Everybody loves grabbing a warm loaf of bread, a sweet treat or a savoury snack. Thankfully, Canberra is rich with fantastic bakeries delivering fresh bread and a mix of wonderous pastries across the city. Many bakeries these days also make barista quality coffee, so you can enjoy a nice hot beverage along with any baked goods you might like. So, if you're on the hunt for a great local bakery, check out our list of the best bakeries in Canberra below.
What makes a great bakery?
Here are some elements that often characterise a good quality bakery:
Quality ingredients: From flour and sugar to butter and eggs, using high-quality ingredients is essential for creating delicious and flavorful baked goods.
Skillful bakers: A great bakery employs skilled and experienced bakers who understand the art and science of baking.
Variety: Whether it's bread, pastries, cakes, cookies, or special treats, having a wide selection of options ensures there's something for everyone.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is a hallmark of a great bakery. From the intricacy of the decorations to the precision in measurements and baking times, every aspect of the baking process should be executed with care and precision.
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The best bakeries in Canberra 2024
To be listed as one of our best, the bakery needs to have maintained a track record of positive reviews on Google or Facebook, with a minimum average of 4/5 stars. All Google ratings shown were updated in February 2023.
The Flute Bakery
The Flute Bakery has developed a reputation as one of the best bakeries in Canberra by using fresh, quality ingredients to make a range of delicious pastries, breads and cakes.
The patisserie offers a number of delicious pastries such as pies, croissants and donuts, while the artisan breads are regarded as some of the best in the region. They can sell out of some of their goodies early each day so you may have to get in quick to get what you want.
Fred Nguyen left this five star review on Google; “Great selection of pastries and cakes. Really love their sandwiches as well but you have to wait for them to come out at 11am. The pies are quite excellent. One of the best bakeries in Canberra.”
Sweet Bones Bakery and Cafe
Sweet Bones have been delivering a diverse menu filled with delicious vegan options to Canberra for over 10 years.
The bakery and cafe offers a range of tasty pastries and cakes, as well as larger meals, coffee and smoothies.
Along with the well known store in Braddon, Sweet Bones now has a location in Scullin.
Simone Vieria wrote this on Google; “Very nice vegan cafe and bakery, menu has lots of delicious options, plus their baked goods look really good. We visit this place weekly and it’s always a good experience. Coffee and food are always delicious, always good quality. Staff is very friendly and helpful, service is good.”
Danny's Bakery
Danny’s Bakery is a hidden gem in Narrabundah, serving up a range of delectable treats, pies and of course their famous sourdough bread.
The family run business has been delivering hot, fresh bread to Canberrans for over 30 years and this old school type bakery is certainly worth a visit.
Miriam White left this five star review on Google; “Great! My go-too is the steak, bacon and cheese pie, but I am always up for almost anything on the shelves. I am a student at the nearby college, and often the pies get me through the day. The server can seem a little rough around the edges, but he is absolutely lovely to me every time I go in.”
Knead Bakery
With locations at the Belconnen Markets and Campbell Shops, Knead’s philosophy is to use quality ingredients to create fresh food that customers will love.
The bakery has a range of artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches, cakes, sausage rolls, tarts and many other pastries to try, along with serving great coffee.
Mat wrote this glowing review on Google; “The sandwiches, pies and sausage rolls never disappoint. Some of the best coffee in Canberra as well.”
Three Mills Bakery
Starting out as an ambitious basement project in 2013, Three Mills has become one of the leading bakeries in the region and a go to for quality bread and pastries for many Canberrans.
The bakery in Fyshwick offers a great spot to grab a loaf of their sourdough to take home, or you can enjoy the delicious pastries they have in store like a ham and cheese croissant, gourmet sausage rolls or range of tarts, plus you can also get a coffee.
Three Mills are now doing ‘Bake at Home’ packs so you can recreate their amazing pastries easily at home.
On Google, Gerald Li wrote this five star review; “Nothing beats freshly baked pastries and bread on a Saturday morning. Ordered two different sausage rolls and the pastry was super buttery and fluffy. Didn’t get to try the other pastries but they all looked delicious.”
Le Bon Mélange
Le Bon Mélange is a French patisserie in Gungahlin serving up a whole range of tasty goodies.
The pasty cabinets are full of delightful creations that are freshly made and full of flavour. Those looking for something more can enjoy their delicious breakfast menu, while they also have a range of cakes to buy.
Julia Penelope Velez left this five star review on Google; “Incredible pastries that look amazing and tres chic but also delivers on flavours, textures and colours. I’ve been going for years now, always consistent in quality and service. Hidden gem in Gungahlin!”
Sonoma Braddon
Sonoma in Braddon is a high quality bakery most well known for their impeccable sourdough loafs.
As well as making fresh bread, the bakery has a range of quality pastries along with barista quality coffee. There can be a bit of a line, especially on weekends, but it is usually worth the wait.
Gregory Lloyd left this five star review on Google; “A high quality bakery producing many bread staples as well a wide variety of pastries and ready-to-eat snacks. Prices are on the higher side but the quality is good and consistent. Coffee is also consistently good. Be prepared to queue on busy weekend mornings with the rest of Braddon.”
La Baguette by R&M
Located in the ANU School of Art & Design, La Baguette by R&M is a French bakery that uses raw ingredients and turns them into delicious goods.
From traditional baguettes, to sourdough and rye loaves and a range of incredible pastries, their talented team makes everything from scratch in-house.
Open Monday to Friday – 8.30am to 2.30pm
On Google, Cat B left this glowing review; “Delicious bakery, with options spanning baguettes to cakes. We enjoyed a range of products and enjoyed them all. Worth hunting this place down (it’s in the uni – we followed the stream of people with baguettes to find it).”
Evoke Bakery
Recently opening up in Curtin, Evoke is a boutique bakery specialising in bread and buns.
The doughnuts have been a big hit amongst locals, while the bread, pies and coffees are also quite popular.
Margaux Ben left this five star review on Google; “Fantastic coffee and baked goods! I particularly love the French croissants and sourdough breads. All of this so reasonably priced! I wouldn’t get my bread anywhere else.”
Silo Bakery
Silo has been a Canberra favourite for many years now and it’s easy to see why customers just keep coming back.
They serve a range of delicious pastries with the croissants particularly popular, while the bread and coffee is also a big hit. There can often be line to order, but it is certainly worth the wait.
Amy Landry left this five star review on Google; “The best pastry ever. Love the menu. Great takeaway options from the counter that are delicious also. Can be very busy (because it’s so good).”
L'Orange Patisserie
Chef Wim Den Hartog has over 30 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and has brought his passion for food to Canberrans with L’Orange Patisserie.
The patisserie is known for its delightful, authentic range of pastries, with the croissants a big hit, while they also serve outstanding coffee.
Open – Monday to Saturday 8am to 2pm
Adie Klein left this five star review on Google; “I don’t usually give five stars to cafes, but this one deserves it. Authentic french hand made pastries which taste so amazing making you wanting to have more. The coffee is also very good.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of baked goods can I find at a bakery?
Bakeries offer a wide variety of baked goods, including bread, rolls, croissants, muffins, cookies, cakes, pies, tarts, pastries, donuts, and specialty desserts.
Are all the products at a bakery freshly baked?
The freshness of the baked goods may vary from bakery to bakery. Some bakeries bake their products fresh daily, while others may receive partially baked or frozen items that are finished on-site. It’s always a good idea to ask the bakery staff about their baking practices and freshness of their products.
Do bakeries cater to dietary restrictions or special dietary needs?
Many bakeries nowadays offer options for customers with dietary restrictions or special dietary needs. You can find gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, and sugar-free options in certain bakeries. It’s advisable to check with the bakery beforehand to ensure they have suitable options available.
Can I place special orders or request custom-made cakes for events?
Some bakeries accept special orders for events like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other occasions. They can create custom-designed cakes, cupcakes, or other baked goods based on your preferences and specifications. It’s advisable to contact the bakery well in advance to discuss your requirements and place your order.
How long do the baked goods from a bakery usually stay fresh?
The shelf life of baked goods can vary depending on their type. Generally, bread and pastries are best consumed within a day or two of purchase for optimal freshness. Cakes, cookies, and other desserts can typically stay fresh for a few days to a week if stored properly. It’s advisable to ask the bakery for specific recommendations on storage and freshness.
