There's nothing more quintessential than a croissant, sure there are fancier looking things in the display cabinet but you can beat something so perfectly simple. Melbourne has countless pastry outlets churning out the golden-kissed baked goods each day, but hunting down the very best is another thing entirely.
We're looking for that infallible crunchy outside that gives way with a bite or tear to reveal a buttery inside that just makes your knees weak. Here's where to find the best croissants in Melbourne for 2022:
Artisanal Bakehouse
Bentleigh
Artisanal Bakehouse is a newcomer to Melbourne's croissant game, but owners David and Aymeric are no strangers to pastry. The pair are both French-born and, before moving to Melbourne, they developed their craft as pastry chefs in Michelin-star restaurants. Their Centre Road Bentleigh bakehouse is now teeming with locals each morning, so expect queues for some of the best croissants in Melbourne. Their authentic range of pastries includes their famed perfectly crisp plain croissant, as well as chocolate and almond variations—and a truly out-of-this-world cinnamon roll.
Lune
CBD and Fitzroy
You wouldn’t have a ‘best croissants Melbourne’ list without this one. If you haven’t been to Lune Croissanterie, you’re missing out. Their croissants have been hailed as some of the finest croissants in Melbourne (actually, the finest in the world according to The New York Times). Their traditional plain croissant is prepared over three days and is full of fresh, buttery goodness. If you want something a little more decadent, their twice-baked almond croissant is another crowd-pleaser. Get in early, because there are usually long lines spilling out of both Lune Croissanterie’s Fitzroy and CBD locations.
Wild Life Bakery
Brunswick East
Let your warehouse conversion dreams come true at Wild Life Bakery in Brunswick. With everything you’d expect from a Brunswick venue, the exposed brick walls and high ceilings are almost as impressive as the baked goods. While these guys are known for their epic sourdough, their beautifully flakey croissants deserve just as much attention. Stop by for a coffee and a croissant before work, and while you’re there, stock up on some of their super crispy sourdough.
Agathe Patisserie
CBD and South Melbourne
Agathe Patisserie serves up some of the best French desserts in Melbourne. Their pecan vanilla mille-feuille melts in your mouth and their raspberry tart is both decadent and refreshing. And being an authentic French Patisserie, there are always fresh croissants available. Make sure to try their colourful croissants - we’re not exaggerating, their pandan croissant is bright green, and it’s delicious.
Bakemono
CBD
Tucked away on Drewery Lane you’ll find the gorgeous Bakemono bakery. This local gem is inspired by the bakeries of Japan and Korea, and they’ve got a diverse range of French and Japanese baked goods to show for it. Obviously, we’re here to talk about the best croissants in Melbourne, so let’s draw attention to their epic offering: an almond croissant with a Yuzu twist. That’s the kind of pastry we’d get out of bed for any day.
Bread Club
North Melbourne and Albert Park
For fresh bread straight out of the oven with some exclusive tunes, pop in to your local Bread Club every morning from 7am. We’re talking crusty loaves that steam as you rip into them, all soundtracked by exclusive music from Melbourne DJs (which you can also check out on their soundcloud). These guys have also got sustainability in mind, using sustainable flours and local, seasonal ingredients—so you can tuck into your croissant relatively guilt-free.
Babka
Fitzroy
Babka is the best bakery in Melbourne for all the die-hard sweet tooths out there. With an Eastern European influence, you’ll find all kinds of sweet treats, pastries and cakes on the menu, plus some of the best sandwiches in Fitzroy—and we’re not just saying that. There’s usually a queue for this local institution (for good reason), so make sure you’re prepared to wait in line for their seriously good croissants.
All Are Welcome
Northcote and Thornbury
Gracing High Street more than once, All Are Welcome is the friendly neighbourhood bakery welcoming everyone to try their flakey pastries—as the name suggests. Their French butter croissants are made fresh every day and are the perfect way to start your day. If you’re feeling decadent, though, go for their pain au chocolat made fresh with Belgian chocolate. Or if you’re feeling particularly fancy, why not get both? Pre-order for collection on Fridays and weekends to make sure you don’t miss out.
Loafer Bread
Fitzroy North
If it’s an almond croissant you’re after, then stop by Loafer Bread in Fitzroy North for one of the best in Melbourne. It’s topped with just the right amount of toasted almond flakes and icing sugar, and the pastry is perfectly flakey. They also do a delectable chocolate croissant and a damn good plain one too. Their cinnamon scrolls also pack a punch if you’re looking to switch things up a bit and give croissants a break—we won’t tell anyone.
Penny for Pound
Richmond
Croissants don’t get fresher than these ones, served straight from the oven every 30 minutes, Penny for Pound is the place to go if you like your pastries warm and flakey. Nestled in a side street off Bridge Road, Matilda and Ben opened up their gorgeous green doors in 2018 and it’s been non-stop croissants galore ever since. They have one of the biggest varieties in Melbourne, with sweet options including a chocolate hazelnut croissant and a strawberry cheesecake croissant, as well as the classic almond option. They also do some savoury flavours, anyone for caramelised onion and gruyere? Or maybe pumpkin, feta and dukkah? We’ll have one of everything please and thank you.
Tivoli Road Bakery
South Yarra
When it comes to pastries and baked goods, few do it better than Tivoli Road Bakery. The quaint South Yarra bakery and cafe is always densely populated with people flocking from all over town to sample the perfection they tend to their craft. Here you'll find a selection of pastry options but nothing surpasses the staple crossy. Easily one of the best croissants in Melbourne this creation has to be eaten to be explained; a perfectly structured exterior with just enough crunch gives way to a buttery and silky inside. Take it plain or with jam, either way, it's a win all round.
Once you’ve had your croissant for breakfast, move onto lunch with the best dumplings in Melbourne.
Pastry on the mind? Take a road trip and suss out Victoria’s best country bakeries.
Image credit: (Griffin Simm / Lune)