The counters in Carmel-by-the-Sea worth queuing for: bread, pastry, and the morning ritual.
Bakery counters in Carmel-by-the-Sea worth queuing for: levain breads, laminated pastry, regional bakes and the morning ritual.
Carmel Bakery has baked on Ocean Avenue since 1899, run by the Pepe family since 1988 and selling giant pretzels, cannoli and in-house gelato.
Tip: It claims the title of California's oldest bakery still in its original location; the pretzel travels to the beach better than the gelato.
Worth the queue: Giant soft pretzel
Rise + Roam Bakery and Pizzeria works organic flours in Carmel Plaza, moving from breads and pastries at 07:00 into pizzas and salads by midday.
Tip: The bakery side sells down by early afternoon; come before 10:00 for the full case, or at noon if pizza is the point.
Worth the queue: Morning pastry case before the pizza oven takes over
Patisserie Boissiere bakes French pastry daily on Mission Street in Carmel, a chateau-styled room selling its case beside a full French menu.
Tip: Order pastry to take away from the case, or sit for lunch; Friday to Sunday the doors open at 08:30 for the morning bake.
Worth the queue: Daily French pastries from the case