Bakeries you knead to try.
bonjour bakehouse
San Mateo
We think you deserve a treat to match your sweet disposition. With offerings spanning from scones both savory and sweet to French macarons, coconut macaroons, cookies and croissants, Bonjour Bakehouse has something for everyone. Though they carry comforting classics like cranberry scones and chocolate chip cookies, they aren’t afraid to get creative. Bold eaters can opt for scones with adventurous toppings like olives and roasted peppers or pears and cardamom. And let’s not forget the Crookie. (“When a croissant falls in love with a cookie,” according to the bakery.) After picking up your pastry, consider savoring it over at Coyote Point Beach, only a 20-minute walk from the shop. 1007 Howard Avenue. Closed Sundays.
temp & time
Menlo Park
Discreetly tucked behind Drunken Monk izakaya restaurant, you’ll find this tiny bakery-cafe serving up delicate Japanese roll cakes and rich burnt Basque cheesecakes. Make the effort to find your way inside the serene space and reward yourself with a colorful slice of something sweet, like the bright green matcha cheesecake or black sesame sponge cake filled with two kinds of cream. Rotating roll cake flavors include delicate hojicha, white chocolate-raspberry, coffee and Biscoff crumble. Sink your fork into cheesecake options like deep purple ube or Thai tea, and wash it down with a signature strawberry-yuzu sparkler with house-made fruit purees or a lychee rose sencha cold-brew tea. 1438 El Camino Real. Open Wednesday through Sunday.
sweet diplomacy
Los Altos
Gluten-free desserts don’t have to be second best. With rave reviews, Sweet Diplomacy is holding its own in the local baking scene. With playful city-themed cakes and cupcakes, the shop offers patrons a taste of New York (chocolate topped with chocolate for the City that Never Sleeps), Los Angeles (vanilla cake with strawberry buttercream highlighted with a dazzle of gold sprinkles) and Positano (vanilla cake with sunshiny lemon buttercream). There’s also a whole medley of muffins, madeleines and meringue kisses to consider. Chase your sweet treat with a cup of cocoa: organic, house-made chocolate ganache, dark brown sugar, toasted marshmallow syrup and a freshly-torched vegan marshmallow on top. 209 1st Street. Closed Mondays.