Simurgh Bakery & Café was born from a simple belief: food has no borders.

Our story begins in Gelibolu, a historic town on the Dardanelles strait in Turkey, where the flavors of Balkan and Anatolian cooking are woven into everyday life. When our founder came to the East Bay for academic pursuits, she brought those flavors along — and eventually, a bakery was born.

At Simurgh, we honor the traditions of Turkish and Balkan cuisine — the flaky layers of börek, the golden rings of simit, the rich sweetness of baklava, and the soft warmth of pide bread (also known as somun or lepinja) — while embracing the spirit of California's vibrant food culture. Fresh, local ingredients meet time-honored techniques, creating something familiar yet entirely new.

The name Simurgh comes from an ancient mythical bird in Persian and Turkish folklore — a symbol of wisdom, unity, and the coming together of many into one. It felt like the perfect name for a place where cultures meet on a plate.

We bake fresh every day, and we welcome everyone to our table. Whether you're stopping in for a Turkish breakfast, a quick lunch, or a box of pastries for a special occasion — we're glad you're here. We also offer catering for events, gatherings, and special occasions — bringing the flavors of Simurgh to your table.