1) Ikuka (Los Altos, CA)

Ikuka is an new Japanese bakery in the Bay Area that opened in June 2023 that’s ready to take off. I recently went to Japan this year and the bakeries there were very memorable and delicious. I was thrilled to see that there is an authentic Japanese bakery in the Bay Area and how the pastry chefs are trained in Japan and France. The flavors are authentically Japanese.

I’ve tried everything. All the cakes and breads tastes delicious, not too sweet and has a very nice aesthetic. The kabocha pumpkin burnt basque cheescake, which is one of their signature items, is the best cheesecake I've ever had. The cheesecake is creamy and has pieces of kabocha blended in. I couldn’t get enough of the crispy streusel and the kabocha toppings. They also have classics, like strawberry shortcake, matcha tiramisu, custard pudding and the unique item you won't find in many places is the montblanc.

There are treats like pumpkin mochi bread, sweet potato mochi bread, azuki croissant, and matcha croissant as well. The flavors are perfect and not too sweet. The desserts are perfect with a hot tea or coffee.

There are also whole kabocha cheesecake and strawberry shortcake available. State Street Market was re-vamped recently and Ikuka is a great addition!

Check Ikuka out here: https://www.imokurikabocha.com/

2) Daria Cakes (Bay Area)

The Bay Area has our own version of Jonquils bakery in Boston. Daria Cakes offers a nice selection of mousse and realistic 3D cakes that are works of art. Each cake is crafted with attention to detail and exquisite flavors, using molds known in Ukraine. They do taste as good as they look and have a subtle sweetness. I highly recommended for anyone to try this out. This is a gift that will surely impress.

Daria Cakes is a home-based pastry chef, so orders are placed through Instagram. Order times are specific and pick-up is in the South Bay Area. Head over to @dariacakes on Instagram to order in the Bay Area and support small businesses!

3) A&M Patisserie (Bay Area)

Alice & Matthieu (A&M) started their pastry and dessert business during Covid. They craft European pastries using French pastry methods with a touch of Asian flavors. They offer a selection of petite pastries, including Portuguese Egg Tarts, Macarons, Choux, Canneles, Cookies, and more.

Their desserts are very delicate and are not too sweet. My favorite is their macarons, as they make designs specific to a season. They can be found at pop-ups and food festivals in the Bay Area.

Order by emailing info@ampatisserie.com or on Instagram @a.m.patisserie! Support small businesses!

4) Satura Cakes (Los Altos, CA)

Satura will always be one of my favorite cake shops in the Bay Area. They have Japanese style cakes that are artistic and not too sweet. My favorite is their soufflé cheesecake. They have a nice assortment that would keep you coming back to try them all. They make cakes for weddings or celebrations too.

Satura runs out of shelf items quickly, so I suggest going here morning to early afternoon. I learned this hard way. During the first time I made the trek here toward closing time, they were out of all the cakes and I ended up getting the cookies. Their special orders are good for birthdays or special events.

I am very impressed by the quality here. As nice as they look and how finely detailed they are, the creator put a lot of care into the tastes here.

Check them out here: https://www.saturacakes.com/

5) Maison Alyzée (Mountain View, CA)

Maison Alyzée is a delightful pastry and cake shop located in Mountain View. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by the eye catching cakes and pastries in the display. The shop offers a wide variety of delectable treats, with different textures. Each delicacy is crafted with precision and attention to detail. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist you in finding the perfect cakes to satisfy your cravings. Whether you are in the mood for a sweet treat or looking to indulge in a special occasion cake, Maison Alyzee has something to suit every taste. The charming ambiance and heavenly flavors make this shop a must-visit for any dessert lover in the area.

Check them out here: https://www.maisonalyzee.com/