San Luis Rey Bakery’s ovens have turned out countless dozens of Mexican breads and pastries for more than four decades. The family-run confection shop bakes up a staggering array of pastries—from fruit pies and madelines to sweet empanadas and conchasa, or Mexican sweet breads. The sweet treats top off meals from the adjoining restaurant, where chefs simmer huevos rancheros and build sandwiches on house-baked bread. From each teal-cushioned seat in the dining room, patrons can tuck into meals and admire Mexican folk art and the vivid wall mural, or attempt to ruffle the strings of papel picado that crisscross the ceiling with cake-induced telepathy.

Along with San Luis Rey’s bevy of recipes, the bakery also focuses on wedding cakes. The celebratory stacks are adorned in delicate polka dots and paisleys or intricate swirls of creamy white frosting. For birthdays, the shop designs cakes topped with chocolate-covered fruits or vivid layers of fondant.