Ayu Bakehouse

Located on New Orleans’ bustling Frenchmen Street, Ayu Bakehouse is one of the city’s hottest new bakeries, with an open kitchen inspired by the live performances the neighborhood is known for. Ayu (which rhymes with “bayou”) was founded by pastry chefs Samantha Weiss (who worked with Jacques Torres and Michael White in NYC) and Kelly Jacques (who worked with Emeril Lagasse in NOLA), and they met while managing Breads Bakery, one of New York’s most beloved and popular bakeries.

At Ayu, they’re putting a distinctly New Orleans spin on classic pastries, with signature creations including muffuletta breadsticks, boudin pastries, and signature king cakes, which are inspired by rich chocolate babka and flaky croissants and are unlike any others in New Orleans. With one bite you’ll understand why Ayu has quickly become a NOLA must-visit!