We've whipped up a list of some of our favorite Coastal Virginia bakeries in Flour Power Part I and Part II as well as beloved bakeries with great gluten-free options.
Confectionery + Café
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Café Stella
Stella and Mariusz Pomianek create the quintessential neighborhood lair at their bohemian Ghent coffeehouse, daily roasting beans and baking scrumptious European inspired confections to augment a menu of breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, bowls and bistro fare. There’s weekly jazz plus wine and beer. What more could you want? Another location? You got it. The couple recently launched a satellite, bringing their café’s hip vibe and modern coffee techniques grounded in old world mastery to Downtown. 1907 Colonial Ave., Norfolk. 757-625-0461. 116 Granby St., Norfolk. 757-351-6793. CafeStellaRoasters.com
—MM
Smithfield Gourmet Bakery & Café
Along the brick sidewalk of Smithfield’s historic Main Street are the golden windows of Smithfield Gourmet Bakery & Café. The quaint bistro is bustling with the work of bakers and chatter of dining room guests as they indulge in the bakery’s from-scratch breads, cakes and pastries. Stop in for a to-go treat, or stay a while to feast on breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner created with fresh ingredients and free-flowing flavors. 218 Main St., Smithfield. 757-357-0045. SmithfieldGourmet.com
—GS
Spoon Dessert Café
If you fancy afternoon tea or dining for dessert, then assuage your teatime and sweet tooth temptations at Spoon Dessert Café, a cozy tearoom and bakery tucked away in Strawbridge with homespun stylings. There’s a bric-a-brac of delicate teacups, saucers and kettles and platters of pastries, sandwiches, scones, quiche, cookies and cake. Have a helping of a hot fudge brownie melting with a scoop of ice cream—a splendid serving savored with each spoonful. 2129 General Booth Blvd., #115, Virginia Beach, 757-689-7995. SpoonDessertCafe.com
—RM
Photos by Ryan Miller
May’s Parlor
Housed in a little lemon-spruced beach cottage, May’s Parlor is a beloved bakery complete with confections and café cravings. Delight in May’s decorated display of muffins, parfaits and pastries (almond croissant, sweet and savory Danishes), cakes by the slice, cookies, coffee, teas and tarts (chocolate pecan, Meyer lemon, fruit), sandwiches, salads and soups, with a seasonal selection sourced from farms, thronging with pickings from Pungo. 2708 Pacific Ave., Virginia Beach. 757-278-5559. MaysParlor.com
—RM
Back Bay Gourmet
This gourmet deli is known for their extensive lunch and dinner options, but don’t put Back Bay’s baked goods on the back burner. Each day you’ll find a rotating selection of cookies in glass jars, cupcakes by varying flavors and ever-changing desserts based on the season. Take a bite of the caramel apple cake (a la mode is the way to go), or take home a slice of their ethereal cheesecake to relish each delightfully rich and fluffy bite. 2277 Upton Dr., #714, Virginia Beach. 757-689-0771. TheBackBayGourmet.com
—AB
Aromas World
The comfort of Aromas could easily convince devoted customers to spend the entire day in either location of this well-known establishment. Beginning with one of 13 pastries baked in house daily and a Macchiato Latte morphs into quaint conversation mixed with Curried Chicken Salad for lunch and then a dinner of Stone Ground Grits & Shrimp with a side of live open mic music. Don't forget to take a to-go bag with Aroma's Signature Apple Pie served with vanilla ice cream or cheddar cheese. 706 Town Center Drive, Newport News. 757-240-4650. 431 Prince George St., Williamsburg. 757-221-6676. AromasWorld.com
—MMS
Delightful Doughnuts
Clockwise from Top Left: Duck Doughnuts, Amazing Glazed, Sugar Shack Donuts,
O's Donuts, O'doodleDoo's Donuts, RingO's Donuts, Doughminion Donuts
Glazed Doughnuts
Tucked away in a corner of Hampton, this spacious doughnut shop is a riot of confectionery colors and sweet smells. Whether ordering fritters and cake doughnuts from the unexpected drive-thru window or picking up a giant, 12-inch, made-to-order doughnut “cake,” don’t forget to grab a cup of locally roasted Rogue Elephant coffee. 24 Wine St., Hampton. 757-325-8860. GlazedHampton.com
—RH
O’doodleDoo’s Donuts
If you’ve ever driven down Route 17, you may have passed this small, besprinkled doughnut shack hawking cake doughnuts to anyone who will follow the scent of vanilla glaze. Try a wacky flavor like “Rice Krispy Treats,” or go traditional with a chocolate cake or raspberry-crumble doughnut. Colorful, covered picnic tables beside the shop mean that you don’t even have to make it car-side before gobbling the contents of that white paper bag. 1601 Bridge Rd., Suffolk, 757-746-7323. OdoodleDoosDonuts.com
—RH
Sugar Shack Donuts
If enormous, fluffy, just-sweet-enough doughnuts are what you seek, Sugar Shack Donuts on Shore Drive should be your go-to. With endless specialty flavors like “mud pot” (complete with gummy worms) and chocolate peanut, their perfect sprinkle-to-frosting ratio on their classic sprinkle doughnuts and a full-service coffee and espresso bar, Sugar Shack is here to satisfy your early morning cravings in a major way. 3273 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach. 757-481-4361. SugarShackDonuts.com
—RH
Amazing Glazed
The Great Bridge region of Chesapeake has more than schools and subdivisions—it is also host to one of Coastal Virginia’s most nouveau doughnut shops. Here, as well as at their Virginia Beach location, guests can order sizzling hot cake doughnuts or enjoy nitrogen-frozen gelato. Deliciously creative mashup desserts are also on the menu, like their towering doughnut ice cream “sammies” and clever “dannoli” doughnuts: cake doughnuts filled with cannoli cream. 321 Johnstown Rd., Chesapeake. 757-410-1388. 1309 Fordham Dr., Virginia Beach. 757-420-0962. AmazingGlazed.com
—RH
Doughminion Donuts
Small businesses come and go, but it’s fair to say that Doughminion is here to stay. Since opening at Selden Market last year, Doughminion’s old-fashioned doughnuts have gained a cult following. Glazed pistachio and coffee-milk doughnuts have a unique, almost poundcake-y texture. Equally scrumptious are the raspberry- and vanilla-glazed yeast doughnuts. With fanciful flavors, vegan options and an ever-changing menu, downtown Norfolk finally has a doughnut-dealer worthy of the name. 215 E. Plume St., Norfolk. SeldenMarket.com/Tenants/Doughminion
—RH
RingO’s Donuts
This yellow-brick corner shop ornamented with bright, hand-painted flowers fries up some of the best doughnuts in Coastal Virginia. RingO’s has mastered the funky flavors of key lime, red velvet and chocolate stout while tastefully reinventing glazed favorites like honey buns and crullers. Paying homage to its Smithfield roots is the bakery’s staple Squealer donut, a confectionery creation of fluffy, golden dough coated with maple icing and embellished with smoky bits of Smithfield bacon. 1200 S Church St., Smithfield. 757-357-7070.
—GS
Duck Donuts
If you’re one of those folks who likes to see how things are made—or, heck, likes biting into a warm, freshly-made, doughnut—the made-to-order confections at Duck Donuts are the choice for you. Duck Donuts are delicate and cake-like, with a subtle crisp on the outside. Enjoy them bare, or get creative with coatings and toppings like coconut, sprinkles, graham cracker, or bacon. Feeling extra decadent? Add a drizzle of hot fudge, marshmallow or salted caramel. Duck Donuts has multiple locations in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. DuckDonuts.com
—AB
O’s Donuts
There are dozens of reasons to get giddy for this Ghent donut spot—made-to-order, customized cake doughnuts; O’s specialties, the Apple Pie doughnut, smothered with glazed apples; and the PBJ doughnut served under a spread of creamy peanut butter and swirled with sweet jelly. Round off breakfast with a doughnut for dessert and their Uh-O Donut Sundae, a warm doughnut tossed in cinnamon sugar served under a scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped with hot fudge and whipped cream. 222 W 21st St., Norfolk. 757-961-1300. Facebook.com/OsDonuts
—RM
Bread Winners
The Bakehouse at Chelsea
When the hypnotic aroma of freshly baked bread hits you from a sidewalk, the lure is pretty much irresistible. Such is the case as you approach Bakehouse, a glorious and gluten-filled gem in Norfolk's Chelsea neighborhood. Sample as many yeasty treats as possible, please, but do us a favor and do not leave without trying the pizza. Warning, though: its to-die-for crust with pillowy bubbles will leave you completely obsessed with your next wood-fired fix. 1233 W Olney Rd., Norfolk. 757-644-6939. BakehouseAtChelsea.com
—MMS
Yorgo's Bageldashery
It's not easy finding a decent New York-style bagel below the Mason-Dixon line, but Yorgo's will satisfy any doughy craving complete with flavored cream cheeses and breakfast sandwiches galore. Here, tradition mixes with a more progressive full vegan menu that caters to the health-conscious crowd. Order an everything bagel with vegan or regular cream cheese topped with lox, capers and red onion for a taste of the big city. 2123 Colonial Ave., Norfolk. 757-623-6609. YorgosBageldashery.com
—MMS
Whole-ly Rollers
What happens when motivated sisters gain access to their grandmother’s famous yeast roll recipe? A rising business, that’s what. Owner Brenda Harford started baking yeast rolls out of her home that tasted just like her grandmother’s, which she says, “people were crazy about.” One bite of these pillow-soft rolls—or cinnamon rolls, pound cake or bread pudding—and you’ll see why. Even better, the bakery supports Youth Earn and Learn Jobs-for-Kids, a Norfolk-based nonprofit that mentors kids to reach their academic, business and career potential. Baking rising bread while benefiting rising youth? Well, that’s just how they roll. 200 N. Battlefield Blvd., #8, Chesapeake. 2500 Church St., Norfolk. Whole-LyRollers.net
—AB
Commune, Norfolk location. Photos by Ilsy Serrano
Commune
We adore Commune for a variety of reasons, especially their commitment to sustainability and tantalizing selection of farm-to-table foods. Also high on the list of love for Commune is their bakery—specifically their chewy, flaky, golden brown sourdough croissants. Slather on a spread, or enjoy them as is—either way you’ll be transported to baked bliss. What makes Commune’s selection special though, are the local ingredients, organic flours and slow fermentation process that goes into each loaf, biscuit, cookie and cupcake. And, with news of Commune’s plans to open a new Virginia Beach bakery, we can’t wait to see what’s risin’ on the horizon. 501 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite B, Virginia Beach. 757-963-8985. 759 Granby St., Norfolk. 757-962-2992. CommuneVB.com
—AB
International Sweet Eats
Bread Garden
Ooh, that texture. More pillowy than Parker House rolls. Mmm, that taste. Sweet, but subtler than filled donuts (their look-alike cousins). Korean breads baked every morning by Seoul-born Jaehun and Yoonjung Yu at their decade-old bakery gush with mocha cream, cantaloupe puree, red and white bean cream and bestselling buttercream. It’s impossible to leave without tearing into one of the individually wrapped, transparent packets labeled with each treat’s wholesome ingredients. Hence, the self-serve Keurig. 13282 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 757-988-0450.
—MM
Glory’s Bakery
It’s a bakery exuding the intoxicating scent of fresh bread. It’s a humble, order-at-the-counter café. It’s an homage to Filipino cuisine, and it’s an American dream where raves for pancit and crispy, cigar-tight lumpia rival reviews for pepperoni bread and subs. One glass case boasts pandesal (rolls) and ensemada (sugary, buttery buns in flavors like pineapple and ube—aka purple yam), while another displays brownies, chocolate chip cookies and fruit-filled turnovers, all glories of Glory’s. 665 Aragona Blvd., Virginia Beach. 757-557-0613. 1920 Centerville Turnpike, Virginia Beach. 757-479-3316. Glorys-Bakery-Virginia-Beach.Sites.Tablehero.com
—MM
Jessy’s
Standing before this tienda’s glass cases (near its attached, popular taqueria), balancing your self-serve tray and ogling guava pastries, oversized cheesecake squares, strawberry log rolls and chocolate bombines (little pound cakes impersonating hot fudge sundaes), it’s hard to tell where the dangling piñatas strung overhead end and the sweets begin; everything enchants with the same confetti colors. Be sure to pick up some pan dulce (sweet breads), including conchas (seashell-shaped), for an authentic Mexican breakfast. 3201 E. Ocean View Ave., Norfolk. 757-531-0033. Jessy.IntegrityB.com/Tienda
—MM
Gateaux Bakery & Cafe photos by Ilsy Serrano
Gateaux Bakery & Cafe
While Gateaux is an ostensible go-to for their eponymous specialty cakes, the French flavored patisserie has an exquisite oeuvre of crispy croissants, flaky bear claws (anything from apple to apricot), multicolored macarons (blackberry, strawberry, seasonal fruits) and chocolate-covered éclairs gushing with custard. Their Paris Brest is a tempting treat replete with whipped cream and coffee wedged between a wheel of soft dough, and a sweet homage to the Parisian pastry. 1628 Independence Blvd., #1500, Virginia Beach. 757-271-9220. Gateaux-Cakes.com
—RM
Rigoletto Italian Bakery & Café
If you crave delights worthy of being passed down through generations by capable Italian grandmas, come here for authentic Italian desserts like cannolis, tiramisu, biscotti, pizzelles and so much more. Captivating glass cases overwhelm the senses with a wealth of colorful Italian cookies and signature rolls, like one filled with hazelnut mousse and lobster tail cream rolled in Italian sponge cake. For something truly memorable, try the sfogliatella, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese and candied citrus. 2181 Upton Drive, #414, Virginia Beach. 757-427-3999. RigolettoItalianBakery.com
—MMS
Iconic Confectionaries
Rowena’s
“Full and wider.” That’s how the late Rowena Fullinwider elucidated her name, simultaneously describing the best way to open your mouth to savor the luscious pound cakes and spreads (almond cake and lemon curd the most-loved with carrot jam close behind) she began making in Ghent in 1983, garnering the premier Virginia’s Finest distinction. Operations have scaled back (the tearoom enshrined only in memories) and moved to Freemason, but whimsical Rowena’s still charms and ships worldwide. 243B W. Bute St., Norfolk. 757-627-8699. Rowenas.com
—MM
Plaza Bakery, Virginia Beach. Photos by Ilsy Serrano
Plaza Bakery
For over 50 years, the family-run Plaza Bakery has delivered exquisitely prepared wedding cakes, holiday cookies, crème-filled doughnuts, fresh breads, pies and other sugary treats to Virginia Beach residents. Glass cases line the modest bakery parading its selection of beloved desserts and signature petit fours. The diamond-shaped bites are crafted from a white almond cake, finished with a poured fondant coating and garnished with Plaza Bakery’s signature rose. 1940 Laskin Rd., Suite 305, Virginia Beach. 757-340-3931. Eeato003.Tripod.com/PlazaBakery
—GS
Naas Bakery
When we say Naas is old school, we mean it affectionately. There’s nothing fancy or frilly about this classic confectionery on Norfolk’s Tidewater Drive—until it comes to what’s inside the case. Here you’ll find a reasonably priced selection of cookies, Danishes, turnovers, baklava, donuts, pies and cakes—everyday and special occasion—all worth sinking your sweet tooth into. 3527 Tidewater Dr., Norfolk. 757-623-3858.
—AB
See more here for bakeries with great gluten-free options.
Barrett Baker
Angela Blue
Angela Blue has served as editor-in-chief for multiple lifestyle publications and copy editor for several cultural institutions and nonprofits. A seasoned writer, she enjoys sharing stories that spark curiosity and build connections. Angela lives in Norfolk with her husband and two kids and enjoys reading, running, cooking, and spending time on the Lafayette River.
Rachel Heffington
Marisa Marsey
Marisa Marsey is a food, beverage and travel writer whose awards include 1st place Food Writing from the Virginia Press Association. A Johnson & Wales University representative, she has sipped Château d'Yquem '75 with Jean-Louis Palladin, sherpa-ed for Edna Lewis and savored interviews with Wolfgang Puck and Patrick O’Connell.
Ryan Miller
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
Melissa M. Stewart
