5 Underrated Bakeries in Downtown, Wilmington NC Worth Trying
Updated 11 October 2026 · 13 bakeries in Downtown, Wilmington NC considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list highlights bakeries in Downtown Wilmington NC that are well rated on Google but have fewer than 400 reviews, which makes them easy to overlook. It suits visitors and locals looking for something beyond the obvious choices. Businesses rated 4.4 or higher with fewer than 400 reviews were ranked by Google rating, and 13 qualifying businesses were considered. Hours, addresses and accessibility details come from each business listing. Review points are what public reviewers say.
#1
Cravings - Gluten Free Bakery
★ 5 (38 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Cravings - Gluten Free Bakery is at 240 Princess St and holds a 5 Google rating from 38 reviews. It is open Friday, Thursday and Saturday, with shorter hours on Saturday, and it is closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The listing shows wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance. Reviewers mention a wide choice of gluten-free and dairy-free baked goods, plenty of vegan options, and an owner who is also living with celiac disease. Some reviewers said the items were best eaten fresh.
Best for: Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan baking
- Address
- 240 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–3 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 9 am–3 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8 am–3 pm; Tue Closed; Wed Closed
#2
Little Loaf Bakery and Schoolhouse
★ 4.9 (256 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Little Loaf Bakery and Schoolhouse is at 3410 Wrightsville Ave and has a 4.9 Google rating from 256 reviews. Hours are Friday, Saturday and Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm, Sunday from 8 am to 12:30 pm, and closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The listing shows wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance and toilet. Reviewers mention pillowy cinnamon rolls, a honey biscuit, a blackberry croissant, a morning bun and a thyme latte. They describe the shop as clean and charming, with patient staff, and advise arriving early.
Best for: Cinnamon rolls and morning pastries
- Address
- 3410 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–2 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 8 am–2 pm; Sun 8 am–12:30 pm; Thu 8 am–2 pm; Tue Closed; Wed Closed
#3
Gluten Free By The Sea
★ 4.9 (136 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Gluten Free By The Sea is at 311 Judges Rd Suite 2A and holds a 4.9 Google rating from 136 reviews. It is open Friday, Thursday and Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, and closed Monday, Tuesday and Sunday. The listing shows wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance. Reviewers mention custom wedding cakes and cupcakes, birthday cakes, and carrot cake ordered for a family member. Many say the owner was responsive during planning, and that guests without food allergies enjoyed the desserts.
Best for: Custom gluten-free cakes for events
- Address
- 311 Judges Rd Suite 2A, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States
- Hours
- Fri 10 am–5 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 9 am–3 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 10 am–5 pm; Tue Closed; Wed 10 am–5 pm
#4
Imaginary Cakes
★ 4.9 (131 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Imaginary Cakes is at 5202 Carolina Beach Rd #12 and has a 4.9 Google rating from 131 reviews. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm, and closed Sunday. The listing shows wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance. Reviewers mention themed birthday cakes made from a few reference photos, a two-tier wedding cake with assorted cupcakes, and a custom order placed on short notice that was delivered as described.
Best for: Themed birthday and wedding cakes
- Address
- 5202 Carolina Beach Rd #12, Wilmington, NC 28412, United States
- Hours
- Fri 10 am–4 pm; Mon 10 am–4 pm; Sat 10 am–12 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 10 am–4 pm; Tue 10 am–4 pm; Wed 10 am–4 pm
#5
Sugar Crystals Baking Company
★ 4.9 (112 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Sugar Crystals Baking Company is at 609 Piner Rd and holds a 4.9 Google rating from 112 reviews. It is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm. The listing shows wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance. Reviewers mention a custom Chantilly cake, buckeyes, a chocolate peanut butter bar and an oatmeal cream pie. They describe a quiet atmosphere, and one reviewer felt the cinnamon roll was small and pricey for what it was.
Best for: Quiet treats and custom celebration cakes
- Address
- 609 Piner Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–6 pm; Mon 8 am–6 pm; Sat 8 am–6 pm; Sun 9 am–3 pm; Thu 8 am–6 pm; Tue 8 am–6 pm; Wed 8 am–6 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 13 bakeries in Downtown, Wilmington NC with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Cravings - Gluten Free Bakery opens at 8 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated bakery on this list?
Cravings - Gluten Free Bakery ranks first, with a Google rating of 5 from 38 reviews. Little Loaf Bakery and Schoolhouse is second at 4.9 from 256 reviews.
Which bakeries in Downtown, Wilmington NC are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Sugar Crystals Baking Company, at 6 pm.
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