Whether you are a longtime local or just passing through Santa Cruz, this curated list will lead you to the very best bakeries in the region — from elegant French-style tarts to artisan sourdough, gluten-free loaves, and celebration cakes.
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Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Why These Bakeries Stand Out
We selected these bakeries based on quality of ingredients, craftsmanship, variety (bread, pastries, cakes), and local reputation. Whether you’re looking for a crusty baguette, a decadent tart, or a wedding cake, each bakery brings something special to the table.
Below are our top picks, each offering something unique for different tastes and occasions:
Table of contents
SPONTANEOUS CONFECTIONS
Spontaneous Confections began at the Live Oak Farmers’ Market and now operates in the Capitola Mall food court. Chef-owner Justin Lenorovitz trained at France’s Institut Culinaire de Bordeaux, and it shows. Their apricot-pistachio tartsand other elegant pastries reflect classical French technique — light, refined, and beautifully balanced.
Now located in the Capitola Mall Food Court -1855 41st Ave, Capitola, CA. We first met the new French Baker in town at the Live Oak Farmers’ Market – Spontaneous Confections – and brought home some apricot pistachio tarts (incredible!). Spontaneous Confections is a specialty pastry and chocolatier, founded by Pastry Chef Justin Lenorovitz. Justin trained at the prestigious Institut Culinaire de France in Bordeaux, France, and it shows in the elegant pastries he creates. (see more photos on our post from July 2025 “Spontaneous Confections“.)
PLEASURE POINT BAKERY
Pleasure Point Bakery (website) produces bakery items that are gluten free and vegan. Their artisan breads and cookies are sold online and at the Farmers’ Markets.
EMOZIONI PASTICCERIA
Emozioni Pasticceria & Rosticceria (contact) is the upscale bakery in Santa Cruz County, located in Soquel. Crescenzo “Enzo” Pelliccia, the executive pastry chef at Dio Deka restaurant in Los Gatos is now the owner and pastry chef at Emozioni Pasticceria, located at 2841 Porter Street, Ste B in Soquel.
The pastries are not only pretty, but taste incredible. Each one a surprise, and the flavors changing frequently. The pastries remind us of the creations of Cedric Grolet at Le Meurice in Paris. Finding the shop was such a wonderful surprise.
EDITH MEYER WEDDING CAKES
I was so thrilled recently to find that Edith Meyer, of Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes, had designed the cake at the wedding where we were photographing. Her designs are so elegant and just so gorgeous. It is always a privilege to be photographing them.
THE GLASS SLIPPER GOURMET
The Glass Slipper Gourmet is actually located in Martinez, but this cake was so cute I had to include them. The cake designer used the brides artwork to create a very unique wedding cake for the couple.
GAYLE’S BAKERY
Opened in 1978, this bakery near Capitola, California serves more than 500 different pastries, cakes, cookies, and breads.
COMPANION BAKESHOP
“Companion was created in 2006 with the help of a supportive community and out of the love of hearty sourdough. In the early years Erin spent long days in the kitchen hand-mixing all of the dough, baking, packing and working the farmers markets.”
Companion is now a mainstay in Santa Cruz, found at farmer’s markets all over the county.
BUTTERCUP CAKES AND FARMHOUSE FROSTING
Tony and I had the pleasure of photographing at Buttercup Cakes and Farmhouse frosting at their shop in downtown Santa Cruz. It was one of the cutest cupcake shops I’ve ever been in. Recently, however, they suffered some unfortunate setbacks. The shop was moved, and then closed at the beginning of Covid. Later moved to Davenport, it burned during the fire.
However, they still provide cupcakes to order from their website, and they are a lovely addition to a wedding table.
THE BUTTERY
We do a lot of our own baking. But we also shop at small shops like The Buttery, a local bakery.
Some of the weddings at the Chaminade have featured cakes from The Buttery Bakery, one of the exceptional bakeries in Santa Cruz. Simple, elegant, and perfectly matched to the décor.
Photos by Tony Fitzgerald Photography
Recipes created by Lisa LeCoump — Food Photographer, Agricultural Expert, and Home Baker. Sharing master recipes, chef secrets, and sustainable baking for every kitchen. Featured on various publications.