Guava pastries are one of Florida’s greatest sweet traditions, and finding a great one can feel like a small treasure hunt. Across the state, from Tampa to Key West, certain bakeries turn out flaky, buttery pastries filled with guava that keep people coming back morning after morning.
Some spots have been baking since before your grandparents were born, while others put their own spin on the classic. Here are eight Florida bakeries where the guava is fresh, the coffee is strong, and the line moves fast enough to be worth joining.
1. La Segunda Bakery and Cafe, Tampa, FL
Baking in Tampa’s Ybor City since 1915, La Segunda has earned its reputation the slow way, one loaf and one pastry at a time. The bakery is known statewide for its Cuban bread, but the guava turnover holds its own on the pastry case.
The menu runs from cafe con leche and Cuban toast in the morning to the media noche and Tony’s Turkey sandwich at lunch. You will also find almond crescents and a wide spread of cookies for anyone who wants to grab a box to go…