Baker in the Rye

If you're hunting for proper dark rye in Melbourne, the word around Balaclava is that Baker in the Rye is the place to go. This bakery in Balaclava specialises in artisan rye bread, and locals who have found it tend to keep coming back for it.

The rye loaves are the draw. People talk about the Riga Rye, made with caraway and apple juice, and the yeast-free Borodinsky, along with a sour dough rye that makes good sandwiches and toast. It's the kind of bread that's hard to find elsewhere, dense and dark. If you're after something else, there are also breads in other styles, and one regular drops in mostly for the Borodinsky and some of the probiotic drinks on the shelf. Gluten-free options aren't part of the range, so keep that in mind.

Beyond the loaves, we hear the pretzels and sesame bagels are well worth adding to the bag. The pastry cabinet also offers a cheese and cherry pastry, fruit tarts, and a chocolate zebra cake that one local's family devoured. There's also a small selection of Polish, Russian and Latvian groceries and sweets, including Latvian curd snacks, which is a nice extra if you grew up with them.

Staff are described as friendly and helpful, including one customer who phoned ahead from a tram and had a big rye order ready in time to catch a train home. A couple of people have felt let down on pricing or freshness, so it's worth checking what you're paying and looking over anything from the cake cabinet before you leave. Most visitors come away happy.

You can order takeaway or pick up in store, and coffee is on offer if you'd like something to drink while you browse. The entrance and seating are wheelchair accessible, cards and mobile payments are accepted, and there's free street parking nearby. They open early and trade through the afternoon every day of the week, but check the hours before you head in.