughout the week.

Coffee pairs perfectly with any pastry choice. The atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, like visiting an old friend’s kitchen. Get there early on weekends because the best items sell out fast.

3. Alon’s Bakery

European baking traditions meet Southern hospitality at this Atlanta favorite that’s been raising the bar since 1992. You’ll discover it at 1394 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, in a busy neighborhood filled with food lovers. Owner Alon Balshan trained in France and Israel before bringing his skills to Georgia.

The croissants here rival anything you’d find in Paris. Each one takes two days to make because of the lamination process that creates all those buttery layers. They come plain, chocolate, or almond, and they’re best enjoyed warm.

Bread selection includes everything from rustic sourdough to challah to baguettes. The sandwiches made on house-baked bread are perfect for lunch. Their quiche changes daily and always sells out by early afternoon.

Save room for dessert because the pastry case holds temptations like fruit tarts, eclairs, and seasonal specialties. The café area lets you sit and enjoy your treats with a cappuccino. Weekend brunch gets crowded, so arrive prepared to wait a bit.

4. Henri’s Bakery

Family recipes from France have made this bakery an Atlanta institution for over four decades. Find it at 61 Irby Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, tucked into a quiet corner of Buckhead. Henri Berger opened the doors in 1929, and his descendants still run the place today using his original formulas.

Authentic French technique shows in every item they produce. The baguettes have that perfect crispy crust with a soft, airy interior. Wedding cakes are their specialty—elegant designs that taste as good as they look.

Morning pastries include pain au chocolat, palmiers, and fruit danishes made with real butter. The cookie selection features French classics like madeleines and tuiles. Everything gets baked fresh each morning, so what you see is what’s available that day.

Prices are reasonable considering the quality and craftsmanship involved. The staff knows their products inside and out and can help you choose. They’ll also custom-make cakes for special occasions with advance notice.

5. Southern Sweets Bakery

True Southern baking traditions come alive in every creation at this beloved spot that locals can’t stop talking about. Located at 1711 Mayson St, Atlanta, GA 30324, it brings old-fashioned goodness to a modern audience. The recipes here come from generations of Southern cooks who knew how to make people smile with food.

Pound cake is their claim to fame. Dense, buttery, and perfectly moist, it comes in flavors like cream cheese, lemon, and traditional butter. Each loaf gets baked in small batches to maintain quality.

Pecan pie bars offer all the flavor of pie without the mess. The sweet potato cheesecake combines two Southern classics into one amazing dessert. Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting fly off the shelves.

They also make breakfast items like cinnamon rolls and coffee cake. Custom orders are welcome for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. The friendly service makes you feel like family from the moment you walk in.

6. Little Tart Bakeshop

Rustic charm and artisan quality define this neighborhood bakery that’s become an Atlanta favorite since opening in 2011. You can visit them at 1001 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, in the heart of Virginia-Highland. The small space fills up quickly with people craving handmade treats.

Seasonal ingredients drive the menu here. Spring might bring strawberry rhubarb tarts while fall features apple cider donuts. The pastry chef sources locally whenever possible to ensure peak freshness and flavor.

Their biscuits are legendary—flaky, buttery, and perfect with house-made jam. Savory options include quiche, hand pies, and sandwiches on fresh-baked bread. The morning bun, a croissant-cinnamon roll hybrid, is worth waking up early for.

Coffee comes from local roasters and pairs beautifully with any pastry. The outdoor patio is perfect for nice weather. Lines form on weekend mornings, but they move quickly and the wait is worth it every single time.

7. Proof Bake Shop

Bread nerds unite at this bakery where fermentation and craft take center stage in everything they produce. Find them at 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Suite 1F, Atlanta, GA 30308, inside the Ponce City Market food hall. The name refers to the proofing process that gives bread its texture and flavor.

Sourdough made with wild yeast starter is their specialty. Each loaf takes days to develop the complex flavors and perfect crumb structure. They offer different varieties including whole wheat, rye, and seeded options.

Pastries get the same attention to detail as the bread. Croissants are laminated by hand, cookies are made with high-quality chocolate, and seasonal fruit finds its way into tarts and danishes. Everything tastes fresh because they bake throughout the day.

The open kitchen lets you watch the bakers work. Sandwiches made on house bread are available for lunch. Grab a loaf to take home—it stays fresh for days and makes incredible toast.

8. Highland Bakery

Comfort food meets bakery excellence at this Atlanta mini-chain that started as a single shop in 1998. The original location sits at 655 Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312, though several other locations now exist around the city. Their success comes from consistently delivering quality food in a welcoming environment.

Breakfast is their strong suit. Pancakes come stacked high and fluffy, French toast gets topped with fresh berries, and omelets are stuffed with generous fillings. The biscuits and gravy have a devoted following.

Bakery items include muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, and their famous cinnamon chip coffee cake. Everything gets made from scratch daily. The lunch menu features sandwiches, salads, and soups that change with the seasons.

Full bar service means you can enjoy mimosas or bloody marys with brunch. The atmosphere feels casual and family-friendly. Expect waits during peak weekend hours, but you can grab coffee and a pastry to go if you’re in a hurry.

9. Honeysuckle Gelato

Italian gelato made with Southern ingredients creates something truly special at this unique Atlanta shop. Located at 1145 Zonolite Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, it combines two culinary traditions into frozen perfection. The owners trained in Italy before returning home to Georgia to open their dream business.

Flavors change regularly based on what’s in season. Summer brings peach made with Georgia fruit, while fall features bourbon caramel pecan. They use real ingredients no artificial flavors or colors allowed.

The texture is creamier than ice cream but not as heavy. Sorbets offer dairy-free options in flavors like lemon basil and strawberry balsamic. You can sample as many flavors as you need to make the perfect choice.

They also serve coffee, pastries, and other baked goods. The shop has a cozy neighborhood feel that encourages lingering. Take a pint home if you can’t decide on just one flavor to enjoy now.

10. The Pie Hole

Life really is better with pie, and this shop proves it with every slice they serve. You’ll find them at 285 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, right in the heart of downtown. The California-based chain brought their pie expertise to Georgia, and locals are grateful.

Sweet pies range from classic apple to unique creations like Earl Grey tea. The crust is always flaky and buttery, never soggy or tough. Seasonal offerings keep the menu interesting throughout the year.

Savory hand pies make perfect lunch options. Chicken pot pie, mac and cheese, and steak and mushroom are customer favorites. They’re portable, filling, and delicious—comfort food at its finest.

Mini pies let you try multiple flavors without committing to a full slice. Coffee and milk are available to wash everything down. The retro diner vibe adds to the charm and makes you want to stay awhile.

11. Buena Gente

Cuban and Latin American flavors bring something different to the Atlanta bakery scene at this vibrant spot. Located at 3100 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, it offers a taste of the islands without leaving Georgia. The family behind it brought their heritage and recipes to share with their new community.

Guava and cheese pastries are a must-try. The combination of sweet fruit and cream cheese wrapped in flaky pastry is addictive. Croquetas, both ham and chicken varieties, make perfect snacks.

Cuban sandwiches on fresh-baked bread are lunch favorites. The bread itself is worth the trip crusty outside with a soft interior. Sweet treats include flan, tres leches cake, and arroz con leche.

Strong Cuban coffee will wake you up fast. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, like visiting family. Prices are reasonable, and portions are generous.

It’s a great place to experience authentic Latin baking without traveling far.

12. Sweet Hut Bakery & Café

Asian bakery culture has found a home in Atlanta at this colorful cafe that’s always buzzing with activity. You can visit them at 3745 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096, though multiple locations exist throughout the metro area. The concept combines bakery, cafe, and bubble tea shop into one fun destination.

Japanese-style cheesecake is incredibly light and fluffy. The texture is completely different from American cheesecake—almost like eating a sweet cloud. They also make character-shaped breads that kids love.

Bubble tea comes in dozens of flavors with various toppings. The drinks are photogenic and refreshing. Savory buns filled with curry, pork, or vegetables make good quick meals.

The space is bright and modern with lots of seating. It’s popular with students and young families. Prices are affordable, especially considering the generous portions.

Try the mochi donuts if they’re available—they’re uniquely chewy and delicious.

13. Café Intermezzo

European cafe culture thrives at this elegant establishment that’s been an Atlanta landmark since 1979. Find the original location at 1845 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, though several other locations now serve the city. The atmosphere feels sophisticated without being stuffy or pretentious.

The dessert case is absolutely stunning. Dozens of cakes, tortes, and pastries are displayed like edible art. Black Forest cake, tiramisu, and opera cake represent just a fraction of the options available daily.

Coffee and espresso drinks are taken seriously here. The baristas know their craft and can recommend pairings for your dessert choice. They also serve a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items.

Open late hours make it perfect for after-dinner dessert or late-night coffee. The interior features dark wood and European decor that creates an intimate ambiance. Service is attentive and knowledgeable.

It’s a special place for celebrations or simply treating yourself.

14. Bernhard’s German Bakery

Authentic German baking has found a home in Georgia at this family-owned bakery that takes tradition seriously. Located at 4898 New Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341, it transports you straight to Bavaria. The owner learned his trade in Germany before bringing those skills to Atlanta decades ago.

Pretzels here are the real deal. Soft, chewy, and perfectly salted, they taste exactly like what you’d find in Munich. The bread selection includes dark ryes, pumpernickel, and crusty rolls.

German pastries like bee sting cake and apple strudel showcase traditional recipes. The Black Forest cake is made properly with layers of chocolate sponge, cherries, and whipped cream. They also make seasonal items like stollen during the holidays.

Sandwiches on fresh-baked bread are available for lunch. The small cafe area lets you enjoy your purchases with coffee. Prices reflect the quality and imported ingredients used.

It’s a taste of Germany without the plane ticket.