The classic pie is a cornerstone of any well-balanced diet, it's got all the necessary nutritional values from flaky and buttery pastry, slow-cooked beef and a healthy topping of relish or tomato sauce.
Melbourne pies come in many shapes, sizes and fillings and we've got some absolutely supreme creations on offer—from inner-city boutiques to street-shop bakeries. Here's where to find the best pies in Melbourne and beyond:
Country Cob Bakery
BORONIA, KYNETON, SPRINGVALE
With a CV that includes Australia's best pie winner for five consecutive years, It's hard to dispute that there's any better than Country Cob Bakery. Brothers Ryan and Chan Khun maintain a classic and timeless approach, creating pies that garner praise from both pie critics and regular customers alike. Their diverse selection even includes a signature lobster and garlic prawn pie, as well as a vegetarian-friendly mushroom pie.
Tivoli Rd Bakery
SOUTH YARRA
Tivoli Road has impressed with pastries of all varieties for years and the pies here are no exception. There's an artisan approach, utilising premium and local produce which the bakers transform into spectacular-looking golden-baked pies—like the braised beef which is encased in some of the most delicate and buttery pastry you've ever tasted.
Pie Thief
FOOTSCRAY, FITZROY
Delving into the weird and wonderful, Pie Thief moves beyond the conventional combinations establishing some of the best pies in Melbourne with bold new flavours. There's always a new pie of the week to sample from the inventive barbecued pulled pork to Thai-style Penang prawn and peanut Curry. The lasagne pie is a beloved creation and there's also a slew of vegan and vegetarian options including a belting barbecued jackfruit number.
Keith’s Pies
RICHMOND
It's a straightforward no-nonsense procedure at Keith's, operating out of the shop since 1986 the pies are here dialled to a tee. On any given day you can choose from 15 different options with the famous curry pie typically ranking as the go-to, the lamb and rosemary is also renowned and there are even a few vegetarian options.
Wonder Pies
COBURG NORTH
Led by chef and pie aficionado Ray Capaldi, Wonder Pies in Coburg North is a pie lover's haven. While their pastries are widely available at Baketico shops across the city visiting their main headquarters is the ultimate pie pilgrimage. For a quick bite, go for the handheld chunky beef or the beef with cracked pepper and cheese.
Tony’s Pies
ESSENDON
Tony's Pies on Buckley Street in Essendon has quite the legacy, a timeless destination for some of the best pies in Melbourne. The classic steak pie, though unconventional in its rectangular shape, is unrivalled and there's also the option to go into bold new territory with innovations like the pizza pie or perhaps even the lasagna sausage roll.
Meatsmith
FITZROY, ST KILDA, BRIGHTON, BALWYN
Unsurprisingly Andrew McConnell’s speciality butcher store Meatsmith produces a top-tier Melbourne pie. There's the single-serve beef and jalapeno pie which offers a good amount of chilli kick to the rich slow-cooked beef, or the family-size chicken, sorrel and bacon pie with a zesty and almost sweet tang.
Pieman's Son
HEIDELBERG HEIGHTS
Pieman's Son in Heidelberg Heights is having a red-hot crack as one of Melbourne's best pie shops. Founded by Pat Cremean, the son of the visionary behind Australia's esteemed pie brand, Bocastle, the shop embodies a blend of tradition and innovation. Pat's childhood immersion in the world of pastries shines through in his pie-making craft utilising locally sourced ingredients and paying homage to timeless pie classics while embracing contemporary twists.
Falco
COLLINGWOOD
Now with two bake shops in Collingwood, Falco's pies are easier than ever to get your hands on. Just like their cardamom bun, bear claw and pastry that exits the oven, the pies are second to none. There are a few options on rotation here from the cheeseburger-leaning 'Rockwell Pie' to the steak and pepper and even a chicken and leek creation. Served hot and alongside a side of relish there's a reason they've got the reputation as one of Melbourne's best pies.
Black Star Pastry
CBD, CHADSTONE, ST KILDA
It may be home to the world's most Instagrammed cake, but the pies at this cult bakery are also well worthy of attention. Black Star Pastry made its name in the sweet pastry realms but the pies here stand on their own, a departure from your standard beef mince or chunky steak you'll find options like smoked beef and cheese, Japanese curry pie, and even lamb shoulder and onion.
More of a sausage roll person? Consult our list of Melbourne's best over here.
Image credit: Country Cob Bakery (supplied)