Dana Patisserie

4.6(397)

175 Carlisle St, Balaclava, Victoria, 3183

“Artisan Baking”

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Services:Gluten-Free OptionsTakeawayDine-In

Fresh From the OvenKnown for PiesGood ValueFriendly Staff

Known for

CroissantsBurekasSavoury pastriesTakeawayDine-inCoffeeBreakfastWheelchair accessible

Why Choose Dana Patisserie?

Dana Patisserie delivers serious laminated pastries, croissants and pains au chocolat that locals compare to European standards, alongside a strong coffee programme and genuine hospitality. The dine-in space upstairs offers a peaceful retreat, and the team's willingness to guide you through the cabinet and specials reflects the care that goes into this Carlisle Street fixture.

About Dana Patisserie

If you're after a proper pastry and a good coffee in Balaclava, Dana Patisserie on Carlisle Street is worth a visit. It describes itself as an artisan bakery, and the cabinet backs that up: traditional patisserie done with a bit of invention, baked fresh from the oven.

The lamination is what people rave about. Croissants and pains au chocolat feature prominently, and one person who grew up in France says the pain au chocolat tastes just like home. Almond croissants, danishes (the poached pear one gets a special mention for not being too sweet) and choux pastries all have their fans too. On the savoury side, there are burekas, quiche and puff pastries, and the bakery is known for its pies. One visitor was handed a free mince pie after saying they fancied one but had already picked out too many pastries.

There are gluten-free options as well, which not every patisserie bothers with. Locals also rate the coffee highly, and breakfast is on the menu. You can take your order away or sit in. Upstairs is spacious, quiet and calm, with a little shelf of books and window tables for people-watching.

Friendly service comes up again and again. Regulars talk about being greeted warmly year after year, and staff will happily talk you through what's popular. Specials rotate, so there's usually something new to try. Prices are seen as fair for the quality. One longtime customer felt standards had slipped on a recent visit and is hoping they bounce back, but the broader feeling is warm.

It's open seven days a week, though check the hours before you head in. There's free street parking and a free car park nearby, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and you can pay by card or phone.

Dana Patisserie is a good pick for a weekend coffee and pastry run, or a relaxed breakfast in Balaclava.

Location

What Customers Say on Google

Pastries

“The pain au chocolat is THE BEST I ever had in Australia. Taste exactly the same as in France. Better than LUNE !”

Staff

“I cannot speak more highly of the amazing team at Dana. It is easily the best coffee in Balaclava and the most delicious pastries. I highly recommend the choux pastries in particular.”

Service

“Insane pastry's, good fresh selection and amazing customer service! the owner is so friendly and suggested pastry's which we absolutely loved, he even gave us a free mince pie because we really fancied one but already got too many pastries!”

Source: Google Reviews

Community Comments

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dana Patisserie

: Dana Patisserie on Carlisle Street is known for its croissants and pains au chocolat, with several customers (including French visitors) saying the lamination rivals what they've had in France. The cabinet also features almond croissants, danishes, choux pastries, burekas and savoury pastries, all described as fresh from the oven and good value.
: Yes, coffee comes up again and again as a highlight at Dana Patisserie. Regulars mention a skilled barista and strong espresso, with one self-described fussy Italian coffee drinker calling it their main spot for years. It pairs well with breakfast or a pastry, whether you're dining in upstairs or grabbing takeaway.
: Dana Patisserie offers gluten-free options alongside its usual pastry range, making it easier for people with dietary needs to enjoy a treat with their coffee. It's worth asking staff on the day which gluten-free items are available, as the cabinet selection can change.
: Yes, Dana Patisserie offers dine-in seating as well as takeaway, with an upstairs area that locals describe as spacious, clean and often quieter than the ground floor. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there's free street parking and a free car park nearby, making it an easy stop for breakfast or a coffee break.
: Staff are consistently described as friendly and welcoming, with several customers mentioning helpful recommendations on best sellers and generous gestures like an unprompted free mince pie. The owner himself is noted for taking time with customers, which contributes to the bakery's reputation as a well-regarded local institution on Carlisle Street.