Zucchini bread isn’t just a clever way to sneak vegetables into dessert—it’s pure, cozy comfort with a hint of green. Moist, nutty, slightly spiced, and endlessly nostalgic, it’s the kind of bake that tastes like a warm hug from your grandma’s kitchen.
And yes, there are places across the country that actually nail it. If you’re looking to celebrate National Zucchini Bread Day in style, these 10 spots don’t just do it right—they do it with flair.
1. Green Street Restaurant – Pasadena, CA
Their zucchini bread has a cult following for a reason—it’s buttery, fragrant, and comes in slices the size of your head. I had it with a side of fruit, but let’s be real, the bread was the main event.
It’s slightly crisp on the edges, soft as cake inside. Toasted with a slather of butter? Heaven.
2. Lodge Bread Co.
Bakers here have a wild obsession with texture, and it shows. Theirs leans into deep brown crusts and tender, earthy centers, almost like zucchini meets sourdough in a secret romance.
No frosting needed—it’s rich and flavorful enough to eat plain. Grab two: one to eat in the car, one to take home.
3. Homeboy Bakery – Los Angeles, CA
Every bite comes with purpose—literally. They’re a social enterprise bakery, but their zucchini loaf could win awards on its own.
It’s lightly spiced, beautifully moist, and not too sweet, with a home-baked vibe that feels like a hug. You’ll want to buy an extra loaf just to share the love.
4. Lost Larson – Chicago, IL
Zucchini bread with Scandinavian precision? Yes, please. Their version is nutty, subtly floral, and kissed with cinnamon—it’s like fika went to summer camp in the Midwest.
It pairs dangerously well with their house-roasted coffee. Chic but cozy, and perfect for a quiet breakfast escape.
5. Bake – Chicago, IL
Dense, dark, and decadently spiced, the loaf here means business. The bakers aren’t afraid of a generous walnut crumble topping, and honestly, that crunch makes the whole thing sing.
I’ve eaten a slice both cold and warm—it’s fantastic either way. This is the kind of loaf that turns casual visitors into regulars.
6. Scafuri Bakery – Chicago, IL
They’ve been baking for over 100 years, and it shows. Their zucchini bread has that old-school, Italian-American magic: flecks of zucchini, a whisper of vanilla, and a beautiful balance between sweet and savory.
No frills, just incredibly good flavor. It’s like what your nonna would make—if your nonna baked professionally.
7. Sea Wolf Bakery – Seattle, WA
Moist, rustic, and packed with toasted seeds, their version tastes like it grew in a Pacific Northwest forest. A drizzle of local honey on top seals the deal.
It’s a little more earthy than most, and that’s what makes it special. You’ll want to eat it slowly while watching the rain.
8. Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter – Chicago, IL
Brioche lovers, take note: their zucchini loaf has that rich, buttery vibe with a flaky top crust you can’t stop picking at. It’s slightly fancier, like zucchini bread got invited to high tea.
Soft and custardy in the center, almost like a vegetable-infused bread pudding. Surprisingly elegant—and totally addictive.
9. Bread Lounge – Los Angeles, CA
Zucchini bread here comes with a touch of Middle Eastern spice, which makes it feel warm and unexpected. The crumb is tight but tender, with a dark caramelized edge that’s borderline candy.
It’s not overly sweet, which makes it ideal with coffee or tea. I’d happily eat it for breakfast or dessert.
10. Hoosier Mama Pie Company – Chicago, IL
You’d expect them to be all about pies, but their zucchini bread is a hidden treasure.
Soft, subtly spiced, and flecked with golden raisins, it tastes like something your aunt brought to a summer potluck in the 80s—in the best way. It’s nostalgic, humble, and quietly perfect. Don’t miss it.