Baklava and Beyond
Petos Bakery
Carmel's newest sweet spot bringsthe authentic flavors of Thessaloniki, Greece, to Main Street, offering a tempting array of traditional Greek pastries and European inspired desserts.
Step through the bright blue door of Petos Bakery and be transported from the bustle of Carmel's Arts & Design District directly into the heart of Thessaloniki, the world’s famed capital of sweets. As you cross the threshold, the aroma of freshly baked phyllo and honey-drizzled pastries whisks you away to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores. This small space is more than a bakery, though. It's the community's answer to a long-felt absence and a dedicated haven for specialized, delicious—and authentically Greek—sweets and treats.
Founded by Cairo native Nermine Fanous and her husband Alain Jesus Raphael, from Thessaloniki, along with their daughter Patricia, the story of Petos began in 2016 at the Carmel Farmers Market, where the community first got a taste for the Raphael family’s mouthwatering baklava. Their popularity paved the way for bigger dreams. The family opened their first restaurant the following year, and they opened Petos Greek Restaurant on Main Street in 2022. This summer, with the help of family friend Sandy Tawfik, they've expanded their offerings by opening Petos Bakery right next door. The bakery offers an impressive array of traditional Greek pastries and baked goods. Visitors can indulge in an array of baklava, including a unique chocolate version that's exclusive to Petos in Carmel. Raphael shares, "We offer all types of baklava with pistachios, walnuts or chocolate, and this type is our innovation and the only one in Indiana.” He adds that they also offer cheesecake baklava and kanufa as well. Another standout is the loukoumades, often referred to as Greek donuts. Raphael describes them as "completely different in taste and preparation" from American donuts. At Petos, you can enjoy these the traditional way with sugar and honey, or try modern variations topped with Nutella, pistachios or strawberries. |
Other Greek specialties include spanakopita, tiropita, kourabiedes, and koulourakia. For those with a penchant for custard-filled delights, the bougatsa is a must. This heavenly treat features delicate phyllo dough filled with creamy custard, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, and served piping hot. Petos Bakery also offers a selection of Italian and French-inspired indulgences such as carrot cake and gelato, and a variety of coffee and drinks.
What sets Petos apart is their unwavering commitment to authenticity. "We follow our grandma's recipes, and we try to let people try our authentic recipes, not Americanized ones," Raphael emphasizes. This dedication to tradition is evident in every bite. To maintain the true flavors of Greece, Petos imports key ingredients directly from the source. Cheeses, olives, phyllo dough and extra virgin olive oil all make the journey from Greece to Carmel, ensuring each pastry captures the essence of Greek culinary tradition. It's this attention to detail that transforms a simple sweet treat into a passport to the Mediterranean. Step into a slice of Greece at Petos Bakery, located at 15 W. Main Street in Carmel. For more information, visit petosfamily.com and follow @petosbakery on Instagram. Kalí óreksi! 
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