Old World Bakery

For over a decade, Old World Breads has been a cherished cornerstone of the local food scene, establishing itself as the go-to artisan bread bakery in the Lewes and greater Sussex County area of Delaware. This is far more than just a sweet shop; it is a full-fledged bakery and café committed to the time-honored European style of baking. Owner Keith Irwin, a Culinary Institute of America graduate with over 30 years in the culinary profession, along with his wife Trish, has cultivated a reputation for making all-natural, handcrafted products without the use of preservatives or enhancers. The result is bread that is steeped in tradition, featuring deeper, richer flavors developed through longer fermentation techniques.

When Delaware locals and beach visitors step through the doors of the Lewes bakery, they are immediately greeted by the irresistible, yeasty aromas of freshly baked bread mingling with hints of butter and sugar from the pastries. The focus here is on wholesome, delicious baked goods that also boast a high-quality nutritional profile. The commitment to quality extends beyond baking; Old World Breads is passionately invested in its relationships with local producers. They consistently utilize the fruits and vegetables of their farmer's market neighbors, organic chicken, and local dairy in their savory offerings, ensuring a true farm-to-table provenance right here in Delaware. This dedication has made Old World Breads one of the most beloved and essential bakeries in the region.

The primary production and retail location for Old World Breads is conveniently situated in the Lewes area, easily accessible from major routes and local attractions, making it a routine stop for local users in Delaware.

The address is:

32191 Nassau Road Unit 4, Lewes, Delaware 19958

This location is positioned prominently at the corner of Nassau Road and New Road, a central spot in the Lewes community. For those driving, the location is simple to find, especially when heading north on Coastal Highway and bearing right onto Nassau Road just after the Route 9/404 intersection. The bakery is also ideally situated along the new Lewes bike path, making it a popular and easy stop for the local cycling community.

While the provided information gives a general address of Nassau Commons Blvd, the specific and confirmed unit address (32191 Nassau Road Unit 4) places it clearly within the Nassau Road area, which is highly familiar to residents. Customers can utilize curbside pickup, but it requires a 48-hour advance order, or they can simply visit the welcoming storefront for in-person shopping. The business also maintains a significant presence at various local farmer's markets across Sussex County throughout the year, extending its accessibility to a wider local audience.

Old World Breads provides a comprehensive range of culinary services that goes well beyond a traditional bakery, positioning itself as a breakfast, lunch, and catering resource for the Delaware community.

• Artisan Bread Production: Daily baking of a wide variety of handmade loaves, including Sourdough, Ancient Grain, Cranberry Walnut, Orange Cardamom, Italian, Rye, and their classic Baguette, many of which use longer fermentation techniques for superior flavor.
• Pastries and Sweets: A rich selection of traditional and contemporary pastries such as croissants (traditional, almond, chocolate, ham & gruyere), scones (Blueberry, Lemon Rosemary Asiago), cinnamon rolls, danishes, seasonal fruit tarts, and a variety of muffins and cookies.
• Full Breakfast and Lunch Menu: Offering a menu that includes hearty breakfast sandwiches on brioche rolls, a variety of freshly prepared sandwiches, tartines (open-faced sandwiches), savory quiches, and seasonal salads and protein bowls.
• Savory Prepared Foods: Specializing in hearty meals like their famous Chicken Pot Pie (made with 100% antibiotic-free chicken), Vegetarian Lentil & Potato Handpies, and a selection of homemade soups that rotate seasonally.
• Flatbreads and Pizzas: Freshly made flatbread pizzas (such as Tomato, Spinach & Mozzarella and Pepperoni), as well as Tomato Pie slices, built on their house-made Rosemary Focaccia.
• Specialty Local Goods: A wide array of supporting products, including coffee from Notting Hill Coffee, locally made jams and jellies from Backyard Jams & Jellies, artisanal cheeses, local milk, and house-made crostini and lavash crackers.
• Catering and Platters: Providing platters for parties and offices, including Cookie & Ganache Brownie platters, breakfast pastry trays, and specialized bakers baskets.

Old World Breads’ success and loyal customer base in Delaware stem from several distinctive features that set it apart in the coastal region’s competitive food environment.

• Commitment to Traditional Techniques: The bakery is dedicated to the Old World European style, with breads made by hand and some loaves undergoing a fermentation process lasting up to four days, ensuring deep, complex flavors and superior texture.
• Local Sourcing and Farm-to-Table Focus: A strong emphasis on local provenance, utilizing ingredients like organic chicken, local eggs, milk, and seasonal produce from nearby Delaware farms and farmer’s market vendors. They even feature items made with locally milled flour from Castle Valley Mills.
• Expert Ownership: The quality is anchored by owner Keith Irwin, a Culinary Institute of America graduate with decades of high-level experience as a pastry chef, providing a level of expertise often not found in local bakeries.
• Highly Praised Savory Items: Beyond the bread, customer favorites include the savory croissants (especially Ham & Gruyere), the creamy and flavorful Quiches, and the highly aromatic, comforting Chicken Pot Pies, which provide a convenient, high-quality meal solution.
• Best-Selling Blueberry Scones: The Blueberry Scones are frequently highlighted as a "best seller" and are lauded for their delicate, light, and creamy texture, making them a perfect morning treat.
• Seasonal and Unique Offerings: The bakery is known for constantly introducing unique seasonal selections, such as fresh fruit tarts (a crowd favorite), beer breads made with local brewery collaborations, and holiday specialties, keeping the menu exciting for regular customers.
• Allergen-Conscious Options: They offer options for specific dietary needs, including gluten-free cookies (like the Almond Bliss Cookie) and a significant portion of their loaves (up to 90%) are naturally vegan, appealing to a broad segment of the local market.

For residents and visitors in Delaware looking to place a custom order, inquire about the daily soup or bread selection, or check on their market schedule, here is the direct contact information for the Lewes location.

Address: 32191 Nassau Road Unit 4, Lewes, Delaware 19958 (Located at the corner of Nassau Road and New Road)

Phone: (302) 313-5191

When visiting Old World Breads in Lewes, Delaware, local patrons have a vast selection of high-quality items to choose from, but a few stand out as essential must-tries that capture the spirit of the bakery.

The first item to choose is any of their Artisan Breads, particularly the Sourdough or the hearty Ancient Grain Loaf. These loaves are the heart of the business, showcasing the owner's expertise through their deep flavor profile, achieved by the multi-day, long fermentation process. For an unusual and sweet experience, the Orange Cardamom Loaf is a highly recommended choice, celebrated for its lovely chewy texture and sweet, warm hints of spice. Buying a loaf here is choosing quality that elevates any home meal, from a simple sandwich to a complex savory stuffing.

For a morning indulgence, the Blueberry Scone is a proven best-seller—delicate, light, and perfectly baked—a quintessential Old World treat. Do not miss the Brown Butter Sandwich Cookie; this dessert item is impossibly sweet and rich, a decadent cookie that has garnered a loyal following.

Lastly, for those seeking a quick, hearty meal, the savory selection is equally compelling. The Chicken Pot Pie is a celebrated take-home item, filled with locally sourced ingredients and comforting flavors, or try a Ham & Gruyere Croissant for a perfect blend of rich, buttery pastry and savory filling. Old World Breads represents a commitment to handcrafted quality and local community partnership—choosing anything from their menu is an investment in the best of Delaware's culinary tradition.

Old World Bakery

Nassau Commons Blvd, Lewes, DE 19958, USA