By Michael Chambers

Many people consider Richmond’s Sub Rosa Bakery in Church Hill to be among the best bakeries in the South. It is praised for its commitment to traditional baking methods and premium, locally sourced ingredients. Founded by Evrim and Evin Dogu, the sibling-owned bakery specializes in fine pastries and organically leavened bread prepared from stone-ground flour that they mill in-house. Their bread and croissants have a distinct flavor that makes them stand out from the competition, thanks to their wood-fired oven. 

Ham and cheese croissant. Photo credit: Yelp user Connie T.

When I visited the bakery for breakfast one morning, I asked the owners what their biggest sellers were. They stated that “the chocolate croissant, salami and cheese sandwiches, and sour cherry pastries are among the most well-liked and most sold foods.” Particularly, the bakery’s croissants are well-known for their rich buttery flavor and delicate texture. Entering Sub Rosa, whether you’re a local or just passing through, provides a genuine experience every time. 

The kitchen. Photo credit: Yelp user Jahmelia B.

Using a wood-fired oven is one of Suba Rosa’s distinctive selling points. This gives their bread and pastries a natural, smokey tone that gives them a delicious flavor that can’t be duplicated using traditional baking techniques. The bread is perfect for sandwiches or as a snack on its own because it has a perfectly crunchy exterior as it comes out of the oven. 

When my dad Michael Chambers first brought this amazing breakfast food to the house on a beautiful Sunday morning five years ago, I was stoked to try something new. The croissant was on a different level, and the crispiness and flavor really appealed to 12-year-old me. When I asked him about his experience that morning at the bakery, he said, “The line was out the door almost two blocks, and I waited in line for an hour, but it was all worth it in the end.”

I had the pleasure of going back on a recent weekend to try the fantastic pastries again, and they didn’t disappoint. I ordered the salami and cheese croissant, my brother Nicholas Chambers (‘24), ordered the ham and cheese croissant, and my dad ordered the chocolate croissant. Nicholas especially liked the “steaming hot bread and the cheese melting in my mouth with each bite,” while my dad loved “the richness of the chocolate intertwined with the crispy buttery croissant.” 

With rustic wooden tables and the warm glow of their wood-fired oven in view, the space feels cozy and inviting. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a weekend morning or afternoon, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down with a cup of coffee and a pastry. The one downside of Sub Rosa is the size of the bakery. It’s in a small corner building at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and North 25th Street that some may find claustrophobic. 

Salami and cheese croissant and jelly croissant. Photo credit: Yelp user Lena M.

When you order at Sub Rosa, the service adds another layer to the experience. The staff are knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the products they serve. They are happy to explain the baking process, make recommendations based on your preferences, and answer any questions about the ingredients. This personal touch makes each visit feel special, as though you’re being invited into a culinary family. One of the best times to visit Sub Rosa is early in the morning when their bread is fresh out of the oven. The smell of baking bread wafts through the air, and it’s during these moments that I truly appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication behind each loaf and pastry made. 

Inside the bakery. Photo credit: Yelp user Candice T O.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Sub Rosa isn’t just a bakery; it’s also a community hub. The bakery quickly fills with customers savoring pastries and coffee, transforming the peaceful space into a lively hub. Locals gather here not just for the food but for the sense of connection the bakery brings. Evin Dogu’s journey to owning a bakery began with her love of food cultivated in her Turkish family home and later inspired by her brother’s bread-baking. Together, the Dogus have created not just a bakery, but a gathering place that brings community spirit to life.