Top Impression Bakery Cafe Rhodes

Top Impression Bakery Cafe is a fusion-minded bakery in Rhodes, New South Wales, blending classic French pastry technique with global flavours and local Australian ingredients. It's the second shop from the team behind the Wolli Creek original, and locals who knew that one were pleased to see another open in Rhodes.

The croissants are what most people talk about. The matcha croissant comes up often, with its layered, flaky dough and smooth, not-too-sweet filling, and the almond croissant has a name for generous fillings. The taro cream croissant gets a recommendation, and savoury fans point to the mushroom and cheese. Beyond croissants, there are soft buns in the Asian bakery style, such as cream cheese and blueberry, red bean and cheese, and custard and red bean, plus cinnamon scrolls and sausage danishes. One local liked that the sweetness stays gentle across the range.

Freshness is a big part of the appeal. Some regulars aim for early in the day, when croissants are coming out of the oven, and one visitor described staff fetching a matcha croissant straight from the kitchen. Friendly, quick service gets mentioned a lot, and the shop is described as clean and nicely spaced out, with tidy handling of trays and tongs. Choice can be limited at any one time, so the most popular items may sell out.

There's coffee and tea to go with it all, including a hojicha latte, hot and cold drinks and cold brew. Opinion on the coffee is a little split: some rate it highly, others find it hit and miss. A few visitors also feel the pastries sit at the pricier end, though they say the quality justifies it. As with any busy bakery, the odd order mix-up or overbaked item has been mentioned.

You can take away, dine in or have things delivered, and it works for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon treat. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and cards and mobile payments are taken. It's open daily, so check the hours before you head in.