Leonora Bakery in Clarendon, VA

Always on the lookout for the perfect baguette, I ventured out to Leonora Bakery in Clarendon. My friend JC highly recommended it, and I wasted no time in getting there.

Leonora Bakery is tucked away in a little side street off Wilson Blvd. It has the look of an authentic, small bakery. You enter and you can see the counter where bread is formed. Little side cases showcase the baked goods. I was greeted by Leonora’s owner, Carolina, when I first walked in. She proudly showed off all of her hand-made goods: brownies, madeleines, croissants, quiches, raspberry tarts, boules, bacon gruyere baguettes, and French baguettes. I was surprised to see that they also make alfajores.

I was overwhelmed and couldn’t decide what to get. Everything looked amazing. I finally decided to try their bread. After all, that was the reason I was there.

French Baguette and Bacon Gruyere Baguette

When I ordered my baguette, Carolina, like any good baker would, asked me how I preferred it. When I let her know that I would not be having it until later that day she kindly brought out a softer baguette from the back.
I walked away with a French baguette, a bacon gruyere baguette, and a special bunny shaped loaf that they are making for the Easter holiday.

Bunny Bread

As soon as I walked out the door, I had to do the needful: break off a piece of each baguette and taste it. The French baguette has a crunchy crust, and a chewy but airy inside, not too dry and not too moist. The bacon gruyere baguette… how do I put this? Don’t walk, run. Go get one. Now. Why hasn’t anyone come up with this before? Melted cheese inside the dough, crunchy pieces of cheese on the crust, bacon scattered throughout flavoring the dough with bacon fat.

Inside of the French Baguette and Bacon Gruyere Baguette

And thanks to my friend Kaoru, who kindly pointed out the Scoutmob deal of the day, I got a 50% discount off my purchase!

Leonora Bakery is definitely worth the trip.

Leonora Bakery
1108 N Irving Street
Arlington, VA 22201