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You know that feeling when you walk into a place and immediately realize you’ve been settling for mediocre sourdough your entire life? That’s the vibe at Bella’s Bread and Butter. Nestled on Melrose Avenue, it’s not just another Los Angeles cafe trying to look "aesthetic" for the 'gram. Honestly, it’s one of those rare spots where the substance actually outweighs the style, even though the style is pretty great.
If you’ve driven past 7212 Melrose Ave recently, you might have noticed the smell of wood-fired dough. That’s Chef Nachman Kruper at work.
He didn't just wake up and decide to bake bread; this is a cross-continental family affair. Bella’s Bread and Butter is actually the sister establishment to the original Bella’s in Tzfat, Israel. Kruper, who was raised in LA, moved back about a year and a half ago to care for his mother, Bella. The bakery is named after her. It's a heavy story, especially with the "October 7" tattoo on his arm, but it translates into food that feels incredibly intentional and, well, soulful.
The Secret Sauce (or Sourdough)
People talk about "artisanal" bread like it's a personality trait, but at Bella’s Bread and Butter, it’s basically a science. They specialize in fermented sourdough. We’re talking long fermentation times that make the bread easier on your gut and give it that specific, tangy "snap" you can’t get from a grocery store loaf.
It’s simple.
Water, flour, salt, and time. That’s it. But somehow, when they pull those loaves warm off the baking racks, it feels like a revelation.
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What to Actually Order
If it’s your first time, don’t overthink it. Most regulars go straight for the breakfast sandwich. It sounds basic, but they use their house-baked sourdough as the base. The texture is perfect—crunchy on the outside but still chewy enough that you aren't fighting the bread for every bite.
They also do a mean shakshuka and lox, which makes sense given the Israeli roots. But if you want the real "insider" pick? Grab the croissant babka. It’s this wild, flaky, buttery hybrid that shouldn't exist but definitely should be your new favorite food.
Other standouts:
- The Fungi Pizza: Topped with fresh mushrooms and baked in a wood-fired brick oven.
- Spinach and Cheese Bureka: A classic Israeli pastry that’s dangerously easy to eat in two seconds.
- Matcha Cookies: They have a gluten-free version that actually tastes like a real cookie.
It’s a Vibe, Not Just a Menu
The space itself is split into a few different zones. You’ve got the main cafe area, the "Garden Room," and a patio. It’s dog-friendly, which is basically a requirement for Melrose, but it feels more like a community hub than a corporate coffee chain.
One thing that’s kinda cool? The staff. Kruper intentionally hires a diverse team—different races, religions, backgrounds—to reflect the diversity he loves about both Israel and Los Angeles. It makes the service feel a bit more human. You aren't just an order number; you're a guest in a family-run shop.
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The Kosher Factor
Let’s clear something up because it confuses people. Bella’s Bread and Butter is certified OK Cholov Yisroel. However, Kruper has been quoted saying he wants to be known as a bakery that serves kosher food, not just a "kosher bakery."
What’s the difference?
Basically, the quality is high enough that you don't have to be keeping kosher to care about the food. The ingredients are organic, the flour is top-tier, and they lean heavily into a "plant-forward" menu—lots of produce, eggs, and salmon, but no meat. This makes it a goldmine for vegetarians who are tired of the same three salad options at other brunch spots.
Pricing and Logistics
Is it cheap? Not exactly. A loaf of the organic Kalamata olive sourdough will run you about $18.40. A latte is around $6 or $7. But you’re paying for the fact that someone spent 48 hours fermenting that dough and used organic, non-GMO flour.
Pro-tip: They are closed on Saturdays for Shabbat. They also close on Mondays.
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Hours usually look like this:
- Sunday - Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM (they close early for the Sabbath)
- Saturday/Monday: Closed
If you're planning a Sunday brunch, get there early. The line can snake out the door, and while the "vibe" is great, waiting 40 minutes for a croissant when you're "hangry" is a test of character.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people assume Bella’s Bread and Butter is just a place for a quick pastry. Actually, they are a massive bread supplier for other restaurants in LA. If you’ve had a killer sourdough toast at a high-end spot in West Hollywood recently, there’s a decent chance it came from this kitchen.
They also sell "Mama Starter." If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at the sourdough game at home, you can literally buy their organic starter and try not to kill it in your own kitchen. It’s $14.95, which is a small price to pay for a piece of the Bella's legacy.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Day: Before you drive to Melrose, make sure it isn't a Monday or Saturday. You will be disappointed by a closed door.
- Order the "Star" Sandwich: If you're overwhelmed by the menu, this is the safest and most rewarding bet for a first-timer.
- Grab a Loaf to Go: Don't just eat there. Take a Traditional Artisan Sourdough loaf home ($16.10). It freezes surprisingly well if you wrap it right, but honestly, it’ll probably be gone by Tuesday.
- Follow the Instagram: They often post when a fresh batch of babka or specialty focaccia is coming out of the oven. Timing is everything.
Whether you're there for the third-wave coffee or the fact that they use real butter and organic flour in a world of vegetable oil substitutes, Bella's Bread and Butter stands out. It’s a little slice of Galilee on Melrose, and honestly, we’re lucky to have it.