Alea Bakery & Cafe — Restaurant in McMinnville

The people of McMinnville are lucky — and if you’re visiting from outside, count yourself in that group if you make it to Alea Bakery and Café. We drove down from Portland, and it was absolutely worth it. This is the kind of food that could easily be going for twice the price in PDX.

The space itself is unique: modern, converted-industrial, with a few different seating options and a welcoming outdoor area. We went with the special of the day, the Beef Fry Bread — loaded with succulent strips of beef and shaved beets, a playful mix of richness and brightness that was indulgent but never heavy. The tartine, piled high with seasonal vegetables, hard-boiled egg, and fresh greens on a thick slice of their house-made country sourdough, was so perfectly done we had to come back for a whole loaf. That bread — perfect crust, shape, and crumb — makes each slice feel like a gift you want to hold onto.

The heirloom tomato salad was another standout, its sweet-acid balance lifted by plum paste, pickled squash, and a delicate katsuobushi emulsion that gave surprising depth and harmony. I’m still trying to figure out that dressing — wow. For dessert, we tried the birdseed cookies and grabbed an extra for later. Packed with seeds and dried berries, these are no ordinary cookies — they’re hearty, generous, and unlike anything we’ve had before.

Alea is a gem. The owners and staff are kind, clearly in love with food, and what they offer reflects their heart, dedication, and talent. Find it. Go. Try the special, grab a cookie, and don’t leave without a...

So excited for this new addition to Mac Mkt. Located in an old shoe grease factory in McMinnville. A shared space of multiple food shops and a community favorite hang out spot. I love their breakfast sandwich. Basically a super elevated egg McMuffin. House made English muffin, good cheese and pork belly. Oh my gosh! So good And don't even get me started on the pastries and...

Came for the coffee. Came back for the pistachio croissant… twice. The baked goods here are truly some of the best! Simple, made with fine detail, and absolutely delicious. The breakfast sandwich deserves a permanent spot on the menu, my wife and I loved it and still think about it to this day. Alea Bakery & Cafe is a...