Stopped by quick just before noon and its clearly a popular spot - only raisin croissants and focaccia left (along with some loaves of bread on the back wall). The raisin croissant was great - it was flaky, light, there was a nice simple syrup that created almost a candied undercarriage - this could have also been the sugar that cooked out of the raisins when baking. The croissant didn't exactly have anything particularly standout about it, it just tasted like it was very well executed. Oddly didn't get much of a buttery flavor from this croissant, I also feel like a very small amount of spices could have gone a long way to help pull in some warm undertones for the flavor. If I get back here on another trip, I'll be sure to arrive earlier to get some different options. read more

Zu Bakery - Inside of Raisin Croissant stuffed with golden raisins - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Tiny over-the-counter bakery in Portland's West End, in an area that's mostly residential and a tough one to find parking. Upon entry, you'll see the current offerings in a display to the right, and a view into the kitchen through a window in the left. The friendly staff could not be nicer; zero attitude whatsoever even after winning a prestigious James Beard award. Zero seating, too, unfortunately, other than a few benches outside. -- Chocolate Croissant: A sturdy brown contraption with a crusty exterior and a bready interior. Mine was still warm, with a good crackly bite and hints of wood flavor from the oven. Underneath were strong accents of chocolate. Very good and very different. -- Almond Croissant: A swirl shape along the lines of pain au raisins, but with almonds and almond filling. That filling was nicely understated and natural, complementing while deferring to the still-warm dough. Another example of very good and very different. This place strikes me more as a bread bakery that also bakes pastries than a pastry shop that also bakes bread-- not that there's anything wrong with that. And it's a place that's willing to sacrifice breadth of offerings (at least at any one time) for quality of offerings, and there's nothing wrong with that either. Looking forward to many more visits to get that breadth-- and bread-- over time. read more

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Zu bakery is a must stop when in Portland even with so many bakeries to choose from. Nothing beats their sourdough, i am a firm believer this is the best texture and flavor you'll get. I recently went back and finally tried an almond croissant and wow! It was exactly what i wanted, so buttery and perfectly flakey, and huge! I like how they give little bread samples at the counter as well that's a wonderful touch. I only knock off one star because i always find the service not very friendly, it is always a cold exchange but nothing that wouldn't keep me from coming back. read more

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I hate to admit this, but ChatGPT told me to come here, I know I know. I asked where the best bakery in Portland was and it said this place. So off I went. Why? I'm not sure, not a baked goods person at all but when I read that it was a James Beard award winning bakery I just had to find my way there. The spot opened at 8 o'clock and when I got there at 7:45 am there was a line of three people, I made the fourth. Moments went by and the line started to get longer, that's when I knew this place was going to be good. At 8 o'clock an adorable man opened the door and he looked like he had been working all morning tirelessly and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. I walked in and my glasses fogged, I couldn't see a thing. I will never forget the smell upon walking into this teeny tiny, standing room only magical bake shop. I have never smelled anything like this in my life, the coziest, warmest, freshest delicious smell. Seriously unreal. They didn't have a ton of options at the time I went in, chocolate croissants, regular croissants some other options in the window and then a section above of items from the day before. They had a schedule on the board indicating when more items would be available later in the day. It doesn't get more fresh and real than that. I got a croissant and a chocolate croissant and went on my merry way. On my walk back to the hotel I took a bite of the croissant. Holy magic. I've never had a croissant so perfect. The flakiness the flavor, I mean this place is special. By the time I got back to my hotel I tried the chocolate croissant as well and while it was also delicious, it needed to be warmed up, the chocolate was hardened and even then it was delicious. The chocolate was quality. If you are into fresh breads and baked goods stop in here for a very cool experience, the most delicious smells and tasty pastries. Hats off to this shop. read more

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Have you ever walked into a bakery and wanted to swoon as the warmth and smell of fresh bread envelopes you? Be prepared because this will undoubtedly happen as you enter Zu! We bought a loaf of multigrain bread that literally was just pulled from the oven! Barely made it home to slice off a couple of chunks and enjoy with fresh butter. Also bought an almond croissant and cherry scone. Both exceptional! The staff is warm and engaging, even brewed a fresh pot of coffee for us! On the return list for sure! read more

Zu Bakery - Multigrain bread minus a couple of pieces - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

i really enjoyed the food i had here, i got the ham and cheese croissant, but i also tried the chocolate one that was also really good. The store is very small and very hot, but it wasn't busy when we went and the order didn't take long at all. There's no seating inside, but there are a couple benches outside. It wasn't very busy when we went, and the staff was perfectly kind to us. There's also free water cups which was very nice too! (would give 4.5 stars if there were halves) read more

Zu Bakery - ham and cheese croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Had a ham and cheese croissant that a friend brought in and it was delicious! I've always wanted to try Zu Bakery and the serving is huge. It was very fulfilling and flavorful. I eventually want to check out the bakery in person!! read more

The residents of the West End are incredibly lucky to have this place in their neighborhood! I finally got a chance to try it this weekend and was really glad I did. The croissants tasted great with a rich buttery flavor and superb lamination. The ham and cheese croissant was a solid 5 stars, and I'd come back just for that. The almond croissant was surprising. Rather than a traditional twice-baked croissant with frangipane inside, it's a spiral croissant with sugar and sliced almonds baked inside. Almost more like a light almond sticky bun. This one was less successful for me, as I found myself missing the sweetness and richness of a frangipane. I also got an Irish currant scone which was more biscuit-y than scone-y for my taste. I was not interested in this one, but if you like scones like this, it may be more for you. All the baked goods are enormous, so you will be stuffed after one. I've heard the lines here can be quite long, so I purposely tried to get here early. Check their website for their schedule of baked goods, as they only make certain things at certain times. Viennoiserie come out from 9-9:30 which is when I popped over on a Saturday, and there were only two people in line in front of me. The staff were very friendly too. I'll definitely be back. read more

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Really great croissant and other baked goods! No place to sit, but staff was attentive and not a long wait. read more

Zu Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

They just won a James Beard Award and a week later I am in Portland standing in line awaiting to try Zu. (my trip was pre-planned so it just worked.) Stood in line for about 20 minutes. Zu is a very small bakery with no indoor sitting area but has 2 benches outside. So grab and go it is! It was 10 am and when I entered all they had out to sell was brownies, almond croissant and raisin croissants. I felt very let down as I just wanted a croissant. I asked and the young gentleman behind the counter pulled out teh tray and their happened to be two croissants in the back of the baking tray! WIN! I can share- clean facility. The bakers were right there doing their thing. Unphased by customers comign and going. The two young folks behind the counter were super sweet and thankful1 They thanked us for waiting! How stinkin nice! The croissant was flaky, buttery and soft. It was good. It didn't knock my socks off per se but it was good. My husband got an iced coffee- no complaints. read more

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I admit I'm not a classics kind of gal, and '24 James Beard award-winning Zu is a classics kind of place. The menu is very small, and they follow a schedule of what they're selling throughout the day. However, I moved past my bias when I tore off a piece of their chocolate croissant. The flake on their croissants is UNREAL. How do they even do it? The texture and taste is everything you hope for: chewy and buttery. It's textbook of a superior croissant. If you can appreciate this, then Zu Bakery is your place. read more

Delicious bread. Show up and try whatever is hot. Love the variety and how this reminds me of home-baked bread!

Delicious, fresh, efficient ordering system, unbelievable smells, solid value. The croissant with ham and cheese was divine. read more

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Wonderful experience visiting Zu Bakery. Awesome fresh-baked variety of breads like right-out-out-of-the oven challah (timing is everything), flaky but light pain aux raisin, properly laminated ham and cheese croissant with just the right balance of sweet and savory generously adorned with sesame seeds, and two types of savory focaccia that are ethereally light and so satisfying. Such a delight and delicious. Thank you! read more

What a cute little neighborhood bakery. Before you even open the door, you are tantalized by the smell of the fresh baked delights that await you. Be sure to check their schedule so you know when the different kinds of breads are available. The croissants and assorted pastries that are waiting when they first open are highly recommended. I personally got a chocolate croissant, a ham and cheese croissant, and a tomato and cheese galettes. The service was friendly and expedient. I only wish I had taken pictures before I and my friends devoured these delectable delights. read more

Arrived at 845. Line was building. Staff were fast and effective though. There's a display case to show you the days offerings. We got monkey bread (hot out of the oven), a ham and cheese croissant, and an almond croissant. I just wasn't too fond of the almond croissant. Prices were fair. No interior seating but benches are available outside. The shops format is meant to be grab and go. read more

Zu Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Wow, there are so many great bakeries in Portland. We wanted to check out Zu based on the great reviews. We tried almond croissant, and raisin croissant. It was good. read more

We walked to the bakery to split a peach galette, and it did not disappoint! The staff was busy, but friendly and it was a beautiful morning to sit on a bench outside and enjoy our pastry! read more

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ZU Bakery is in the west end and has a small selection of laminated pastries and bread for the taking. We tried a chocolate croissant and a regular croissant and they were both delectable! Huge pastries. I wished I would have gotten the almond croissant to try -- it's shaped like the pain au raisin but apparently doesn't use the almond paste gunk that is standard in almond croissants (and I find ick). Owner is lovely and there's no rhyme or reason to the name except he wanted it to be easy to pronounce for kids. Super cute shop! read more

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This area has become an epicenter of excellent bakeries. We stopped by Zu Bakery because of the Yelp reviews. Pleasantly surprised that there were no lines but could see that they were sellling pastries and bread almost straight out of the oven. We ordered the orange brioche- heavenly, the chocolate croissant , massive and the pain au raisin which my husband swore was the best one he has ever eaten. The tiny shop is minimalist but is definitely a working shop where you can see bread being formed into shapes and a series of ovens. Love the ambiance- which is cheerful and welcoming read more

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Happened upon Zu Bakery this morning when walking around the West End with a pal. We walked into a small, open baking space. It felt as though we were walking right into a bakers kitchen. There was a small glass window on the right displaying croissants, an interesting pinwheel type almond croissant, a loaf of money bread and some currant scones. There were also several loaves of fresh wheat bread out cooling on shelves. I left with one of the almond croissants and a warm loaf. The baseline pastry for the croissant was warm buttery and flaky on the inside and perfectly brown and crispy on the outside. It was so expertly crafted that I (mostly) didn't mind the absence of almond paste. Maybe the thin almond slices imbued within the layers, were there as representation? The large loaf of bread was spectacular. Once I got it home, I wished I had better butter available, although with ubiquitous grocery store butter, it was still pretty epic! read more

Zu Bakery - the front of the restaurant - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

Another 2024 James Beard winner in Portland- Outstanding Bakery. There was a line out the door when we arrived. It is quite small inside, with no seating. There are some benches outside though. I ordered the ham & cheese croissant. It was good, but not too memorable. read more

Zu Bakery - Ham & Cheese - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

If I could give this place 6 stars I would. I lived in Paris for a year, and the croissants we had at Zu were perhaps better than any I had in Paris. Just go here and buy croissants - they are heaven. They have a schedule for what they make at what times, and when it's gone it's gone, so check the schedule. We had one each of an almond and raisin croissant. I was in heaven - these are the flakiest, butteriest pastries I can recall eating. Zu has ruined me from buying croissants anywhere else, but I live in Tucson, what am I to do?! Boohoo. read more

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An easy five stars. One of the best butter croissants I've had in the NE! We also enjoyed the chocolate croissants and ham and cheese croissant, though the plain was my personal favorite. Absolutely worth a stop. The hardest part was holding ourselves back from a second round! read more

We wanted to check out both the new James Beard award winners while we were in Portland so after making it through the line at Norimoto we headed over to Zu. We got in line at 10:30 on a Saturday morning and made it to the front of the line in under 15 minutes. That was the good news, the bad news was that the only items available for purchase at that time were a brioche roll, a brownie, granola and a few wheat loafs. We purchased a brioche loaf and a bag of granola. Both were quite tasty but I was disappointed that there wasn't more on offer. They said that there would be scones and focaccia available in the next 20-45 minutes so it seems our timing was just bad. Street parking was easy to find and everyone working there was very friendly. Would happily give it another go if I lived in the area. read more

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Had to stop by the James Beard award winning Zu Bakery during our trip to Portland and it did not disappoint! From the incredible smells of fresh baked goods wafting towards the line outside to Chef Olins himself overseeing the baking process, it's clear this bakery does a few things and does them incredibly well. I only got a (huge) chocolate croissant, but many other items called my name for next time. The chocolate croissant had a fantastically flaky exteriors with a soft, buttery, layered interior. The chocolate was rich and my only qualm was that I could have used a little more, but I'm just a chocolate lover. Everyone in the bakery was friendly and attentive, and they move the line through quickly. Food: 1. Chocolate croissant (5/5) read more

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Probably the best bakery I've been in, in the US, which explains the James Beard award and lines a block long to match. The croissants were the best I've had outside of Paris. It's so clean, you could eat off the floors. The kids working the counters actually had manners and greeted customers appropriately - a rarity these days! read more

They sell out crazy fast. It's hard to get anything if you don't come right at the opening. But I did manage to get a focaccia at around 12:15pm and it was the best focaccia I've ever had and a very delicious pizza around 1pm. The sauce on the pizza is highly flavorful and different from any pizza sauce I've had (in a very good way). Highly recommend and the staff are very friendly. read more

Zu Bakery - Focaccia - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

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Heavenly smell as you walk in. Small curated selection daily. Chef owner was very friendly and gracious, as was person at counter. I had the apple tart which was amazing. Worthy of James Beard best bakery! read more

Zu Bakery - Chef owner and Team - Bakeries Near Me - Portland, Maine

We went in for their marvelous bread and found additional items to entice us. The owner is there working as we browsed.

A wonderful addition to the neighborhood. Barak's bread and pastries are delicious and there is no better treat than to walk down in the morning to get a croissant or to drop by to pick up bread or a baguette. They take their craft seriously here and all of us are the beneficiaries of their hard work. read more

James Beard knows what's up. The ham and cheese croissant was arguably the best bite I had in this great culinary city. Don't fret the lines (they move quick, or bring a book, or stare at your phone). read more

Excellent bakery. I had a chocolate croissant and was absolutely superb. My only qualm is that they don't have very many drink options. Black Coffee, water, and camomille or black tea. read more

We got there after they closed but the owner let me in with a smile. There was not much left but we had the chance to try the focaccia and it was incredible. The whole experience was A+. So friendly, great service and beyond delicious. !!!! read more

one of my new favorite bakeries. We had the French baguette and the sourdough with sesame seeds. The baguette was crusty on the outside and soft inside. They both tasted so good that it was hard to stop eating. I love their approach and staff. read more

Warm fresh artisanal bread and pastries. Fascinating baker and incredible work ethic. We rented in the neighborhood for a few months and I miss that morning smell of fresh baking read more

I dream about this bread. It's perfect. I lived in NYC prior to moving to Portland, and I would put this up against the best of anything there. The pastries are also excellent, although they are usually sold out by the time I get there. This place is a real gem, and it's clear that Barack's obsession with his craft has led to something special. read more

What a wonderful bakery. The baker/owner Barack is SO passionate and dedicated to his craft. The chocolate croissants and the blueberry scones are a must. The breads that we bought are incredible and are made from flour milled in Maine. The space is tight but filled with fun and amazing product. They start at 6AM so be patient as some breads are not available until a bit later. A MUST if you are in Portland. read more