Manna Bakery: Philadelphia’s Artisan Levantine-Inspired Sweet & Savory Spot

Manna Bakery Introduce

Introduction / Overview

In a city with a rich culinary tapestry,

Manna Bakery

has quickly established itself as one of Philadelphia’s most exciting and innovative local food gems. More than a traditional

Bakery

, Manna is an artisan, small-batch business specializing in Levantine-inspired baked goods. This unique focus, utilizing the cultural flavors and ingredients of the Eastern Mediterranean—such as rose, pistachio, za'atar, and cardamom—sets it apart in the Pennsylvania food scene.

Founded by Chef Saif Manna, the bakery’s concept is deeply rooted in family, culture, and love, with every item designed to tell a story, drawing on lessons learned from his grandmothers’ from-scratch cooking. This foundation translates into truly inventive new pastries and desserts that are both visually stunning and delicious. Patrons are "absolutely delighted" by the discovery of this establishment, praising the high quality and unique flavor profiles not found elsewhere in the region.

The menu at

Manna Bakery

successfully bridges sweet and savory. While highly sought-after sweet treats like the Jaffa cake (praised for its "perfect flavor and texture") and cardamom buns (which reviewers claim "absolutely delivered" when measured against Scandinavian standards) draw significant crowds, the savory side is equally impressive. Offerings like Jerusalem bagels, za'atar olive tomato focaccia, quiches, and a wide range of lunch sandwiches ensure that Manna can satisfy cravings at any time of day, making it an excellent choice for

Breakfast

, a quick lunch, or dessert.

The shop operates with a highly efficient model that accommodates its popularity, offering multiple forms of pickup and quick service, making it an accessible local business despite its rising fame. For Pennsylvanians seeking unique, high-quality, and culturally rich baked goods that are made with genuine passion,

Manna Bakery

is a must-visit destination in the city’s 19122 zip code.

Location and Accessibility

Manna Bakery

is located at 1419 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and evolving Northern Liberties/Fishtown area, a section of the city known for its dynamic mix of residential life, local businesses, and burgeoning food scene. Being situated on North 7th Street ensures that the bakery is central and accessible to residents of several key Philadelphia neighborhoods.

The shop's location benefits from its proximity to major avenues, making it relatively easy to reach by car, though street parking can be typical of a busy city neighborhood. For those relying on public transportation, the address is well-served by nearby bus routes and is within a reasonable distance of SEPTA's Girard Avenue trolley and the Market-Frankford Line, facilitating travel from wider parts of Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs.

In terms of accessibility for its patrons,

Manna Bakery

is designed for modern urban convenience. It offers three distinct

Service options

: Curbside pickup, In-store pickup, and standard Takeout. This flexibility is crucial for customers managing busy schedules and is specifically tailored for a

Quick visit

. While one customer noted that finding the spot for pickup on a busy street can be "a little tough," the highly responsive communication from Chef Saif helps ensure a smooth and successful experience. Furthermore, the acceptance of modern payment methods like Credit cards and Debit cards adds to the convenience for all Pennsylvanians.

Services Offered

Manna Bakery

is structured to provide customers with an efficient, high-quality experience, specializing in a broad range of Levantine-inspired baked goods and meals.

Core Offerings:
The primary products are innovative, small-batch, artisan pastries and bread. This includes unique Middle Eastern-inspired flavors like the popular Jaffa cake and cardamom buns, alongside international staples like croissants, sticky buns, scones, and muffins.
Savory Meal Selection:
The menu features an extensive array of Breakfast and lunch options, including Breakfast Sandwiches (sausage, ham, or bacon with egg and cheese on a croissant or sourdough), Quiches (sausage, bacon, veggie, and gluten-free options), Strata, and specialty Levantine items like Ka'ak (Jerusalem bagel), Manakeesh (Levantine Flatbreads), and various Paninis and Hoagies.
Beverages:
The bakery provides Coffee to complement its pastries, along with other offerings like tea and lemonade.
Convenient Pickup Options:
Customers benefit from flexible
Service options
including Curbside pickup, In-store pickup, and standard Takeout, allowing for minimal wait time and catering to a
Quick visit
plan.
Payment Flexibility:
The business accepts modern payment methods, including Credit cards and Debit cards, which streamlines transactions for customers.
Catering and Large Orders:
The bakery also accommodates catering and large orders, offering options like sandwich platters, fruit and vegetable trays, and salad bowls.

Features / Highlights

The defining highlights of

Manna Bakery

are rooted in its distinct flavor profile, its commitment to artisanal quality, and the high demand for its innovative creations.

Unique Levantine-Inspired Flavors:
Manna stands out by successfully blending Middle Eastern flavors (like cardamom, rose, za'atar, and sumac) with classic bakery items, creating a "Third Culture Bakery" style that offers truly unique, inventive tastes.
Signature Must-Try Items:
Two items consistently garner high praise: the Jaffa cake (described as having "perfect flavor and texture") and the cardamom buns, which are noted for being authentically delicious and delivering a flavor comparable to those found in Scandinavia.
Artisan and Small-Batch Commitment:
The bakery is defined by its commitment to being a small batch, artisan operation. This focus often means the goods are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail and quality, which contributes to their superior taste.
Excellent Communication for Pickup:
Despite its busy nature and the difficulty some have finding the location, the owner, Saif, is noted for being "very responsive," ensuring that special orders and pickups are handled smoothly and personally.
Robust Menu Versatility:
Manna is not just a sweet shop; it offers a wide range of highly-rated savory options, including the Jerusalem bagels and za'atar focaccia, making it a reliable destination for a complete meal at any time of the day.
Social Media Presence and Hype:
While high demand can sometimes lead to lines and sell-outs, the bakery has successfully tapped into a high level of local and social media buzz (the "Instagram experience"), which speaks to the visual appeal and desirability of its products.
Support for Small, Innovative Business:
Customers explicitly mention the pleasure of "Supporting small batch/artisan businesses" when the operation is as well-run as
Manna Bakery
, reflecting a community-wide appreciation for independent, high-quality craftsmanship.

Contact Information

For residents across Pennsylvania looking to secure an order of unique pastries or learn more about the menu, here is the essential contact information for

Manna Bakery

Address: 1419 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA

Phone: (224) 769-6933

Mobile Phone: +1 224-769-6933

Given the shop's small-batch and artisan nature, communication is a key part of the experience, especially for large orders or special items. Patrons should note that the founder is known for being "very responsive," suggesting that phone or online communication may be the best method for coordinating Curbside pickup or asking detailed questions about the weekly menu, which often features innovative, seasonal specialties.

What is Worth Choosing

Manna Bakery

is worth choosing because it offers Philadelphians an innovative culinary experience that is difficult to find elsewhere in the region. Choosing Manna means opting for genuine artisan quality over mass-produced goods, delivered with a unique, culturally rich flavor palette.

First and foremost, you are choosing flavor innovation. The ability of Manna to blend traditional Levantine ingredients with contemporary baking styles results in truly memorable products. For locals who appreciate global flavors, the chance to try a Jaffa cake with "perfect flavor and texture" or cardamom buns that genuinely compare to Scandinavian excellence is a compelling reason to visit. This is food that is not merely satisfying; it’s transportive and educational.

Secondly, you are supporting a thriving, well-run small business and the passion of a dedicated chef. Customer reviews highlight that supporting this business is easy because it is so well managed, offering convenient

Curbside pickup

, in-store options, and accepting modern payment methods. Despite its popularity and frequent demand, Manna is committed to providing excellent service and a high-quality product every time. The emphasis on being an artisan, small-batch operation ensures that every item you purchase is made with care and attention, reflecting the chef's family roots and deep love for food.

Finally, the versatility of the menu makes it an ideal choice for any time of day. Whether you need a full, hearty Breakfast sandwich on scratch-made sourdough, a savory Manakeesh for lunch, or a unique Dessert for a family gathering, Manna delivers. Its location in a vibrant, easily accessible part of North Philadelphia makes it a logical and rewarding stop for any Pennsylvania resident seeking something truly special, making them feel like a valued part of the local food movement.

Manna Bakery Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
In-store pickup
Takeout
Delivery
Onsite services
Dine-in

Offerings
Coffee

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards

Manna Bakery Photos

Manna Bakery Location

Manna Bakery

Pennsylvania Philadelphia County Philadelphia North Philadelphia North 7th Street

1419 N 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA

Manna Bakery Reviews

An average rating of ★4.8 from 126 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

We were thrilled to find Manna Bakery while visiting Philadelphia. We had offered to bring dessert for a family dinner with lots of kids in attendance and we brought the Jaffa cake. It was a hit!! Perfect flavor and texture, wonderful for the summer heat! Pick up is done through communicating with Saif, which is a little tough to find on a busy street, but he is very responsive. We also got the cardamom buns as a special treat for ourselves. We had been desperately searching for some that measured up to our recent treat to Scandinavia and these absolutely delivered!! We were thrilled with everything!
August 25 · Catherine Brown
Absolutely delighted to have discovered Manna Bakery! We ordered the Jerusalem bagels, the zatar olive tomato focaccia, and the vegan giant cookie, and loved every bite. Supporting small batch/artisan businesses is made even easier when it’s as well run as Manna bakery. We look forward to being regular customers from here on out!
January 14 · VM Iverson
We picked up the baked goods and Saif brought them to us in very neat packages. He was very easy to communicate with and would answer any questions we had!The bread smelled amazing so we tried the Jerusalem bagels in the car and finished one before we even got home 🫣 they were so good! I was impressed by the toasted sesame seeds outside! 😛 We froze one and kept one in room temperature and the bagels tasted great even the day after.The cardamom buns were heavenly. I heated them up following the instructions Saif gave us and the buns were crispy outside and soft and chewy inside. It was wonderful with some coffee in the morning. The amount of cardamom was just perfect, fragrant but not overpowering. If the bakery were at a walking distance I would stop by everyday 🥰We tried the honey cake for dessert after dinner and it was also really good, nuts and berries in the many layers of the cake made with love and care.Overall, I would highly recommend, I need to try other items on the menu to pick a favorite, but from what I have tried so far, I dream about the cardamom buns 😅😋
June 29 · Hyosuk Seo
I sampled some of Manna Bakery’s goods at Dessert Wars and was so excited to place an order. I ordered the creme brûlée donuts which were so glorious and truly an experience. Such an airy Brioche donut, with a perfect creme brûlée filling and a satisfying hard sugar over it, they blew me away! Best donut I’ve ever eaten. I also got an assortment of cookies each of which have been genuinely luxurious to try. You can really taste the quality of each one. Manna Bakery provided above and beyond customer service, and the ordering and pick up process is very smooth! Absolutely cannot wait to place another order and keep tasting the menu. It all also made for an amazing memorable treat for my partner’s birthday. Next time we certainly won’t wait for a special occasion!
May 26 · Beck
I ordered the Pistachio Cream Buns, the Giant Cookie, Ka’ak, and the Za’atar focaccia. It was incredible, the smell of the ka’ak and za’atar were just like home. The pistachio cream filling was so divine and the cookie was a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The service was great too, Saif is a pleasant guy! Looking forward to trying more items on this menu. Definitely recommend this gem!
March 17 · Suzane Nazir