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ZipPicks Awards
Best Bakery in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Star Bakery
7.7
A family-run Persian bakery on Sawtelle turning out preservative-free pastries and cookies fresh each day, with a lineup that leans heavily on almond cookies, baklava, and layered cakes like napoleon and tiramisu. It draws Westside regulars who want a no-fuss pickup from a strip mall spot with easy parking and low prices. Expect a straightforward bakery counter—come for the baked goods, not the ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond Cookies, Baklava Assortment, Tiramisu Cake
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Family-run Persian bakery making preservative-free pastries and cookies fresh daily on the Westside
Who should go: Persian pastry lovers and Westside sweet-tooth regulars
When to visit: Early morning for freshest selection and full display case
What to order: Grab almond cookies first — they sell out. Add a baklava assortment box and one Napoleon or fruit tart to round it out.
Insider tip: They bake Barbari, traditional Persian flatbread, fresh daily — grab a loaf while picking up pastries
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Strip mall with its own free parking lot right out front—no meters, no hunting
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not as a standalone date destination — this is a small Persian bakery with counter service, not a sit-down restaurant. However, it works well as a charming stop on a Sawtelle date crawl. Grab baklava and French pastries together, then walk the neighborhood. The friendly staff and authentic hidden-gem feel add character, but don't expect lingering conversation over a table.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted — this is a walk-in, counter-service bakery. You order at the counter and take your items to go. There's no formal seating to wait for, so you'll never have trouble getting served. Open daily from 8am to around 8–8:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids love this place. It's a casual bakery filled with colorful pastries, custom cakes, cream puffs, and cookies that appeal to all ages. No formal dining environment to worry about, and the friendly staff make it welcoming for families. Great for a quick treat stop, though there's no dedicated kids menu (it's a bakery, so everything is kid-accessible).
Is it good for groups? Not for a group dining experience — Star Bakery is a small counter-service bakery without dedicated seating for parties. However, it works well for picking up a spread of pastries and custom cakes for a group gathering elsewhere. For custom cake orders for events, call ahead at (310) 207-0025.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. Star Bakery is a counter-service bakery in a strip mall suite on Santa Monica Blvd — it's designed for takeout rather than dining in. Grab your pastries and enjoy them at one of the nearby parks or while strolling the Sawtelle neighborhood.
Best For
Better for: Grabbing Persian pastries to go—almond cookies, baklava, fresh Barbari bread, and custom cakes for celebrations
Consider Alternatives If: You want a full sit-down café experience—this is a compact bakery counter in a strip mall, not a lingering spot
Hours
Monday8am - 8pm
Tuesday8am - 8pm
Wednesday8am - 8pm
Thursday8am - 8pm
Friday8am - 8pm
Saturday8am - 8pm
Sunday8am - 8pm