Top 16 hot cross buns in Melbourne
Maria Luchici
• Updated: 2025-04-01Hot cross buns in Melbourne are a beloved Easter tradition, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. These sweet, spiced buns, adorned with a distinctive cross marking, are a symbol of the holiday and a welcome treat during the festive season. As Melbourne's food scene continues to evolve, so too do the variations of hot cross buns, with bakeries offering creative twists and unique flavor combinations to cater to the city's discerning palates.
Table of Contents
- 1. Mister Nice Guy's Bakeshop
- 2. Agathé Pâtisserie
- 3. Bakemono Bakers
- 4. Wild Life Bakery
- 5. Tivoli Road Bakery
- 6. The Hamptons Bakery
- 7. Bread Club
- 8. N.Lee Bakery
- 9. Baker Bleu
- 10. To Be Frank Bakery
- 11. Falco Bakery - Smith St
- 12. Dench Cafe
- 13. Loafer Bread
- 14. Q Le BAKER
- 15. The South Melbourne Bakery
- 16. Woodfrog Bakery Elizabeth st.
1.Mister Nice Guy's Bakeshop
Indulge in delightful baked goods made with love and quality ingredients.
When it comes to special occasions, Mister Nice Guy’s excels in crafting vegan and gluten-free delights that are both beautiful and delicious. Their cakes are a celebration in themselves, perfect for birthdays and milestones alike. While experiences may vary, the warmth of the staff and the quality of their offerings make this bakery a must-visit for anyone seeking a sweet escape. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of happiness at this delightful bake shop!
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2.Agathé Pâtisserie
Indulge in artisanal pastries crafted with passion and precision.
The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the pistachio and cherry danish, earning a well-deserved five stars. Its crispy, flaky pastry paired beautifully with the subtle nuttiness of pistachio and the tangy sweetness of morello cherries, creating a symphony of flavors that lingered long after the last bite. If you're a pastry lover, this gem at South Melbourne Market is a must-visit—where every pastry promises an unforgettable experience that will have you returning for more.
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3.Bakemono Bakers
Freshly baked goods made with love and quality ingredients.
During our visit, we joined a manageable 15-minute queue, fueled by anticipation. We indulged in four pastries, starting with the spinach and ricotta Danish. While the filling was delightful, a touch of sweetness from a honey glaze overwhelmed the balance. However, the standout stars were the almond croissant and honey sesame—pure bliss in every bite! It’s no surprise that this café always draws a crowd; the flavors are simply irresistible!
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4.Wild Life Bakery
Freshly baked goods made with love and local ingredients.
While the food dazzles, the service could use a touch more warmth to match the inviting space. The pain au chocolat, with its exquisite lamination, delivers a delightful balance of rich, bitter-sweet notes that dance on the palate. Overall, Wild Life is a treasure trove of beautiful food and a wonderful setting, making it a must-visit for coffee lovers and pastry enthusiasts alike.
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5.Tivoli Road Bakery
Freshly baked goods made with love and quality ingredients.
On my recent visit, I finally savored the much-talked-about Beef Pie. While it didn’t quite meet my lofty expectations set by the legendary Sausage Roll, it still delivered a satisfying taste. The bacon and egg rolls continue to impress, and the Palmier is a must-try! Although the bustling crowds of August have thinned out, the culinary delights at Tivoli Road Bakery remain outstanding, evoking the essence of French patisseries. Just be prepared for a mixed bag of customer service, as the experience can vary.
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6.The Hamptons Bakery
Freshly baked goods made with love and quality ingredients.
While the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices are commendable, our recent experience with the beef brisket left much to be desired, as it was predominantly fat, leading to an unfortunate aftermath. Despite this hiccup, the atmosphere remains pleasant, with a clean environment and friendly staff eager to serve. While the breakfast offerings were decent, they lacked the exceptional flair that could elevate this spot to a must-visit destination.
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7.Bread Club
Freshly baked goods made with love and the finest ingredients.
Every bite is a revelation, from the light and fluffy bread to the expertly crafted pastries. The Danish is a must-try, and as summer approaches, expect delightful fresh fruit additions. While the sandwich selection may be limited, the quality shines through with generous toppings. The croissants are nothing short of divine, and the sourdough and baguette are unparalleled, transporting you straight to a cozy Parisian bakery. This is not just a bakery; it's a culinary experience you won't want to miss!
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8.N.Lee Bakery
Freshly baked goods made with love and local ingredients.
During my recent Melbourne adventure, I couldn’t resist the allure of N Lee’s traditional cold cut and pâté banh mi. Each bite was a nostalgic journey, with the crispy pork roll offering a satisfying crunch that left me craving more. Consistently hailed as the best-balanced banh mi in Melbourne, the freshly baked bread roll was lighter and crisper than ever, rivaling the finest in Vietnam. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a culinary experience that has kept me coming back for years.
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9.Baker Bleu
Freshly baked goods made with love and quality ingredients.
Baker Bleu is a haven for food lovers, and the buzz is palpable, especially on weekends when eager patrons line up for their favorites. Don’t miss the irresistible Portuguese Tart, with its flaky exterior and perfectly balanced custard filling, or the delectable tuna sandwich that has captured the hearts of many. Whether you opt for a freshly baked bagel or a crusty loaf of bread, every visit promises a taste of heaven that will leave you craving more.
10.To Be Frank Bakery
Freshly baked goods made with love and quality ingredients daily.
While the pastries shine brightly, the sandwich offerings leave something to be desired, with a disappointing lack of ingredients for the price. My late visit meant I missed out on some favorites, but I savored every bite of the pain au chocolat cookie, zesty lemon chiquito, and fluffy focaccia, all complemented by a rich hot chocolate. This bakery is a must-visit, promising a tantalizing experience that will leave you craving more!
11.Falco Bakery - Smith St
Freshly baked delights made with love and quality ingredients.
The café’s inviting atmosphere is enhanced by an impressive selection of both sweet and savory treats. While the PB and miso cookie dazzles with its chewy texture, it may tiptoe on the edge of sweetness and saltiness, bringing a playful twist to your palate. The buttery richness is undeniable, and though the peanut flavor may take a backseat, the delightful Maillard essence of the sweet dough steals the show. This is a place where every visit feels like a delicious adventure!
12.Dench Cafe
A cozy spot for coffee lovers and brunch enthusiasts alike.
Inside this spacious gem, the ambiance effortlessly blends comfort and style, making it the ideal spot for both intimate gatherings and lively brunches. With a menu brimming with enticing options, I found myself delightfully overwhelmed by the choices, each dish more tempting than the last. While the service might have been average, the exceptional food and reasonable prices more than made up for it. Dench Cafe is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to be savored.
13.Loafer Bread
Freshly baked daily with locally sourced ingredients.
No visit to Melbourne is complete without experiencing the magic of Loafer Bread, where the crispy almond croissant reigns supreme as a must-try delight. My quest for the city’s finest croissants led me here, and I couldn’t resist leaving with a treasure trove of goodies, including a heavenly vanilla slice. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship, ensuring that Loafer Bread will forever hold a special place in your culinary adventures.
14.Q Le BAKER
Freshly baked delights made with love and quality ingredients.
As I joined the throng, I couldn’t resist sampling their soy flat white, which proved to be a delightful companion to the flaky, buttery croissants that beckoned from the display. The hazelnut croissant, in particular, was a standout, bursting with flavor. I also indulged in their soft amaretti biscuits, each bite a sweet revelation. This large bakery is a treasure trove of both sweet and savory delights, making every visit a delicious adventure.
15.The South Melbourne Bakery
Freshly baked goods made with love and tradition.
The service here is as exceptional as the food, with friendly staff eager to make your visit unforgettable. Don't miss out on their heavenly carrot cake, a slice of bliss that rounds off your café experience beautifully. Whether you’re an early riser or looking for a cozy spot to unwind, this café is your go-to destination for a delightful morning escape. Treat yourself to the best croissant in town! ❤️
16.Woodfrog Bakery Elizabeth st.
Freshly baked goods made with love and local ingredients.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Melbourne's CBD, this modest bread stand is a treasure trove of exquisite pastries and exceptional sourdough. With an impressive variety that rivals the best, Woodfrog is my go-to spot for picking up fruit buns to enjoy on my commute home. The welcoming service adds to the experience, making each visit a delightful escape into the world of gourmet baking.