3 Reasons To Visit Bakery Lorraine: A Top-Rated Bakery In San Antonio

By Kelsey Kennedy | March 16, 2024

It’s no secret that The Pearl District is overflowing with incredible restaurant experiences. This is the most restaurant-saturated portion of San Antonio, and it seems that every few months another big-name restaurant announces that they’ll be opening.

There are just so many great restaurants at The Pearl! And that’s not even counting the surrounding areas that are being developed, like restaurants around the perimeter (Restaurant Claudine) and new nearby mixed-use developments (The Creamery.)

But we’re going to highlight an older one today. Why? Well, because it’s just that good. Say hello to Bakery Lorraine.

3 Reasons To Visit Bakery Lorraine in San Antonio

Founded by a couple of talented bakers from California, Bakery Lorraine started as a humble booth at a farmer’s market in San Antonio and quickly ballooned into what it is today: a multi-location bakery that serves made-from-scratch French pastries, sandwiches, and soups made with high-quality ingredients.

It’s very hard to walk into this adorable cafe and not instantly fall in love. In fact, they were immediately declared one of the country’s top bakeries by CNN Eatocracy right when they opened, and they’ve racked up a few more impressive awards since then.

ALSO SEE: The Most Popular Spots To Eat At The Pearl

Need more convincing? Here are 3 reasons why you need to eat at Bakery Lorraine.

1. Bakery Lorraine is legitimately the best bakery in San Antonio

Looking for a great bakery in San Antonio? Just go here. It is, truly, the BEST place to get phenomenal pastries. From classic tarts and croissants to their more unique strawberry pop pastry or seasonal fruit tart.

Those flaky cinnamon rolls are muah *chef’s kiss* absolute perfection, with a flaky crispy exterior and a doughy, soft inside + lots of sugary glaze on top.

The kouign amann is the expected caramelized, laminated yeast dough that flakes apart at the first bite, but Bakery Lorraine fills theirs with a lemon curd filling. It’s the yummiest treat in the middle of an already perfect pastry.

The almond croissant is their all-time best-seller, but the pain au chocolat paired with a hot latte is hard to beat in a quiet bakery.

And, of course, their claim to fame is the rainbow selection of tiny French macarons, the delicate bite-sized cookies. They’re airy-light yet chewy, and an 8-pack makes the perfect souvenir or gift idea for pretty much anyone.

Looking for a simple loaf of (really good) bread? The sourdough loaf at Bakery Lorraine can’t be beaten. It’s made with their San Antonio starter, which has been consistently churning out perfectly savory, tart loaves of sourdough at all of their Texas locations since they opened.

2. This is one of the prettiest lunch spots in San Antonio

When you’re looking for a quiet place to sit and enjoy a cup of tomato soup and a buttery grilled cheese sandwich for lunch while you work away at your laptop, Bakery Lorraine is the spot for you.

Or if you need a charming cafe environment for a lunch date with your mom, bookmark this place. Their quiche Lorraine with a side

The interior is light-filled, with soaring ceilings, live plants, and interesting artwork on the walls. As a fast-casual spot, you don’t have to worry about reservations or waits. Simply walk in, order at the counter, and find your own seat.

It’s a simple, unfussy place to enjoy a lovely lunch.

3. Bakery Lorraine’s pastry chefs are James Beard Award semifinalists

Should we have started with this point, perhaps? A James Beard Award nomination is a very big deal, and Bakery Lorraine’s pastry chef made it all the way to the semifinalist round in 2023. Both Jeremy Mandrell and Anne Ng are semifinalists for Outstanding Pastry Chef in the James Beard Foundation Awards in 2023.

It’s clearly not just San Antonio foodies and restaurant enthusiasts who are obsessed with this place. Bakery Lorraine continues to receive nod after nod by major national publications and critics for their artisanal French baked goods.

As a bakery and cafe, Bakery Lorraine is mostly known for their breakfast and lunch menu, but the Pearl location is open through dinner hours. Keep in mind that there are multiple locations in San Antonio! We just happen to love the energetic ambiance at The Pearl district.

For lunch specials, be sure to try their daily half soup/half sandwich specials.

Or just stop by for a hearty breakfast plate.

Or visit Bakery Lorraine for the sole purpose of devouring a half dozen French macarons. We’re not judging.

WEBSITE | 306 Pearl Pkwy #110, San Antonio, TX 78215