Welcome to Central Bakery
At Central Bakery, nestled in Cambridge since 1919, the legacy of homemade breads and rolls flourishes. This old-school Italian bakery is beloved for its authentic Scali bread, exceptional Portuguese cornbread, and delightful sweet rolls, all crafted with care. Customers are drawn not only by the irresistible aroma that wafts through the streets but also by the warmth of a place that has become a cherished community staple. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Central Bakery invites you to savor deliciousness that transcends generations, proving that exceptional taste can be enjoyed on any budget. Experience the magic; your palate will thank you.
Central Bakery: Reviews & Ratings
Generations have enjoyed the quality and personal touch and taste that is unsurpassed
I come here about every week for bulky Portuguese rolls and long sub rolls. They definitely distribute to many businesses on this street and at night it smells like sweet bread from the street. I have only used cash here and it's pretty cheap so I suggest you do the same.
A MUST DO! 4 & 1/2 STARS! Central Bakery is an Old School Italian Bakery that Specializes in Breads & Rolls. This Secret Hidden Gem has been baking bread since 1919. That's over 100 years. They are open very early. They're located on the bottom floor of a 3 decker house on Cambridge St in Cambridge. Central Bakery is just a few doors down from Royal Pastry - another great place. So you can hit them both up at the same time. LOL! There is metered parking out in front. If you come on Sundays parking @ the meters is FREE! Central Bakery has Excellent Scali Bread & Sweet Rolls. They also sell Portuguese Cornbread, Flour, Yeast & other Bread related items. Now, Easter time is a very Special Time here @ Central Bakery & surely one of the Best. They make their own Pane di Pasqua - Delicious Italian Easter Bread with eggs hidden inside & the flavors of citrus & anise. Lots of Delicious Fun & a Holiday Tradition for Easter! It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!
Amazing breads! From the outside it is easy to overlook or miss. Great bulkie rolls but the real star is the cornbread. This Portuguese style cornbread is to die for! It is great with just some olive oil or you can toast it with butter. Their prices are also just as amazing and it is all homemade and fresh baked.
This bread is fresh and delicious. This business has been around for so long in a neighborhood that is growing more and more gentrified. I guess I don't understand when Yelp reviewers give 1 star based on the "customer service". It's a terrible gauge for the quality of the product. These complainers need to get over themselves. For the record, I've never had bad customer service here, just real human interactions in the real world.
Fantastic neighborhood bakery with cheap but delicious bread! I live right around the corner and could not survive without the bread from here!
my parents have been coming here since the 70s and the place hasn't changed (or raised its prices, really!) since then. get the wonderful Portuguese cornbread, toast it with butter, and you are set. crusty on the outside and a great texture. way better than the overpriced trendy stuff you can get elsewhere. it also freezes well. yes there's barely any sign outside and no there won't be any chatty, hip bread-gurus. just go buy the wonderful cornbread, take it home and enjoy it! and support longtime businesses in the area.
I live right behind this place, and the smell of the bread baking drives me crazy - but in a good way. I wish they made a whole grain kind of bread, but once in awhile I treat myself with their yummy Scala bread. It is soooooooo good. I love their sweet rolls, also!
Location
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732 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141 Hotline: (617) 547-2237
Welcome to Central Bakery, a cherished staple of the Cambridge culinary scene, where over a century of baking tradition meets the heart of the community. Located at 732 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141, this unassuming gem has been delighting locals since 1919 with its authentic Italian bread and delectable pastries. As you approach, the unmistakable aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, drawing you in like a siren’s call.
One of the highlights of Central Bakery is its dedication to artisanal methods. Here, you can find an impressive selection of Scali bread, Portuguese cornbread, and sweet rolls. The combination of traditional recipes and quality ingredients results in breads that are simply unbeatable, as confirmed by enthusiastic customers. Kyra T. raves about the cornbread, describing it as “to die for,” perfect whether enjoyed plain with olive oil or toasted with butter.
The bakery caters not only to individual customers but also serves many local businesses, making it a vital hub of deliciousness in the area. Allegra P. mentions her weekly routine of picking up bulky Portuguese rolls and long sub rolls, showcasing the bakery’s consistent appeal among frequent visitors.
As a food reviewer, I can't overlook the genuine charm that Central Bakery exudes. It's a place where you feel the history in every bite, alongside the personal touch that has made it beloved across generations. The mention of Pane di Pasqua, especially during the Easter season, hints at the bakery’s commitment to tradition and celebration, crafting delightful Italian Easter bread that brings joy to families during the holiday season.
While the bakery is known for its quality offerings, it’s also a wallet-friendly destination. Credit cards are accepted, and you’ll find street parking for your convenience. Sunday parking at the meters is even free, making your visit all the more rewarding.
In a world that often prioritizes speed over quality, Central Bakery stands out as a testament to perseverance and the art of baking. As Stephen Z. accurately points out, it’s a “must-do” for anyone passionate about real, flavorful bread.
In conclusion, Central Bakery isn’t just a bakery; it’s a destination for anyone who appreciates the craft of baking and the joy it brings. If you’re in Cambridge, make sure to stop by and immerse yourself in the flavors and warmth of this extraordinary establishment.
