Bakeries are my happy place. I travel to a local bakery about once per week to discover the freshest pastries around Charlotte. I like to see which ones are made with the most amount of love (and butter!”) Whether it be a sourdough country loaf, almond croissant or pistachio éclair, here are the top 10 bakeries that you must visit next time you’re craving a moment of pure joy and happiness.

1. Mado Paris French Bakery 

 
IG: @madoparisbakery
Location: 1108 Cherry Road
Neighborhood: Rock Hill
Concept & Vibe: This charming bakery in Rock Hill brings a touch of Parisian elegance to the local scene. The owners met in France and the shop's name is a nod to the church they were married in Paris!
Food & Drink: Mado’s menu is a celebration of classic French pastries, from flaky croissants and buttery pain au chocolat to delicate éclairs and rich tarts. Each creation is meticulously crafted using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. A true authentic taste of France in every bite. 

2. Vicente Bistro

IG: @vicentebistro
Location: 2520 South Blvd Suite 108-B
Neighborhood: South End
Concept & Vibe: Vicente has quickly become a neighborhood favorite in South End. The owners Sam and Yerman pour their heart and soul into the bakery. It is felt when you take your first bite of croissant. 
Food & Drink: Specializing in croissants made the right way laminating the dough and not skipping any steps to ensure the highest quality possible! Vicente also offers Focaccia sandwiches, Cookies (an AMAZINNGG alfajor cookie) Empanadas and more. Come early because they sell out fast! 

3. Virtuoso Breadworks

IG: @virtuosobread
Location: 205 Salem St. 
Neighborhood: Waxhaw 
Concept & Vibe: It truly brings me joy to follow their IG account. The team is witty, fun and they work hard at their craft. They also have an amazing story! Check their website :) Virtuoso is worth the drive to Waxhaw to experience the love that is poured into these baked goods. 
Food & Drink: They focus on quality over quantity and you can taste the difference. You’ll find their signature WXW Sourdough, Cinnamon Raisin, Croissants, Seasonal Cruffins and more! 

4. Chez Marie

IG: @chezmarieclt
Location: 4732 Sharon Rd Suite M
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Concept & Vibe: Chez Marie is absolutely adorable and the intimate atmosphere makes it even better. Chez Marie translates to “At Maria’s” who is the owner of the bakery! She is an extremely passionate self taught baker who fell in love with pastry after traveling all over Europe and then baking her first child’s birthday cake. 
Food & Drink: The eclairs are délicieux!!! The almond croissants are a favorite of mine along with the gorgeous berry mousse entremet. The intricate details of the desserts are so lovely. You will also find a small menu of sandwiches, salads, delicious coffee drinks and bites. 

5. CynTucci's Bakery

IG: @cyntuccisbakery
Location: 242 N Main St.
Neighborhood: Mooresville
Concept & Vibe: The head baker and owner, Joe Torcasso "Tucci", has been in the bakery business for over 40 years! He has hand-picked the best recipes and brought them to Mooresville, so expect to receive the New York Bakery experience when you walk in! 
Food & Drink: You will find Italian butter cookies by the pound, breakfast danish, crusty Italian bread, crunchy cannolis that are filled to order, Italian pastries, desserts and more! They also make custom cakes. 

6. Copain Bakery

IG: @copain_bakery
Location: 6601 Carnegie Blvd. 
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Concept & Vibe: A true hidden gem tucked away in the same building as the restaurant, Rooster’s. This rustic French bakery has been making old world-style organic bread since 1984. It’s a tiny shop, but really excels in creating extremely intentional and high quality breads, pastries & desserts. 
Food & Drink: You will find naturally baked bread, viennoiserie, pastries and organic local foods to take home with you! They also offer a small menu with a chicken salad sandwich that cannot be missed. 

7. Renaissance Patisserie

IG: @renaissancepatisserie
Location: 6401 Carnegie Blvd
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Concept & Vibe: Renaissance Patisserie is a cozy local favorite where you feel right at home when you walk in. They are offering traditional french pastries, viennoiserie, breads, coffee and bistro cafe fare! 
Food & Drink: Order an almond or pain au chocolat croissant, kouign-amann or french cheesecake! The tiramisu is also such a treat! You will also find sandwiches like the croque monsieur, quiches and chef’s recommendations! 

8. Villani's Bakery

IG: @villanisbakery
Location: 901 Pecan Avenue
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Concept & Vibe: This New-York italian-style bakery is a staple in Plaza Midwood. Everything is served to-go and you will find some authentic bites that taste like you took a mini trip to Italy. 
Food & Drink: You will find Haystacks, Turnovers, Cream Puffs, Cannolis, Italian Cookies and more. And of course they have macarons. Grab a pastry and a coffee to give you the perfect burst of energy to take on your day! 
 

9. The Accidental Baker

IG:: @the_accidental_bakr
Location: 4416-D Monroe Rd.
Neighborhood: Oakhurst
Concept & Vibe: This 100% gluten-free made-from-scratch bakery rocked my world when I tried it a few months back. The owner, Matt Cabana, is a former professional tennis player and corporate 9-5er who took his love for baking full time and hasn’t looked back since! 
Food & Drink: This man can bake. His chocolate chip cookie is up there. I can still remember the long lasting delicious-ness it left on my palette. I was truly shocked it was gluten free. His pop up offers GF Bagels, Sourdough Loaf, Focaccia, Cookies, Cinnamon Rolls and More. He is moving into his new location on September 21st, so hope to see you at the grand opening!

10. Suarez Bakery

IG: @suarezbakery
Location: 4245 Park Rd
Neighborhood: Myers Park 
Concept & Vibe: Suarez is a dessert focused bakery whipping out some of the best cookies, cakes, and doughnuts since ‘92. This local bakery does it with skill, precision and finesse! 
Food & Drink: The made-to-order cakes and sugar cookies are sometimes too gorgeous to even eat! (nahhh) Suarez is also known in the city for their signature doughnut cake that will be the highlight of any special occasion!