If you’ve ever dreamed of fresh authentic pastries, just like on your last European vacation — or the one you are looking forward to — then look no further, Locale Bakery & Café has you covered.

Tucked away behind the main entrance to Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant is a sunny, European-inspired bakery and café, perfect to linger outside — dolce far niente — the art of sweet idleness in Italian. Opened February 2022, co-owner Deb Tenino, a native Tucsonan, spent two decades living in Italy before bringing the Locale concept back home to Arizona — and we’re so glad that she did.

The interior rooms are wood-toned and filled with natural light from the quiet outdoor space, a sanctuary from the world outside.

An ode to pastry… Sfogliatelle, Cannoli, Bomboloni… Don’t these sound delicious? Everything at Locale is baked from scratch to ensure the highest possible quality and freshness. And while the selection of pastries changes regularly, the commitment to authentic ingredients never changes. It’s always best to come early before items sell out for the day, but rest assured, tomorrow brings another fresh batch of goodness.

You can experience breakfast like an Italian with a cup of cappuccino and a freshly baked brioche, or get your baked goods to go in an especially crafted pastry box, perfect for sharing and gifting in an aesthetic way. The unique box is something that Deb was eager to bring to life at Locale based on her experiences at bakeries in Italy and is a delight to see.

The Breakfast Menu consists of dishes like Frittata with a side of greens and Smoked Salmon on toast with Fromage blanc and capers; the salmon even shipped directly from the iconic New York City deli Russ & Daughters.

The Bakery & Cafe has a tasteful rustic aesthetic that combines a warm and welcoming atmosphere with elements of European heritage sprinkled about, such as a vintage French butcher’s table that now serves as a console filled with local artisan products — Ombre Coffee beans, Desert Provisions Salts and High Desert Sauce Co.

Locale Bakery & Café is located at 60 N. Alvernon Way. For more information, call (520) 398-7549 or visit localetucson.com. 

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