The alluring scent of freshly baked Bread must be one of the most universally loved smells in the world – be it a Lebanese Pita Bread, Colombian Pan de Queso, Ethiopian Injera or an English Cottage Loaf. And that’s just the beginning.
What about the enticing aromas of Toasted Nuts? The caramel-rich fragrance of spun Sugar? And the addictive scents of fresh Vanilla Beans and high Cocoa content Chocolate? Be honest. How many of us have never dreamed of getting locked in a fine Patisserie overnight? Or at least, for just enough time to work your way through a tray of Frangipane Fruit Tarts, a Mille-Feuille or 3 and a few Coffee Eclairs!
Luckily, here in the Victorian capital, when it comes to dough, we are spoilt for choice. It seems that every other week, a new Baker opens up with a tempting selection of Sourdough Loaves, Bagels, Doughnuts, Cheesecakes or Asian-Style Mousse Cakes.
However, such a huge range can be overwhelming. So let us help you find the baked goods your heart desires. Here’s our guide to the Best Bakeries in Melbourne.
Location: 65 Dover St, Cremorne, VIC 3121 Ph: 1300 225 372 See Website For Further Locations
Now we know that the new Baker Bleu Cremorne is only the latest in the bakery’s growing number of branches, but as it is now the biggest, we thought we’d give you the low-down.
Whilst still making all the goodies that us bread-lovers covet – including their exemplary 48-hour ferments Sourdough Loaves – the baking skills of the team at Baker Bleu seem to know no bounds. From a Sourdough Country Loaf ($9.40), to a fabulously malty Dark Rye ($16). From a Cinnamon Bun, that even my Canadian friend adores, to one of the finest Custard Tarts this side of Lisbon. And the Bagels…
At the Cremorne store, there’s all this, plus an exciting range of Breakfast and Lunch options. Kick off your morning with an oven-fresh Ham & Cheese Croissant. Come midday, treat yourself to a Sausage Roll or a Tuna Salad Sandwich. Or perhaps a Sourdough Pizza is more appealing? We’re already besotted by the Margherita, dolloped with Chilli Oil and a Walnut Pesto.
And did we mention the great Coffee?
Yes. The new Baker Bleu Cremorne, whether you decide to eat in or grab and run, is definitely shaping up to be one of the best bakeries in Melbourne.
To describe Kate Reid’s temple to laminated Pastry as a phenomenon is an understatement. By taking a uniquely science-based approach to the art of French breakfast staple, Reid (an ex-Formula 1 aerodynamics engineer) has found a way to produce croissant so consistently good that many feel they are the best in the world. Seriously.
What began as a small kitchen and shop is now a mini empire, stretching across inner city Melbourne and with tentacles in Brisbane and Sydney.
So what’s on the menu?
Some items are always present – the Classic Croissant and Pain Au Chocolat amongst them, But many patron are drawn back again and agin for the Monthly Specials. For example, as we write, the kitchen is knocking out a number of tempting bakes for the month of February, including their Cherry Choco ($15.50). This calorific delight is a Pane Au Chocolat, Twice Baked with Cherry Frangipane. Then there’s Chocolate Gananche, Maraschino Cherry Halves and Chocolate Batons, all topped with Toasted Coconut Flakes, Freeze Dried Cherry and Powdered Chocolate. It’s the poshest Cherry Ripe you’ll ever pop in your hungry mouth.
This Bakery and Boulangerie promises artisan-made French bread, pastries and patisserie – with a wee contemporary twist. And as it totally delivers, we’ve added it to our rundown of the best bakeries in Melbourne.
Smartly, Publique Bakery has set up 2 of it’s shops in a couple of Melbourne’s lively, food-centric markets. The Preston Market outlet is small, but perfectly formed. Meanwhile, the Vic Markets branch is light and bright. However, arguably the jewel in this particular dough-crown is Publique Bakery CBD on Blender Lane. Here, burnished loaves of bread are stacked on shelves reaching the ceiling and cakes are lined up alluringly on the counter top, enticing buyers.
And honestly, the range of cakes, pastries and more is almost overwhelming.
On our first visit, we lost our hearts to the Tart Tatin Danish. A circle of incredibly flaky pastry with a centre of caramel rich apple. Amazing. We also got very excited about the Yuzu & Honey Cronut with its vibrant yellow topping and stunning height.
Our next pilgrimage saw us sample the Matcha Croissant (sublime) and the Pistachio Donut (utterly addictive). We also bought a Sourdough loaf that was the ideal accompaniment to a bowl of soup that evening.
All we can say is that we are already planning another trip to Publique Bakery. And it won’t be our last!
However, what this very stylish bakery situated in an industrial estate out in the ‘burbs is best known for it their incredible Croissants. More specifically, their ‘Supermoons’ – stunning creations shaped into crescents, half-moons and full moons – all made of the finest laminated pastry known to man.
To say that we are obsessed by the Pistachio & White Chocolate Crescent ($13) Croissant is a major understatement. The Creme Di Pistachio filling this flakiest of pastries is blissfuly smooth and rich. That’s said, we’d also happily sell our souls for a box of the Black Sesame & Miso Caramel Halfmoons ($13). And that’s before we get on to the savoury smack of the Bacon & Leek Cheese Twist ($12).
Amazingly, we’ve been reliably informed that Dröm Bakery originally started as a response to next door cafe – The Hatter and The Hare – having to close during Covid. Now, the bakery is well and truly a destination in its own right.
Despite the obscure location, Dröm Bakery is always busy – such is the buzz around this place as one of the top bakeries in Melbourne. Thankfully, you can order online to ensure that your trip to Bayswater isn’t a wasted journey.
But whatever you end up ordering, we bet you wish you’d chosen more when you go to pick your baked goods up!
From Bayswater in the east, we’re travelling to Spotswood in the west for the next of our best bakeries in Melbourne.
The team at Candied Bakery have a strong and loyal following, good reason. From the deep umami flavours of the Char Sui Pork Sausage Roll to the wonderfully authentic Tres Leche – 3 Milk Cake – the skill of the bakers shines through. However, for us, it’s the American Pies that make this shop worth a visit. Honestly, the Bourbon Pecan pie is a rich, lush indulgence that is impossible to resist.
Calling yourself ‘Melbourne’s cult tarts’ smacks of confidence. However, if anyone kitchen in town knows how to make the perfect sweet pastry crust and fill it with delectable Fruit, Frangipanes, Sponges and Ganaches, it’s the mob at Tarts Anon.
Like Lune Croissanterie (see above) Tarts Anon are one-trick-ponies. But boy have they mastered their bakery item of choice.
The baked goods here come in predominantly sweet, with a nod to savoury, and cover both much-loved regulars and an ever-changing monthly ‘drop’ of specials. At the time of writing (April 2025), the Classic Tarts are Smoked Pecan & Butterscotch Tart, Plain Old Lemon Tart, Chocolate & Caramel Tart and Tiramisu Tart. Meanwhile, the Monthly Specials are Pistachio & Orange Tart, Rhubarb & Cardamon Tart, Sesame & Mandarin Tart, and Mushroom & Parmesan Croissant Tart.
We know. They are sound amazing. And we’re confident that they all taste even better.
If it all reads like too much and you can’t decide what to go for, never fear, The kitchen has even thought of that with their ingenious The Briefcase – featuring 5 slices from their current range – and The Party Pie – with 10 slices.
But that’s not all. The team like to enhance their repertoire with seasonal delights too. And as Easter is on the horizon, they hare also whipping up an Easter Egg Tart (which resembles an egg in a little nest) and a Hot Cross Bun Mini.
Melbourne’s cult tarts? Definitely. In fact, we’d argue that they are the finest Tarts in Australia.
Here, bountiful Paninis and drool-worthy pastries fill the glass cabinets, tempting hungry passersby. But we feel that the real show-stoppers here are the Croissants. At Calle Bakery, generous wheels and cornets of impossibly flaky pastry come filled and topped with a changing assortment of flavours.
As we write, the kitchen have an amazing Banoffee creation of their menu. And if you think that Fresh Banana, Toffee and lush Whipped Cream can’t work in a Croissant, think again.
But for us, one of the big pluses of Calle Bakery is that it really is a one-stop baked goods experience. You can nip in at midday and grab a fat Pastrami & Swiss Panini and a Strawberry Tart for lunch and a loaf of crusty Sourdough for to enjoy with dinner.
We’ve yet to hear too much about Cheri, but we reckon that that’s because those in the know in South Melbourne are keeping quiet in the hope that the rest of the town won’t catch on.
Well, consider yourselves busted.
But seriously, the pedigree of this cafe-cum-bakery speaks for itself. You see this is part of the Darling Group – Kettle Black, Top Paddock,Higher Ground – need we say more?
So yep. We’re talking a great cafe – Cherry & Coconut Granola? Or maybe a Croque Madame with a Side of Fries? – Plus a full Bakery & Patisserie. And we’re here to tell you that the Cinnamon Knots featuring a Cinnamon Almond Cream, Dulcey Cream Filling, Dulcey Fondant and Hail Sugar are something else. And do NOT get us talking about the next-level Pistachio and Orange Blossom Tart.
Brunetti Classico Carlton Location: 380 Lygon St, Carlton, VIC 3053 Ph: (03) 7034 7066 See Website For Further Locations
To describe the Brunetti stable of cafes, gelato shops and Italian-focused bakeries as a Melbourne institution is the very definition of an understatement. With the exception, possibly, of much-loved coffee shop Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, they are arguably part of the the DNA of the Italian community in the Victorian capital.
Yes. The kitchen knows its way around a pasta maker and a pizaa oven, but ask anyone in the know, and they frequent Brunetti for the Italian pastries and cakes. And whether you visit Brunetti Oro in Flinders Lane or Chadstone or the iconic Brunetti Classico in Carlton. you’ll be met with the same high standard of baking excellence, barista skills and efficient service.
Our top tip is to buy a ticket to an arthouse movie (ideally Italian) at the Nova Cinema and then debrief over coffee and cake at Brunetti Carlton afterwards.
And then your problems begin. What on earth do you order?
Should you go the a cluster of Caramel Profiteroles or an exemplary Opera Slice? Go traditional Italian with a Chocolate Cannoli or swerve dessert-wise with a Cheesecake Cookies & Cream? All we know is that whichever treat you plump for, you won’t regret it.
And if you have a birthday or anniversary coming up, Brunetti has a selection of celebration cakes that are truly drool-worthy.
Seriously, this is one of the best spots to find yourself with the munchies on Lygon Street. And that’s saying something!
Location: The Hotel Windsor, 8 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Kudo Bakery is a genuine gem of a place. Indeed, everything about it makes our withered hearts sing.
Tucked away – like a tiny gluten-free Aladdin’s cave in the Windsor Hotel – this wee bakery continues to surprise and delight with its bakes. And yes. You read that right. Kudo Bakery is GF. Which is bordering on miraculous when you get a look (and taste) of their creations.
Chewy, fragrant GF Sourdough? No problem. Crunchy baguettes? Absolutely.
But the stars of their ovens (in our humble opinion)? Their incredible Canelé. The perfect Canelé should have a soft, custardy middle and a richly burnished outer crust. And we’re pleased to report that Kudo Bakery have totally mastered this difficult patisserie. Currently, their menu runs to 8 exciting flavour combinations. Whilst it’s hard to choose, we’re mad about the fragrant Blueberry & Strawberry Gum offering. But then we also adore the Hojicha, Maple & Pecan.
In addition to wonderful Gluten Free Breads and Canelé, the Choux at Kudo are also rather special. At the moment, they are knocking out a fantastic Salted Lemon, Strawberry Jam & Passionfruit Curd number which has to be tasted to be believed.
Whether you follow a GF diet or not, they’ll find something you’ll love at Kudo Bakery. It’s one of the top bakeries in Melbourne.
Although we live in a city blessed by an abundance of skilled bakers, one of the most striking things about the creations at Mietta is the precision and technique on display in her bakes. But these are far from being all about the looks. Take the Inception – Guinness Cake ($150) for example. Featuring 16 layers of Guinness Valrhona Cocoa Cake, sandwiched with a glorious Cream Cheese & White Chocolate Frosting, it’s both stunning to behold and amazing to eat. The natural bitterness of the Guinness balancing perfectly with the sweet and tart icing.
However, Mietta by Rosemary’s calling card is arguably the 16 Layer Carrot, White Chocolate & Pecan Cake ($95). Moist, light, crunchy, fragrant and 100% addictive. All other Carrot Cakes pale into insignificance by comparison.
There’s a lot to like about artisan bakers, Tivoli Road Bakery.
But then it has a great pedigree. Initially it was a chunk of the MoVida group of restaurants, though now it’s overseen by Little Virtual. However, whilst owners have come and gone, the quality of the produce has never wavered.
First up is the ever superb Bread. Whether you’re craving dark-crusted Sourdough, a soft Turkish loaf or a divine-smelling Soy & Linseed, you’ll find it here.
Then there’s the excellent range of both sweet and savoury Pastries. The Croissants are perfectly flaky and we’re absolute suckers for the Macadamia & Wattleseed Praline. The Danishes are light and crumbly. However, our must-buy is their Doughnuts. If you manage to pop in on a day when they are making their Salted Caramel number, you are a very lucky person!
That said, we have a Sausage Roll connoisseur in our house and he raves about the Tivoli Road Bakery Pork version. Another sure-fire winner is one of the deeply savoury Pies.
Lastly, not only does the team make stellar baked goods, but the premises contains a cafe as well. Here you can sample both those praiseworthy Pork Sausage Rolls and really very good Escargot. In addition, the kitchen does a selection of fresh Sandwiches and brews a superior cup of Coffee.
Location: 677 Whitehorse Rd, Mont Albert, VIC 3127 Ph: (03) 8256 4866 See Website For Further Locations
There’s a lot going on at the main hub of Via Porta on Whitehorse Road.
From early in the morning until mid afternoon, its a popular place for a good Coffee or a thoughtfully considered Brunch. In addition, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, the kitchen opens for Italian fare, focusing on Pastas.
But it’s the baked goods that we’re here for. And in particular, their famous Croissants. Croissants so good, that they supply them to other cafes dotted around town. In fact, whilst we realise that there is lots of competition for the claim, we rate their Almond Croissants amongst the best we’ve ever eaten.
Happily, that’s not where the baking skills at Via Porta end. What’s more, we personally recommend their Beef Brisket and Broccoli Toasted Sandwich. It might sound weird, but trust us!
The team here might describe themselves as a micro bakery, but we feel that’s being overly humble.
Whilst the heart of the business is still wholesale to a range of cafes and ore around town, Ovens Street Bakery also totally qualifies as a local gem.
The Turkish Bread is as fine as any along Sydney Road, although our heart belongs to the earthy pull of the Danish Dark Rye Sourdough. Whatever the Fruit Danish and Savoury Danish of the Day maybe, they will be exemplary. We’re suckers for their Ham, Gruyere & Seed Mustard Croissant and as for the Polish Doughnuts…Do yourself a favour and try the Plum Jar ones. Bliss!
By the way, the crew also do one of the finest Basque Cheesecakes in town. But then the Ovens Street Bakery is one of the top bakeries in Melbourne. You heard it here first.
Location: Shop B, 273 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Bakemono Bakers is a place of contradictions. Burnished, perfectly laminated, sugar-dusted contradictions.
Let’s start with the address. You see, although the official location is 273 Little Lonsdale Street, this magical wee bakers is actually on off of Little Lonsdale on Drewery Lane. Then there’s the fact that Bakemono turns out some of the finest Croissants and Canelé this side of Paris, but with a Japanese or Korean twist. And finally, if you pop by the store, you’ll find a shopfront that would look more at home in the quaint laneways of Kyoto then Melbourne CBD.
However, the Asian-influences make perfect sense. You see Bakemono Bakers take their lead from the patisseries and bread shops of Tokyo, Seoul and beyond. The result is a fabulous fusion of French technique and lesser-known ingredients. A great example being their truly memorable Almond Yuzu Croissant. Light and air on the inside, tanned and crunchy on the exterior, spiked like an armadillo Flaked Almonds and stuffed with a Nutty, Citrus Paste, it’s divine.
Just as impressive are the boxy Danishes, bursting with rich Vanilla Custard and Fresh Fruit.
And don’t miss the Bread. The Shokupan, in particular, is excellent and makes fantastically fluffy Sandos.
Lastly, it would be remiss of us not to mention Little Rogue, across the ‘Lane. Sibling cafe of Bakemono, brewer of superb Coffee and purveyor to one of the finest Matcha Lattes in Australia. Seriously.
Old Skool vibes and an authentic love of quality baked goods make Fitzroy’s Loafer Bread a fabulous neighbourhood bakery.
The team here pride themselves on sourcing ethical, organic ingredients in their products. And that devotion to all that is good in food production comes through in their Breads, Pastries and Cakes.
We love the dark crust and chewy interior of their Sprout and Seed Sourdough, whilst a French friend swear their Sourdough Baguette is the best they’ve had outside of France. Of course, although I may pop in for my Bread, I never leave without a Pastry or 3. I find the Pumpkin Danish, dressed with Dukka, Feta and Capers a perfect mid-morning snack. And it’s even better when followed by one of their Cardamon Scrolls. And why not take a Strawberry Danish for later…?
If you happen by around lunchtime, you’re sure to be lured inside by the scent of warm Pies and Sausage Rolls – all encased in divine, buttery pastry.
If you know anything about the much-loved Aussie Meat Pie and it’s cousins, now you should be all over the famous Country Cob Bakery. With the OG bakehouse in the gorgeous foodie Mecca of Kyneton and a further outpost in Boronia, all we can say it that if you haven’t tried one of their award winning pastry combinations, you are missing out.
Brothers Chan and Ryan Khun bought their baking expertise and gift with intersting ingredients to Australia from Cambodia and have been making stellar Pies ever since. Their Pepper Beef Pie is glorious – all chunky, quality filling in a crisp short-crust case, topped with flaky pastry perfection. If you love Seafood, then the Curry Scallop is a real treat. For spice-fans, we recommend the Scrumptious Thai Beef. However, our top pick is the excellent Satay Chicken Pie.
Location: 288 Smith St, Collingwood, VIC 3066 See Website For Further Locations
If you’re hunting for a friendly local bakehouse with a fine Melbourne hospitality pedigree, then drop by Falco Bakery. Led by talented baker Christine Tran ex-of Tivoli Road Bakery and Loafer Bread, as well as San Francisco’s revered Tartine, and including old-hands from Bar Liberty and Capitano, it might be small batch, but it’s big on quality.
Most of the breads originate from a Sourdough starter, but the range showcases highly skilled baking techniques. We are suckers for the Oat Porridge ($9.50), which – as the name suggests – is created with fermented Oat Porridge. The resulting spherical Loaf has an amazing, lush crumb and strong oaty notes.
It almost goes without saying that the Pastries are also exemplary, with the Cinnamon Walnut Scroll ($6.00) a stand-out. That’s said, we’ve been trying to match the salty, savoury magic of Falco’s Peanut Butter and Miso Cookie for some time now. And failing.
Also 100% worht the trip to Collingwood for is one of their truly marvellous Pies or Sausage Rolls. And whilst a properly flaky, seasoned Pork & Fennel Sausage Roll ($11) is an undeniable thing of beauty, let’s talk about the Rockwell Pie ($12). Tasting ‘just like a cheeseburger’, and incorporating a Double Patty within its golden Crust, it even comes with the Falco Bakery take on Special Sauce.
Vanilla Lounge is arguable the patisserie jewel in the crown of Oakleigh – the ‘Little Athens’ of Melbourne.
Yes, the sprawling 2 storey building also contains a fully-blown Mediterranean restaurant, knocking out Greek delights such as Chargrilled Calamari, Chicken Souvlaki Skewers and more. And yes, it’s also a function space, hosting weddings and other celebrations. But for this piece, it’s the sweeter side of the menu that we’re interested in.
And wow. If you dream of a cabinet filled with tempting pastries, tarts, cakes and confections, this is your spiritual home.
There are piles of assorted Baklava and slabs of oozy Bougatsa. Fresh Strawberry Tarts sit next to mountains of Profiteroles and wee cups of Passionfruit Pannacotta. Delicate Mille Feuille snuggle up to squares of Tiramisu and glossy slices of Gluten Free Opera Cake.
The range is, quite frankly, borderline overwhelming. And it’s absolutely no surprise that this palace to Greek-centric treats is packed late into the evenings with people popping in for a coffee and dessert.
And talking of dessert, the skilful team at Vanilla Oakleigh have just opened the Vanilla Dessert Bar – across the road from their original establishment. As the name implies, this eatery is all about the good stuff – cakes, ice cream and all things sweet. And this includes a build your own dessert experience. Oh yes!
We recommend that that you indulge your inner child and get over to Oakleigh right away.
This CBD gem is a great place for a catch up and slice of French Patisserie with a discerning, foodie friend. The bakers here have mastered the art of balancing complex textures and flavours so that nothing is too rich or sweet, though it may look extravagent.
We love their re-invention of the classic Black Forest Cake ($77 for Large). Here, double Chocolate Cake Sponges surround a Vanilla Mousse studded with Cherries. All of this is then encased in a Dark Chocolate Mousse and topped with Chantilly Cream Pebbles. If a full Cake sounds too much – shame on you! – then there are a number of incredible slices to choose from. The Matcha Raspberry Opera ($14.50) might not be cheap, but is it definitely a show-stopper – both in looks and taste.
Le Petit Gateau is a genuine stronghold of French baking techniques in a town that knows its Macarons from its Macaroons.
There’s a lot to like about Tori’s Bakery. From the eclectic furniture in the cafe to charming vibe, to the great selection of Drinks to the tempting Cakes and Desserts. Many a person has nipped in for a quick break and a cup of Artisan Matcha and left with a couple of slices of their feather-light Strawberry Shortcake.
A number of the bakes at Tori’s show an Asain influence, such as the violet-hued Ube Basque Cheesecake, but that’s not all. The skilled team also make a fantastic Banoffee Pie and – showing a flair for culinary trends – an incredibly indulgent Dubai Chocolate Cake. This latter creation is a stunning marriage of Kadayif crunch, Pistachio richness and smooth luxurious Chocolate Cake.
And best of all? It’s available in both a Single Slice or a Whole Cake – as are many of the kitchen’s wonders. Heck. You can even order online and pick up at your leisure.
Editor’s Note: We are currently in the process of adding to this piece. Please come back soon for more updates.
