It’s hard to be in a bad mood in a bakery. Perhaps this is why the neighborhood bakery is thriving right now. Admit it: you’re fantasizing about the sumptuous smell that greets you when you walk in the door of your favorite one.

The demand for smiles and fresh buns is bustling in the ‘burgh! Oakmont Bakery expanded in 2019. Casey Renee of Confections by Casey Renee opened a spot in Wilkinsburg. Prantl’s ships their famous almond torte nationwide and even has a travel-torte that you can take on a walk. Mediterra proved that you can be everything to everyone- traditional and innovative and Instgrammable- and still pack the house in both Sewickley and Mount Lebanon.

Local picks to consider: There are far too many exceptional bakeries in our region to name them all, but we recommend you start exploring these gems immediately!

Take a trip to Nancy B’s for chocolate chip cookies in Homestead.

Millivale’s Jean-Marc Chatellier's French Bakery says bon appétit with Palmier and Almond Croissants.

Squirrel Hill’s Five Points Bake Shop has become a serious reader favorite for massive flaky cinnamon rolls.

Highland Park’s Food Glorious Food serves up Jewish Pizza, and fresh-from-the-pan buttermilk biscuits.

Head over to La Gourmandine Bakery in Lawrenceville for a life-changing Brioche Bostock, filled with raspberry jam and almond cream.

Monroeville’s Moio’s Italian Bakery is famous for white cake with strawberry filling.

The Butterwood Bake Consortium in Lawrenceville is known far and wide for drop-dead gorgeous cakes oozing with gourmet appeal.

Flower and Fin graced our Gatherings issue cover last month with their flower-and-herb-topped cakes, and they’re worth a drive to Rochester, PA!