In a move that will delight pastry enthusiasts across the city, the once-wandering Relic Bageri is planting roots with the opening of its first permanent location in San Diego’s East Village. This artisanal bakery, known for its handcrafted baked goods and inventive sandwiches, heralds a new chapter in the area's culinary scene.
As previously reported by Eater San Diego, Relic Bageri began as a pop-up during the pandemic when Samantha Bird turned a career interruption into an opportunity. Born out of an apartment kitchen, the bakery has captivated local palates with standout items, including duck fat poached pear danishes and pork belly tiles. Working alongside partner Derek Hadden, whose resume boasts experience at Addison, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, the duo has built a dedicated following from their Miramar pop-up location.
According to details shared by SanDiegoVille, the East Village spot is anticipated to open in early 2025 at 845 15th Street. This space, once home to the brief stint of Blackmarket Bakery, will soon serve as ground zero for Relic Bageri's popular savory Panisse/Romesco/Manchego croissant and a selection of plated lunch dishes.
The new endeavor will also include a daytime café with a large patio and spacious interior for customers, which intends to morph into a full-service restaurant by night. "they’re planning to open the bakery and cafe by mid-May to early June with plated lunch dishes," Samantha Bird told Eater San Diego. They're seeking a menu that will pair Hadden's French technique with seasonal ingredients.
Confirming the same timeframe, SanDiegoVille reported that Relic's loyal clientele could look forward to a New American menu that builds on Hadden's storied culinary background. In doing so, the East Village is quickly becoming a sanctuary for upscale bakeries. Relic is joining the ranks of neighboring establishments like Izola and Asa Bakery, setting the stage for a delicious bakery-hopping scenario one can only dream of.
While the new space is on the horizon, Relic Bageri isn't abandoning its roots. The plan is to continue operating the Miramar kitchen for pre-order pickups and dedicate it to sourdough production, underscoring the bakery's commitment to its bread program. It seems the essence of Relic Bageri's ad-hoc beginnings has survived and is poised to thrive in a permanent residency, inviting connoisseurs and casual samplers alike to taste something continuously fresh and innovatively delicious.
