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ZipPicks Awards
Best Bakery in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Rex Bakery
7.6
A family-run Sawtelle counter where handmade Persian pastries—rosewater-scented cream puffs, cardamom-laced Noon-e Nokhodchi, crisp Zoolbia & Bamieh—come out at corner-store prices that make repeat visits easy. The draw is the specificity of the Iranian baking tradition executed in a no-frills setting, not the ambiance. It works best as a quick Sawtelle detour when you want something sweet that isn't another matcha cookie.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baklava, Persian Cream Puffs, Shirini Napoleoni
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Family-run Persian bakery on Sawtelle turning out handmade Iranian pastries with traditional rosewater and cardamom at corner-store prices
Who should go: Persian pastry seekers and Sawtelle sweet-tooth regulars
When to visit: Early afternoon weekdays for full pastry case selection
What to order: Grab a box of baklava and cream puffs for the table, add a napoleoni for flaky contrast, and pick up nokhodchi cookies to take home
Insider tip: Bring cash — it's strongly preferred and speeds up the line
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sawtelle, plus a couple of free spots on the side of the building for quick pickups
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a tiny takeout-only bakery counter, not a sit-down spot. There's no seating, no ambiance to linger in. That said, grabbing a box of their famous Persian cream puffs to share on a walk around Sawtelle could be a charming low-key date move.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations - Rex Bakery is strictly counter-service takeout. Walk in, pick your pastries from the display case, and go. Visits are typically quick with no significant wait times reported. Note: cash only.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the staff is notably patient and welcoming with children. The pastry display case is fun for kids to browse, and the sweet offerings (cream puffs, baklava, cookies) are natural kid-pleasers. No seating or high chairs since it's takeout only, so plan for a quick visit.
Is it good for groups? Not for dining - there's no seating of any kind. However, it works well as a group pastry run on Sawtelle. You could order a large assortment for a party or gathering. For pre-orders of large quantities, call ahead to confirm availability at (310) 445-8799.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. This is a walk-in, walk-out bakery counter. There are a couple of free parking spots on the side of the building for easy pickup.
Best For
Better for: Quick grab-and-go Persian pastries — a tiny, family-run counter bakery, not a sit-down spot; cash only, so come prepared
Consider Alternatives If: You want a place to sit and linger — there is no indoor or outdoor seating, and they do not accept credit cards
Hours
Monday9am - 6pm
Tuesday9am - 6pm
Wednesday9am - 6pm
Thursday9am - 6pm
Friday9am - 6pm
Saturday9am - 6pm
Sunday9am - 6pm