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Bread, bagels and babka: This Miami favorite might be the best bakery in the country

For the second year in a row, one of Miami’s most famous bakeries has been recognized as one of the best in the country.

Zak the Baker, the beloved kosher bakery in Wynwood from Zak Stern, was named Wednesday as one of five nominees for outstanding bakery in the 2023 James Beard Awards.

The category is new this year, recognizing a baker of breads, pastries, or desserts that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its community.

Stern was a James Beard nominee in 2022 in the category of outstanding baker, the first time he made it to the final five (he was previously nominated in 2017 and 2018). Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, Stern started by selling sourdough loaves from his house and selling them at farmers markets around Miami.

Now, you can buy his bread in Whole Foods Markets around South Florida.

Zak Stern, the founder of the kosher Zak the Baker in Wynwood, has been named a 2023 James Beard Award nominee for the second year in a row.
Zak Stern, the founder of the kosher Zak the Baker in Wynwood, has been named a 2023 James Beard Award nominee for the second year in a row.

The bakery also made news recently as part of Bon Appétit’s story on Miami as the best food city in the country. In the April edition, the magazine singled out several restaurants including the “hip” bakery, praising the bagels, croissants, breakfast sandwiches and chocolate babka.

Zak the Baker was also designated a Bib Gourmand in 2022 by the Michelin Guide, which recognizes restaurants that offer great value.

The other nominees in the bakery category are Angelo Brocato Ice Cream & Confectionery, New Orleans; La Casita Bakeshop, Richardson, Texas; Kuluntu Bakery, Dallas; Yoli Tortilleria, Kansas City, Missouri.

Stern was the only Miami star to make the final five nominees in any category, despite the fact that many local culinary luminaries were semifinalists, including Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Niven Patel of Ghee, Michael Beltran of the Michelin-starred Ariete, Nando and Val Chang of Itamae and Akino West of Rosie’s.

Winners will be announced on June 5.

Zak the Baker

Where: 295 NW 26th St., Miami

Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Friday