The best bakeries Los Angeles

This family-run bakery is usually packed with children and teenagers from the two neighboring schools. A sort of nerve center for the Brentwood community, it's a great place to grab a coffee, indulge in a sweet treat, or grab a sandwich or quiche for lunch. In addition to pastries, Belwood Bakery Cafe specializes in muffins - in original flavors such as pumpkin, cappuccino, lemon and low-fat corn - and revisited macaroons - lavender, red velvet, tiramisu and Nutella, among others.

From the smell of freshly baked bread and warm viennoiseries, to the mouth-watering colors of its pastries and cakes, French bakery savoir-faire is inimitable. That's why Frederic Laski and Laila Abddaim decided to open their Beverly Hills establishment, with a team of professionals from France, as well as a large proportion of the ingredients. A perfect address for a late breakfast or an early afternoon snack.

This small chain of bakeries, which also operates in Hollywood, Highland Park and outside Los Angeles in South Pasadena, was founded by Alfredo Livas and Ricardo Cervantes as a tribute to their native Mexico. In the window: pan dulce, conchas - traditional sweet rolls - taquitos, chocolate croissants, corn bread - pan de elote - cocadas - a delicacy made from shredded coconut - and guava cake, among others. People also come for the delicious coffee, which can be bought in bags.