"Described as James Beard Award‑winning, this bakery is recommended as an easy stop to grab something for the road after brunch; it sits next door to the West End Tex‑Mex brunch sibling and functions as a convenient, acclaimed neighborhood bake shop." - Stasia Brewczynski
"This Portland bakery was a 2024 James Beard Award winner, receiving the Outstanding Bakery award." - Erika Adams
"I was pleased to see Portland’s ZU Bakery take home the national award for Outstanding Bakery at the James Beard Awards." - Erika Adams
"In Portland, Maine, Zu Bakery won the Outstanding Bakery award." - Melissa McCart
"Zu may have started off at farmers markets, but it’s quickly become a can’t-miss bakery in the city. They have a brick and mortar in the West End that’s largely occupied by a wood-fired oven that produces some of the best laminated pastries we’ve ever had. Zu also bakes throughout the day, so that means whenever you show up, you’ll get the warmest, freshest bread and different pastries depending on your timing. Stop by in the early morning for croissants of all kinds, currant cream scones, and monkey bread to enjoy with coffee on their small benches outside. Then, come back midday for sourdough loaves and baguettes with house-milled flours that are perfect to use for picnic sandwiches at the nearby Western promenade. Late afternoon, it’s all about herby pizzettes and focaccia alongside housemade granola, biscotti, and a revolving selection of wines. No matter when you go, Zu always hits the mark." - Alana Dao