The Best Bakeries in the Memphis Area for European-Style Bread and Pastries

Memphis may be famous for barbecue and soul food, but the city also has a growing scene for authentic European-style bread and pastries. From flaky croissants to crusty baguettes, local bakeries are bringing Old World techniques to the Bluff City.

Whether you’re craving a buttery pain au chocolat or a chewy sourdough loaf, these five spots deliver the real deal without needing a passport.

1. La Baguette French Bread and Pastry Shop

Walking into La Baguette feels like stepping into a Parisian corner bakery, complete with the smell of butter and fresh-baked dough. This Memphis institution has been serving classic French breads and pastries for years, earning a loyal following among locals who know the difference between a good croissant and a great one. The baguettes here have that perfect crust—golden, crackly, and just loud enough when you tear into it.

Regulars rave about the flaky layers in every pastry, from almond croissants to fruit tarts. You’ll find everything from pain au chocolat to éclairs, all made with traditional techniques that honor French baking methods.

Year after year, the quality stays high, and the flavors stay true to their roots. If you’re new to European-style baking, this is a great place to start. If you’re already a fan, you’ll appreciate the care and craftsmanship in every bite.

2. Hive Bagel & Deli

You might not expect a bagel shop to make the list, but Hive Bagel & Deli has earned its spot thanks to naturally fermented dough and a European approach to bread-making. Unlike the soft, fluffy bagels you find at chain shops, Hive’s bagels have a chewy, dense texture that’s closer to what you’d find in Eastern Europe. The fermentation process gives the dough complexity and depth, making each bite more interesting than the last.

Locals who appreciate artisan bread techniques have taken notice. The dough here isn’t rushed—it’s given time to develop flavor, which is a hallmark of traditional European baking. While bagels are the star, the deli also offers sandwiches and spreads that highlight the quality of the bread itself.

If you’re used to mass-produced bagels, this will be a welcome change. The texture, the chew, the flavor—it all adds up to something worth seeking out.

3. Butteriffic Bakery & Café

Butteriffic Bakery & Café has built a reputation on one simple truth: butter makes everything better. This neighborhood gem specializes in buttery pastries, rolls, and baked goods that feel more French café than Southern comfort. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the rich aroma of laminated dough and caramelized sugar. It’s the kind of smell that makes you want to try everything on the menu.

Customers consistently praise the quality and flavor of the pastries here. Whether it’s a morning croissant or an afternoon tart, each item is made with care and attention to detail. The texture is on point—flaky, tender, and never greasy. The café also offers a rotating selection of seasonal treats, so there’s always something new to discover.

What makes Butteriffic special is its balance between accessibility and authenticity. You don’t need to be a pastry expert to appreciate what they’re doing here, but if you are, you’ll notice the technique behind every layer.

4. Sweet Musings Bakery & Café

Sweet Musings Bakery & Café takes a thoughtful approach to baking, focusing on balance rather than excess. Everything here is made from scratch, and it shows in the texture and flavor of the breads and pastries. Instead of drowning things in sugar or frosting, the bakers let the quality of the ingredients shine through.

Locals appreciate the restraint and craftsmanship that goes into each item. The pastries have just the right amount of sweetness, and the breads have a satisfying chew and crust. Whether you’re grabbing a morning pastry or a loaf to take home, you’ll notice the care that goes into every bake. The café also serves coffee and light lunch options, making it a great spot to linger.

What sets Sweet Musings apart is its commitment to doing things right, not just fast. The bakers here understand that good bread and pastries take time, and they’re willing to put in the work. So, if you’re looking for baked goods that feel intentional and well-made, this is your spot.

5. Jacques Louise Gluten-Free Bakery & Coffee Shop

Jacques Louise proves that gluten-free doesn’t have to mean flavor-free or texture-free. Even customers who don’t follow a gluten-free diet rave about the breads and pastries here, which is a testament to the skill and technique behind every recipe. The bakers have mastered the art of creating structure and chew without relying on traditional wheat flour, and the results are impressive.

From croissants to sandwich loaves, everything at Jacques Louise tastes like it was made with care and expertise. The texture is spot-on—no crumbly, dry disappointments here. The coffee shop atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a great place to meet friends or work on your laptop.

Gluten-free is just part of the story—the real focus is on making delicious, well-crafted baked goods that anyone can enjoy. Whether you have dietary restrictions or you’re just looking for something different, Jacques Louise delivers.