Standard Baking Crowned Best Bread in Maine

Portland's iconic bakery takes top honors in LoveFood's rankings of the state's top bread spots.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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According to the culinary site LoveFood, Standard Baking Company in Portland, Maine, has been named the best bread bakery in the state. The 27-year-old bakery, located in the walkout basement of sister restaurant Fore Street, is known for its handcrafted breads baked throughout the day in a 12-ton stone deck oven, including beloved baguettes, focaccia, and specialty loaves.

Why it matters

As the pandemic sparked a surge in home bread baking, Standard Baking has maintained its reputation as a premier destination for fresh, artisanal breads in Maine, standing out among the state's many excellent bakeries. The recognition highlights the bakery's commitment to quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and satisfying the local community's appetite for exceptional bread.

The details

Standard Baking Company first opened its doors in 1995 and has since built a loyal following for its wide selection of breads, from classic loaves to unique flavors and alternative wheat varieties. All of the bakery's breads are handcrafted and baked throughout the day in a large stone deck oven, often served warm to customers. The bakery's most popular item is its baguettes, which are praised for their perfectly crisp exterior and soft interior.

  • Standard Baking Company opened in the summer of 1995.
  • LoveFood published its rankings of the best bread bakeries in each state in February 2026.

The players

Standard Baking Company

A beloved organic bakery in Portland, Maine, that has been serving fresh breads, sweets, and baked goods since 1995.

Fore Street

A sister restaurant to Standard Baking Company, located in the same building in Portland's Old Port neighborhood.

LoveFood

A popular culinary website that recently published a ranking of the best bread bakeries in every U.S. state.

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The takeaway

Standard Baking's recognition as the best bread bakery in Maine is a testament to the bakery's commitment to quality, traditional techniques, and satisfying the local community's appetite for exceptional artisanal breads. As the pandemic sparked a surge in home bread baking, Standard Baking has maintained its reputation as a premier destination for fresh, handcrafted loaves in Maine.