If a bakery promises three things—baked, fresh, and daily—you know a masterpiece is in the making. A loaf of bread. It’s hard to argue that bread isn’t the ultimate pairing. Whether served with soup, dipped into a hot cup of cocoa or coffee, or slathered in butter, bread is undeniably one of the best foods. In every corner of Fairfax County, you'll be able to find fresh bread, straight from the oven with a touch of that magical yeast. Step into these local bakeries, where, with stunning displays of croissants, Danishes, and Wurzelbrot (never heard of it? Keep reading!), it will be impossible to leave with just one purchase. Kneading dough and spreading love every day, these local pastry shops will always offer pillowy bread and flaky pastries that are sure to brighten your day.
The Swiss Bakery
📍Springfield
Get a taste of Switzerland in Springfield at the Swiss Bakery, which specializes in Artisan Breads, French Pastries, Cakes, European-style desserts, and Traditional Swiss dishes. All bakery items are prepared daily by a skilled team. The owners were a professionally trained Pastry Chef and a classically trained bread baker who dreamed of sharing the recipes and culture of their native country Switzerland. For over 20 years, their secret recipes have delighted customers with specialties like German Sourdough Rye, Snowflake Rolls, and Wurzelbrot. This traditional Swiss bread, twisted two or three times to resemble a tree root, features a sweet, caramelized crust that makes it truly unique. Start your hectic morning with a freshly glazed Danish, a sugar-crusted scone, or a ham & cheese croissant. Most pastries are made with a European-style Pastry dough to create a soft, buttery, and flaky taste. Of course, when in Switzerland, you have to try the Apple Strudel, and don't forget to set a reminder on weekends to try their decadent sticky buns!
Great Harvest Bread
📍Burke, Lorton, Herndon, & Vienna
Courtesy Great Harvest Bread Lorton's Facebook
If you pass by any Great Harvest Bread location, the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread will surely draw you in. Each slice of heaven is made from scratch every day using wheat grown in Montana's Golden Triangle and milled in each location for the best flavor and the best nutrition. Step inside and watch the bakers dust, flour, and knead each bread to perfection. You might even catch them preparing their popular Honey Whole Wheat loaf, perfect for sandwiches (because in all honesty, the bread matters just as much as what’s inside). For a ride on the sweeter side, their Cinnamon Chip or Maple Oatmeal Scones will not disappoint. Keep an eye out for their sourdough schedule because you'll definitely want to try the Pesto Parmesan.
Chateau de Chantilly Cafe
📍Chantilly
Photo Courtesy Château de Chantilly's Facebook
Be transported to the North of Paris at Chateau de Chantilly Cafe where an array of breads, pastries, and desserts are prepared from scratch daily. Find treats like Nutella pound cakes, bread topped with mayo, and the best cheeses, among many other sweet concoctions. However - the croissants are worth discussing. Let's start with the flat croissant, which is a beautiful combination of pancakes and croissants with a creamy filling. For fans of crème brûlée, don’t miss the Creme Brûlée Croissant, a crunchy caramel masterpiece topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar. Lastly, if you still haven't tried the viral cookie croissant, this is your chance! Chateau de Chantilly takes this trend to the next level with a raspberry and hazelnut-filled version that will for sure make you smile for the rest of the day.
Shilla Bakery
📍Annandale, Centreville, Tysons, & Chantilly
Photo Courtesy Shilla Bakery's Facebook
Shilla Bakery began as a small basement bakery with a simple mission: to bake the best tasting breads, cakes, and pastries. The Red Bean Bun should be the first item in your basket followed by the light and airy Japanese Bread, and topped off with a few Cream Buns. Maybe five to be on the safe side.
Tous les Jours
📍Annandale & Chantilly
Photo Courtesy Tous les Jours' Facebook
An Asian- and French-inspired bakery, Tous les Jours has a list of authentic, classic, and tasty delights baked daily. Behold the purple sweet potato loaf and the Taro Buttercream Bread to experience the fluffiest bread. Make your commute a little sweeter with Korean pastries made using traditional Korean methods to create a super-light pastry with an extra crispy exterior.
Best Buns
📍Springfield & Tysons
This local from-scratch bakery serves up incredible, buttery, and golden treats every morning. Are you hooked on Ozzie Rolls and willing to travel to local restaurants just for a basket of them? Well, now you can head to Best Buns to get fresh Ozzie Rolls that will melt in your mouth. Relive the scene from Ratatouille with their crusty French baguette or Poblano Cheddar Bread!
Le Pain Quotidien
📍Merrifield
Le Pain Quotidien translates to "the daily bread" and that couldn’t be more fitting with this spot's wide selection of freshly baked loaves. Whether you choose the Five Grain & Raisin Loaf or the Olive Ciabatta Roll, there are no wrong answers.
Bread & Water Company
📍Alexandria
Photo Courtesy Bread & Water Company's Facebook
Bread & Water began selling handmade artisan breads and pastries at local farmers markets and quickly became a daily neighborhood stop where you could pick up a fresh baguette, a latte and savory sandwiches. Our advice? Grab the Marble Rye Bread or Ciabatta (while they last!) and browse the many other items available for pickup.
Blue Chicken Bakery
📍Great Falls
Showcasing noteworthy flavors in classic pastries, Blue Chicken Bakery has a few surprises up its sleeves when it comes to baking. The Buffalo Chicken Croissant and Brioche Tartlets will leave you wanting more, while the sourdough bread, especially the Chocolate Hazelnut Sourdough, can be your secret weapon for exceptional sandwiches and toast.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
📍Reston
Tatte Bakery started 16 years ago in a home kitchen and has since expanded to multiple locations in the DMV area. It isn't easy to pass by one of its cafés without being drawn inside. The display of everything buttery just lures you in. From tender, flaky biscuits to perfectly shaped Chocolate Roses, and even freshly baked pita bread with your choice of Feta & Pistachio or Spinach & Labneh, these choices all pair perfectly with Tatte's excellent variety of lattes. No matter your choice, your morning will kick off on a high note with a visit to Tatte Bakery.
Paris Baguette
📍McLean, Herndon, & Centreville
Photo Courtesy Paris Baguette's Facebook
Freshly made to make your day, Paris Baguette has a wide range of pastries, from croissants to velvety delights. And yes, they have freshly baked baguettes too! Don't miss the shareable breads, all baked to perfection. For something fun-sized or kid-friendly, their Mini Strawberry Lemon Cream Croissant, Mini Grain Cream Cheese Pastry, and Mini Feuillete au Chocolat are all must-trys.
Head to any of these places to get a whiff of freshly baked bread and pick up the ultimate comfort food. You can always stop by one of Fairfax County's farmers markets, where talented bakers sell their delicious creations! Which bread will you be picking up? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your baked goods with us on social media using #FXVA and @VisitFairfax.
