Isola Bakery San Diego: Worth the Hype? (2024 Review)

Voted the number one bakery in the US back in 2022? Seriously, that’s a bold claim, right? But the buzz around Isola Bakery San Diego is way more than just social media hot air. This downtown spot, sitting right off Island Avenue, it just has a truly one-of-a-kind feel. Locals? They’re straight-up seriously hooked on their baked goods. So, what’s really the big deal with all those buttery layers and wild flavors?

Step inside, and it’s super clear why this place got so popular.

Tons of Amazing, Unique Croissants

Forget your basic butter croissant here. While they totally nail the “original,” thick and crispy perfection, Isola goes all out with wild ideas. You’ll definitely spot a Tahan Vanilla Knot – soft, flaky, sweet but not, like, overly sugary. And another thing: there’s the Mufleta, a serious mix of three pork salamis, provolone, and some olive spread. So good.

They also make a killer oat milk latte and a Hot Potion tea, packed full of lemon, mint, and thyme – and folks constantly say it really helps your throat feel better. Beyond the pastries, count on different sourdoughs too: garlic, wild, and even currant and spice.

The Craft: Four Days of Super Careful Baking

No rushing quality here. Every single croissant, from the plain ones to the fanciest, takes four days. Seriously. That kind of real dedication makes those distinct, airy layers and that absolutely perfect flaky texture.

Obvious. They take their craft seriously. So, yeah, each bite feels super decadent.

From Cottage Kitchen to Downtown Hotspot

The origin story? Pure San Diego grit. The owners? Nope, they weren’t master bakers starting out. Far from it. They began with just a cottage house license, working out of their apartment a few blocks from their now-huge location.

Picture this: they’d bake up their sourdoughs and croissants, then rig up a pulley system to drop them to folks grabbing their orders on the sidewalk. And let me tell you, that grind? A few years flew by, and it turned into this huge, buzzing place, you know, with comfy indoor and outdoor seats, just absolutely crushing it right by that mellow park area. Seriously inspiring.

Beyond Sweet: Savory Croissant Adventures

While the Tahan Vanilla Knot is a total winner for anyone with a sweet tooth, the real fun lies in their savory picks. You won’t find these flavors anywhere else.

Take the Beep Bop croissant. It’s an absolute game-changer, loaded with bulgogi, pickled daikon, zucchini, and carrots, all served with a ginger kimchi sauce. It’s got a kick, like a four or five spice-wise, but balanced with sweetness from pickled veggies. A next-level sandwich, basically.

And then there’s the La Gunma Gruyere Cheese croissant. Layers of Chinese chili crisp and Gruyere cheese make a flavor combo that’s savory and has a little kick. It’s got a small, nice warmth – maybe a two or three. Seriously, don’t miss these amazing savory picks; like, nowhere else in the Gaslamp Quarter has stuff like this.

Finding Your Favorite at Isola

So, what are you into for a pastry experience? Flaky sweet? Bold savory? Isola doesn’t make you choose. They have so much stuff, and everything just feels super well made.

Because whether it’s the rich meats and olives in the Mufleta or the complex tastes of the Beep Bop, there’s a reason this place keeps scoring all these awards. Go explore the menu. You might just find your new favorite downtown San Diego bakery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take Isola Bakery to make a single croissant?

Every single croissant at Isola Bakery takes a super careful four days to prepare, so you get that unreal texture and taste.

What are some of the most unique savory croissants available?

Isola Bakery is known for its creative savory stuff like the Beep Bop croissant (with bulgogi and kimchi sauce) and the La Gunma Gruyere Cheese croissant (with Chinese chili crisp and Gruyere). But they also offer the Mufleta, stuffed with different pork salamis and an olive spread.

How did Isola Bakery begin before its big downtown spot?

The bakery’s owners kicked things off with just a Cottage House license from their apartment. They got famous locally by using a pulley system to deliver their freshly baked sourdoughs and croissants to customers standing on the street.