There's no problem in this world that a trip to a local bakery can't solve. Whether you're itching to get your hands on a warm loaf of sourdough, or are in the mood for a nostalgic bite of an always classic finger bun, there's something about being entirely wrapped in the warm air of a hot oven pumping away in the shadows that will always have us feeling a type of way. Luckily, if you happen to live in Sydney, the city is home to some of the best bakeries this country has to offer.
There's no shortage of places to hunt down sweet treats or bread rolls that are just as much a form of art on your dinner table as they are undeniably delicious. From the inner city to Liverpool and everywhere in between, here's our roundup of the 10 best bakeries you have to visit in Sydney.
1. Iggy's Bread
View this post on Instagram
Where:
131 Macpherson St, Bronte NSW 2024
What it's known for:
Simply uttering the name Iggy's Bread will allow you to strike up a conversation with any stranger. If you've ever lined up at the Sydney-famous bakery, you'll know well that the staples are out the door and sold out before 11am. Owner, Yugoslavian-born Igor Ivanovic, has made a name for himself and his bakery for its sourdough, whole-wheat and rye breads – the pull-apart sourdough rolls are beyond legendary. The bakery also stocks a range of specialty breads and pastries, such as green and kalamata olive rolls and bread sticks topped with rich parmigiano reggiano and sprinkled with chilli flakes and oregano. Iggy's is one for the ages.
2. Flour and Stone
View this post on Instagram
Where:
43 Riley St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
What it's known for:
Although we'll always head back to Flour and Stone for the unbeatable lemon dream cake, there is so much more to this once hidden, quaint bakery in Wooollooomooloo. Stumbling across Flour and Stone is an pastry-lover's dream. You'll find everything from lamingtons to iced gingerbread around the festive season, and a delicious offering of fresh pies that always hit the spot. The bakery has also recently expanded its premises, to include what they have coined Flour and Stone Annexe – just a few doors down from the original shop.
3. The Grumpy Baker
View this post on Instagram
Where:
What it's known for:
First founded back in 2002, Michael Cthurmer set out on a mission to create a sourdough that was more "cheesy" and less "vinegary". Where he has landed almost 20 years later is as one of the best providers of rustic, handmade gourmet bread free of preservatives and additives in the city. In addition to the bakeries' famous bread offering, each of its 10 locations also offer a mouth-watering range of Israeli-inspired sweet treats, classic pastries and more. You'll never leave empty handed.
4. Brickfields
View this post on Instagram
Where:
What it's known for:
A mainstay for locals and broader Sydney-siders alike, Brickfields has quickly become an unmissable stop on the quest for the best bakeries in Sydney. The bakery offers a range of different sweet treats and pastries, and if you happen to dine in you can't go past the famous bacon sandwich. Unlike some other sourdough breads, Brickfields utilises the entire grain in its production process; making for a silkier dough and heavier loaf. Bring one home and it won't last long.
5. Berkelo
View this post on Instagram
Where:
What it's known for:
If you're a north Sydney local, you will certainly be familiar with Berkelo. Now with four locations – Brookvale, Mosman, Mona Vale and Manly – this bakery is slowly taking over as the hot spot for some of the best sourdough pasta in town. The store also stocks an assortment of teas made from dehydrated produce such as pineapple sage, native river mint and rosella, all sourced from Berkelo’s Terrey Hills farm. But it's Berkelo's bread which really draws the crowds. The signature sourdough is unmissable, but if you're wanting to try something different, we recommend thes brown bread made from khorasan flour (an ancient grain), rye, toasted malt and NSW honey.
6. Humble Bakery
View this post on Instagram
Where:
50 Holt St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
What it's known for:
If Humble Bakery was within your 5km radius during Sydney's most recent lockdown, you'll know well that their goodies are legit. From the moment the bakery/cafe opened earlier in the year, there has been a consistent line for the famous finger buns. Nostalgia? Tick. Deliciousness? Double tick. But of course, that isn't where the freshly-baked goodies end. Founded by Elvis Abrahanowicz, Ben Milgate and Joseph Valore – the geniuses behind diners Bodega x Wyno, Porteño and Bastardo – you'll also be able to take your pick from their five sandwiches, bowls, variety of cakes and of course delicious pastries.
7. Pasticceria Tamborrino
View this post on Instagram
Where:
75 Great N Rd, Five Dock NSW 2046
What it's known for:
If you're on the hunt for traditional, nonna-approved pastries and sweets, look no further than Pasticceria Tamborrino. One foot in the door and you'll be instantly faced with cabinets of freshly-baked treats; the hardest part is narrowing down your selection. Long-time owners Vincenzo and Cristina Tamborrino are actually originally from Rome – known for its delicious biscuits – but in this pasticceria, you'll find treats from all over Italy. One of the most popular orders however, is also the most common Italian of breakfast meals – coffee and a croissant. They come stuffed with cream, custard or ricotta, so take your pick.
8. Cherry Moon
View this post on Instagram
Where:
77 Nelson St, Annandale NSW 2038
What it's known for:
If you're on the hunt for a bakery that's offering the full experience, look no further than Cherry Moon in Annandale. Part cafe, woodfire bakery and grocer, this venue is the brainchild of pastry chef (ex-Rockpool and Tetsuya) and woodfire expert Kimmy Gastmeier, and Aimee Graham. Although the selection is vast, don't let it overwhelm you. Don't look past the signature loaf – a fig-leaf sourdough – the Cherry Moon doughnuts topped with glacé cherries, and the extensive list of grocery items. Many of which are made in the kitchen on site.
9. Liverpool Supreme Bakery
View this post on Instagram
Where:
Shop 2/166 Macquarie St, Liverpool NSW 2170
What it's known for:
You haven't had burek in Sydney until you've made a visit to Liverpool Supreme Bakery. Affectionately nicknamed a "shrine to burek", owner and head chef Mark Delevski has garnered the attention of flaky pastry lovers far and wide. Offering a variety of different fillings from cheese and meat, but also pumpkin, potato and cherry varieties, Liverpool Supreme Bakery is one of those local finds you'll never get enough of. Of course burek isn't the only thing on offer in Delevski's bakery. You'll also find an assortment of Macedonian baked treats, including lepinja, traditional pogaca, cakes and croissants.
10. Cafe de la Fontaine
View this post on Instagram
Where:
1A Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point NSW 2011
What it's known for:
RUSSH content editor Ella Jane once said that a trip to Cafe de la Fontaine is as close to a Parisian bakery you can get in Sydney, and I tend to agree. Only opening last year, the cafe/bakery hybrid instantly caught the attention of locals before becoming a favourite of many. With a fully-functioning kitchen upstairs filled with traditionally trained French pastry chefs, and crepes and galettes churned out for customers downstairs, it really is the full French experience. No matter how full you might be, you can't leave without tasting one of Cafe de la Fontaine's eclairs. They are melt in your mouth delightful.
And if you're looking to continue your Sydney food journey, why not look to our guide of the best fine dining restaurants, or if you're wanting inside tips from the RUSSH team, our list of favourite, editor-approved restaurants.
Image:
