Top 10 Bakeries in San Diego (Chef Jenn Approved!)
As a personal/private chef in San Diego, I take pride in sourcing the best local ingredients to create unforgettable meals for my clients, whether I’m crafting a casual family dinner or a multi-course vacation celebration. One of my favorite ways to share the flavor of San Diego is through the incredible local bakeries scattered across our vibrant city. From iconic institutions to hidden gems, here are my Top 10 Bakeries in San Diego—places I turn to again and again for croissants, cookies, cakes, and more. Whether you’re planning a special event, booking a personal chef experience, or simply want to explore the city through its sweets, these bakeries are must-visits! 1. Wayfarer Bread & Pastry (La Jolla Shores) My absolute favorite. Wayfarer serves the best croissants in San Diego, along with crave-worthy sandwiches and freshly baked breads that elevate every meal. I often stop here for breakfast pastries before prepping for a private brunch or to grab loaves for my clients’ cheese boards. 2. Izola Bakery (East Village) A close second! Izola is a masterclass in laminated dough. Their croissants are light, flaky, and full of soul. I also love their sourdough bread, which has become a favorite for my sandwich boards and cozy in-home lunches. Bonus Points They bake small batches throughout the day until they sell out. This means you can expect hot-from-the-oven croissants when you visit! 3. MichiMichi (Bankers Hill) This newly opened bakery collective is one of the most innovative spots in San Diego. Think: pastry meets art gallery. Their menu rotates often, and I’m always inspired by their creativity. I’ve brought their pastries to client brunches and they never fail to spark conversation and admiration. 4. VG Donuts & Bakery (Cardiff-by-the-Sea) A North County classic, VG’s has been serving up nostalgia and deliciousness since 1969. Their blueberry buttermilk bars are legendary, and their red velvet cakes and cookies are crowd-pleasers at birthdays and holiday dinners. It’s old school in the best way. 5. Bread & Cie (Hillcrest) This Parisian-style bakery has been a part of my life for as long as I’ve been cooking in San Diego. I love the neighborhood feel, the rustic breads, and their perfectly executed pastries. It’s a go-to for my chef pantry, especially for artisan loaves, baguettes, and breakfast treats. 6. Relic Bageri (Pop-Ups Throughout San Diego) Keep an eye out for Relic’s pop-ups—they bring creative twists on classic croissants, often infused with seasonal flavors or unexpected ingredients. These pastries are as beautiful as they are delicious. I love grabbing a few for styled shoots or special brunch setups. 7. Prager Brothers Artisan Breads (Hillcrest, Carlsbad, and Encinitas) While best known for their crusty, golden baguettes and sourdough loaves, Prager Brothers also crafts some delightful sweet treats. Their commitment to quality and traditional methods is something I deeply respect and seek to emulate in my own kitchen. 8. Blackmarket Bakery (North Park) Cookies, cakes, tarts—you name it. Blackmarket Bakery has an endless pastry case, including options for vegan and gluten-free clients (a huge win in my book!). I’ve used their shortbread cookies, served with strawberries and whipped cream for as a simple dessert option or offered their sourdough bread as part of a simple lunch buffet with all the sandwich necessities. 9. Secret Sister (South Park) True to its name, this place feels like a delicious secret. Their seasonal cakes and rotating baked goods are stunning. I often bring a selection of their mini treats to client homes as a sweet welcome gift or party favor. These bakeries are part of what makes San Diego’s culinary scene so rich and exciting. As a private chef, I’m always looking for ways to celebrate local artisans and bring their work to the tables of my clients. If you’re planning a special dinner, family vacation, or just want to explore the flavors of San Diego with a chef’s touch, I’d love to cook for you. Book your next event or in-home chef experience at www.chefjenncooks.com and taste what makes San Diego so special.
A Food Lover’s Weekend Road Trip from LA to San Diego
Looking for the perfect weekend escape from Los Angeles? Let me guide you on a delicious, experience-rich road trip to San Diego—my home base and one of Southern California’s fastest-growing foodie destinations. Whether you’re staying in La Jolla, Coronado, or a cozy coastal Airbnb in Encinitas, this itinerary has it all: farm stops, croissants worth the drive, just-caught seafood, and unforgettable dinners. Here’s how I’d do it: Friday: Grab & Go, Then Hit the Road Start your weekend with a proper breakfast. I always recommend Lodge Bread Company—they have locations in Pasadena, Woodland Hills, Beverly Hills, and Culver City. Whether it’s their savory breakfast sandwich or one of the best cinnamon rolls in LA, it’s a road trip-worthy stop before you even hit the freeway. Have a little extra time? Detour to The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano (open 9am–3pm, Wednesday through Sunday). Enjoy coffee, pastries, and fresh farm-to-table bites in a beautiful open-air setting. Trust me—nothing hits like real food eaten on a farm, not in a drive-thru. Arrive in San Diego & Unwind Once you arrive, check into your hotel or vacation rental. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, here’s my favorite tip: book a private chef for your first night. (Yes, I know someone fabulous!) Settle in, pour a glass of wine, and let the restaurant come to you. It’s the perfect way to start your stay relaxed and well-fed. Saturday: Croissants, Markets & Coastal Adventures Kick off your morning with Izola Bakery in downtown San Diego. Their croissants—96 layers of buttery bliss—are architectural wonders, and they’re baked fresh throughout the day. After breakfast, hop on the ferry to Coronado Island for a scenic stroll or beachfront lunch at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Prefer something more local? Visit the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, where you can meet San Diego fishermen and pick up some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever find—think uni cracked open to order. Dinner to Remember: Anime or Kingfisher San Diego’s restaurant scene is seriously leveling up. With so many incredible places to choose from, I’ve narrowed it down to two standout spots that combine stunning ambiance with exceptional cuisine. Anime – A sleek, Asian-influenced West Coast steakhouse with major wow factor. Expect a tour of bold, globally inspired dishes like crispy pig ears, Australian wagyu, uni, and cocktails as beautiful as they are delicious. Kingfisher – Located in historic Golden Hill, this Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant is pure magic. Soulful dishes, bold flavors, and a dazzling art deco space paired with a creative cocktail program make for an unforgettable night out. After-Dinner Vibes: Lou Lou’s or The Lafayette Still in the mood to explore? Stop by The Lafayette Hotel for vintage bowling lanes and expertly crafted cocktails, or grab a seat at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room & Supper Club. With moody lighting, a clamshell stage, and old-school lounge vibes, it’s part speakeasy, part transportive experience—and open to the public most nights. Sunday: Sleep In, Then Fuel Up Soak up your last day in San Diego with a slow morning and something satisfying. Grab a breakfast burrito from Lucha Libre Taco Shop for the ride back, or swing through Pipes Café in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. It’s casual, local, and a bit legendary. (Don’t tell anyone I told you.) See You in San Diego Whether you’re coming for the croissants, the cocktails, or the calm of the coast, San Diego is ready to spoil you. And if you’re looking for a private dining experience that brings the restaurant to you—I’d love to cook for you. Let’s make your weekend getaway even more delicious.
Boost Your Brand with Custom Recipe Development and Food Content
https://chefjenncooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/YouCut_20240912_124028025.mp4 Are you looking to showcase your food product or kitchen equipment in a way that truly engages your audience? High-quality recipe creation paired with stunning food photography and engaging video content is the key to driving traffic, increasing brand awareness, and converting followers into customers. As a professional chef, food stylist, and content creator, Chef Jenn specializes in recipe development for brands, websites, and social media. Whether you need tested recipes featuring your product, eye-catching photography, or short-form videos for Instagram and TikTok, Chef Jenn delivers expertly crafted content that makes your brand stand out. What Chef Jenn Offers: Custom recipe development featuring your product Food photography to showcase dishes in the best light Short-form videos & reels for Instagram, TikTok & YouTube Live or recorded cooking demonstrations for social media or events A well-crafted recipe campaign doesn’t just sell a product—it builds trust and excitement among your audience. Ready to take your brand to the next level? Available for brands, food businesses & social media campaigns Get in Touch for Custom Recipe Content
Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad with Ginger Maple Dressing
At Chef Jenn Cooks, we believe every meal should nourish the body and delight the senses. As a personal chef specializing in creating unforgettable dining experiences, I’m excited to showcase a stunning seasonal winter recipe: Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad! This vibrant and flavorful dish is a recent highlight from an engagement brunch I prepared for a lovely couple. While the couple embraced a vegan lifestyle, their extended family had varying tastes, and my goal was to craft a meal that would impress everyone at the table. This salad did just that, bringing together colorful roasted beets, zesty citrus, and a zippy maple-ginger vinaigrette. Here’s how you can create this showstopper at your next dinner party! Ready to elevate your culinary gatherings? Contact me today to discuss how we can create unforgettable moments through delicious food! With my expertise in crafting unique and inclusive menus, I can turn your next event into a culinary celebration that everyone can enjoy! Let’s make your next dinner party an event to remember! Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad Ingredients: For the Salad: 2 pounds assorted beets (red, yellow, Chioggia, candy cane, etc.), scrubbed clean and greens removed 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 oz candied walnuts 1 grapefruit (cut into suprêmes or wedges) 1 orange (cut into suprêmes) 1 blood orange (cut into suprèmes) 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice Pickled red onion (see recipe below) 4 to 7 oz crumbled vegan cheese or goat cheese Edible flowers for garnish (optional) For the Dressing: 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Quick Pickled Red Onion: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar Kosher salt Instructions: Roast the Beets: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Use cold water to wash the beets and cut off the tops and bottoms. Cut the beets in half and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap the beets in aluminum foil, lined with parchment paper, to create a sealed package. Roast for about 1 hour or until tender. Once roasted, wear rubber gloves or use paper towels to gently rub the skins off the beets. Cut the peeled beets into wedges. Prepare the Citrus: Segment the grapefruit, orange, and blood orange, reserving any juice for the dressing. Make the Quick Pickled Red Onion: In a jar, combine the sliced onions, white balsamic vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for at least 30 minutes. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together grated ginger, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, and juices from segmented citrus. Then slowly pour in olive oil, whisking constantly as you add the oil in a slow steady stream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the citrus segments in 1/3 of the dressing. In a separate bowl toss the beet in a 1/3 of the dressing, keeping any dark-colored or red beets separate. Arrange the beets on a large platter, layering them with citrus, candied walnuts, crumbled cheese, and pickled onions. Drizzle with the remaining 1/3 of the dressing over the top and finish with edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. This Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad is visually stunning and packed with flavors that harmonize beautifully. This recipe showcases the best of the winter season in Southern California. Whether hosting a brunch, dinner party, or a special celebration, this dish will leave your guests raving. If you’re looking to impress friends and family at your next event, consider booking Chef Jenn Cooks for personalized dining experiences that cater to all dietary preferences.
