Shibusawa Bakery

Walk into Shibusawa Bakery in Brisbane City and the first thing you notice is the matcha. It turns up everywhere, from the croissants to the cake rolls and the hojicha latte, and it's what people tend to mention first when they talk about the place. It's a Japanese-leaning bakery right by Central Station, and locals describe it as warm, clean and relaxed, with enough tables inside and out that finding a seat is rarely a struggle.

The pastry cabinet is the main draw. People rave about the croissants, especially the matcha one with its generous filling, and the chocolate version that's more brownie than the usual sweet spread. Croissants and matcha treats are the highlights, with savoury options and hot lunch dishes from the kitchen of a related restaurant in the same building also available. One regular treats it as their most visited bakery in the CBD. Coffee gets a good wrap, so it works just as well for a breakfast stop as for an afternoon sweet.

They do custom cakes as well. Word is that larger cakes need to be booked ahead, so call before you plan on one. The staff have a reputation for being friendly and helpful if you're unsure what to order. One local told a story of dropping a box of cakes and being handed a replacement with no fuss at all. Value is another thing people bring up, with the portions seen as generous for what you pay.

We've heard that one matcha dessert fell flat, and one regular felt the matcha drink had lost a bit of its charm since it stopped being whisked by hand. Most of the chatter is warm, though.

It's a takeaway and dine-in bakery, with the usual card and tap payments and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Hours run on weekdays only, closing mid-afternoon, so check before you head in, especially on a weekend.