The New York Times has named Seattle’s Saint Bread as one of its 22 best bakeries in America. It is the only bakery in Washington state on the list.

“There are few places more pleasant in Seattle for baked goods than this spot tucked by the shores of Portage Bay,” The Times’ Brian Gallagher writes. “The cardamom croissant is a laminated, convoluted delight, like a not-too-sweet kouign-amann. The cinnamon-Okinawan sugar toast is a pillowy slab of morning comfort. And no self-respecting breakfast joint omits an egg-and-cheese sandwich.”

Saint Bread is owned by Yasuaki Saito, who previously co-owned London Plane, the popular Pioneer Square restaurant that closed during the pandemic. Saito also owns Fremont pizza restaurant Tivoli.

Saito is an influential advocate for mental health in the region and delivers meals to medical workers across Seattle. Saito is one of Seattle magazine’s Most Influential People of 2024 (his write-up appears in the upcoming January-February issue of the magazine).

Saint Bread opened near the University of Washington in the spring of 2021. The location was previously home to the Jensen Motorboat Co.