15 Best Bakeries in Milwaukee: From French Pastries to Italian Classics

Milwaukee's bakery scene spans traditions from French patisseries to old-school Italian shops that have served the community for generations. Whether you're seeking a perfect croissant, fresh-baked Italian bread, or Wisconsin's official state pastry (kringle), the city delivers.

This guide covers the best bakeries in Milwaukee—from award-winning Rocket Baby to legendary Peter Sciortino. All bakeries verified open in 2026.

Last updated: April 2026 | All bakeries verified open

Artisan & French

Croissants, macarons, and European technique

Rocket Baby Bakery

Wauwatosa$$

French-Inspired Artisan

Award-winning bakery recognized as Best of the Burbs 2026 by Milwaukee Magazine and Best of Milwaukee Readers' Choice Winner for 2024 and 2025. Rocket Baby excels in French-inspired pastries, fresh breads, and delicate macarons.

Must Try: Croissants (plain and chocolate), French macarons, fruit danishes, sourdough bread
Best For: French pastries, macarons, artisan breads
Insider Tip: Arrive early for the best pastry selection. The croissants sell out fast on weekends.

6822 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 | Open 2026 - Award Winner

Le Reve Patisserie & Café

Wauwatosa$$-$$$

French Patisserie

Authentic French patisserie bringing Parisian technique to Milwaukee. Le Reve crafts beautiful pastries, cakes, and café fare with attention to classic French methods.

Must Try: Tarts, éclairs, croissants, seasonal pastries
Best For: French pastries, celebration cakes, café experience
Insider Tip: The café seating offers a European atmosphere. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast.

7610 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 | Open 2026

Greige Pâtisserie

Third Ward$$-$$$

Modern French

Woman-owned bakery offering pastries that showcase both classic French techniques and innovative flavor combinations. Greige brings a modern sensibility to traditional patisserie.

Must Try: Seasonal pastries, creative flavor combinations, specialty cakes
Best For: Creative pastries, special occasions, Third Ward visits
Insider Tip: Follow for seasonal specials. The creative combinations are worth seeking out.

Third Ward, Milwaukee | Open 2026

Italian Bakeries

Traditional recipes, fresh daily

Peter Sciortino Bakery

East Side$-$$

Traditional Italian

Named Milwaukee's best bakery by both the Shepherd Express and OnMilwaukee.com, Peter Sciortino's makes everything from scratch daily using high-quality ingredients. The sfogliatelle—a clamshell-shaped pastry with lemon-tinged ricotta—is legendary.

Must Try: Sfogliatelle, cannoli, Italian bread, cookies
Best For: Italian pastries, traditional cookies, Brady Street
Insider Tip: The sfogliatelle alone is worth the visit. Come early on weekends.

1101 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | Open 2026 - Multiple Awards

Scordato Bakery

West Allis$

Family Italian

Family-owned since the beginning, Scordato specializes in Italian cookies, pastries, cakes, and fresh breads. The long rolls, circle rolls, Italian bread, and baguettes are baked fresh daily.

Must Try: Italian cookies, fresh bread, cakes, pastries
Best For: Italian cookies, fresh bread, family bakery
Insider Tip: The variety of Italian cookies is impressive. Great for sharing platters.

7519 W National Ave, West Allis, WI 53214 | Open 2026

Bread Specialists

Artisan loaves and daily breads

Breadsmith

Multiple Locations$$

Artisan Bread

Dedicated bread bakery crafting artisan loaves daily. Breadsmith focuses on quality bread-making with European techniques and fresh ingredients.

Must Try: Sourdough, specialty breads, seasonal offerings
Best For: Quality bread, European styles, consistent availability
Insider Tip: Different breads are baked on different days. Ask about the schedule.

Multiple Milwaukee-area locations | Open 2026

Specialty & Neighborhood

Unique traditions and local favorites

Simma's Bakery

West Side$-$$

Jewish & European

A Milwaukee institution offering Jewish and European bakery traditions. Simma's has been serving the community for decades with challah, bagels, and classic treats.

Must Try: Challah, bagels, traditional pastries, cookies
Best For: Challah, Jewish bakery traditions, classic treats
Insider Tip: Order challah ahead for holidays. They sell out.

Multiple locations | Open 2026

Aggie's Bakery and Cake Shop

Multiple Locations$$-$$$

Custom Cakes

Known for custom cakes and celebration treats, Aggie's also offers daily pastries and baked goods. The cake decorating skills have made this a go-to for special occasions.

Must Try: Custom cakes, daily pastries, celebration treats
Best For: Celebration cakes, custom orders, special events
Insider Tip: Order custom cakes well in advance for special occasions.

Multiple Milwaukee-area locations | Open 2026

O&H Danish Bakery

Racine (Worth the Drive)$$

Danish Kringle

While technically in Racine, no Milwaukee bakery guide is complete without O&H. Their kringle—the official state pastry of Wisconsin—is legendary. The 30-minute drive is worth it.

Must Try: Kringle (any flavor), Danish pastries
Best For: Kringle, Wisconsin tradition, worth the drive
Insider Tip: Kringle ships well. Stock up on multiple flavors or order as gifts.

Multiple Racine locations (30 min from Milwaukee) | Open 2026 - State Pastry

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best bakery in Milwaukee?

Peter Sciortino Bakery has won multiple 'best bakery' awards for its Italian specialties. Rocket Baby Bakery won Best of the Burbs 2026 for French pastries. Le Reve offers authentic French patisserie.

Where can I get good bread in Milwaukee?

Breadsmith specializes in artisan breads at multiple locations. Boulangerie Du Monde in Bay View offers global bread styles. Peter Sciortino and Scordato bake fresh Italian breads daily.

What is kringle and where can I get it?

Kringle is Wisconsin's official state pastry—an oval-shaped Danish filled with various flavors. O&H Danish Bakery in Racine (30 minutes from Milwaukee) is the most famous source, though some Milwaukee bakeries carry it.

Best bakery for French pastries in Milwaukee?

Rocket Baby Bakery excels in croissants and macarons. Le Reve Patisserie offers authentic French technique. Greige Pâtisserie brings a modern approach to French pastries.

Where can I order a custom cake in Milwaukee?

Aggie's Bakery and Cake Shop specializes in custom celebration cakes. Le Reve and Greige Pâtisserie offer elegant options. Order well in advance for special occasions.

More Milwaukee Food Guides

Explore more of Milwaukee's culinary scene

BrunchCoffee ShopsAll Restaurants