Their cakes really are top notch, especially their seasonal. I could live off the chocolate praline. Their bread is also great as is their granola; too bad the granola becomes a bit too pricey if you want them to mail it, though it's nice they have that option. Just a premier bakery worthy of the Charlottesville food scene. read more

New to the Charlottesville area and I've been looking for a bakery that has it all; bread, pastries and desserts. Staff helped me pick out some of their favorites, including the passion fruit tart which was absolutely phenomenal! The cherry pie, bran muffin, cream puff and praline chocolate tart were all spectacular! Looking forward to stopping in again soon. read more

Loved the variety and the service was very friendly and helpful. It was really cold the day we went so the shop wasn't as as cozy we'd like but we really enjoyed the Morning Buns, the chocolate almond croissants and the harvest basket (croissant dough with apples pecans and cranberries) which was very unique and delicious. Slightly disappointed in the lemon blueberry scone because it seemed more like bread than a scone consistency. Will definitely go back to try some of their breakfast sandwiches and quiche. read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

5 !! Can't express enough how much we love this bakery! Staff is super kind. Selection is amazing! Can even watch through the windows while employees are working on bakery items. Clean and well lit. Usually a line but well worth it! read more

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I have never purchased anything from this lovely bakery that I did not find delicious! Some of my favorites are ginger, scones, and princess cake. Their breads have fully developed flavors and textures, as a result of knowledge of how to need and rise breads properly. I mourn the fact that they no longer make Kouign-amann! Those buttery pastries were swoon-worthy! Please bring them back read more

Fantastic assortment of breads, and sweets - the cinnamon roll was to die for as the hoagie roll! I actually stopped on the way home to get butter from the grocery store because the hoagie roll was so amazing! Will definitely be back! The only downside is parking is really tough read more

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This bakery offers a prominent space along Charlottesville's main stretch near the university, with a bit of its own parking and a sunny space to sit in. I stopped in towards the end of the day after some hiking, and while the selection was diminished as one might expect, there were still some quality items available. Notably a French sourdough they call a miche was sliced up for me, and they had a few pastries to include a luscious-looking praline dome. The bread was a rich, yet soft quarter loaf that was easy to eat. My dome had a crunchy bottom and an intoxicating mix of flavors that was even better than the average pastry dome (the people here pointed out that domes always sell well). I wouldn't go here seeking to lose weight, but what I got was delicious. read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Praline dome - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Lots of great options and online ordering is easy. Service is speedy, but on the weekends there can be heavy foot traffic on the weekends. Still, the line moves quickly. If you choose to eat on location, orders are made at the counter and you take them to your table. Feel free to go there hungry, just know you'll order your weight in baked goods. Parking is directly in front of the bakery or in the shared parking to the left along with street parking. On busier days, you may need to circle once or twice to find a spot. Consider checking the menu in advance if you are looking for something in particular as some items are seasonal or only made on certain days. read more

On my brief visit to Charlottesville, I went here twice! All the pastries I had were top notch! Almond croissant and king cake were both flaky, flavorful, and not too sweet. I also had the currant scone which was nice with a cup of coffee. My daughter devoured the chocolate eclair. They had a wide selection and the employees were very attentive and helpful in recommending. read more

Loved the coffee , scones, king cake we ordered ! All very tasty and delicious! The atmosphere was pleasant and friendly!

So glad I was able to stop by for a few treats! It was hard not to scoop up everything but I loved the Princess Cupcake. I forget how they described it but I believe there is some almond ganache filling, it's delicious! They do offer gluten free items including a gluten free brownie! Will be back :) read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Went on a Saturday morning, it was very full but the line moved quick. Almost everyone was taking to go so there would be plenty of seating to eat there. I had the harvest basket and it was amazing! read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Harvest basket - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I've eaten bánh mì in many places, but this one is truly special. You can taste the freshness in every bite. The bread was light and crispy, and the meat was flavorful without being greasy. They also make their own sauces -- amazing touch! This will be my go-to spot from now on. read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Delicious bakery. Everything so fresh. And the staff was so nicer too! Just a quick stop for coffee, chai tea latte, apple pie, and another apple crumble. Yum! read more

Had this place recommended to me by many friends, and it didn't disappoint. I o got the almond chocolate croissant, which was huge and not too sweet. Definitely worth it. Good amount of indoor seating as well. They didn't have many savory pastries this day which was a bit sad, but would still recommend coming. read more

Albemarle Baking Company - chocolate almond croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I had a disappointing experience at the Albemarle baking company with their "Princess cake/cupcake" As I indicated in my initial review(that I initially deleted): it is not a princess cake. It does not contain the fruit layer or green Marzipan cover. I deleted my review after the business reached out. I replied to their message and was ghosted. Here is where I candidly stand: it is a okay cupcake, kinda like a hostess filed one except vanilla. Anyone wanting an actual princess cake or cupcake....this isn't it. read more

What can I say about this place? You like cookies? They're great (not mind-blowing). The ganache is what really sung a few notes for me though. Its not too pricey and so far everything I have tried on the menu has hot that sweet spot. read more

truly delicious. you must visit if you're looking for a wonderful bakery. I tried their blueberry danish and it was absolutely amazing. Also, conveniently located and within walking distance to downtown mall. Great way to spend a day eating baked goods and strolling the mall! read more

This is a charlottesville classic, with fantastic breads and pastries. Friends over the years have gotten their birthday cakes from year, all of which have been delicious. There's not really much seating, so be prepared to take your order to go and make sure to try one of the tarts or cream puffs! The macarons are also superb and so is the sourdough! read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Heart jumbo macaroon - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I realized that I've been remiss is not showing my appreciation towards the bakeries that amazed me. This is one of the top highlights from my time in Cville. The first time I went I got several pastries and was blown away. I kept going like a drug addict. Soon enough, I saw the extra fat rolls bulging from my lower abdomen. Sadly I had to stop coming all the time. I can still taste the key lime tart in my head. Perfectly balanced flavors, with the acidity of the lime cutting through the richness and creaminess, as they would say on Food Network. read more

These guys have it all, like everything you could want at a bakery and more. Can't recommend enough, prices are super reasonable as well.

The sweetest people and yummiest pastries ever. I came all the way from Richmond for the Princess Torte, their frown jewel. Since I'm only one person, I wanted a cupcake version or slice. The lady told me kindly that they were out of both. I sulked and said I came from Richmond and I'd come back when they have them again. She literally cut a 6 inch princess torte up so I can have to slices. I almost cried, it was the sweetest thing. Princess torte is my favorite dessert and I can't find it in Richmond at all. I've virtually looked everywhere. Theirs is absolutely delicious. Such strong almond notes! The cake is soft and the cream is rich. They don't include the jam within the cake which is traditional, but I didn't enjoy it any less. My boyfriend had a cold brew and loved it, and all their other desserts looked fabulous too. Highly recommend. read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Cake of my dreams - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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So far I've been to the Albemarle Baking Company twice on my own and had their princess cake at a Yelp event, and all three times it has never disappointed. My two personal favorites though are the cranberry apple tart and lemon meringue tart. Both tarts have the perfect balance of tart and sweet, so you really can't go wrong with either. In addition, they also have so many other options of pastries and breads to choose from that it's honestly hard to just get one thing to try (which we never do haha). Not to mention the staff is really nice and helpful. I definitely recommend going and getting a pastry...or two ;) read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Princess Cake - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Cool bakery, small but several tables, sweet & savory pastries, plus breads, quiche too! But-no sourdough!!! Breads were delicious. read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Front door - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

The scones were amazing!! Can't wait to go back!! Live in Richmond but will always go in, when I pass through Cville!!

Morning Bun for the win! 5* I used to get the one at Starbucks, but this is my favorite out of all the things we bought. I recommend. read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Morning bun, snickerdoodle, chocolate Babka, and 5 Kouing Amann. - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

An absolute gem of a baking company to stumble upon. Everything inside looked amazing! From the jam to the cake slices to the pastries, everything was well done. I tried the chocolate almond croissant and was very pleased with my decision. It was perfectly flakey and had just the right chocolate to almond ratio. The interior was clean, the product was reasonably priced, the vibe was a calm Sunday morning and the service was quick. I will definitely be coming back. read more

First time at the ABC. Try to walk inside and not get anything. The smell of freshly baking bread and coffee will weaken your knees as you peruse their wall of bread loaves and cases of cakes and croissants and cookies. I was warmly greeted and given space to take it all in. While I was deciding the line stacked quickly even as early as it was for a Tuesday. I got back in line and decided on the spinach and feta croissant and the morning bun even though I jealously eyed an older gentleman who'd gotten a fresh baguette and some butter and was tearing off chunks of bread and slathering them with soft butter. The simplicity looked divine. The spinach and feta croissant: so good. It was delicately soft, just dense enough and not heavy at all. It's like a croissant hugged and cradled baked eggs with fresh spinach and feta. Fluffy, buttery, earthy and that delicate salty punch of feta. The morning bun: perfection. Perfect light cinnamon sugar crunch on the outside with incredibly fluffy, flaky threads of light dough and just the right chew that peeled apart in delicate layers. The way to my heart is unabashedly bread. They nailed it. The cafe ambiance is simple with pantry items and crostini to purchase in bags on the periphery the of plenty of tables and chairs in the center, for here serve ware always offered to each customer if they're dining in and a window into the magic of it all, you can observe the bakers in action as you savor their delights. I can't wait to go back! read more

Delicious cakes and breads! Always worth checking out if you're in the area! We got the Albemarle cake and it was incredible

I must admit that this is my first time in Albemarle Baking Company. I have been by there, but never made it in. I think I totally made up for that today! Thanks to their super patient staff, I was able to try quite a few things. They are a VERY busy spot on Saturday. There was a steady flow of business while I was there. I ended up with two kinds of quiche and a mocha explosion (I'm not actually sure that is the name, it was a special). The quiche were both quite good but the mocha croissant was a show stopper. Chocolate croissant sprinkled with powdered sugar and an espresso topper. Very good! The chocolate bobka was a nice almost coffee cake consistency. I also sampled their princess cake and their chocolate torte. The princess cake was my favorite between them. I will make sure to return when I'm downtown. They are open M-Sat 8am-5pm. read more

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Found one of my favorite sources for really good and fresh bread. They are known for their baguettes, which are crusty on the outside and soft in the middle and absolutely delicious. But my favorite thing to get from them is the Rosemary focaccia ($3). That's right, a loaf is $3!!!!! And it's so good, made with olive oil and topped with rosemary and flaky salt. It's my favorite sandwich bread on days where I'm feeling a little fancy and I have some prosciutto in the fridge. This sandwich is prosciutto, salami, honey, apple and a drizzle of olive oil on the bread with a side salad and olives. A lil brine with my lunch is absolutely necessary when eating a sandwich. Making focaccia from scratch is not impossible, but it does take time and skill to be done well. When someone does such a good job, it's meant to celebrated! Props to @albemarlebakingco for the job well done. Follow @MarleyRecs for more on Instagram! read more

Albemarle Baking Company - Bakeries Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Bought two cakes, rolls, a blackberry tart, all were excellent! We had to change the order from a 6 inch to an 8 inch carrot cake, no problems at all! read more

Amazing baked goods!! Absolutely loved everything, including the apple cider sour dough which I wasn't sure about at first lol. Super easy to order ahead and swing by to pick it up. Parking is easy and staff are friendly. read more

Was a little surprised at the location. It doesn't seem to be well thought out as far as the inside goes. A lot of supplies are stacked right in the customer area. Not very clear as to how to order. Customers are in line right next to eaten customers. No sweetener other than plain sugar. Parking is an issues. Construction is an issue. Kind of a runned down area. Could have been better. Nothing gave me an inkling to want to return. read more

Based on positive reviews from YELP we came in to get something sweet while in town. We were not disappointed. Big selection of tasty looking pastries and cakes. Also bought a fresh loaf of French bread. It was fantastic! Will definitely be back next trip to Charlottesville. read more

I love this bakery! My ideal Saturday morning is to make some coffee and step out to grab some croissants at Albemarle Baking Company. The regular croissant is delish. My personal favorite is the spinach and gruyere. Like other reviewers are saying, their croissants are light, flaky, puffy, and just the right amount of buttery. It is a little pricey BUT I think well worth the treat if you happen to be in the area. They even heat up pastries for you if you desire. I've tried several of the desserts in the left-side case as well and they are all fantastic. There is so much variety and I love how they incorporate seasonal ingredients in their offerings. I want to try more of their breads, love that there's a different selection every day of the week. And love that the staff is so patient with explaining what breads would be good for sandwiches and etc. Everyone who works at the bakery and customers themselves do a good job with social distancing. The lines can sometimes be long but everyone seems very cognizant of keeping 6 feet apart, not crowding each other, and having their masks on. There's plenty of space in the bakery to spread out as well. There's a few tables near Little Star that I've seen people sit with their baked goods and coffee. It's far enough away from the line that it doesn't feel like you're in any one's space. We will definitely be back! Hoping to try a cake for a special occasion :) read more

Everything I have ordered is absolutely delicious. Staff is so friendly and easy to accommodate. Will always recommend Ablemarle Baking Co! PS. Don't sleep on the macarons read more

I'd rate Albemarle Baking Company four and a half stars. It's a French style bakery with a nice variety of sweets, pastries, and breads. We shared a few desserts including a raspberry jam filled doughnut, apple cream brioche, and the pecan sticky bun. I liked all of them. Everything in the display case looked great. read more

As a recent transplant from NYC, I've been slowly searching for replacement bakeries, restaurants, and coffee shops to substitute for the ones I used to frequent in the city. This is one of my favorite spots by far - and has the best princess cake I've ever tasted, NYC or not. It's light, fluffy, delicately balanced and not too sweet, and the marzipan is excellent. My partner and I scarfed down our slice in the parking lot sharing a fork and couldn't even make it home without buying a full sized princess cake to gift our friends. We also had the cream puff, which was rich and satisfying. The cream is dense and fills out the puff nicely and the chocolate over top is gooey and bitter in the best way. Service was also very friendly and polite, and the place is kept sparkling and well-lit. Will be back for more! read more

As Tina Turner's song states 'You're simply the best!' Wonderful bread and pastries makes this shoppe a must for all. read more