Where to Find the Best Pastries in Indianapolis
Pastries are a serious game in Indianapolis. I don’t play when we’re talking patisserie. As a proud Parisian (aka I’ve been to Paris twice) I know a quality croissant, danish, macaron, or other fancy treat when I see it.
Thankfully, we’ve got plenty of bakeries crafting high-quality pastries in Indianapolis. It almost feels like there’s a new bakery or pop-up showing up every week, and I’m here for it.
Without further adieu, here’s where you can find the best pastries in Indianapolis.
Leviathan Bakehouse
Leviathan is consistently creating surprising, creative pastries that are mindblowingly good. From their annual Valentine’s Day “black heart” pastry filled with passion fruit mousse to a special hazelnut cream-stuffed brioche, it’s hard to go wrong with anything from the great team at Leviathan. Plus, they’ve got coffee drinks (and tea!) galore — and what goes better with a classic chocolate croissant than a nice double espresso?
If you stop in around lunchtime, pick up one of their house-made sandwiches. My personal favorite is The Meg, Leviathan’s take on a muffuletta with Smoking Goose Indiana charcuterie, Fair Oaks Indiana asiago, cherry-fennel giardiniera, habanero mayo, and fresh arugula on their own natural leaven focaccia bread.
1101 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Amelia’s Bread
Amelia’s first location in Fletcher Place was one of the first food places I remember visiting as a college student hanging out in downtown Indy. And it’s for good reason — their pastries are awesome. They opened in 2015 and have been slinging incredible croissants, breads, and other sweet or savory treats ever since.
Pro tip: If it’s nice out, stop by either of their shops for a baguette, whatever cheese and meat they have in their refrigerators, and pick up a few pastries to go (I’m partial to the chocolate croissant, or whatever danish they have). If you’re picking up bread from the Fletcher Place location, head to Highland Park or Edna Balz Lacy Park for a picnic and enjoy!
Two locations:
Fletcher Place | 653 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203
Windsor Park | 1637 Nowland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46201
Beurre Sec
Blurb
Beurre Sec is special. They’re a one-person show churning out pastries so good that they sell out in minutes. Trek to the northside for a pop-up at Lulu’s Coffee and Bakehouse where the lines form before 8:00 AM for pop-ups. If you can snag one of these highly sought after pastries, it will be love at first bite.
Past pop-ups have included delights like apple tarte tatin, Saint Honoré, paris brest, and au gratin potato danishes. You never know what you’re going to find, but it’s always incredible and made with care.
Pop-ups around the city, including at Lulu’s Coffee and Bakehouse at 2292 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Zoë Taylor Pastries
A pastry box with four pastries created by an incredible chef? Sign me up. That’s what’s happening with Zoë Taylor’s pastry set up. DM her on Instagram to reserve a box — she’ll share the menu on her Story a few days before pick up.
Past boxes have included delights like chausson aux pommes, brioche filled with melted leek cream, fig leaf canéles, oatmeal cream pies, croissant toasts, rhubarb passionfruit tarts, cocoa nib HoHo’s and more.
Pop-ups and special boxes offered on a regular basis, follow @zoeetaylor on Instagram for updates.
Gallery Pastry Shop
Gallery Pastry Shop has become an Indy pastry powerhouse over the last few years, morphing from a small location tucked in the back of a shopping center to a growing business with three locations across Indianapolis in Broad Ripple, the Old Northside, and Downtown Indy. Their original location in Broad Ripple has since become their private event space, but the new Broad Ripple location is stylish and perfect for brunch (they don’t just have pastries, after all).
Whatever you do, don’t skip out on a fancy cake or macaron after brunch. If you see a stuffed croissant on their menu, order it! They’ve had lavender mousse-stuffed and chocolate mousse-stuffed croissants, and I can’t wait to see what they put into one of their homemade croissants next!
4573 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46205
Rene’s Bakery
Rene’s Bakery is a tiny (I’m talking TINY) bakery in Broad Ripple that you just can’t skip. After taking a walk down the Monon Trail, veer off toward Cornell Avenue where you’ll find Rene’s tucked just off the street in the blue house. Only one group can fit into the retail space at a time, so bring your patience if you visit on a weekend.
Rene’s menu changes frequently, but they always have a great selection of croissants and breads. Pick up a couple macarons, a chocolate croissant, a slice of carrot cake, or one of their incredible fresh fruit tarts. Any choice you make at Rene’s is going to be a good one. They’ve been around since 2004 for a reason.
P.S. Savor the smell while you’re in the shop. Their employees say they’ve tried making a candle to recreate the scent of baking pastries in their shop, but it’s just not close enough to the real thing.
6524 Cornell Ave B, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Circle City Sweets
Circle City Sweets is an Indy classic at this point. You’ll find them at farmers markets across the city, and in their shop at The Amp at 16Tech. Get there early for the best selection — and always grab an almond croissant if they still have them. If you want something easy to grab and go, or pack in a lunchbox, pick up one of their jam-filled shortbread bars.
Circle City Sweets also teaches a variety of classes where you’ll learn how to make croissants, macarons, breads, holiday pies, and more.
1220 Waterway Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Landlocked Baking Company
If you’ve ever eaten a croissant or muffin at Coat Check Coffee or Provider, you’ve indulged in a Landlocked pastry. This Irvington pastry shop is not one to miss, with plenty of options for vegans! They’ve always got an incredible selection of babkas, muffins, croissants, donuts, breads, cookies, and more. The selection changes daily, so if you see something you like on social media, be sure to grab it ASAP!
118 S Audubon Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46219
Youssef Boudarine Pop Ups
Youssef Boudarine is a pastry chef at several Indianapolis and Indy area institutions, including Bluebeard and Anthony’s Chophouse. His portfolio of work includes stints at Ladurée, Gallery Pastry Shop, and more. Lately, on top of all of the incredible pastries he’s creating for restaurants, he’s somehow found time to pop up with local businesses across the city. Past pop-ups have included incredible options like croissant supremes stuffed with Tinker Coffee cream, maritozzi buns, and more. Follow on Instagram for details — he’s recently launched J’ADORE, so keep an eye out for what’s coming next!
