Artisan Sourdough & Pastries: Wayward Baking is a Central Coast Gem

From Paris to the Pacific: My Love Affair with Wayward Baking in Los Osos

I’m going to be honest with you—my love for French bread runs deep. We’re talking years of croissant comparisons, baguette battles, and a borderline obsession with French-style pastries. So imagine my joy when I visited Wayward Baking in the quiet coastal town of Los Osos, California—a place that feels like a slice of France with a California soul.

Wayward Bakery is a Treasure

This bakery founded by Chef Tim Veatch, nestled in Los Osos, California, is known for its artisan baking style, focusing on naturally fermented and leavened sourdough breads and expertly crafted laminated pastries. Using organic flours and seasonal ingredients, the bakery brings a thoughtful, high-quality touch to everything it makes.

Read more about Tim Veatch.

Tucked away just off the main road, Wayward isn’t flashy. There’s no Eiffel Tower mural or faux-French signage. Just the heavenly smell of sourdough, butter, and French pastries galore that hits you the moment you step in line at the open doors.

Veatch honed his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens and beloved local spots like Windows on the Water. Now Wayward Baking is a beloved local spot, rooted in both culinary excellence and a strong sense of community.

Let’s Talk About Real Artisan Sourdough Bread

Their naturally leavened sourdough has that perfect crackle on the outside and a chewy, open crumb that dreams are made of. My favorite is the Sicilian loaf, which is covered in toasted sesame seeds, and make just as good as sandwich as toast with sweet jam. I also love the olive loaf and the earthy, nutty oat porridge loaf. The bread is just begging for a slather of good butter. This is the kind of bread that ruins you for store-bought forever.

Pastries That Would Make a Parisian Cry (In a Good Way)

Okay, croissant time. You know when a croissant is so flaky it leaves a trail of buttery crumbs behind you like some kind of delicious breadcrumb fairy? That’s what you get here. The plain butter croissant is a masterpiece, but don’t sleep on the chocolate or the ham & cheese. And if you want to feel a little extra, try any of the seasonal cruffins, like lemon meringue or rhubarb cream cruffins. Yes, you heard me. A croissant + muffin hybrid topped with lemon curd and toasted meringue. Who even thinks of that? Chef Tim Veatch, that’s who.

You can’t go wrong with all the tarts, cakes, scones, canelés, cookies, and anything made with fig. Plus sandwiches, and toasts! All perfectly gorgeous and scrumptious!

Wait…They Do Pizza Too?

And just when you think it can’t get any better—Pizza Mondays roll in like a warm hug. Show up on Monday evening and be treated to a menu that included a fennel sausage with nettle pizza that was both rustic and refined. The mushroom + green garlic combo is also amazing (and maybe slightly addictive?) as well as traditional pizzas, too.

Make Your Way To Wayward Bakery

Wayward Baking doesn’t just make incredible bread and pastries—they do it with heart, craft, and a deep respect for tradition. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger, sip coffee, and chat with locals about which loaf they can’t live without this week.

If you’re anywhere near the Central Coast (or even if you’re not—make the drive), treat yourself to a visit. Your taste buds will thank you. Your jeans might not. But hey, c’est la vie.

Read more about Tim Veatch.

Pro Tip: Get there early or pre-order online. These goodies go fast, and once you try them, you’ll understand why.