A well-executed pastry is taken for granted. Even the most simple-looking baked goods require hours of preparation. The level of talent (and mild insanity) it takes to make a perfect macaron, for instance, is incredibly high. But I guess that’s why I’m writing this. I am a self-proclaimed addict (and advocate) of all dough, whether puffed, laminated, baked or fried. So I want to spotlight some of the best in Salt Lake. There’s some excellent pastry in our city. Unique and delicious buns, cookies, and viennoiserie conceived by some genuine talent. This isn’t a “best of” list. This is just a guide for where to find something great when the mood strikes.

Les Madeleines is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit if you are hankering for traditional patisserie. Chef Romina has built the reputation of this shop for years, and her culinary training speaks for itself. The bakery offers favorites like macarons, croissants, and Kouign Ammon (my favorite). But they also have less traditional items such as carrot cake sandwich cookies, passion puffs, and croissant bread pudding. Whatever your poison, there’s probably something at Les Madeleines for you. In terms of all-around good pastry, this is a great choice. I recently had their pistachio Supreme. It was a giant wheel of croissant dough filled with Sicilian pistachio cream. I don’t know what to say to express its divinity. It was incredible. That’s all I’ve got. Just go.

The Rose has a coffee program that may be one of my favorites in Salt Lake. But they also boast a serious in-house pastry operation. For those of you like myself who can’t imagine your morning Joe without a treat, this needs to be your mainstay. They offer muffins, scones, cookies, and coffee cakes which are not necessarily world-class, but they are absolutely delicious. All of them perfectly complement the impressive single-origin coffee and expert barista creations. My favorites are seasonal scones, oatmeal cookies, and cinnamon rolls. The Rose does what every high-end coffee shop should aspire to do. Take a step toward offering baked goods that genuinely complement your superior product! Nothing turns me off of a coffee shop more than a Costco muffin. I’ll still eat it. But I’d rather have a homemade cardamom bun.

My friend Christy (@figeats) recently introduced me to the bread program at James Beard nominated Table X. I haven’t looked back. Trying every item in the rotating selection of laminated pastries has become a goal of mine. I realize that seems like a difficult task, but I’m willing to take one for the team. The bakes in Table X are very unique. They are large but not inundating. The crust is always crispy and flaky. But each week I visit, it seems as though the goods just get better and better. It’s hard to pick a favorite. Laminated pastries have quickly become my favorite iteration of the morning bun. So the honey almond or chocolate croissants might have to be what I urge you to lean toward. I wouldn’t call these pastries traditional by any means. I think they are “their own thing.” But I really enjoy my visits there. Overall I think the bakers at Table X do some great things with dough. Until I’ve tried everything, you’ll find me there every Thursday.

Tulie is in a lane of its own. This veteran cafe makes unique bakes with a look and feels specific to their shop. Everything is gigantic. This is not the place to go if you are on the hunt for a small snack with a morning coffee. The almond croissant, for example, maybe one of my favorites. But it is the size of a football and requires a nap after ingestion. Do NOT let this detour you. Whether picking up a morning bun or a fancy cake for an event, Tulie is worth your time and money. The rich flavors and textures really are one of a kind. The olive oil cake is a Salt Lake staple. But I’m pretty sure you will love whatever you order. Tulie is just an all-around solid choice for anything you’re craving. A bakery cannot often execute all corners of the baking spectrum (cakes, cookies, lamination, etc.), and I think they do it exceptionally well.

Admittedly I haven’t visited Eva’s nearly as much as they deserve. Over the years, I’ve been a few times. But I think their reputation speaks for itself. The shop draws crowds of folks every day of the week. In addition to being a full-service restaurant, Eva’s is a traditional French bakery. So the focus is typically on the beautifully prepared viennoiserie or macarons. I contend that this is the destination to find the most well-balanced and executed overall selection. I’ve tried a few items, and they are consistently well-made. The almond croissant, for example, really hits the spot. It’s perfectly portioned with just enough marzipan to excite but not overwhelm. The outer shell is crunchy and golden but not dry. The interior is layered beautifully with visible sections of laminated dough sheets. If you want an all-around great croissant, this is the spot.

Delice is a one-stop shop for all things French pastry, with its massive glass case housing everything from butter croissants to seasonal cakes and cookies. I have had delightful tiramisu and a mild pain au chocolat at Delice. They also have a full-service kitchen running breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. A quadruple threat! Anyway. It’s a great place. The pastries aren’t necessarily my favorite. But I know people who would fight me for saying that. The croissants are a little soft, with the structure being a little more refined than the one you’d find in a commercial bakery. My cakes are hit or miss but always at least a 6/10. Nothing is terrible at all! Just not incredible. It’s the perfect place to go curb the craving. But I’d also highly recommend sitting down for a nice Croque monsieur or avocado toast. The customer service at Delice is fantastic, however. Employees go out of their way with kindness. I’d visit weekly for this feature alone.