What’s better than fresh-baked artisan bread and pastries? Nothing. Literally nothing. So sharpen your butter knife and get ready to tear into the best bakeries in Scottsdale.
Chompie's
Chompie’s is everything you want from a classic East Coast delicatessen, from the mind-boggling massive menu (bagels and blintzes for days), to the mile-high sandwiches stacked with a truly silly amount of cured meats. Founded in 1979 by a family fresh from Queens, NY, Chompie’s Scottsdale location also bakes up everything from fluffy Challah Bread to gluten-free Friendly Rolls. But don’t overlook spicy South-of-the-Border specialties such as the Huevos Rancheros or the dangerously addictive Deep Fried Matzo Balls with chipotle ranch dipping sauce.
CM2 Pizzeria & Bake Shop
The fresh-from-the-oven new, CM2 Pizzeria & Bake Shop was built by the same family that owns the popular Italian restaurant, Casa Mia, located just next door. But the owner’s roots actually stretch all the way back to Sorrento, Italy, so you know the pizzas here are authentic, Neapolitan-style delights. But don’t pass up the fresh baked breads, croissants, pastries and more, paired with the strong Italian coffee. Perfetto!
Sugar Jam Bake Shop & Bistro
Part sweet shop and part breakfast & brunch hotspot, Sugar Jam Bake Shop & Bistro is completely delicious. Dressed in bright white with black and yellow accents, this cheery Scottsdale bakery will have you smiling as you soak in the extensive display case brimming with fresh-baked scones, brownies, bars and the namesake Sugar Jammin’ Sandwich Cookies. But first settle in for some of Sugar Jam’s from-scratch breakfast, brunch and even BBQ fare. Highlights include the hearty Smoked Brisket & Biscuits, the decadent Parisian Style French Toast marinated in Grand Marnier, or a classic Chicken, Walnut & Cranberry Salad sandwich served on a fluffy, buttery croissant.
J&G Steakhouse
Perched atop The Phoenician Resort, J&G Steakhouse is famed for its premium fare and endless Valley vistas from its floor-to-ceiling windows. But what you might not realize, as the well-suited wait staff drops off a basket full of complimentary dinner rolls, is you’re about to taste a warm, buttery piece of American history. Named Parker House rolls after the historic Boston hotel where these fluffy little fellows were first baked up the 1870s, the story goes that they acquired their signature dented appearance when an angry chef shoved his half-finished rolls into the oven. In other words, you better have another dinner roll, you know, for research and all.
Wildflower Bread Company
Starting with a single bakery in Scottsdale, Wildflower Bread Company has grown to more than a dozen locations across Arizona thanks to its hearty yet healthy-ish menu of sandwiches, soups and salads. But the real stars here are the house-baked artisan rounds, ovals, batards, baguettes and other breads. Not to mention a drool-worthy pastry counter piled high with scones, tarts, palmiers and pies. That said, the best single thing on the menu might just be the Taylor Ham & Swiss on a buttered ciabatta roll (breakfast and weekend brunch only).
Recognized for crafting clear, compelling and impeccably researched content, Dawson Fearnow is a marketing copywriter and an award-winning freelance reporter (guess which one pays the bills?) based in Phoenix, AZ. A longtime travel junkie and food fanatic, when he’s not crisscrossing the state in search of his next favorite dish, Dawson is daydreaming about scuba diving in far-away places.
