GK Sourdough & Pastry is new to Los Altos, but has already been a Bay Area favorite for years. With locations in Mountain View, Palo Alto and now Los Altos, GK Pastry has been serving up freshly-baked sourdough bread and pastries for over 20 years.
Some of GK Pastry’s most iconic treats — including its vanilla crepe cakes and mixed-berry jar cakes — were originally recipes the founders enjoyed at home with their families. Now, despite operating three commercial bakeries, GK Pastry still bakes true to its values, serving up fresh desserts made with love. Every baked good sold is all-natural and preservative-free, with a focus on organic ingredients from local suppliers.
GK Pastry’s Los Altos location, which opened just over a month ago, exudes a clean and simple vibe. Despite the new interior that boasts polished modern fixtures and funky linoleum tile, there isn’t any “new construction smell.” For those dining in, there is spacious seating with a multitude of condiments available. The kitchen is brightly lit, and the fresh pastries of the day are laid out on the counter. Two large fridges hold perishable items — fresh salads, sandwiches and cakes.
We ordered several of GK Pastry’s most popular dishes to put their claims of unrivaled freshness to the test.
Sourdough Country Bread
You can’t go to a sourdough bakery and not try some classic sourdough bread! GK Pastry sells the iconic loaf in two sizes — whole and half. A word of advice: if you’re planning on sharing this bread, bring an actual knife. The crust was tough, but the center was chewy with a pleasant spongy texture. A strong, unadulterated sourdough flavor really shone through in this simple bread.
Each loaf is made with a labor-intensive stretch-and-fold method, and then fermented naturally for 12 hours, which gives the bread its distinct flavor and texture. Both sizes are packaged in cellophane bags with micro-perforations to prevent excess moisture. For fans of sourdough, this is a well-executed classic that would be even better with some butter.
Pesto & Mozzarella Sourdough Focaccia
Served hot, the pesto and mozzarella focaccia features a golden, crisp top layer of cheese that contrasts perfectly with the buttery, soft interior that melts in your mouth. In the same way, the focaccia body is tender and pleasantly chewy, while the crust has a nice crunch. Overall, the delicate balance between textures shows clear evidence of GK Pastry’s attention to detail.
The flavor is robust, with savory and umami notes alongside a refreshing herbal flavor. The pesto flavor is firmly present, neither too faint nor overpowering. The tomatoes, juicy and clearly fresh before baking, soak up the surrounding seasoning and rich flavor. The sourdough’s nuanced profile and elastic texture can also be tasted in every bite, which adds a unique touch to the focaccia. This dish is incredibly well-rounded.
Mango Raspberry Sourdough Focaccia
Summer in bread — that’s what the mango raspberry sourdough focaccia tastes like. Less crunchy and greasy than the pesto and mozzarella focaccia, this focaccia is more tender and light, with a subtly tangy flavor from the sourdough. The mango pieces are reminiscent of soft canned peaches, and their sweetness complements the tartness of the raspberries.
Hidden underneath the fruit are small pockets of dark chocolate that add a surprising touch of earthiness to the fruity flavor, giving it a unique depth. The focaccia is also exceptionally moist thanks to the juices from the embedded fruit.
As a whole, this focaccia is not overly sweet or tart. Though some might find the contrast between raspberries and chocolate unusual, this uniqueness makes this dessert bread special.
Chocolate Mousse Jar Cake
Even though it’s not GK Pastry’s most popular jar cake flavor — that title goes to the tiramisu, which sold out by 11 a.m. on a weekday — the Chocolate Mousse Jar Cake holds its own. Served in an eight oz. glass jar, this dessert is rich and flavorful, but not cloying or heavy on the palate. The mousse is velvety and smooth, with a decadent cocoa flavor. Dark chocolate pearls with a crispy cereal center are layered throughout, providing a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy mousse.
Closing Thoughts
It’s no wonder that GK Sourdough & Pastry has been popular across the Bay Area for over 20 years. Every baked good we tried consistently delivered on its promise of fresh, high-quality ingredients, showcasing a dependable balance between textures and flavors. Besides bread and pastries, GK Pastry also has a healthy selection of ready-to-eat meals — salads, sandwiches, even a soup of the day. Now that there’s a location only a short walk away from school, GK Pastry is well worth a visit with friends for a quick, casual bite that’s sure to satisfy.
