The Cook & Baker

4.3(370)

37 Oxford St, Bondi Junction, New South Wales, 2022

“Every Day Is Coffee Day”

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Services:Custom Cake OrdersCateringTakeaway

Fresh From the OvenCustom CakesGood ValueFriendly Staff

Known for

CroissantsDonutsFlourless chocolate cakeTakeawayCoffeeBreakfastCard & contactless paymentsFree parking

Why Choose The Cook & Baker?

The Cook & Baker is a standout pastry destination in Bondi Junction, where the chocolate croissants and ham and cheese croissants are consistently praised as exceptional. In-house bread, fresh bakes, and a welcoming team make it a reliable spot for pastries, coffee and breakfast, with a sunny terrace that works year-round.

About The Cook & Baker

The Cook & Baker is a Bondi Junction bakery with a lot going for it, and the pastry case is usually where people start. The chocolate croissant gets talked about as one of the best around Sydney, the ham and cheese croissant has its own fans, and one visitor reckoned the pain au chocolate was among the best they'd had outside France. Almond croissants, apple tarts and donuts are worth sampling, along with flourless chocolate cake and caramel brownies for something sweeter.

The savoury side is just as solid. The kitchen turns out tarts, frittatas, pies and sausage rolls, plus toasties and sandwiches on bread made in-house. The jerk chicken sandwich has a following, and a regular swears by the tomato, cheese and bocconcini toastie. Pastries come fresh from the oven, and people who've watched the staff working out the back say so. There's coffee on offer too, and the tagline "Every Day Is Coffee Day" fits a place that does breakfast and takeaway as well as it does baking.

Custom cakes made to order and catering are part of the trade, and a local rugby club has booked them for a big ladies' day event more than once. Guests were still talking about the food afterwards, and the team even donated vouchers for fundraising without being asked. Staff come across as friendly and quick, and a couple of the team are known to regulars by name. Prices are seen as fair for the quality, though one longtime customer feels they've crept up a little.

Weekend mornings get busy, and it's a popular spot with runners and cyclists, so go a bit later if you want a quieter table. We've heard the odd grumble about short staffing at peak times, and the dog-friendly welcome has changed, so leave the dog at home. The north-facing terrace is a lovely place to sit in cooler weather, but drinks and food come in single-use packaging even when you dine in.

It's open early every day of the week, with free street parking nearby, and cards and mobile payments are taken. Check the hours before you head in on a weekend, and ask about timing if you're planning a custom cake order.

Location

What Customers Say on Google

Pastries

“Hands down one of the best chocolate croissants I've ever had in Sydney! The ham and cheese croissants are also to die for, and the coffee is consistently amazing.”

Bread

“I have been coming here for years, originally for their delicious cheesecake, but in more recent years, usually with my mum for a coffee and sandwhich. The bread is made in-house and maybe even with love?”

Staff

“Great winter spot. It's roasting here ... North facing terrace, sun is blasting and wind is blocked, feels like 26C while it's only 16. Nice coffee, great bakes, friendly staff.”

Source: Google Reviews

Community Comments

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cook & Baker

: The Cook & Baker built its name on the pastry case, especially the chocolate croissant, which regulars rate among the best in Sydney. The ham and cheese croissant, almond croissant and pain au chocolate also have a following, alongside flourless chocolate cake, apple tarts, donuts and caramel brownies. Bread is made in-house, and the savoury range covers tarts, frittatas, pies and sausage rolls.
: Yes, coffee and breakfast are a big part of the offer. The bakery is set up for takeaway as well as sitting in, with customers regularly praising the coffee quality and dishes like scrambled eggs and toasted sandwiches. It gets busy with locals, runners and cyclists in the mornings, so checking the hours before heading in is worthwhile.
: The Cook & Baker takes custom cake orders and also handles catering, having provided food for event clients such as a local rugby club's ladies day, where the catering was described as high quality. For either service, it's best to contact the bakery directly in Bondi Junction to discuss what you need and current pricing.
: Many visitors call it good value with staff who look after you, and it's popular with families and groups grabbing coffee and pastries. Payment is easy with credit, debit and NFC mobile options accepted, and there's free street parking nearby. Note that dog policies have reportedly changed, so it's worth checking before bringing a pet along.
: Most visitors describe the staff as polite, welcoming and quick to make a good first impression, with several singling out friendly service and consistently fresh baked goods. A smaller number of locals mention slower service or cold food during busy, understaffed periods, so arriving outside peak times can mean a smoother visit.