There's nothing better than the smell of fresh goods inside of bakeries, especially of recently baked croissants, cakes, or French bread loaves. On Friday, March 21, your sense of smell will reach its peak with National French Bread Day. Visit all your favorite bakeries and enjoy either traditional French baguettes or New Orleans' own French bread.
Take a friend, your family, or just treat yourself to anyone of these local favorites for National French Bread Day.
1. La Boulangerie
4600 Magazine St., 504-269-3777
laboulangerie.com
One of the best bakeries in New Orleans, stop by La Boulangerie for some traditional baguettes. There are also countless sweet and savory croissants, a good selection of lunch items, and many types of patisseries. If you're looking for a cozy, neighborhood café, La Boulangerie will not let you down. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Dong Phuong
14207 Chef Menteur Hwy., 504-254-0214
Being one of the first Vietnamese bakeries in the city, Dong Phuong is the gem of New Orleans East. Try its signature "light and airy with a crispy crust that melts in your mouth" bánh mì bread. Recognized as a James Beard Foundation America's classic, we assure you that Dong Phuong is worth the trip. Make sure to swing by during Carnival season for their famous king cakes.
3. Gracious Bakery
Multiple Locations
graciousbakery.com
Enjoy the two locations Gracious Bakery has to offer in Uptown and the Garden District. Serving a variety of laminated French pastries, baguettes, creative desserts, unique sandwiches, and more, they are a must visit. They are open every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (hours may differ due to location).
4. Hi-Do Bakery
439 Terry Pkwy., Terrytown, 504-366-6555
facebook.com/hidobakery
Known for its incredible pastries and king cakes, Hi-Do Bakery also makes marvelous New Orleans-style French breads, available in small, medium, and large. The family-owned bakery puts a lot of love into its baking, so be sure to stop by Hi-Do Bakery and try its amazing baked goods. Some of the goods they have on offer include scones, croissants, and bear claws.
5. Breads On Oak
Multiple Locations
breadsonoak.com
This bakery thrives off of providing organic, plant-based food to its customers, as well as a perfect environment both indoors and outdoors. Visit Breads on Oak's Uptown or Downtown location and order some of the best baguettes and pastries around, while also having plenty of vegan options at hand. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (hours may differ due to location).
6. Leidenheimer Baking Company
1501 Simon Bolivar Ave., 504-525-1575
leidenheimer.com
Since their arrival to New Orleans from Germany, Leidenheimer's bakery has made their mark on our cultural cuisine by baking a perfect crispy French bread over 120 years ago. Leidenheimer Bakery Company offers New Orleans classics wholesale such as muffuletta bread and a fresh loaf of perfectly golden brown French bread. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also find bags of their little Frenchies in Rouses Markets.
7. John Gendusa Bakery
2009 Mirabeau Ave., 504-283-2747
gendusabakery.com
The originator of the glorious and delicious poor boy loaf, John Gendusa Bakery has been one of few old-fashioned bakeries thriving and surviving in the city. Make sure to visit Gendusa Bakery to enjoy the OG taste of those long, freshly-baked, crusty loaves everyone loves. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
8. Dough Nguyener's
Multiple Locations
doughnguyenerscafe.com
A taste of traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern twists can be found in Mid-City and Gretna at Dough Nguyener's Bakery and Cafe. Their menu includes buttery croissants, baguettes, bánh mì, cakes, and so much more. They are open Monday through from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. (hours may differ due to location).
9. Ayu Bakehouse
801 Frenchmen St., 504-302-7985
ayubakehouse.com
One of the highest rated bakeries in New Orleans, Ayu Bakehouse is the place to stop by for boudin boy croissants, baguettes, and so much more. Their menu includes a plethora of breakfast, lunch, breads, sweet or savory pastries, and drinks. Their doors open every day at 8 a.m.
10. Levee Baking Co.
3138 Magazine St., 504-354-8708
leveebakingco.com
Known for their specialized sourdough loafs, Levee Baking Co. is the place to stop by for breakfast. Their menu includes rosemary focaccia sourdough, croissants, breakfast sandwiches, and more. Levee Baking Co. is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday.
Leave No Breadcrumbs
Make sure that you stop by your favorite bakery and while enjoying their tasty loafs, order some delicious pastries and maybe a latte or chai tea to have the complete bakery experience. As we know, one of the greatest pleasures in life is the smell of freshly baked goods.
