Asheville is a city known for its vibrant arts scene, breathtaking mountain views, and a culinary landscape that is frequently featured as a foodie destination. Among the many culinary treasures are the bakeries, where local artisans create everything from traditional sourdough bread to decadent pastries. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, here are some of the best bakeries in Asheville that you absolutely must try.
1. Well-Bred Bakery & Café
With four brick-and-mortar locations and a food truck, Well-Bred Bakery & Café is famous for its oversized eclairs, massive cinnamon rolls, gourmet lunches, and a wide selection of both savory and sweet treats. The atmosphere is cozy, making it a perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee and a pastry. Make sure to try Well-Bred’s signature mountain eclair – it’s big enough to share, but you won’t want to.
Address: 26 N Main St, Weaverville, NC 28787 | 232 Reems Creek Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787 (Food Truck)
Must-Try: Mountain Eclair
2. Old Europe Pastries
For a taste of Europe in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Europe Pastries is the place to go. Located in the center of downtown, this bakery specializes in traditional European and Hungarian desserts and pastries like tiramisu, éclairs, and croissants. The ambiance is charming and reminiscent of a small European café, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Craving a late-night sweet treat? They’re open until 10PM or later every day.
Address: 18 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801
Must-Try: Turo Berry Torte
3. City Bakery
City Bakery is an Asheville staple, known for its artisanal bread and classic bakery items. Their sourdough bread is a standout, made using a traditional fermentation process that results in a perfect crust and chewy interior. Beyond bread, their pastries and cookies are equally delightful. If you can’t make it downtown, you can find their breads all over Buncombe County at grocery stores like Ingles and Whole Foods.
Address: 88 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801
Must-Try: Country Sourdough Bread
4. OWL Bakery
OWL Bakery, short for Old World Levain, is a small-batch bakery nestled in West Asheville. OWL is celebrated for its commitment to using organic, locally sourced ingredients. Their breads are naturally leavened, and their pastries often feature seasonal fruits and local flavors. This bakery is a haven for anyone who appreciates the artistry of baking.
Address: 295 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 | 197 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801
Must-Try: Cardamom Bun
5. MOTHER | bread + wine
Mother Bread and Bakery is dedicated to the art of traditional bread-making, using a carefully nurtured “mother” sourdough culture to create flavorful, naturally leavened breads. Each loaf reflects their commitment to slow fermentation, blending science and craftsmanship to deliver a truly special bakery experience. Visit the cafe on the South Slope for unique lunches or the retail bread shop in the River Arts District for all the best breads.
Address: bread + wine: 20 Artful Way #102, Asheville, NC 28801 | bakery + cafe: 244 Short Coxe Ave #110, Asheville, NC 28801
Must-Try: Sourdough loaf
6. The Rhu
The Rhu is part bakery, part café, and part market, offering a little bit of everything. Located in downtown Asheville, The Rhu is known for its freshly baked bread, biscuits, and pastries, all made with local ingredients. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy breakfast or brunch, and you can even pick up some local provisions to take home.
Address: 10 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Must-Try: Almond Croissant
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cinnamon roll, a hearty bread, or a slice of decadent chocolate cake, there’s a bakery in Asheville that will satisfy your craving. Be sure to visit them all and experience the incredible talent of Asheville’s bakers for yourself.
Did we miss your favorite bakery? Give us a shout at hello@ashevillehomesource.com and let us know. We love finding new spots to try and recommend!