So Many Bakeries... So Little Time...
- Jeffrey Lamont Brown
- Oct 15
- 4 min read
BAKERY HOP!
It is a super exciting time for the East Village...
What was once a quiet pocket of downtown is now one of San Diego’s most vibrant neighborhoods — full of creativity, incredible food, and the smell of freshly baked bread drifting through the streets.
I've been part of the East Village for decades now 😳 and lately it’s starting to feel like something special is taking shape — what we like to call the East Village Artisan Bakery District.
Within just a few blocks, you’ll find some of San Diego’s most talented bakers: the artistry at HINAR, the buttery layers of ASA, the warm, minimalist charm of Rikka Fika, and now — a heartfelt welcome to Relic, who just soft-opened yesterday. Woohoo! Welcome to the 'hood!! 🎉
It’s a beautiful thing to see: bakers supporting bakers, each bringing their own craft, culture, and heart to the neighborhood. Together, we’re making the East Village a place where you can bakery-hop your way through a morning (or an afternoon) — tasting your way across flaky croissants, crusty loaves, and inventive sweets from some of San Diego’s best.
So grab a friend, plan a stroll, and come hungry.
Start at IZOLA for something hot from the oven, then wander the neighborhood and discover your new favorites.
Here’s to bread, community, and this amazing little corner of San Diego we get to call home.
See you soon on Island Ave!
Jenny + JB
THE EAST VILLAGE ARTISAN BAKERY DISTRICT WALKING TOUR
A perfect Saturday morning, East Village style...
Start at IZOLA: Croissants and sourdough, served hot from the oven.
Stop by HINAR Dessert Bar & Cafe: Beautiful cakes and other sweets.
Pop into ASA: Japanese-inspired pastries and sandwiches with bold, creative flavors.
Stroll over to Rikka Fika: Pour-overs, matcha and baked goods in a bright, serene space.
Finish at Relic: The newest member of the neighborhood’s bakery family.
Bring friends, bring an appetite, and make a morning of it!
IZOLA EVENINGS
We are LOVING evenings at IZOLA. Thanks to everyone who came out for our inaugural week! The guests and our team are loving the vibe that IZOLA takes on in the evening - a slower, quieter pace, accented by candlelight. Jenny and I took a moment on the patio under the string lights to sip on a $2.50 sparkling wine and take it all in.
Come join us every Friday and Saturday until 7p, Sundays until 5p. The full menu is available and we're baking hot from the oven all the way 'til the end! Our sparkling wine special ($2.50 for a glass) is still going, and our new Farmstead Board is available after 12p.
A NOTE THAT MADE OUR WEEK
Every day we feel super lucky to be in the business that we're in. Yes, we're in the business of bread and butter, but really at the core of it all we're in the business of joy. We get the opportunity every day to provide some joy to each of the guests that come through our doors. And when someone takes the time out of their busy day to share their experience with us, we are so grateful.
Becky visited us while in town from Wyoming, and her note captures everything we hope guests feel when they step through IZOLA’s doors - warmth, care, and the joy of something truly handmade.
Here’s what she shared:
Hi, I recently visiting (sic) your bakery and was very impressed, not only were the bakery products amazing, but we were offered a tour and every single employee we met was focused, friendly and knowledgeable. I’m from Wyoming and love to make all things sourdough....this visit was the hi light of my week visiting family in San Diego. I’ll be back (and continue tasting my way through your bakery goodies) as well as my family (that lives in San Diego) will be visiting often. Thanks for making my visit memorable. You truly are the best! -Becky
Thank you so much Becky for sharing your experience with us. We truly appreciate you!
CALLING ALL MUSICIANS, POETS, AND CREATORS!
At IZOLA, we believe in sharing what we create — whether it’s a croissant hot from the oven or a song from the heart.
Our IZOLA Stage has become a space for connection — a cozy corner where neighbors, travelers, and friends gather over coffee and bread to listen, laugh, and feel inspired. Every Saturday from 8am – 1pm, we host live music at the bakeshop, and soon we’ll be adding Friday evenings too.
We’d love to open our doors even wider — to local musicians, poets, storytellers, and performers who want to share their talent with our community. Whether you’re looking to hone your craft, practice in front of a friendly crowd, or just bring a little more joy into the world, we’d be honored to have you on our stage.
If that sounds like you (or someone you know), reach out to Jenny — we can’t wait to hear what you’ve been creating.
BLACK ARTS & CULTURE DISTRICT EVENT
If you've been lucky enough to see one of our musical directors, Kahlil Nash, perform during Saturday Live Music at IZOLA, you know you're in good hands with this event that he is organizing.
Welcome to The Muse: In The Park! Join Kahlil for a day filled with creativity and inspiration at Marie Widman Memorial Park in the heart of the newly established Black Arts & Culture District in San Diego. Immerse yourself in art, music, and performances surrounded by the beauty of nature. Let your imagination run wild as you connect with local artists and fellow art enthusiasts. Share your passion, discover new talents, and be part of a vibrant community celebrating the arts. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and create unforgettable memories.
Happening October 25 at noon.
LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS
Every Saturday, we host live music at the bakeshop from 8a-1p. Come on by to see how talented our local San Diego musicians are! Follow us on Instagram to see the lineup!
Comments