Biting into a croissant is like biting into a slice of heaven. And while we may not be able to walk into a Parisian patisserie, we can experience the next best thing in Melbourne. Our city is dotted with authentic French patisseries and artisan bakeries, all serving up croissants so buttery and flakey we feel like we’re walking by the Seine.
From traditional to almond-covered, chocolate-filled to fabulously fruity, Melbourne has some of the best croissants going round. And if you’re plant-based, we’ve found some vegan pastries for you too. Here are some of the best places for a croissant in Melbourne.
Falco Bakery
COLLINGWOOD
Falco is all about traditional techniques and locally sourced ingredients, but their baked goods are far from boring. Twice-baked mocha pain au chocolat, quince danishes and of course, their pastrami, emmental cheese and mustard croissants are just some of the innovative delights you can find freshly baked in store. Traditionalists, never fear, because their locally baked plain croissants are impeccably flakey.
Monforte Viennoiserie
Carlton North
Monforte’s selection of croissants and pastries changes with the seasons, meaning they only use the best local produce. While you can definitely satisfy your sweet tooth with their selection of chocolate and fruit filled pastries, Monforte likes to experiment with spectacular savoury croissants. You might find yourself devouring an asparagus and goats cheese croissant, or a pancetta and parmesan pastry, and you’ll know you’re experiencing some of the best croissants in Melbourne. During the week, this hole-in-the-wall pastry shop is open from 8:00am until sold out—which is known to happen often.
Lune Croissanterie
Fitzroy and Melbourne CBD
Yep, 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.
Agathe Patisserie
South Melbourne and Melbourne CBD
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.
Ned’s Bake
South Yarra
When you walk by Ned’s Bake you can’t help but stop to smell the freshly baked bread and admire the decadent display of pastries. Melbourne-made and European-inspired, Ned’s croissants are nothing short of magical. Twice baked hazelnut, ham and cheese, and of course, everybody’s favourite, Ned’s almond croissant in all it’s flakey glory—it’s almost impossible to pick just one—these are some of the best croissants Melbourne has to offer.
Too Good Bakers
Aberfeldie
A hidden gem in Melbourne’s north-west, Too Good Bakers serves up a daily rotation of freshly baked pastries, including salted caramel cruffins and fruit-filled danishes, which are usually long gone by the early afternoon. But it’s their chocolate and almond croissants that usually sell out the fastest—locals can’t get enough of the gooey chocolate and nutty goodness. As well as the range of sweet and savoury items, displayed in front of an irresistible wall of house-made bread, their traditional plain croissants are baked fresh every day and are some of the best going round.
Choukette
Brunswick
It’s clear that French pastry chef Nans Wojtczak loves croissants—he even has instructions on how to make the buttery French pastry on his bakery’s website. Choukette uses quality local ingredients to create authentic French flavours, and their pastries include fresh fruit and imported European chocolate. The Sydney Road bakery also offers lunch from 11:30am to 2.00pm, but if it’s a croissant you’re after, they have basketfuls of the French delicacy from 7.00am. They’re famous for their almond croissants, and their raspberry croissants are a customer favourite, so we recommend getting in early.
Mister Nice Guy’s Bake Shop
Ascot Vale
Traditional French croissants are most definitely not vegan, you know, with all the butter. But if you’re eating plant-based and you’re craving a croissant, Melbourne’s first 100% plant-based bakehouse Mister Nice Guy’s is where you want to be. Their legendary cinnamon buns, peanut butter chocolate brownies and their croissants, as well as everything else in their bakery, are all made from plant-based ingredients. But somehow, using soy and dairy alternatives, they still manage to replicate the buttery, flakey delight that is a traditional croissant. Pick from plain or almond to experience some of the best vegan croissants in Melbourne.
Pastry on the mind? Take a road trip and suss out Victoria’s best country bakeries.
Image credit: Falco Bakery