Maybe it’s just me, but there’s nothing a good pastry can’t fix. And we’re lucky, because Portland has some seriously amazing bakeries to choose from. Places you have dreams about, that you always want to take your out-of-town guests to, places you save your cheat day for!

Below are six of my absolute favorites. When I’m out showing houses or in between client meetings and I’m in the neighborhood, you can bet I’m stopping in.

Berlu Bakery

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Berlu brings Vietnamese pastries into a calm, welcoming space on Belmont. Everything is gluten-free and dairy-free, and it still tastes incredible. That’s a huge relief if you deal with food sensitivities, and even if you don’t, you won’t miss a thing.

Order the bánh bò nuong, a springy honeycomb cake in pandan or coffee. The pandan layer cake and coconut egg custard tarts are also standouts.

661 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214 | @berlubakery

Oyatsupan Bakers

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Oyatsupan is the real deal when it comes to Japanese baking. Since opening in 2016, it has built a loyal following for doing everything from scratch, several times a day, so it’s always fresh.

Start with the shokupan, their pillowy-soft milk bread made with naturally cultured yeast. It’s the kind of bread many Portland restaurants use for sandwiches. The curry donut stuffed with house-made Japanese beef curry is the one people drive across town for.

16025 SW Regatta Ln, Beaverton, OR 97006 | @oyatsupanbakers

Bella’s Italian Bakery

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Bella’s Italian Bakery is a small neighborhood bakery that focuses on classic Italian pastries done right. It feels welcoming and consistent, which makes it easy to come back again and again.

The cannoli are the main attraction. The focaccia stays light and airy. The tiramisu comes in generous slices that disappear fast. You will also find biscotti, espresso, and sandwiches, which make this a great breakfast or lunch stop.

9119 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97266 | @bella_italian_bakery

Orange & Blossom Patisserie

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Orange & Blossom keeps things seasonal and plant-based without sacrificing flavor. The menu rotates often, which keeps it exciting.

The cardamom buns glazed with orange blossom are a must. The miso brown butter sugar cookies with flaky sea salt are another favorite. You might also see olive oil cake with pistachio buttercream or other creative seasonal pastries. It’s a bright, calm space that works well for a quick reset in the middle of the day.

1612 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211 | @orange_and_blossom

Bakeshop

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Bakeshop is known for precision and consistency. The flavors are clean. The textures are spot on. It’s a dependable stop when you want something that feels carefully made.

The chocolate croissant with local Woodblock chocolate is always a smart move. The laminated maple bar is another favorite for its flaky layers. The menu shifts with the seasons, so there’s usually something new worth trying.

5351 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213 | @bakeshoppdx

Ken’s Artisan Bakery

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Ken’s Artisan Bakery helped shape Portland’s artisan bread scene back in 2001. Ken Forkish brought serious French baking to the city and set a high standard that still holds today.

The rustic breads are the backbone here, from toasted walnut loaves to the classic boule with its dark crust and airy crumb. On the pastry side, the orange-zested morning bun is still iconic. The Oregon croissant with marionberries and hazelnut paste is another standout.

338 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209 | @kensartisan

These are the bakeries I really go to. Not a “best of” list I found online. These are the stops I make between showings, after inspections, or when I have ten minutes to kill and want something good.

If you’re new to Portland, start here. If you’ve lived here forever, you probably already know a few of these and should try the rest. And if you’re out house hunting or checking out a new neighborhood, this is an easy way to make the day better.

Good pastries. Good coffee. Good excuse to explore more of the city. That’s a solid plan.

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