The top southern Delaware bakeries you definitely need to try (2024)

Peach pie doughnuts, Jewish rye bread, gluten-free blueberry muffins,tres leches cake, golden croissants: Whatever you're craving, southern Delaware probably has thebaked good you've been searching for.

Maybe you want a simple Italian loaf that still bears the warmth of an oven. Or you're wondering whata "cruffin" is, and more importantly, what it tastes like.

Get ready to experience that post-carb glow: We've rounded up the most popular bakeries along the coast and in western Sussex County for your convenience.

Morning Buns Bake Shop

68 Atlantic Ave., Ocean View. Contact: (302) 307-2917

This bright yellow Ocean View bakery looks like grandma's house, and itcertainly has the buns: Orange rolls, sticky buns, monkey pull-apart bread and a variety of otherpastries will have you not caring how sticky your hands get.

They're known for their pecan sticky buns and filled croissants (try the pumpkin and cream stuffed one thenext time you stop by.) Morning Buns is open 7 a.m. to noon (closed Wednesdays) but will close early if they sell out.

You should go if: You like a sweet start to the day. A chocolate chip scone, apple streusel muffinor almond croissant are just a few sugar-coated options. For those who prefer savory goods, get the ham and cheese croissant.

Did you know: Morning Buns makes beautiful wedding cakes and specialty cupcake displays.

Similar:Maureen's Cafe is an equally adorable shop on Bethany Beach's main strip. If you came for ice cream, their baked goods game might cause you to change course: strawberrymoose, Jewish apple cake, chocolate bundt cake for one, chunky chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake are all classic winners.

Old World Breads

32191 Nassau Road, Lewes. Contact:(302) 313-5191

Old World Breads is the quintessentialcrusty-bread-on-an-Italian-terrace kind of bakery. The rugged surface and spongy interior of this small shop's breads beg to take a dip in olive oil, mop up sauces,or be eaten with a simple pat of butter.

Founded in 2014 byKeith Irwin, Old World Breads isconveniently located just off Coastal Highway andoffers a variety of pies, cookies and pastries.

You should go if: You wanthandcrafted, rustic breads, from olive Italianto ancient grain— and grab a lemon rosemary scone on the way out.

Did you know: You can stop by Old World Breads for lunch. Flatbread pizzas, soups (many of them vegetarian), salads and other savory goods are available daily. Sandwiches include curried chicken salad on a croissant and vegan muffuletta on sourdough.Be sure to try Irwin'schicken pot pie the next time you pop in.

Similar: Fortunata's bakery in Milford is a no-frillsbakery that serves up classics like rye, ciabatta,sourdough and sandwich rolls.

Ortiz Bakery

113 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Georgetown. Contact: (302) 856-7490

ThisGeorgetown bakery/restaurant hybridmakes a killer tres leches cake. Ortiz specializes in traditional Mexican bread and pastries like concha (sweet bread)and polvorone (shortbread cookies).

You should go if:You've never had Mexican pastries, or you don't want another grocery store cake but shy away frommaking your own. Ortiz's cakes are custom-made.

Did you know:Ortiz also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.So the next time you go in to pick up thatbirthday cake or pastries, order from their extensive menu of tacos, tamales, tortas, burritos and quesadillas.

Similar:My Sister's Fault in Milford is only open two days a week, but this Puerto Rican bakery is worth thespecial trip. Exhibit A, the cake flavors: lemon crunch, white chocolate pumpkin, coconut almond and tiramisu, to name a few. They also have cupcakes and deep-fried cheesecake.Empanadas and a hefty dose of pork are guaranteed belly-fillers, and the tres leches french toast is a menu standout. Keto-friendly desserts are also available at times.

Fortunata's

602 SE 4th St, Milford. Contact:(302) 422-5462.

On a quiet residential street in Milford, you can find an old school, Philly-style Italian bakery with an oven that dates back to the 1950s. Try to get there early — most of the breads, rolls and sweets are sold out before noon.If you get there between 7 and 8:30 a.m., you might see one of the bakers pulling loaves from the oven.

You should go if: You want fresh-baked bread and rolls for sandwiches or dinner. They have rye, ciabatta, focaccia, baguette and more.

Did you know: Fortunata's also has a growing rotation of sweets. Scones, cookies, sticky buns, Baltimore peach cake and conchas make regular appearances.

Similar:Old World Breads in Lewes specializes in its namesake.

Sweet Disposition

38290 London Ave. #2, Selbyville. Contact:(302) 436-3616

This Selbyville shop, open for the past 16 years,has cupcakes with anicing-to-cake ratio you'll want to sink your teeth into. Fall flavors include pear and walnut cupcakes, pumpkin pie (with adorable pie leaves on top), apple crumb pie, pumpkin bread (they have three other flavors) and pumpkin oatmeal cookies.

You should go if: You want a custom pie or cake for the holidays. When you pick up your order, grab a few cupcakes for yourself on the way out.

Did you know: Sweet Disposition has "whipped delights." Choices include the Nutty Irishmanwith Bailey's cream mousse, and Hawaiian rum with crushed pineapple and coconut custard.

Similar:Touch of Italy at Five Points in Lewes also takes custom orders for pies and cakes.

Sandy Pony Donuts

115 Garfield ParkwayUnit 2, Bethany Beach. Contact: (301) 775-2005

This small corner shop in Bethany Beach got its footing (hoofing?) from a food truck on Chincoteague Island.With fun toppings like Fruity Pebbles, shaved coconut and Oreo crumble, this is a sure pick for kids— and the kids at heart.

You should go if: You're at the beach and you want doughnuts. Simple as that. You might have trouble picking from the 24 doughnut flavors (or customize), but that's the only hard part.

Did you know:Instead of the traditional tiered cake, Sandy Pony does wedding doughnuts.

Similar:The Fractured Prune in Rehoboth Beach has equally fun specialty doughnuts (read: peach pie and salted caramel)for folks north of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.

Surf Bagel

17382 Coastal HIghway, Lewes. Contact:(302) 644-1822

It's not easy finding a meal for less than $6 at the beach. But at Surf Bagel in Lewes, you can get a meat, egg and cheese bagel for $5.50. Or "wax up" your bagel with a slab of cream cheese for just $3.

You should go if: You like a good bagel and quick service. Period. Those who like to experiment with bagel flavors, from Old Bay to coconut, are encouraged to stop by. They also have wraps, smoothies and salads.

Did you know: Surf Bagel has a second location, at18675Coastal Highway, near Movies at Midway. So if the Lewes location is off-the-walls busy in the morning (hint: they will be), drive about a mile south to its less crowded, equally as good location.

Similar: J&J Bagels in Georgetown is a delicious breakfast option for folks in central Sussex.

Rosenfeld's

18949 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. Contact: (302) 645-1700

From pastrami on rye to black and white cookies, this Jewish deli doesn't mess with the classics. Aside from "by the pound"meats and cheeses, Rosenfeld's also hastake-home breads and desserts. Assorted cakes, pies and cookies are usually on display.

Next time you go:Try their blueberry bread pudding. It's not your typical dessert.

Did you know: Rosenfeld's is expanding, with a new Wilmington location slated to open within the next year. Be on the lookout for future locations inMaryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.

Rosenfeld's news: Rosenfeld's Jewish deli looks to expand through new partnership

Similar: Rosenfeld's is the only Jewish bakery in the area (you can find its other locations in Ocean City and the Salisbury Airport).For good rye bread, head over to Fortunata's Bakery in Milford.

J&J Bagels

28 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown. Contact:(302) 856-7675

Since 2004, thisGeorgetown shop —next to Ortiz Bakery — has been hand-rollingbagels that rival Surf Bagel. J&J serves up classics like cream cheese on everything, but it also focuses on Latino cuisine(think pulled pork tortas and grilled steak with chipotle mayo).

You should go if:You want to makegood breakfast bagels part of your daily ritual — and throw some pickled jalapenos in the mix.

Did you know: The breakfast and lunch options at J&J are endless. Next time, fuse American andLatino cuisine by ordering a torta and subbing the bread with your favorite bagel.

Similar:La Sierra in Selbyville: For the restaurant, head to the back of this mishmash business (it's also abarber, small grocery and meat shop). Deep and flavorful chicken mole, thick cheese-stuffed pupusas and a variety of tacos guarantee a loyal fan base at this southern Delaware mainstay.

Notting Hill Coffee Roastery-Lewes Bake Shoppe

124 2nd St., Lewes. Contact: (302) 645-0733

Yes, you can enjoy a filling lunch inside this tiny Lewes coffee shop. Admirethe dozens of coffee flavors, then walk home with buttery golden pastries.

You should go if:A cup of coffee, ham and cheddar croissantand a newspaper sound like a great way to spend a leisurely morning.

Did you know:Notting Hill has over 70 coffee flavors. If you didn't think salty pretzel and apricot creme could be coffee flavors, think again.

Similar: The Suburban Farmhouse in Milton carries an array of coffee drinks and trendy baked goods. Get the tomato, spinach and cheddar cruffin, a muffin-shaped croissant. Leave with edible cookie dough.

The Station on Kings

720 Kings HIghway, Lewes. Contact:(302) 645-0300.

This sunlit filled, Instagrammable cafe on a quiet Lewes street is cranking out stunning baked goods.

You should go if: You want a beautifully crafted cake, croissants with a cross-section worthy of "The Great British Baking Show,"colorful macarons and fall goodies like apple danish or a mini-pumpkin pie for one.

Did you know:The Station also serveslunch: Think burrata with with sweet and spicy tomato jam, butternut squash soup and a turkey and brie sandwich.

Similar:You can't sit inside Cafe Papillon, but you can find a bench nearby on quaint Penny Lane in Rehoboth Beach. Customers can watchtheir sweet and savory crepes being made. It's worth the wait ifyou like fresh whipped cream, fruits, Nutella and the feeling that you're tucked away in a quiet Parisian alley. Cafe Papillon also sells croissants and other French pastries. You can catch the shop next year, when they open for the summer season.

Touch of Italy

101 2nd St., Lewes. Contact:(302) 827-2730

This small shop,at the corner of 2nd Street in Lewes,is as good for folks on the go as it is for diners who want to linger over a glass of wine and an antipasti spread.

Rainbow cookies, almond biscotti, black and white cookies and flaky, cream-filled lobster tails are in heavy rotation.

You should go if: You want the Italian version of theCracker Barrel experience:Instead of perusing the country store while waiting for chicken n' dumplings, you just ordered a meatball hero and are noweyeing the impressive display case of antipasti, meats, cheeses and of course, pastries, picking out which desserts to take home.

Did you know: Touch of Italy's Five Points locationoffers made-to-order pies, cheesecakes, personalized cakes and breads. To order, call302-827-2132 or visit touchofitaly.com.

Similar: Two Meatballs in Long Neck has the Italian classics, from amaretto cookies to canolis.

Pasqualini's bakery

37560 Atlantic Ave., Rehoboth Beach. Contact:(302) 227-2111

Craving dessert after a classic diner breakfast at Crystal's in Rehoboth Beach?Walk over to Pasqualini's, theRehoboth bakery known for its coffee cakes and pies. Raspberry blueberry, apple crumb and blueberry peach are just a few of the pie flavors.

After the Bake Shoppe on the main avenue closed last year, Pasqualini's remains one of the only bakeries in Rehoboth Beach.

You should go if: You're craving a slice of pie, or a cupcake, or a cookie, or a muffin, or a slice of coffee cake.

Did you know: Coffee cake flavors at Pasqualini's go beyond just the buttery, cinnamon crumb topping. Try the apple cheeseor thepeach and blueberry cheese coffee cake.

Similar: Old World Breads in Lewes also has an impressive selection of pies.

Two Meatballs

36932 Silicato Drive,Millsboro. Contact:(302) 945-1900

Thisrecently-opened Italian deli in Long Neck also sells baked goods. Walk past the terrific basil wall,grab one of the few tables inside, chow down on a Neapolitan pizza and leave with house-made goodies.

With all the bakerychoices, a sampler pack is recommended:almond biscotti, cookies like classic rainbow, pignoli cookies,amaretto and ricotta, classic canolis andrum baba (small yeast cakes soaked in rum syrup and fattened with cream).

You should go if: You're looking for brick-oven pizza,house-seasoned and steamed pastrami,New York/New Jersey-style breads (they get their dough from up north. It's all in the water), and Italian goods to go, including the meatballs — a recipe straight from the owner's mother.

Did you know:If you step inside Two Meatballs, you'll be transportedtoNew York City. Seriously: If you need to use the bathroom at Two Meatballs, you'll have to go through the city's rapid transit system. And the slicer at the front of the store? It's from the family deli in Astoria, Queens, circa 1937.

Similar: Frank and Louie's is an Italian gourmet grocery with quality meats and sandwiches, located in Rehoboth Beach.

Dorman's Donut Shoppe

33247 Fairfield Road, Lewes. Contact:(302) 827-1075

The no-frills stop on Route 24 can easily be missed, but make sure to stop by for their old-fashioned doughnuts. Seasonal goodies include apple and pumpkin doughnuts. Sticky buns are a fan favorite.

You should go if:You want to be in and out with a sweet treat to get the day started.

Did you know:Dorman's sells gluten-free products like blueberry muffins. Call ahead for more pick-up options.

Similar:Dolce Bakery in Milford sells a variety of sweet pastries, cookies and cakes, from coconut cake to chocolate with peanut butter frosting. A few notable finds on its menu: gluten-free chocolate cookies, gooey Philly butter cake, strawberry granola, house-made sausage, gravy and biscuits.

Our readers added...

Beach Break Bakrie & Cafe

123 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach. Contact:(302) 537-3800

One reader remarked, "Delicious scones, muffins and cookies. Our family loves their breakfast and lunch sandwiches too."

McCabe's Gourmet Market

34444 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach. Contact: (302) 539-8550

"Fantastic cinnamon buns and French pastries," according to one of our readers, who also recommendedthe French, sourdough and seven-grain baguettes.

Is your favorite Sussex Countybakery missing from this list? Contact reporter Taylor Goebel at tgoebel@delmarvanow.com or call 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter @TaylorGoebel