Don’t get me wrong, I could eat chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and molletes on rotation every day; however, there are moments when a piping hot croissant straight out of the oven accompanied with some homemade jam and a cup of freshly brewed coffee really hits the spot. Being British and marrying into a French family, food is always of great importance in our house, and a tasty European-style breakfast never goes amiss, especially at the weekends.
So, if you fancy a crispy French baguette, a flakey pain au chocolat, or a crunchy Italian biscotti, keep reading to find out our list of the top European-inspired bakeries in San Miguel de Allende.
And don’t forget to keep checking our blogs, as our top choices of delicious Mexican pan dulces will be coming soon, once I’ve had a chance to do the all-important taste tests.
All of our bakery choices are also sit-in cafes serving hot drinks and fresh juices, as well as special treats for those with dietary requirements. You’ll also notice that half of them are in San Antonio—another reason to think about looking for properties in this area.
If you are looking for delicious gluten-free and vegan options, scroll down to the bottom for our highly-recommended local made-by-order bakery.
1. Panio
This one is very close to my heart, as when we first moved to San Miguel just over a decade ago, Erick and I basically survived on Panio’s baguettes and a bottle of cheap red wine every evening for about 6 months! It was just so good and still lives up to its outstanding reputation. My French parents-in-law even say that Panio’s baguettes are better than those found in France—a pretty big and complementary statement from a Parisian, if you ask me.
You can’t really go wrong with anything you order here. From the staple croissants, pain au chocolat, and gluten-free brownies to indulgent lemon meringue tarts, eclairs, and beautifully designed cakes to the savory quiches, empanadas, baguettes, and loaves of various sizes and flavors, you’re in for a treat.
It’s not cheap, with simple pastries ranging from $28 to $50, but you won’t be disappointed!
3 Locations:
- Centro: Calle Relox 18, San Miguel de Allende
- Salida a Celaya: Salida a Celaya 16, San Miguel de Allende
- Plaza Luciérnaga (with Drive-thru availability): Libramiento Manuel Zavala 165, La Luciérnaga, 37745 San Miguel de Allende
Delivery options: Whatsapp on their website
2. Marulier
Another great French-inspired bakery option is Marulier. I can’t describe the excitement Erick and I felt to have an authentic French bakery open just around the corner from our house. This excitement was quickly replaced by a sense of dietary concern as we were frequenting Marulier on a daily basis to try all the delights they had!
The black olive baguette is a firm favorite of my youngest son, and I’m fond of the banana muffins. They also have great breakfast and lunch options such as pan francés, huevos al gusto, avocado toast with bacon, and a selection of filled baguettes and salads. The prices are very reasonable, especially for San Miguel, and one of the biggest attractions is their outdoor terraces (in both locations).
2 Locations
- Plaza Luciérnaga: Lib. José Manuel Zavala 165, La Luciernaga Square, 37745 San Miguel de Allende
- San Antonio/Guadiana: Calle Ancha de San Antonio 121, Guadiana, 37750 San Miguel de Allende
Opening hours: 8am-10pm (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
3. Buonforno Casa de Arte y Pan
Next on the list we’re moving from France to Italy. Buonforno offers delicious artisan Italian-inspired bread. Over the years, people have repeatedly recommended this quaint bakery for treats such as their apricot danishes, focaccia, sourdough, and delicious selection of cookies, including gluten-free options.
Just make sure to arrive early, as things sell out here pretty quickly. Although if you can’t get your hands on the baked goods you had in mind when arriving, you’ll be so spoiled for choice with other tasty options that you won’t have time to be disappointed and definitely won’t leave empty-handed!
Location
Opening hours: 7.30am – 2pm (closed on Sundays)
4. Panina
Panina is the most recent of all our bakery choices, but it is rapidly making a great reputation for itself. Panina is a bakery workshop project that revolves around bread and sourdough. Apart from the delicious baked goods, they also offer a wide range of classes, from croissant making to perfecting masa madre to discovering the joys of sourdough bread. Don’t miss sitting out on their lovely terrace to try the salmon bagel, sourdough waffles, and pan de elote, among many other things.
They are currently closed for remodeling, but will be back very soon. Don’t forget to follow them on Instagram (@panina.mx) to find out more about their courses, both online and in person.
Location
Opening hours: 8.30am-2.30pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
5. Miga
When strolling along Stirling Dickenson, you can’t miss Miga with its beautifully painted, colorful exterior. This bakery definitely has more of a Mexican feel, which we love. It’s attached to a light and cozy cafe called Amores, which provides all their baked artisan goods.
This is a great space for sitting down and working, reading, or simply catching up with friends while enjoying a delicious cinnamon roll and a great cup of coffee.
Location
6. Kaffi
Located in the charming Guadalupe neighborhood, Kaffi is a sourdough bakery and coffee bar that’s perfect for a morning treat.
This cozy spot welcomes pets, making it a great stop for dog owners. Don’t leave without trying their Kardemummabullar (Swedish cardamom buns) and the zesty lemon scones—both are local favorites!
- Guadalupe neighborhood: Carlos del Castillo 4c. Opens daily 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
7. Café Umarán
Just steps from the Jardín Principal, Café Umarán offers artisanal bread and specialty coffee in the heart of San Miguel.
It’s also pet-friendly, so bring your furry friend along! Indulge in their decadent Nutella-filled croissant or the maple bacon roll for a truly delightful experience.
- Centro: Umarán 8, open daily from 8:00 am -10:00 pm (breakfast-lunch-dinner menu)
8. La Colmena
A block away from the iconic Parroquia, La Colmena is one of San Miguel’s oldest bakeries, preserving the art of traditional Mexican baking.
Known for its nostalgic charm, this historic spot is a must-visit. Be sure to try their classic conchas and crispy campechanas—timeless treats that capture the essence of local flavor.
- Centro: Relox 21. Open Monday to Sunday 8:30 am – 9:00 pm.
Emily's Bakery and Pastry - Gluten-free and Vegan Options
When we first posted this blog, we didn’t think to mention gluten-free or vegan options. Thanks to our inclusive community here in San Miguel de Allende, they requested it and Emily’s Bakery came top of the suggestions!
Emily crafts homemade treats with unbeatable quality, using premium ingredients and customized options. From cakes to cookies, cupcakes, bread, and gluten free and vegan options. Just contact Emily 2 days before you need your treats, and she can deliver them to Garambullo Restaurant on #48 Animas Street.
Please follow her on Instagram, Facebook and contact her here: emilyalfaro29@gmail.com or cel: +52 415 169 05 83
Follow us for more blogs, images, and all things San Miguel on our Instagram page – @livein_san_miguel. And if you have any other recommendations for cafes, bakeries, restaurants, taco stands etc please get in touch so we can spread the word, support local businesses and eat and drink well!
