Guava paste bubbling through a crack in golden pastry at six in the morning might be the best alarm clock in Florida. The bakeries that make them rarely look fancy, often just a glass case, a coffee machine, and a line of people who already know what they want.
One bite of a warm pastelito, though, and the plain storefront suddenly feels like a secret worth keeping. Here are six spots around the state where the layers shatter, the guava glows, and the early trip pays off.
1. Arahi’s Bakery, Miami, FL
Calle Ocho wakes up early, and at 5:30 AM the lights are already on at this little Cuban bakery on SW 8th Street. Little Havana has plenty of famous names, but Arahi’s keeps things cozy, friendly, and refreshingly affordable.
The pastelito de guayaba is the reason to come. It arrives warm and flaky, with a guava filling that leans tangy rather than sugary, so you can easily eat two without feeling weighed down.
A wide selection of other pastelitos and cakes fills the case too.
Pair your pastry with a 12-ounce cafe con leche, or stay longer for a ham and cheese sandwich or a cup of sopa de pollo. Mornings get busy almost every day of the week, which tells you everything about how locals feel.
Paid street parking is the norm, so bring a little patience and plan a quick visit. Hours run until 6 PM Monday through Saturday and 2 PM on Sunday.
2. Angelitos @ La Caridad Bakery, Tampa, FL
Five trays of guava pastries for one party order? At this West Hillsborough Avenue bakery, that kind of request is completely normal.
Tampa has deep Cuban roots, and La Caridad plays right into that tradition with doors that open at 5 AM.
Flaky pastelitos lead the lineup, but the case stretches well beyond them. Homemade Cuban lard cookies, quesitos, croquetas, empanadas, and towering cakes all compete for attention.
The cafe con leche is bold enough to match the sweetness of the guava.
Planning a family gathering? Trays of pastries, Cuban sandwiches, flan, and fresh Cuban bread make this a one-stop shop.
Curbside pickup, a free parking lot, and free Wi-Fi keep things easy. Saturdays are the busiest stretch, so weekday mornings feel calmer for a solo pastry run.
3. Cubanela Latin Bakery, Orlando, FL
Frescura que deleita, freshness that delights, is the motto here, and the pastry case backs it up. Far from the theme park crowds, this small family-owned spot on West Lancaster Road feels like a neighborhood kitchen.
Guava pastelitos here rank among the most praised in Central Florida, with crisp layers and authentic flavor. Bread is baked fresh daily, which shows up in every Cuban sandwich and media noche.
Breakfast fans can go bigger with bistec a caballo or ham, cheese, and eggs, while tequenos and tostones round out the savory side. The vibe is casual and quiet with table service, and kids are welcome.
Doors open at 6:30 AM and close at 2 PM, with Sundays off, so a weekday morning is your sweet spot.
4. FL Bakery and Restaurant, Kissimmee, FL
Puerto Rican baking takes the spotlight in Kissimmee, where they call them pastelillos de guayaba. Same glorious guava, slightly different accent, and these come out fresh and flaky starting at 6 AM.
What makes the stop special is its love of guava in every shape. Guava-filled donuts, guava and cheese pastries, and the classic pastelillos all share space with soft pan sobao.
The kitchen has even been known to prep pastelillos to go on the spot.
Long hours set it apart, with doors open until 10 PM most nights. That means breakfast, a Cuban sandwich lunch, or a late dessert all work.
High chairs, a kids menu, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of parking make it handy for families heading to or from attractions nearby.
5. La Vaquita Bakery, Lantana, FL
A drive-thru window for pastelitos might be the most Florida idea ever. La Vaquita on West Lantana Road lets you grab flaky guava pastries without even unbuckling.
The bakery proudly calls its pastelitos famous, and the guava version earns that title with fresh, crisp layers. Coconut pastries are a fun swap if you want variety.
Fresh juices deserve a mention too. Maracuya and guava juices taste bright and tropical, a nice break from coffee on a hot Palm Beach County morning.
A Cuban sandwich makes the order a full meal.
Hours start at 7 AM on weekdays and 8 AM on Sunday. Friday gets busy, so arrive early.
6. La Segunda Bakery and Cafe, St. Petersburg, FL
Cuban bread lovers already know the La Segunda name, a Tampa Bay baking legend. The St. Petersburg cafe on 4th Street North brings that same skill to the guava pastry case.
Big is the word for these guava and cheese turnovers. They come out light and flaky despite their size, with sweet fruit and creamy cheese tucked inside.
Beyond guava, the lineup surprises with eclairs, cannoli, peanut butter cookies, and empanadas. Savory fans can pick a Tampa steak sandwich or a veggie option on that famous bread.
Doors open at 6:30 AM every day, and free parking is easy. Weekends draw a crowd, so this weekend might be the perfect excuse for a sunrise drive across the bay.