Carmel Bakery

Founded in 1899, Carmel Bakery can legitimately claim to be California’s oldest bakery still in its original location, with more than 120 years of uninterrupted expertise and production.

The Original Bakery in Carmel

In its earliest days, Carmel-by-the Sea was known to be a Bohemian artist colony. The village had a grocery store, a stationary store, a small inn, and a bakery along the road that led down to the most enchanting white sand beach along the Pacific Coast. Carmel Bakery was established in 1899 and is now Carmel’s oldest running retail business in Carmel-by-the-Sea and has been owned by the Pèpe family since 1986. As a matter of fact, it is the oldest building still standing in the village. There have been only four owners in the bakery’s over 100-year history. The original owner, Fritz Schweinger, lived in the apartment above the bakery for many years and is considered one of the founding fathers of Carmel.

When Pèpe moved to Carmel in 1974 he worked up the street at Wishart’s Bakery and some years later had the opportunity to purchase Carmel Bakery from the then retiring owner, Hector DeSmet. In this historic picture below the bakery is seen depicted in 1906, with the Slevin’s Stationary Store, which doubled as the post office to the upper left, and the Leidig Grocery Store to the right. In effect, this part of Ocean Avenue was the town center and remains so today. Ocean Avenue was a dirt road in those days, not paved until the 1930’s, and not a car in sight, only a horse and buggy in the lower right corner.

Today Carmel Bakery is known for its giant pretzels, cannoli, and for having the best coffee in town. The little historic bakery also makes breakfast burritos in the morning, and sandwiches in the afternoon. If you still have room, the gelato is not to miss.

Breakfast at the Bakery

Begin your day in Carmel with breakfast fit for a king at Carmel Bakery. Opening at 7am, we offer a wide array of morning treats to kickstart your day. Our breakfast burritos, a favorite among the town’s surfers, are extremely popular. Indulge in our variety of breakfast sandwiches and bowls featuring fresh eggs, or opt for something lighter like Sandra’s special granola recipe. Don’t forget to try our assortment of breakfast pastries, including donuts, bear claws, and danish in apricot, raspberry, and lemon flavors.

Best Coffee in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Elevate your coffee experience at Carmel Bakery, where we serve the best coffee in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Our menu includes a range of seasonal lattes, each a unique blend of flavors and aromas. Savor the freshness of matcha, the comforting taste of pumpkin spice, or the festive notes of a peppermint latte. Pair your coffee with our crisp, delicious biscotti for a perfect morning or afternoon treat.

Lunch at the Bakery

Lunch at Carmel Bakery is a journey through exquisite flavors and hearty ingredients. Our sandwiches are a highlight, featuring the Meatball Sandwich, the unique Mortadella & Pistachio Cream sandwich, the classic Italian Hero Sandwich, the flavorful Cubano Sandwich with Porchetta, and the ever-popular Turkey Sandwich. Each is made with freshly baked sourdough bread, offering the perfect crunch and softness. Also, don’t miss our Pretzels and Pretzel Dips, a savory delight for any time of the day.

Dessert at the Bakery

Indulge in a sweet escape at Carmel Bakery, where our desserts are a celebration of flavors and creativity. From the Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt to the traditional Mexican Wedding Cookies, each bite is a story of craftsmanship and passion. Explore our selection of Eclairs, Cannoli, Lobster Tail, Limoncello Mousse Cake, cupcakes, Rugelach, Gingerbread Boys, and Apple Strudel. Unlike most bakeries today, all of our desserts are still made on site, in the same Ocean Avenue location where we’ve been baking for over a century.

Gelato at the Bakery

Cool off with a scoop of happiness at Carmel Bakery, where we proudly craft our own authentic Italian gelato in-house. Our flavors are a delicious blend of classic Italian favorites like Stracciatella, Pistachio, and Hazelnut, alongside Carmel Bakery–themed creations inspired by our beloved treats, including Coconut Macaroon, Cinnamon Crispy, and Chocolate Brownie gelato. Each batch is made with passion and the finest ingredients, celebrating both the traditions of Italy and the rich history of Carmel’s oldest bakery. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our handmade gelato is the perfect way to experience the sweet life in Carmel-by-the-Sea.