West Coast Bakeries Dominate List of America's Best Pastries

Los Angeles and San Francisco shine in Food & Wine's 2026 roundup of the top pastry cities in the U.S.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:09pm

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A soft, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting an assortment of freshly baked pastries, including flaky croissants, glistening fruit tarts, and delicate macarons, floating in a dreamlike, atmospheric setting that evokes a sense of artisanal craftsmanship and indulgence.The West Coast's thriving pastry scene, from Los Angeles to San Francisco, is setting the standard for must-try treats nationwide.Pasadena Today

Food & Wine magazine has named Los Angeles the top pastry city in America in its 2026 roundup, highlighting standout bakeries like BadAsh Bakes and Salted Butter Company. San Francisco also earned a spot in the top 5, with bakeries like Arsicault Bakery and B. Patisserie recognized for their deeply rooted pastry culture and attention to craft.

Why it matters

This recognition cements the West Coast's status as a pastry powerhouse, showcasing the region's range of classic techniques and experimental flavors that are captivating taste buds nationwide. It also underscores the growing popularity of artisanal baked goods, especially among younger consumers on social media.

The details

BadAsh Bakes in Pasadena has gained massive popularity on TikTok and Instagram since opening in April 2025, known for its crave-worthy cinnamon rolls in flavors like matcha as well as its thin, crispy-edged cookies. Other Los Angeles bakeries that received honorable mentions include Salted Butter Company, Fondry, Petitgrain Boulangerie, and Quarter Sheets. In San Francisco, Arsicault Bakery, B. Patisserie, and Loquat were recognized for their deeply rooted pastry culture and attention to craft.

  • Food & Wine published its 2026 list of America's best pastry cities in April 2026.
  • BadAsh Bakes opened in Pasadena in April 2025.

The players

BadAsh Bakes

A Pasadena bakery known for its crave-worthy cinnamon rolls and thin, crispy-edged cookies that has gained massive popularity on TikTok and Instagram since opening in 2025.

Salted Butter Company

A Los Angeles bakery that received an honorable mention in Food & Wine's 2026 list of America's best pastry cities.

Arsicault Bakery

A San Francisco bakery recognized in Food & Wine's 2026 list for its deeply rooted pastry culture and attention to craft.

B. Patisserie

A San Francisco bakery recognized in Food & Wine's 2026 list for its deeply rooted pastry culture and attention to craft.

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The takeaway

The West Coast's dominance in the pastry world underscores the region's ability to balance classic technique with innovative, experimental flavors, creating a pastry scene that is both artful and inviting. This recognition cements California's status as a pastry powerhouse and highlights the growing popularity of artisanal baked goods, especially among younger consumers on social media.