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ZipPicks Awards

Best Bakery in Sawtelle Japantown

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

House of Bread 8.0
South Los Angeles
A Westwood Persian bakery turning out fresh sangak and flatbreads throughout the day, with a parallel line of French-style croissants and pastries that gives it broader range than a typical bread shop. The draw is timing your visit to catch loaves still warm, and the bakery-counter pricing keeps repeat visits easy. It sits in the heart of Westwood's Persian corridor, which means the flatbread standards are set by a community that knows exactly what they should taste like.
Must-Try Dishes: Croissants, Sangak, Banana Bread
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 7.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Persian bakery in Westwood baking sangak and other flatbreads fresh throughout the day alongside French-style pastries
Who should go: Bread lovers seeking fresh-baked Persian and European styles
When to visit: Morning for warmest bread straight from the oven
What to order: Grab a fresh sangak, add a croissant or cheese croissant, and take banana bread for later
Insider tip: Ask what just came out of the oven — the rotation changes throughout the day
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street metered parking on Westwood Blvd is competitive—expect to circle the block or park a few streets away. A tiny lot out front fills almost immediately. Arrive early for best chances.
Weekday lunch: They close at 3pm and popular items sell out by 11am—arrive by 9am to guarantee the full selection. Short counter waits only; this is grab-and-go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Vegetarian-friendly—pastries, breads, and sandwiches with non-meat options available.
Vegan options: Vegan options listed on the menu; breads are made without added oil or sugar using house sourdough starter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not for a traditional dinner date — this is a small, family-run Persian bakery with counter service and a casual, grab-and-go vibe. That said, it could work nicely for a low-key morning date over fresh croissants and coffee at one of their outdoor tables. The intimate, neighborhood-bakery charm is appealing, but don't expect candlelit ambiance — it closes by 3pm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — House of Bread is a walk-in-only bakery with counter service. No reservations are taken or needed. Seating is limited, so during weekend mornings you may need to wait briefly for an outdoor spot to open up, but turnover is quick since most customers grab items to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, laid-back bakery atmosphere is very approachable for kids. There's no formal kids menu, but the pastries, croissants, chocolate chip cookies, and fresh bread are easy crowd-pleasers for little ones. No fussy fine-dining rules here. Specific kid amenities like high chairs are not confirmed — call ahead at (424) 273-4845 if needed.
Is it good for groups? Not ideal — this is a small neighborhood bakery with limited seating, primarily designed for individuals and small parties picking up baked goods. A group of 3-4 could make it work at the outdoor tables, but anything larger would be a squeeze. There are no private dining options or large table setups.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available. Specific details on the number of tables, whether the area is covered or heated, are not confirmed online. It's a sidewalk-style setup typical of Westwood Blvd storefronts. Best enjoyed on mild LA mornings given the bakery's 8am-3pm hours.
Best For
Better for: Morning bread runs, exceptional sourdough and sangak, Persian-French pastry crossovers like cheese croissants—a tiny counter-service bakery with cult-favorite quality at neighborhood prices.
Consider Alternatives If: You need a sit-down meal, plan to arrive after 11am, or want dinner—this is a morning-only bakery that sells out early and closes by 3pm.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday8am - 3pm
Wednesday8am - 3pm
Thursday8am - 3pm
Friday8am - 3pm
Saturday8am - 3pm
Sunday8am - 3pm