Idle Hands Baking Company

This is a true staple of my childhood, and of the Bay Area. Anyone who knows good food and good…read morepizza in the East Bay knows Arizmendi. It's a surprise every day, which pizza they'll make, but it's guaranteed to always be good. The quality of the ingredients is top notch, the kind you can just taste. Even their salads, soups, and baked goods are delicious, it tastes like a quality bakery, for a place that's known for great pizza. This is definitely an if you know, you know spot, the kind you'll come back to for years on end for its consistency, its flavor, its heart. It's a staple of the East Bay for a reason, and even if you're not a vegetarian, you will adore it.

Great spot for a quick dinner at an affordable price!…read more My partner and I stopped by Arizmendi to check it out and get a daily special on a Sunday. In total, we paid $7.50, which was not bad at all! The space is spacious inside with an ample parking lot, but I would say this is more of a grab-and-go place; there is some outdoor seating. We got a pizza with tomato, olive oil, feta, and olives. The service was quick, straightforward, and we were able to get our slices within 5 minutes and it came out hot which was great! The pizza itself is on the thinner side and has a good ratio of dough to cheese. The crust/base was chewy and light and did in fact, taste healthy (in a good way)! Do I think this place is somewhere you must go to try out? Honestly, no, it is a good value pizza that tastes delicious, but I would say to only stop in if you are around the area.

Slice Pizza

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Simurgh Bakery and Cafe

4.5(297 reviews)

6.8 km

Matcha Tales, Always looking to enjoy the food/drink…read moreexperience. We found a gem. Took a minute to prepare, but I am willing to sacrifice time for taste . Worked out great. All I heard was this is the best Matcha ever. Wow. Let's memorize this. Well deserved. See you

Pastry 4/5 Customer service 5/5…read moreValue 3/5 We came right before closing so the only thing we can get was pastries The honey cake is the best; moist and balanced in flavor. Everything is good and fresh. It is a little pricey @$7 per piece.

5.8 km•Longfellow, North Oakland

Inside

Balkan Kebab Sandwich(Cevapi)

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Cute windows of display

Mother Mcdowell's Sugar Free Bakery

4.9(20 reviews)

Called but no answer. I think they are no longer in business. Not sure why that information has…read morenot bee updated.

Ok so being that I'm all the way in Las Vegas I was very doubtful that this would be a good…read moreexperience. I called and spoke to the baker Johnathan. He was very forthright in stating that due to Covid he was baking from home but that all Covid protocols were in place. He walked me thru the types of cakes he could get by my deadline and I chose the Herman Chocolate Cake. I checked in with him the day before delivery and recd a text when the cake was delivered. The process was easy and flawless because I used CashApp. Now my dad is very particular about things re sweets due to diabetes but he told me that he hasn't ever tasted a sugar free cake so darn good. His cake was delivered on Saturday and since then he has talked about the cake. Even his wife was pretty impressed. Though I didn't taste the cake, I know it was delicious because my dad doesn't play when it comes to food. He said it was fresh and super delicious. And he couldn't believe it was super free as he continued to enjoy it!! Thank you for brightening up my dads birthday as none of us siblings are in the area and I know this made his year!! Thank you Johnathan and Granddaughter you guys are awesome!

4.3 km•Piedmont Ave, North Oakland

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La Farine Bakery

3.9(409 reviews)

What a find. I've had their products over the years that friends have brought. Never could…read moreremember the name. Then I ran into it in Oakland by accident. Been back several times. Closest you can get to grandma's kitchen. And definitely not a grocery store bakery. Go in, find something fun, enjoy with a friend, take some home.

First time visiting I was amazed at all the delicious looking desserts, cakes and pastries…read more I picked up a 6" Sicilian cake for a friend's birthday. $38 for their smallest cake is a little pricey but it was rich chocolate ganache. I don't know exactly what pistachio mousse tastes like but I wouldn't have guessed it was that if I hadn't read the description. I also couldn't taste the Frangelico that was supposed to be there. The cake looked pretty and tasted good but the birthday boy thought it was a little dry. The service at the counter was friendly and helpful. I think the next time I need a special cake I would try preordering. Some of their other flavors looked really good but they were out of stock.

6.4 km•Rockridge, Elmwood, North Oakland

Lemon shortbread (similar to the yummy edges of a lemon bar)

Inside

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La Farine

4.4(866 reviews)

Their fresh fruit tarts are works of art! They typically have a variety of fruit combinations so…read moreyou can select one that has your favorites! The right balance of cream, fruit, and flaky crust. They also have a variety of delicious morning buns--savory and sweet, depending on your preference. Parking is sometimes a little tough but worth the effort!

Giving 3 stars because, out of the 3 cookies I tried, the iced lemon oatmeal was the only one I…read moreenjoyed--and even that was just OK. They do have a nice selection of interesting cookies to choose from, though! I also tried the Jezebel (chocolate chip, almond, and dried apricots) and the chocolate chip/pecan. The cookies just weren't quite my personal preference. They're more on the dry side and not especially sweet, whereas I tend to prefer a sweeter, chewier cookie. The staff behind the counter was nice and helpful, which I appreciated. I'd definitely go back to try some of their other baked goods like the morning bun or ham & cheese croissant, tho!

Breads

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Mini Cupcake. $2.25.

Wonder Food Bakery

4.2(421 reviews)

4.9 km•Oakland Chinatown

Wonder Food Bakery, Oakland's Chinatown…read more Yes, I'm back again for more goodies! I noticed that their BBQ Pork bun doesn't taste like how it used to be. It used to have a shiny glazed on top, fillings were sweet, juicy and it used to have onions. On that note, it's still good but It's not the same now. I still went back and bought those mini chicken biscuits/ cookies. They're so good! Would come back whenever I'm in the area.

One of the best bakeries in Oakland Chinatown. Incredibly affordable and they have a wide variety…read moreof goods. Egg tarts are $1.75 and pineapple buns are $1.25. Cash only. Service is friendly and they are pretty patient which is nice. I came in with my elderly grandmother and she needed some time thinking about what she wanted. They were gracious. The pineapple buns weren't the freshest on my most recent visit but they were still solid. They have a couple tables inside but this is mostly a to-go spot like the other bakeries in Chinatown.

Ham and green onion bun $2

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Napoleon Super Bakery

4.0(581 reviews)

5.1 km•Oakland Chinatown

I bought 4 items here 1. The Pain de mie sandwich loaf. Pain…read morede mei is French (flour.& yeast). It is called white sandwich loaf in UK & Pullman loaf in the East Coast. West coast you can only find it in Andersen Bakery. Sang Kee has it but it is way, way subpar. The one I bought here is (water roux)- the Hong Kong version which is different from the traditional French version at Andersen Bakery. They are equally good quality 2. The Portuguese Custer tart is authentic. But I prefer the one from our Chinese Bakery in San Leandro. They have the Portuguese pie crust with the English custard which is less sweet. ****A warning to American born, you might want to stick to the version here @ Napoleon because the modify version might be totally tasteless to you **** 3. The Chinese tamale. This is best so far. It has LEAN Chinese sausage, LEAN pork & egg yolk. I hope someday they will include a few dry shrimps in it. Totally tasteful WITHOUT MSG. It brings me back to the pre 2010 authenticate Chinese cooking. GOOD JOB guys & keep it up 4. The moon cake. Not as sweet as the commercial one. I want to buy 3 boxes. The red bean paste with egg yolk, the lotus paste & the mixed nut. But I only have $40 that I just got from the bank. I know Chinatown takes cash because it is non traceable. I have such wishful thinking that they might have charge service to accommodate customers who bought over $40. I ended up just buying one tamale & one moon cake.

This is my go to bakery in Oakland Chinatown! I've worked in Oakland for almost ten years now and…read moretried multiple bakeries in Chinatown and I just keep going back to this one. The Dan tats (egg tarts) are always on point and have every sort of pineapple bun available. There is a sort of system that you do have to do your best to follow when you're there. Usually there is a single file line out the door. Please don't try to cut or people will give you the ugly side eye. Once you reach inside, you need to do your best to scan the option because once you're called up, there's not much time to browse. The good thing is that if you don't know what's available - you can always point to the egg tarts (always top shelf) and pineapple buns (always in the far left display case). Once you've come a few times, you can have a general idea what's available and don't even need to browse the case anymore :) During autumn moon festival season (fall) they always have the most impressive display of beautiful moon cakes available with 0-3 yolk options and a multitude of fillings. The basic classic ones are lotus, but if that's too unfamiliar - go with all the familiar easy options. They are all amazing. And they have since increased their "if you don't make it to $10" box prices to $1. So really, just buy all the Dan tats to make it just over the $10 mark so you don't have to carry all your pastries in a plastic bag. Oh and no more than 5 pennies at a time. Rules and signs exist for a reason.

$28 for 8 inch fresh strawberry cake

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Tarts de Feybesse

4.2(309 reviews)

4.5 km

•$$$

===TL;DR=== - Mango $15…read more- Mango sun croissant ===TMI=== Alright, these fruit shaped pastries hype is real at this French Filipino bakery! Greeted with their lineup of dessert pastries in open case upon entering. This is giving bougie adult candy store. Prices are out of this world but omg, they're so delightful! Mango - honestly, start with this one. Foolproof, tried and true. This one's gonna make you feel surreal and want more (except your wallet doesn't)! Very tasty and not overly sweet. Mango sun croissant - soft and airy croissant exterior with satisfying mango passion fruit mousse filling in the middle. Both were yummy. Can only have them once in a blue moon. Otherwise, your wallet might cry. Oh, don't go too late or they'll run out of everything!

I've called here twice with inconvenient questions and both times the service was top tier. As a…read moreformer long time public service employee, while I endlessly pursued scholarly achievements, I know first hand it is not for the weak. This bakery is genuinely kind and helpful. Extremely professional, yet personable. We tried the mango, raspberry, coconut, and peanut. I recommend all of them, but to my surprise, the peanut was my favorite. The coconut was great, but the middle chunks of coconut, which I appreciate, just didn't do it for me. I personally think a softer - cream/cake center would've made it a 10/10. Very excited to try more flavors.

2.9 km•Lakeshore, Lower Hills

No Caption just A choice of deliciousness here.

Lychee iced tea

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Box

Arizmendi Bakery

4.6(1.8k reviews)

Arizmendi might be my favorite pizza shop in Oakland. Their toppings are so good and everything is…read moredifferent daily! I like to try and go in and get a slice or two, they come out piping hot! With a little sliver on the side. The line comes in waves but they' do ga great job at keeping the wait times low. This is a great place for family and friends to enjoy, with a few large tables, bar stools seating, and some tables outside. It can get filled up quickly, so don't come with high hopes to sit and eat! But it's so good for vegetarian pizza!! They also have a bakery stocked with freshly made baked goods daily.

Great vibes, love a co-op…read more I've came here before for pastries and coffee and today I tried the pizza. It was solid, really cool idea that they rotate flavors daily. All pizzas have no meat on them tho which I don't have a problem with but meat lovers beware. Pizza was solid, ate a lot and didn't feel gross after which is a nod to their fresh ingredients. 7.6/10

Inside

Delicious hot slice and a lemon ginger tonic mmm

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1 slice + bonus slivers: $3.75

Ruby King Bakery

4.4(382 reviews)

5.1 km•Oakland Chinatown

Love coming here for the egg tarts with the buttery flaky crust that has rich filling custard…read more I always buy a minimum of 4 to have for breakfast/ a snack for the week. I store in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for 5 mins and it's ready to eat. Their fruit cakes are also amazing. Light and airy sponge like cake packed with fruit and cream. They always have some variety and sizes in the display cases when your in a pinch too.

The BEST BBQ Pork Buns and Custard Egg Tarts!…read more I was at Ruby King Bakery at 2pm on Monday, and was able to buy some plump BBQ Pork Buns and the best Egg Tarts! Customer service was great! Big time suggestive selling! The young lady behind the counter said someone did a survey, and their egg tarts are the BEST in Oakland Chinatown. You have to come try them yourself!

August 2024

Assorted Baked Goods

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Box for the office

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James B.

18 years ago

Last Friday night my wife and I dared to face the drizzle and drive to Oakland. Where a sturdy group of art seekers gathered on West Grand and Telegraph for sole purpose of enjoying the outward expressions of inward reflections. When Ann Trinca, Curator of The Nest in Napa, planned the "field trip" to the Oakland Murmur, I knew we'd have fun. Ann's own openings are laid back and laissez-faire, a great way to dream some time away. Whether it's Andy Warhol factory style night or Bright Lights: Big Top, Ann muses herself into the fabric of the event. When away from Napa, she always seems to know where to find a hodge-podge of curiously fashioned art aficionados and exhibitions. Though I only saw Ann for a moment at The Oakland Murmur, before she shape shifted herself back into the eclectic array of art lovers, I raised my cup of Vodka-spiked street cider in salute to another great idea. Plus, it's always great to get out of Napa! At the block party were Snail shaped Mobile's, street musicians, and delicious chocolate cupcakes made by "Idle Hands Baking Co." I didn't even know or care that it was a vegan cupcake! Worth every penny. There were thick crowds and plenty of cold brews. People to watch and very 'lil attitude. Afterwords, we snuck into Lam Toro, a West African diner and listened to acoustic musicians from Senegal just long enough to miss the raindrops and head back home. Check out these hot spots for yourself: www.napanest.com http://www.rpscollective.com http://johanssonprojects.net www.hatchgallery.org read more

Cathy D.

17 years ago

I tried these cupcakes at a recent wedding shower and found them to be very delicious and attractively decorated. Some cupcakes just have tons of froufrou frosting that tastes terrible but both the cake and the frosting on these cupcakes were great with the right proportions. Unique flavors too. They are excellent cupcakes that just happen to be vegan, not excellent vegan cupcakes. As we all know, some vegan products are less that idea but THESE CUPCAKES ARE GREAT. Yummm read more

AJ J.

18 years ago

I brought some in to a meeting at work, and these cupcakes are how I succeed in business without even trying, everyone loved them. I'm not really a sweets fan, but I really liked the the pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes and the lemon with lemon frosting. I asked for a rush-order, and Rachael was very helpful, and the cupcakes looked great and the price was reasonable. I'm not even vegan, they're just darned good cupcakes. read more

Natalie D.

17 years ago

I used Idle Hands for my wedding cake and bridal shower cupcakes and could not be happier with the outcome!! These are the best cupcakes around, vegan or not. They have so many flavors to choose from and the quality of ingredients is top notch. The cake is super moist and the frosting is out of control good. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!! read more

Heather D.

17 years ago

Just came back from a party with these amazing cupcakes. My mom and I split ours so we could try two flavors, vanilla and the red velvet. So moist and just amazing. My favorite part was watching a little boy ask if the cupcakes had any butter, eggs or milk. When he was told they did not, his eyes lit up and he ran to tell his mom. So sweet... read more

Theresa T.

12 years ago

I really wanted to love this place like everyone else but instead after a phone request and email inquiry more than a week before my occasion, I did not hear anything until the day before. Totally unprofessional. James and the Giant Cupcake is a better fit and professional. read more

Dorian M.

130

17 years ago

Awesome cupcakes and great people!!

Chris s.

133

17 years ago

Fantastic!

Idle Hands Baking Company - bakeries - Updated October 2026

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Hey yall!!! I was on…read morea quick break from work today, and was heading to Whole Foods, instead I stopped and seen this cute little cupcake spot!!! I was so excited because I love cupcakes.... However, I didn't have a great experience. The person who served me was not nice or friendly at all. I was new and I was not informed on anything, sizes, or the type of cupcakes flavors she had. I was even asked, what size do you want? And there was multiple sizes, all I could guess by hand, was small and big.. but I didn't know the other sizes names...due to not being told. I was super rushed and was the only one in line. Weird. I was so excited to try, but the experience made everything change. Customer service was terrible. I wanted to take photos and videos to make a review and I was basically questioned as to why I was doing so... I informed her, that I was apart of the yelp community and then I was rudely asked. Do you work for yelp? I said no, I'm Yelp Elite. Then nothing was said, just a not so pleasant look. I don't think I will ever return, but you guys check them out. I hope you have a better experience. * UPDATE... then my co worker went to get cupcakes on his break... and had a totally different experience and he was given a Togo cupcake box when I received a napkin. I say this to say, BEING A BEAUTIFUL BLACK WOMAN sometimes offends other women.

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Seriously, no words are needed for this masterpiece!…read more Jennifer always comes through for my dessert needs and I seriously couldn't love her more for it. Super sweet, down to earth, and personable. Thanks so much Jennifer.

She did it again. Literally the best baked goods. espresso minis with chocolate icing- dying…read more Salted caramel minis - holy crap. So effn good. Mini pink champagne with buttercream was my favorite snicker doodle cookies To die for. For real. Thank you

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Stopped by Doodlecakes spontaneously for a sweet treat. I was in the area picking up some…read moresandwiches and noticed Doodlecakes after parking nearby. The shop is cute and cozy with a nice display of cupcakes available and prices. I opted to purchase 4 cupcakes to share and had asked the staff member for recommendations on flavors. Customer service was excellent, friendly and efficient. I will say the cupcakes are a bit pricey ($4.99 each) but the quality and taste are great. It's also wonderful that they have gluten free and vegan cupcakes available too. I enjoyed the cookie butter and cookies n' cream flavors, the cupcakes weren't overly sweet and had a nice texture and the icing was good too. I was curious about trying the pandan and strawberry crunch flavors, and will need to return for more cupcakes! Overall, a solid spot for delicious cupcakes! Definitely recommend!

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I called Like Dat Vegan the day before a birthday party and Jamila was able to make me a dozen…read morecupcakes for the next day! She was able to make a custom topper for each as well which were absolutely adorable. Her cupcakes were very tasty, I would definitely order from her again. I really appreciated the quick turnaround and she also delivered to my home. Thank you Jamila!!

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We were planning a pre-parenting party and wedding event at our home. Our event planner suggested…read moreRenaissance and I'm so glad she did. We started off with a tasting box to get acquainted with the bakery's take on cakes. We loved the chocolate with salted caramel, and the summer berry. So we placed an order for a wedding cake to serve 75 people. Beth the baker spent time with us on the phone to decide the number of layers, flavors, and design. We came up with a 3-layer cake that would feature flowers to coordinate with my bouquet and our decor. Everyone loved the cake and the flavors, especially the chocolate with salted caramel. My mother, who is usually very critical of cake, said the summer berry was the smoothest cake she's ever had. The cake turned out beautifully, the delivery process went really well, and I only wish we had ordered more since everyone loved it so much!

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