Albemarle Baking Co
Charlottesville's premier bakery since 1995, crafting exceptional European breads, exquisite cakes, and delectable pastries with high-quality ingredie...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Albemarle Baking Co
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Charlottesville's premier bakery since 1995, crafting exceptional European breads, exquisite cakes, and delectable pastries with high-quality ingredients.
"This is by far the best bakery in the US that I have been to, and up there in the world."
Visit Early on Weekends
Avoid crowds by arriving early on weekends; the line moves quickly, and takeout is popular.
Try Seasonal Favorites
Savor seasonal delights like Italian plum pastries or persimmon cream tarts when they're available.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bakery
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(434) 293-6456
Address
418 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
Website
albemarlebakingco.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Princess Cake Perfection
Indulge in the exquisite Princess Cake, a Swedish delight with vanilla sponge, bavarian cream, and marzipan. A true masterpiece!
Artisan European Breads
Experience breads that rival Paris, with standout sourdough and baguettes crafted with superior ingredients and time-honored techniques.
Delectable Pastry Selection
From pistachio cream puffs to Italian plum pastries and local persimmon tarts, a wide array of sweet treats awaits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early on Weekends
Avoid crowds by arriving early on weekends; the line moves quickly, and takeout is popular.
Try Seasonal Favorites
Savor seasonal delights like Italian plum pastries or persimmon cream tarts when they're available.
Order Online for Pickup
Save time by utilizing the online ordering system for quick and convenient pick-up.
Dreams of Passion Fruit Tart
Don't miss the passion fruit tart; it's so good, you might just dream about it!
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early on Weekends
Avoid crowds by arriving early on weekends; the line moves quickly, and takeout is popular.
Try Seasonal Favorites
Savor seasonal delights like Italian plum pastries or persimmon cream tarts when they're available.
Order Online for Pickup
Save time by utilizing the online ordering system for quick and convenient pick-up.
Dreams of Passion Fruit Tart
Don't miss the passion fruit tart; it's so good, you might just dream about it!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Albemarle Baking Co is celebrated for its exceptional quality baked goods, particularly its cakes and European-style breads. Diners rave about the freshness, superior ingredients, and delightful taste that isn't overly sweet. The friendly service and warm atmosphere contribute to a highly recommended experience, making it a beloved local staple.
"Went on a Saturday morning, it was very full but the line moved quick. Almost everyone was taking to go so there would be plenty of seating to eat there. I had the harvest basket and it was amazing!"
Zoe Gehman
"The staff was super nice. The pastries are delicious. The passion fruit tart was outstanding. I have dreams about it, was so good. The lemon tart looks really good too. If you can’t find some thing you like here then you don’t like good food! Stay home 🤤😍 Charlottesville’s premiere bakery."
R English
"I visited Albemarle Baking Co in Charlottesville today, and I honestly loved it! The place has such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The service was excellent—every staff member was kind, caring, and made me feel truly appreciated as a customer. The food was also amazing—fresh, delicious, and clearly made with love. I really enjoyed my experience here and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!"
Safalani Opombo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The bakery is renowned for its Princess Cake, artisan European breads like sourdough and baguettes, and a wide variety of pastries such as pistachio cream puffs and seasonal tarts.
Yes, the bakery can get very busy on weekend mornings. Visiting early is recommended to avoid the longest waits.
Absolutely! Albemarle Baking Co. makes delicious cakes for special occasions, including birthdays and weddings.
Yes, you can conveniently order online for quick pick-up if you're short on time.
Their breads, including baguettes and sourdough, are considered among the best, with a quality that rivals those found in Paris.
Many reviewers note that the sweets are perfectly balanced and not sickly sweet, with a focus on superior ingredients.
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Featured in these publications
Charlottesville, VA: Food Lovers Kind of a Place
ABC stands for Albemarle Baking Company, or if you’re creative, another buttery croissant!. I asked owner Gerry Newman how so many bakeries could thrive in Charlottesville, and he said, “We all do slightly different things. Frankly, if you set out to be the best you can be, as opposed to just trying to be better than how you perceive others, you will create a following for what you do.” By being in business since 1995, I’d say Albemarle Baking Company has a good following, including me!
21+ Outstanding Things To Do in Charlottesville VA
Right on Main Street in Charlottesville is an award-winning bakery that was so well received by the community it had to get a bigger space in 2001. Albemarle has been feeding the masses in Charlottesville since 1995 with their scrumptious goodies. Their offerings change throughout the week, so if you fall in love with that Apple Cinnamon Cranberry bread you saw at the bakery, you might want to snag it.
Unique Sweet Treats You’ll Only Find in Charlottesville
This is my go to spot for desserts in Cville because of these two words: Princess Cake. You an find an abundance of delicious desserts to get at this local bakery, but my absolute favorite is the Princess Cake. Their take on a traditional Swedish dessert, this sinful item features vanilla sponge cake layered with bavarian cream and covered with a thin sheet of marzipan.
Best of C-VILLE 2019: Food & Drink
MarieBette, with a bread and pastry menu offering sweet and savory options from baguettes to canelés, is not the place to try to resist temptation. Owners Jason Becton and Patrick Evans named MarieBette after their daughters, Marian and Betty, and the love the men put into the space comes through tenfold in the menu, service, and style. • Albemarle Baking Company.
8 Best CVille Places For French Food
418 W Main St, Charlottesville, Virginia Facebook | Website | Twitter | Photo: Albemarle Baking Co. FB Albemarle Baking Co. has gourmet croissants, fruit brioche and macarons to satisfy any French sweet tooth. If you liked this post, you might also enjoy Top 9 Cocktail Hot Spots In CVille and Top 20 Lunch Spots Under $10 In Charlottesville.
Guide to the Best Bakeries in Charlottesville
If you seek timeless tradition reflected in your food, then Albemarle Baking Company is worth your visit. This classic bakehouse housed at the historic Main Street offers a taste of nostalgia, capturing the essence of Charlottesville’s enriched culinary traditions one pastry at a time. Here’s why it’s not just another local bakery:
The 15 Best Restaurants in Charlottesville, Virginia (+ Other Locavore Gems)
Award-winning Albemarle Baking Company is a staple for handcrafted bread, cakes, and pastries. At their friendly counter inside Main Street Market, they sell craft boules, loaves, and desserts that adorn nearly every menu across Charlottesville’s best restaurants. The bread and baked goods are equally lovely.
Top Bakery Charlottesville, VA - Baker
lbemarle Baking Company was founded in 1995 by Gerry Newman and Millie Carson. Their award-winning breads, cakes, and pastries are handcrafted in their bakery using only the finest ingredients. Their breads are found on the tables of most of the finest dining establishments in Charlottesville.
I Finally Got to Try the New Donut Shop in Town That Sells out Daily
This mid-sized town has no shortage of world-class bakeries; Cou Cou Rachou, Marie-Bette, Belle Bakery, Cake Bloom, and Albemarle Baking Company all have a well-earned place in our hearts. So you can imagine my intrigue when yet another place for baked treats opened up just a few miles away.
Cville Sweets Round-Up: The Baked Edition
A Charlottesville staple since 1995, Albemarle Baking Company is sweet and savory, filled with Princess cakes, cheesecakes, and fruit tarts, to peach pies, scones, and the best baguette in town. Gerry shared his insights on pastry innovation, and his personal favorites.
25 Fun Things To Do In Charlottesville (VA)
It offers handmade breads, cakes, and tarts crafted with high-quality ingredients. Founded in 1995, this local favorite has won multiple awards for its artisanal approach. Daily specials and a rotating pastry selection ensure there’s always something new to try.
Albemarle Baking Company | Charlottesville, VA
Albemarle Baking Company was founded in 1995 by Gerry Newman and Millie Carson. Originally on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, the bakery soon outgrew that location and in the spring of 2001 was the first business to open in the Main Street Market.
TRAVEL GUIDE: Ultimate Charlottesville VA Guide
Albemarle Baking Co (418 W Main Street) - The Princess Cake from Albemarle Baking Co is one of my all-time favorite desserts. I was lucky to have it at both my 25th birthday and my going away party!
Wine Tasting Vineyard Tour in Charlottesville Virginia
We offer a selection of elegant 6-inch birthday cakes from our FAVORITE bakery, Albemarle Baking Company. We’ll bring the box as well so you can take the remainder home for later!
Best Charlottesville Restaurants | Charlottesville Insider's Dining Guide
Renowned for its fresh-baked artisan breads, cakes, and pastries. 418 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903(434) 293-6456. 213 2nd St SW, Charlottesville, VA 22902(434) 984-2264
Insider Tips to Sightseeing and More in Charlottesville, Virginia
Delicious pastries, cakes, pies and breads are available from The Albermarle Baking Company in Charlottesville, Virginia. Photo by: Jeff Stafford
Your Guide To Dining In Charlottesville
Albemarle Baking Company - Breads, cakes, and pastries all shine here, though some would argue the Princess Cake steals the show.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit