Atlanta’s bakery scene is anchored by institutions that measure their history in generations, with Henri’s Bakery operating since 1929 and Alon’s Bakery since 1992, alongside newer concepts that have brought artisan sourdough, French pastry technique, and specialty baking to the city’s most active neighborhoods. The city’s bakery landscape covers the full spectrum from European-style patisseries producing laminated croissants and macarons to neighborhood breakfast bakeries serving egg sandwiches and sourdough loaves, to celebration cake specialists whose multi-layered creations have earned regional recognition. Star Provisions on the Upper Westside shares a building with the acclaimed fine dining restaurant Bacchanalia, drawing a devoted weekend crowd for its crispy chicken biscuits and pastries. The Little Tart Bakeshop has established a neighborhood presence in Inman Park, Grant Park, and Summerhill with pastries and weekend sourdough loaves.
When evaluating a bakery in Atlanta, the quality of the baked goods’ fundamental components separates serious from casual operations. Croissants should be laminated with sufficient layers to produce visible honeycomb interior structure and distinct flaky exterior layers, not a dense, bready interior. Sourdough should have a properly developed open crumb structure from adequate fermentation, with a crust that crackles when broken. Cake layers should be baked fresh rather than from frozen, with house-made buttercream or frosting rather than commercial decorating compound. Pastry cream and fruit fillings should be made from real fruit and eggs, not stabilizer-heavy commercial preparations. Bread should be weighed rather than estimated for consistency. Bakeries that maintain house preparation for fillings, creams, and laminations distinguish themselves from operations that assemble commercial components.
Top Bakery Companies in Atlanta
1. Henri’s Bakery & Deli
Address: 61 Irby Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 237-0202
Website: https://www.henrisbakery.com
Founded: 1929
Services:
- French and Danish pastries baked in-house daily
- Shortbread cookies and petits fours
- Wedding and celebration cakes
- Deli sandwiches including signature roast beef
- Catering and event orders
- Sandy Springs and Buckhead locations
About: Henri’s Bakery & Deli has operated in Atlanta since 1929, making it one of the oldest continuously operating food establishments in the city and a generational institution that has served Atlanta families across nearly a century of city history. The bakery’s French and Danish pastries, shortbread cookies, and petits fours have been staples at Atlanta baby showers, holiday gatherings, and celebrations since the 1920s, and its wedding cakes combine Southern tradition with European technique. The deli component, including the signature roast beef sandwich, extends Henri’s service beyond pastry into the lunch market. Henri’s founding in 1929 predates most of Atlanta’s recognized culinary institutions, giving it a historical significance in the city’s food culture that no newer operation can replicate.
2. Star Provisions
Address: 1198 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 365-0410
Website: https://www.starprovisions.com
Services:
- Artisan breads including sourdough and specialty loaves
- Laminated pastries including croissants and Danishes
- Hot breakfast and brunch items
- Crispy chicken biscuit and savory preparations
- Weekend specialty items and seasonal pastries
- Market and specialty food retail
About: Star Provisions operates on the Upper Westside sharing a building with Bacchanalia, one of Atlanta’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants, and the culinary standards of that relationship are evident in its bakery and cafe program. The operation draws weekend crowds that accept lines for its crispy chicken biscuits, fennel sultana loaves, ham and cheese croissants, and other preparations made with the precision expected of a kitchen connected to award-winning fine dining. The no-wifi policy and neighborhood atmosphere create an environment focused on food and conversation rather than remote work. Star Provisions functions as both a bakery and a specialty food market, extending the shopping experience beyond baked goods.
3. Alon’s Bakery & Market
Address: 1394 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 (Morningside); additional Dunwoody location
Phone: (404) 872-6000
Website: https://www.alons.com
Founded: 1992
Services:
- Fresh-baked breads and boules
- Cinnamon twists and specialty pastries
- Full breakfast and lunch menu
- Wine tastings and specialty retail
- Wood-fired pizzas at the Dunwoody location
- Morningside and Dunwoody locations
About: Alon’s Bakery & Market has served Atlanta since 1992, establishing itself as a neighborhood anchor in Morningside and later expanding to Dunwoody with a format that combines a serious bakery program with market retail, full cafe service, and a wine selection that extends the visit beyond bread and pastry. The bakery’s cinnamon twists and boules of bread have become signature items recognized by Atlanta food media and regular customers as the reliable centerpieces of the Alon’s visit. The Dunwoody location added wood-fired pizza to the Alon’s format, broadening the dining experience at the suburban location. The 1992 founding gives Alon’s a thirty-plus-year presence in Atlanta’s food culture and a track record of consistent quality across multiple leadership transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of baked goods are available at Atlanta bakeries?
A: Atlanta’s bakery landscape covers French and Danish pastries at Henri’s and St. Germain French Bakery, artisan sourdough and laminated pastries at Star Provisions, specialty breads and cinnamon twists at Alon’s, and layer cakes and tarts at Southern Sweets in Decatur. Asian-inspired pastries and boba tea are available at Sweet Hut Bakery in Midtown. The Little Tart Bakeshop in Inman Park, Grant Park, and Summerhill specializes in pastries and weekend sourdough loaves. Each bakery brings a specific focus and tradition rather than attempting to cover every category.
Q: When should I visit Atlanta bakeries for the best selection?
A: Most Atlanta bakeries produce their primary baking runs overnight and in the early morning, making opening time the best moment for fresh-from-the-oven product and complete selection. Star Provisions and Revolution Doughnuts draw weekend crowds that arrive at opening, and arriving within the first hour prevents sellouts of specialty items. Henri’s Bakery maintains production throughout the day for celebration cakes and catering orders, allowing later visits for those specific items. Alon’s Bakery serves breakfast and lunch continuously, making it viable at any point during service hours.
Q: What does a visit to an Atlanta bakery typically cost?
A: At Henri’s Bakery, pastries and cookies run $3-$8 each and deli sandwiches are $10-$16. At Star Provisions, breakfast items and pastries are $7-$16 and the chicken biscuit is one of the most sought-after items at $12-$15. At Alon’s Bakery, individual pastries are $4-$8 and cafe items are $8-$16. Celebration cakes from Atlanta bakeries are priced per serving and start at $4-$8 per slice for specialty orders, with full custom cakes starting at $80-$150 and scaling with size and complexity.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s bakery scene is defined by Henri’s Bakery’s nearly century-long operation since 1929, Star Provisions’ culinary-driven pastry and bread program on the Upper Westside, and Alon’s Bakery’s three-decade neighborhood institution in Morningside and Dunwoody. Each represents a distinct and enduring contribution to Atlanta’s food culture. Contact these bakeries directly for hours, celebration cake orders, catering availability, and large event planning.