La Brea Bakery
624 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, California 90036
United States
(323) 939-6813
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GeoPage Score
9.8
What's this?
1 Recommend
Citysearch Rated
You can't live on bread alone, but this landmark L.A. bakery sure makes it tempting to try.
April 15, 2004
(4.0 / 5 stars)

The Scene
While the bakery remains a premier destination for its unrivaled loaves, it also carries a sophisticated selection of imported and California artisanal cheeses, specialty desserts, sandwiches and other gourmet items.

The Food
Popular favorites include olive bread, roasted garlic and rosemary-olive oil, which will seduce you with its aroma, texture and taste. Simpler selections are every bit as satisfying. The pain rustique is crusty and flavorful; the country-white sourdough is great for sandwiches; and the baguettes are magnificent. Try them with some Humbolt Fog California goat cheese, white anchovies or gorgeous, red Italian village olives. Got a sweet tooth? Satisfy it with a sublime chocolate croissant, lemon-almond tart or chocolate-whisky cake. Candied ginger or rosemary liven up traditional scones, and refrigerated cookie dough comes in maple pecan, chocolate chip and peanut butter-currant.

(Editorial review provided by Citysearch)
1 to 10 of 11 reviews | Go to Page 1 2
D-lish!
September 23, 2010
(5.0 / 5 stars)

Their baked goods are totally yummy and the staff is super friendly. Love the ambiance ... makes me want to visit Paris again ... SOON!

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Great bakery with extras
August 14, 2007
(5.0 / 5 stars)

Their baked goods are heavenly. We especially enjoy the olive oil and rosemary bread. Pastries and savories are sometimes from the previous afternoon, but I prefer my croissants a little less flaky. The staff is helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Don't expect too much special attention during their rush times, but even on Saturday mornings the line moves quickly and they get your order right. I don't think the price is out-of-line with the quality.

(User review provided by Citysearch)
OVERPRICED and OVERRATED!!!
June 20, 2007
(1.0 / 5 stars)

I paid $4.25 for a very dry almond crossant and the Caffe Latte I ordered was barely lukewarm. Almost $8 for this? I'll stick to The Coffee Bean. There's also no parking on La Brea anywhere near this place during rush hour unless you valet your car. OVERRATED!!!

(User review provided by Citysearch)
My favorite bread shop!
February 06, 2007
(5.0 / 5 stars)

I go here often for the yummy cannele and dried-fruit scone, along with great breads, rosemary and olive, cranberry and walnut, currant ...

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Fantastic pasteries and cheeses!
January 23, 2007
(5.0 / 5 stars)

La Brea Bakery is nationally reknowned for its delicious breads and other treats, so the food will not be a disappointment to you! They offer a wide variety of skillfully crafted, and delectable foods in a charming French Bistro-esque atmosphere.
Everytime I went to La Brea Bakery, we went in to the bakery side not the restaurant, and took our pasteries out to their street-side tables to eat. We have even spotted celebs eating at La Brea Bakery!

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Yummy quiche
September 28, 2006
(5.0 / 5 stars)

Delicious, flaky crust, and the pretzel bread is delicious. The staff is courteous and knowledgeable. It's worth stopping in if you're anywhere nearby!

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Very Rustic
September 27, 2006
(5.0 / 5 stars)

I have been to the bakery a couple of times and got something different everytime. There loaves are quite hard but very flavorful. I like the raisin brioche, it is very eggy, very good by itsef. The apricot pannettone was really good. I also tried the pain de mie. I am use to those soft fluffly white bread I get at the Japanese or Chinese bakery. The pain de mie was quite dense, it is good with butter and sugar carmelized in the oven. I really like the cannelles, they are kinda expensive for such a small piece. The ginger lemon muffin was really good, it had a zing to it. The croissants and madelines (kinda expensive) were alright. I absolutely love the chewy ginger cookies. It has so much ginger flavor, you get the sweetness and a hint of spice from the ginger. I still have yet to try their rosemary olive oil bread and their cheeses.

Pros: Flavorful Bread, Gnger Cookies
Cons: some stuff are a bit pricey, bread may be too hard unless eaten right away
(User review provided by Citysearch)
the best in the business
September 10, 2006
(4.0 / 5 stars)

the pain rustica and olive bread are hard to beat! they taste just like they do in paris on a sidewalk cafe. a bit pricey but worth it!

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Tons of tempting treats!
May 02, 2006
(5.0 / 5 stars)

Another place I recommend to friends and visitors. Very good, tasy treats baked fresh, and the granola is fabulous. Great place to grab a bite before hitting Buffalo Exchange and going on a gentle shopping spree.

Recommended!

Pros: good treats, re
(User review provided by Citysearch)
scones to die for...
December 03, 2005
(5.0 / 5 stars)

although most people stop in to take out bread--that's what the place is famous for...they sell it in grocery stores all over the country, what stands out as my VERY favorote (and I've tried a lot over the years), is the rosemary scone. As a matter of fact, it inspired me to start bakig my own scones, and though I think I do make a killer one, there's no substitute for the rosemary scone at the la brea bakery. if ever you're in the mood to pay arounf $3 per baked good, it'll knock your socks off. while you're there, pick up some kalamata olive bread and potato rolls.

(User review provided by Citysearch)
1 to 10 of 11 reviews | Go to Page 1 2
The Extras:

The bakery offers seven delectable, freshly made sandwich selections, including the roasted red pepper, goat cheese and basil on walnut bread. Box lunches are also available.

RECOMMENDED BY
THE DETAILS
Category:
Restaurant
Features:
Local Favorite, Lunch Spot
Prices:
$
Payment:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Serving 2 neighborhoods:
Central LA, Greater Wilshire / Hancock Park
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