Looking to upgrade your sandwiches, transform your toast, and eat more locally? These five local bakeries are the best thing since sliced bread.

Montana Gold Bread Co., 3543 W. Cary St.
This Carytown bakery is celebrating 30 years in Richmond this year. Swing by for a loaf of fresh bread, a handmade sandwich, or a cup of Rostov's coffee.

Idle Hands, 407 Strawberry St.
Stop by this Fan staple for some rosemary sourdough or fresh-baked brioche. Or, pick up some pizza dough to take your home 'za to the next level. Bonus: Idle Hands also offers top-notch coffee and pastries.

Europa Crust Sourdough Bakery, 1321 ½ E. Main Street
Specializing in Old-World style sourdough breads, Europa Crust offers loaves including rustic Italian, the San Francisco sourdough, and Japanese milk rolls. You can also find Europa Crust breads at local grocery stores including Ellwood Thompson's, Good Foods Grocery, Stella's Grocery Westhampton, and Yellow Umbrella.

Sub Rosa, 620 N. 25th St.
While this Church Hill spot is also known for its stellar pastries, Sub Rosa's menu includes rosemary sea salt pide flatbread, sesame rye, and polenta bread. You can show up in hopes of nabbing a loaf before they're all gone, or reserve your bread online at least two days in advance.

Valhalla Rising Bakery, 1 S. Allen Ave.
Formerly Antbear Bakery, Valhalla Rising is best known for its Billy Bread. Swing by their South Allen location for a fresh loaf, or head to Union Market to try one of their several sandwiches featuring Billy Bread.

Up All Night Bakery, 1221 Bellevue Ave.
A Northside mainstay, Up All Night has been in business since October of 2019. Longtime baker and pastry chef Jonathan Highfield uses a hand-built wood-fired oven. Breads tend to be ready around 9 a.m., so swing by in the late morning for fresh loaves.

Did we miss any must-try bakeries around town? Send us an email and tell us where to try next.