International Bakeries in Atlanta: Where to Find Global Breads, Pastries, and Sweet Treats

Atlanta’s food scene is famously diverse, and that absolutely includes its bakeries. If you’re looking for international baked goods—from French croissants to Mexican conchas, Caribbean patties, Middle Eastern sweets, or Asian breads—you won’t have to look far in metro Atlanta.

This guide explains what “international bakery” really means in Atlanta, what kinds of desserts and sweet treats you can expect, how to navigate cultural bakeries if you’re new to them, and where these shops tend to cluster around the city.

What “International Bakery” Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, an international bakery usually means one of three things:

1. A bakery specializing in the desserts and breads of a specific culture or region (for example, a Mexican panadería or a Korean bakery).
2. A shop offering a mix of global pastries—French-style cakes, Latin American sweets, and Asian buns under one roof.
3. A bakery inside or next to an international grocery store (common in Chamblee, Doraville, Duluth, and around Buford Highway).

You’ll see these places categorized under “dessert and sweet treats” in local restaurant listings, but many also serve savory breads, sandwiches, and sometimes coffee or tea.

Types of International Bakeries You’ll Find Around Atlanta

Latin American & Mexican Panaderías

These bakeries are scattered all over metro Atlanta, especially:

• Along Buford Highway (Chamblee, Doraville)
• In Norcross, Lawrenceville, and Gwinnett County
• On the south and west sides of the metro where there are strong Latino communities

Common items you’ll see:

• Conchas – soft, lightly sweet breads with a crunchy sugar topping
• Tres leches cake – sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk
• Bolillos and telera rolls – crusty white rolls often used for sandwiches
• Empanadas – sweet or savory hand pies, sometimes filled with fruit or cream
• Flan and custard desserts – rich, egg-based desserts with caramel

Panaderías in Atlanta often double as:

• Dessert destinations for birthdays and celebrations
• Everyday bread shops for families picking up fresh rolls and pastries

Tip: If you’re unsure what something is, it’s common to just point and ask; most staff are used to people discovering these items for the first time.

European-Style Bakeries (French, Italian, Eastern European, & More)

European-style bakeries are common in:

• Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward
• North Atlanta suburbs like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, and Roswell

Typical offerings:

• Croissants and pains au chocolat
• Éclairs, tarts, and mousse cakes
• Artisan sourdoughs and baguettes
• Italian cookies, cannoli, or tiramisu-style treats
• Eastern European breads and pastries (like rye loaves, poppy seed rolls, or kolaches in certain specialty shops)

These bakeries often emphasize:

• Coffee service (espresso drinks, cappuccinos)
• Sit-down space to enjoy pastries on-site
• Decorated cakes for weddings and special events

If you live in-town, you’ll likely find at least one European-style spot in your neighborhood or along your regular commute routes.

Asian Bakeries: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Pan-Asian

For Asian baked goods, the metro Atlanta hotspots include:

• Buford Highway corridor (Chamblee, Doraville)
• Duluth and Suwanee (especially around Pleasant Hill Road)
• Parts of Johns Creek and Peachtree Corners

Common sweet and savory items:

• Soft milk bread loaves – fluffy, slightly sweet sandwich bread
• Cream buns – filled with custard, whipped cream, or red bean paste
• Savory buns – stuffed with ham, cheese, curry, or barbecue pork
• Castella sponge cakes and roll cakes
• Mochi and rice-based desserts in some Japanese or pan-Asian shops

These bakeries often operate like casual cafés, with:

• Self-serve pastry tongs and trays
• Drinks like milk tea, bubble tea, or coffee
• Bright interiors where you can stay and snack

If you’re visiting from out of town, Buford Highway is often the most convenient place to experience several Asian bakery styles in one afternoon.

Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African Bakeries

Atlanta’s Middle Eastern and Mediterranean bakeries are typically concentrated in:

• Decatur and Clarkston
• Chamblee, Doraville, and Tucker
• Parts of Sandy Springs and Roswell

You might find:

• Baklava – layered phyllo with nuts and honey or syrup
• Basbousa and hareeseh – semolina-based cakes soaked in syrup
• Ma’amoul – date- or nut-filled shortbread cookies
• Turkish delight and regional confections
• Fresh pita, lavash, and other flatbreads

Many of these bakeries are attached to or near Mediterranean grocery stores, so you can combine a dessert stop with pantry shopping.

Caribbean, African, and Other Regional Bakeries

Atlanta’s diversity also shows up in bakeries representing:

• Caribbean traditions (Jamaican patties, coconut drops, rum cakes)
• West and East African specialties (sweet breads, fried doughs, and festival-style treats)
• Indian and South Asian bakeries (mithai, barfi, gulab jamun, and eggless cakes)

You’ll often find these in:

• South DeKalb and South Atlanta neighborhoods
• Clarkston and nearby suburbs
• Corridors with strong immigrant communities, especially near ethnic markets

Because some of these bakeries are small, family-run businesses, hours and offerings may vary, so it’s a good idea to call ahead if you’re going for a specific item.

Where International Bakeries Cluster in Metro Atlanta

While you can find global sweets across the city, a few areas are especially rich in international bakery options.

Buford Highway (Chamblee, Doraville, Brookhaven)

Buford Highway is often considered Atlanta’s main international food corridor. Here you’ll find:

• Panaderías offering Latin American pastries and cakes
• Asian bakeries with buns, cakes, and milk breads
• Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and fusion dessert shops

📍 A useful landmark area:

• The stretch of Buford Hwy NE between Druid Hills Rd and Interstate 285 in Chamblee/Doraville is packed with international restaurants and bakeries in shopping centers on both sides of the road.

Duluth, Suwanee, and Gwinnett County

If you’re in the northeast metro:

• The Pleasant Hill Road area in Duluth is known for Korean, Chinese, and pan-Asian bakeries.
• You’ll also find Latin American bakeries, especially in Norcross and Lawrenceville, often near international supermarkets and plazas.

This area is convenient for people living in Gwinnett County or staying in the suburbs along I‑85.

Intown Atlanta Neighborhoods

If you want international-style desserts without leaving the city core:

• Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland have European-inspired patisseries and bakeries.
• You can sometimes find Latin American and Caribbean sweets in mixed-use developments and food halls.

While the selection may be less dense than Buford Highway, intown neighborhoods offer easier access if you’re staying near Downtown or Midtown Atlanta.

Decatur, Clarkston, and the East Side

East of Atlanta, communities like Decatur, Clarkston, and Tucker feature:

• Mediterranean and Middle Eastern bakeries
• African and South Asian shops with sweets and breads
• Small bakeries attached to grocery markets and cafes

Clarkston in particular is known as a resettlement area for refugees, which has led to a concentrated mix of international foods in a relatively small area.

What to Expect When You Visit an International Bakery in Atlanta

Common Store Layouts and Ordering Styles

Depending on the culture and setup, you may see:

• Self-serve pastry cases
  • You grab a tray and tongs, choose what you want, and bring it to the register.
• Counter-service only
  • Staff retrieve pastries for you; point to what you’d like or read menu labels.
• Café-style seating
  • Order at the counter and stay to enjoy coffee or tea with your dessert.

If you’re unsure of the process, it’s fine to pause and observe what other customers are doing or ask, “Do I serve myself or order here?”

Paying, Tipping, and Pricing

Most international bakeries in Atlanta:

• Accept credit and debit cards; some still prefer or offer discounts for cash.
• Use tip jars or digital tipping prompts at checkout. Tipping is optional but common if you’re eating in or ordering custom items.
• Offer a wide pricing range:
  • Everyday pastries can be quite affordable (often a few dollars each).
  • Custom cakes and elaborate desserts will be priced more like other specialty bakeries in the city.

Dietary Needs: Halal, Kosher, Vegan, and Gluten-Free

In Atlanta, some international bakeries may cater to specific dietary preferences or needs:

• Halal: More likely at Middle Eastern, South Asian, or some African bakeries.
• Kosher-style or kosher-friendly: Often found around northern Atlanta suburbs with Jewish communities, but true certification should be confirmed directly with the bakery.
• Vegan and dairy-free: Some European-style or fusion bakeries may offer clearly labeled plant-based treats.
• Gluten-free: Available in select places, usually labeled or by special order.

For anything health- or allergy-related, it’s best to ask directly about ingredients and preparation, since practices vary from shop to shop.

Using International Grocers and Markets to Find Bakeries

One of the easiest ways to discover new international bakeries in Atlanta is to look inside or right next to large international supermarkets. Many plazas with these markets include:

• A dedicated bake shop inside the grocery
• A separate bakery next door or in the same center
• Stalls or counters selling prepared desserts and breads

Areas where this pattern is common:

• Buford Highway (multiple plazas with Asian and Latin American groceries)
• Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth (Korean and pan-Asian markets)
• Chamblee, Doraville, Norcross, Clarkston, and Tucker (Mediterranean, African, and global markets)

When you’re short on time, searching for “international market” or “global grocery” near your Atlanta location often leads you to a cluster of bakeries in the same complex.

Planning Your Bakery Hopping Around Atlanta

Here’s a simple way to think about where to go based on what you’re craving and where you are:

Practical Tips for Enjoying International Desserts in Atlanta

• Go earlier in the day for the widest selection; many bakeries bake in the morning and may sell out of popular items by evening.
• Weekends are busier, especially around lunch and early afternoon, when families are out.
• Ask for recommendations if you’re new to a particular cuisine; staff are often happy to steer you toward their most popular pastries.
• If you’re buying for a group, mix familiar items with new ones—for example, croissants plus conchas, or milk bread plus baklava—so everyone feels comfortable trying something.
• For birthdays or holidays, consider ordering cakes in advance, especially from international bakeries known for tres leches, mousse cakes, or specialty designs.

How Locals and Visitors Can Make the Most of Atlanta’s International Bakeries

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re just visiting, international bakeries are an easy way to experience the city’s cultural variety without committing to a full sit-down meal. You can:

• Build a self-guided “dessert tour” of Buford Highway or Duluth.
• Add a bakery stop to a day of exploring neighborhoods like Midtown, Inman Park, or Decatur.
• Use bakeries as a gateway to learning about new cuisines, then branch out to full restaurants and markets in the same areas.

If you keep your plans flexible and stay open to trying something that’s new to you, Atlanta’s international bakeries can quickly become some of your favorite dessert and sweet treat spots in the city.