The best bakeries & sweet shops in Venice

“Hanalei Shave Ice keeps it old-school with hand-cranked shave ice in compostable cups, ono toppings made without artificial additives, and playful combos like Mango Li Hing or the shareable Mega Pint. Tons of vegan options, nut and gluten free shave ice, plus malasadas and butter mochi make this an easy local habit.”

From the Spring Hill newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Swing through Tyrone Square and treat yourself at The Candy Barrel, where chocolates, sugar candies, lollipops, licorice, gum and jawbreakers are all in one spot. Build your own by-the-pound basket or snag a pre-made mix, then get on with your week a little more sugared and a lot more cheerful.”

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Upper Crust Cafe & Bakery bakes a wide variety of meals and pastries fresh daily, and their scones have serious Venice bragging rights. Pop in this week for a cozy bite that feels homemade, then grab a sweet for later because future-you deserves something flaky.”

From the Venice newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Sucré Table turns pastry cravings into tiny art shows, with modern, minimalist creations from Food Network Challenge winner Brenda Villacorta, formerly Head Pastry Cook at Le Bernardin and trained with Dominique Ansel. Swing by for original pastries and elegant cakes that taste as good as they look.”

From the Clearwater newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Family-owned for 50 years, Florida Bakery keeps Tampa sweet with Cuban hamburger sandwiches, loads of pastries, and those legendary three-layer cakes soaked in secret syrup and finished with fluffy meringue frosting. Bookmark it for birthdays, office treats, or when your sweet tooth stages a full-on revolt.”

From the Homosassa Springs newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Yummies Donuts & BBQ is that local, family-run spot Venice folks claim when cravings hit, where fresh donuts try their best to outshine the coffee, while savory bites keep things balanced. Swing by on Saturdays for legit barbecue, because sometimes brunch needs smoky meats... and maybe one more donut.”

From the Venice newsletter, September 16, 2026

“From sourdough loaves to cookies and brownies, The Sourdough Co keeps Brandon fueled with fresh-baked comfort and breakfast options that actually taste like someone cared. Swing by when your day needs a reset, then smugly claim you’re supporting your local carb economy.”

From the Spring Hill newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Long-standing shop offering housemade ice cream, fudge, chocolates & gifts in a cheerful setting.”

“Since 1915, La Segunda Bakery and Cafe has fueled Tampa Bay with crackly, just-baked Cuban bread and pastry cases that make weekday self-control optional. Grab a loaf for dinner this week, plus a few pastries for morale, and taste why so many local restaurants rely on this bread.”

From the Tampa Bay newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Craving a buttery croissant or a loaf with that perfect crackle, The Crumb Factory Bakery & Cafe nails both, handcrafting sourdough with overnight proofing and simple ingredients. Add specialty coffee from Batdorf & Bronson or local Look Alive, and you’ve got a legit weekend treat...”

From the Spring Hill newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Traditional store selling chocolates, confections & fudge, as well as original recipe ice cream.”

“Backstretch Sweets has been crafting handmade chocolates in Venice since 2002, using the finest ingredients and a playful, inventive touch. When you need a quick treat that actually feels special, their whimsical creations turn random Tuesdays into mini celebrations.”

From the Venice newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Craving something better than your usual coffee run? Moulin Blanc Cafe turns weekdays into mini vacations with buttery croissants, quiche that actually fills you up, and espresso or signature drinks that hit the spot, plus croissant sandwiches, fresh salads, and the occasional live music or tasting night this week.”

From the Venice newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Bakery specializing in hand-pulled toffee in multiple flavors as well as offering cakes, pies and ice cream.”

“Casual, family-friendly bakery focused on gourmet donuts and drinks including tea and coffee.”

“Retailer offering a huge selection of candy & bottled sodas in innovative flavors.”

“Skip the usual gummy bears and let The Pirate Candy Shop hook you up with legit Swedish Pick 'N' Mix, BUBS Candy, Wax Candy, and even Dubai Chocolate. Perfect for a St. Pete sweet tooth who wants a little adventure without crossing the Atlantic, just the bay to Tampa.”

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, September 14, 2026

“State Flour Bakery is on a delicious crusade against bad bread, turning out slow-fermented sourdough loaves, flaky croissants, and small-batch pastries made from laminated doughs every morning. If this week needs a carb-fueled pick-me-up, their rebel-crafted bakes are the kind you plan dinners around.”

From the Tampa Bay newsletter, August 23, 2026

“St Pete Dessert Catering Co. is clutch for last-minute birthdays, baby showers, or HOA shindigs, delivering across Tampa Bay.”

From the Tarpon Springs newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Sweet-and-savory sweets-specialist, set for Persian-style tea and Turkish coffee, with a menu of baked goods, soups and Mediterranean eats.”

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Family-owned bakery featuring pies, cookies & other baked goods, along with gifts.”

“Skip the store-bought loaf this week and let Mama G’s Venice hook you up with crusty artisan breads made from organic flour, buttery pretzels, Bee Sting cake, and legit savory bites like schnitzel and bratwurst, plus Joffrey’s coffee and Lavazza espresso to seal the deal.”

From the Venice newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Let Cafe Mozart German Bakery rescue your morning slump with authentic strudels, tortes, and fine pastries baked from time-honored recipes, plus German-style breads that make store loaves feel like impostors.”

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 14, 2026

“This week, give your routine a glow-up at Mama G's Central where organic-flour breads, flaky danishes, pretzels, and legit Bienenstich meet hearty bites like schnitzel and bratwurst. Pair it with a Lavazza espresso and call it your new midweek ritual.”

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Whether you're craving an over-the-top shake, an oversized cookie, or that triple-layer Sleazy Brownie, Bake'n Babes To Go is your fix for joyful, slightly outrageous sweets. They also give back around Tampa Bay, so treat yourself this week and feel a tiny bit heroic about it.”

From the Land O' Lakes newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Born in the Hamptons and now handcrafted in Tampa, Hampton Chocolate Factory nails the indulgence, with artisan truffles, gourmet bars, and curated gift boxes, plus cones, shakes, and ice cream sandwiches for immediate bliss. Great when you need a gift fast or just a Tuesday pick‑me‑up.”

From the Haines City newsletter, September 13, 2026

“For over 60 years, Wright's Gourmet House has been the move for stacked sandwiches, crisp salads, and seriously good baked goods, with award-winning favorites that actually earn the hype. Planning a meeting or needing an easy dinner cheat... their catering game saves the day.”

From the Tampa Bay newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Cake Affection whips up small-batch sweets with real European butter, imported chocolate, and Madagascar vanilla, plus fresh fruit flavors that actually taste like fruit. Think cupcakes, cookie sandwiches, macarons, and organic cotton candy spun in-house... treat yourself this week or plan your next custom celebration.”

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Fresh-baked cookies for pre-order & pickup, or delivery, with a limited selection for walk-ins.”

“Mila&Mocha Café does breakfast and lunch the Venice way with scratch-made pastries, custom cakes, and locally sourced-bean coffee, plus avocado oil for savory items and extra virgin olive oil in house-made sauces. Order at the counter, grab a seat, and enjoy wholesome toasts, paninis, wraps, and salads.”

From the Venice newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Cafe Clementine tucked inside the Museum of Fine Arts turns out buttery Viennoiserie, from-scratch seasonal plates, and proper coffee with a view. It’s the kind of all-day brunch spot locals adopt quickly... swing by after a gallery wander or just because flakiness waits for no one.”

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Jamison B DoughJoe bakes everything fresh each morning, from crusty loaves to flaky pastries and drool-worthy sammies, and Food & Wine even called their bread the best in Florida. When you need a real-deal loaf and a treat that disappears on the ride home, make this your move this week.”

From the Homosassa Springs newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Cozy shop making unique dessert creations, including truffles, macaroons, and alligator.”

“Established chain offering European-style chocolates & truffles made on-site.”

“Frostings Etc does fresh-to-order cupcakes and custom dessert catering with real ingredients, baked from scratch, and frostings with no added sugar.”

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Rocking Delicious blends old-school charm with serious candy variety in Safety Harbor, from handmade truffles, artisan chocolates, and fudge to a memory-lane lineup of nostalgic treats. Hit the self-serve wall of over 200 jars, including 85 saltwater taffy flavors, plus sugar-free, vegan, and organic picks.”

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, September 2, 2026

“A Special Touch - Cakes By Carolynn has been turning big days into better ones since 1989 with award-winning, made-to-order cakes for weddings, birthdays, and any excuse you can dream up. Expect designs that stop conversations and flavors that make them start again, perfect for Spring Hill gatherings.”

From the Spring Hill newsletter, August 28, 2026