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Bella's Bread and Butter
Master Critic Review
Bella's Bread and Butter
8.3
Bella’s Bread and Butter is a Fairfax-area bakery and cafe where long-fermented sourdough loaves, laminated pastries, and a small menu of wood-fired pizzas and shakshuka run through a kosher, Israel-born lens. The Melrose outpost leans more toward a premium, all-day bakery-cafe than a simple pastry counter, drawing serious bread fans alongside coffee drinkers and casual diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Traditional artisan sourdough loaf, Bella's specialty babka, Chocolate croissant
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A kosher, Israel-born bakery-cafe combining serious sourdough, viennoiserie, and cafe dishes under one roof.
Who should go: Bread geeks and brunch-goers seeking elevated bakery-cafe fare.
When to visit: Morning through early afternoon for the freshest bread and pastries.
What to order: Sourdough loaf, chocolate croissant, slice of babka.
Insider tip: Grab a loaf early, then return later for pizza or shakshuka once the cafe menu hits its stride.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates the area; meters are usually available on Melrose or side streets before noon but tighten quickly after lunchtime.
Dress code: Casual and cafe-appropriate; athleisure, weekend-brunch attire, and relaxed streetwear all fit.
Noise level: Light to moderate — conversational indoors, slightly louder during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: They close before traditional dinner hours; late-afternoon visits can see short waits for pastries or cafe items.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though the pastry line can build mid-morning.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong — many pastries, breads, salads, and shakshuka variations are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Moderate — a few salads and select pastries fit, but vegan options are limited overall.
Gluten-free options: Limited — most highlight items rely on wheat; a couple of salads and egg dishes can work for gluten-avoiders.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a daytime date — bright, casual, and low-pressure with excellent pastries and coffee. Not ideal for an evening date since it operates more as a daytime bakery-cafe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating. Arrive earlier on weekends if you want a patio table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common in the mornings. High chairs may be limited, but the menu has approachable items for kids.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional sourdough, laminated pastries, and Israel-influenced brunch dishes that feel more curated and artisanal than standard neighborhood bakeries.
Skip if: You want a purely grab-and-go pastry shop, vegan-focused bakery, or a sit-down dinner destination.