I started learning more about kouign amanns when Bouchon Bakery expanded to Beverly Hills in 2011. Stephen Cook, who was General Manager for Thomas Keller’s now closed bistro, described this Brittany “butter cake” as a cross between a croissant and a palmier (elephant ear pastry). Pastry chef Roy Shvartzapel, who now makes panettone From Roy, crafted terrific kouign amanns at Bouchon with sky-high butter content, a molten sugar filling and crunchy, caramelized base. I loved the Maison Giraud chocolate hazelnut kouign amann from pastry chef Noubar Yessayan, who now runs a bed & breakfast called Noubar in Cénevières, France. The seasonal Milo & Olive kouign amann strawberry tart was special. In San Francisco and Honolulu, pastry chef Belinda Leong also bakes stupendous kouign amanns in rotating flavors like black sesame and corn cheese. 10 years ago, kouign amanns were still relatively rare. This laminated pastry has proliferated at an exponential rate, to everybody’s benefit. Learn about my favorite Los Angeles kouign amanns.

Bakers & Baristas Kouign Amann – Artesia ↓

Clark Street Bread Kouign Amann – Brentwood, Echo Park + Larchmont Village ↓

Fondry Kouign Amann – Eagle Rock ↓

Gusto Bread Nixtamal Queen – Long Beach ↓

Le French Rooster Almond Kouign Amann – Burbank ↓

Nonna Mercato Passion Fruit Kouign Amann – Long Beach ↓

Petitgrain Boulangerie Kouign Amann – Santa Monica ↓

République Raspberry Pistachio Kouign Amann (Seasonal) – Mid-City ↓

Sugarbloom Bakery White Miso Kouign Amann – Available At Select L.A. Coffee Bars ↓

Sweet Demi Lune Bakery & Cafe Special Kouign Amann – Montrose ↓

Tommy & Atticus Pistachio Mousse Raspberry Jam Filled Kouign Amann (Seasonal) – Redondo Beach ↓