SEYLOU LLC — Restaurant in Washington

Current review (June 2025): We were sweating the traffic and weather (e.g., rain/tornado warnings) coming from NC to get to Seylou in time to get our bread fix before they closed for the weekend. We made it with only minutes to spare. Got a huge bag of loaves and they even threw in a complimentary bread--maybe the only one I hadn't tried previously--and a cookie. I told them we come at least twice a year from NC (I grew up in DC) in large part because there's nothing quite like Seylou near us in Carrboro/Chapel Hill. The atmosphere and spirit of the place is warm and friendly. The baked goods are just fantastic. You must like real whole grain bread made as bread used to be with levain/starter. If you do, you will be spoiled and willing to drive hours if need be to get loaves here . The flavor and texture put other breads to shame; can't go wrong with any of them but the rye and rustica are special favorites. We also come for pizza night so plan our trips to make sure we're here on Wednesdays. For those of you who live in the metro area, you are near a gem. Please support this business so it will continue to thrive! Selfishly, NC Real Bread Lover

Previous review: This place is so awesome in what it does well--beautiful bread and baked goods made with whole grain flour that's milled by them--I literally drive 5 hrs each way to come here as often as I can!

I'm not sure whether to just be sad or irritated at the person who wrote the reviews about the pastries. This is not a patisserie, brother. This is honest to goodness staff of life tastiness--my family LOVES the Bird Bread by the way!--that is nearly impossible to find anymore. I agree that the consistency of the quality was a bit off the last time I was up, but it's still hard to beat if you like really wonderful, whole grain breads. Their pizza, not to mention the heart and head behind this place, is also terrific.

I read some of the rather ridiculous reviews about being aghast at a whole wheat croissant. Oh, please. If you want a regular croissant made with refined flour, it's true, this is not that; there are plenty of places you can get those.

But, if you want a rich croissant made with wonderful whole grain ingredients that still shatters and flakes but is less ephemeral (and more tasty!) definitely try Seylou's. Yum. You just have to like real whole grain bread. So if you're expecting some of the faux, mostly white been-sitting-on-the-shelf for who-knows-how-long "multi-grain" types, you won't find that here. If you're looking for moist, incredibly tasty goodness, I haven't had a loaf I didn't like. And, I think I've...

Outstanding bakery with an emphasis on using a wide diversity of whole grains and pseudo cereals for a final baked good that is delicious and better for both you and the planet. They source all their ingredients from the Mid-Atlantic region and then mill and ferment everything in-house to create the best breads and pastries.

I first visited Seylou for a Saturday morning coffee and treat with a friend, and I promptly fell in love with this cozy little shop. We arrived right as they opened, so the shop smelled absolutely heavenly with their in-house mill and wood-fired oven. We grabbed a couple of cardamom buns that had just come out of the oven seconds before and settled in. The buns were super soft, pillowy, and packed with cardamom flavor; I loved the slight nuttiness and earthiness from the whole grains, and the cardamom added a great pop of spice. It wasn't overly sweet and went perfectly with my latte.

They have a rotating daily menu, so I can't wait to visit again and see what new items they have in store for me. They always have the most interesting selection of both sweet and savory pastries -- a few exerpts from today's menu include a nectarine and hazelnut scone, blueberry and peach buckwheat muffin with oat crumble, and croissant roll with herbs, garlic, labneh, feta, and sesame. Every single item on their menu has wowed me so far, and I can't wait to try out more of their rustic, homestyle breads. Everything does sell out quite quickly, so if there's something on their daily menu that really speaks to you, be sure to get there right when they...

Authentic, Hearty, and Handcrafted — A Bakery with Soul

Tucked away in a quiet corner of D.C., Seylou LLC offers more than just pastries and coffee — it delivers a genuine experience rooted in craftsmanship, authenticity, and care. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm, rustic scent of freshly baked goods and the unmistakable charm of a place that takes its mission seriously.

The pastries are unlike any I’ve had elsewhere — hearty, deeply satisfying, and distinctly rustic in character. It’s clear that each item is the product of careful technique and quality ingredients. My advice: don’t be tempted to over-order. One pastry is surprisingly filling, and more than enough to keep you going for the day.

The ambiance is elevated by a lovely, elderly woman who appears to manage or perhaps even own the place. Her presence brings a genuine warmth and personality to the bakery — the kind you rarely find in larger, more commercial cafés.

Though simple in layout, Seylou stands out for its commitment to doing things right. This is a place for those who appreciate artisanal baking and value depth over trend.

If you’re in search of a quiet moment, a deeply satisfying bite, and a glimpse into authentic craftsmanship, Seylou is...