Dana Patisserie

Dana Patisserie is a small artisan bakery in Bentleigh, Victoria, known for fresh sourdough and quality pastries. Croissants are the headline: the almond croissant gets plenty of love, and there's a choc-almond version too. Cinnamon rolls, a lemon tart and a run of savoury pastries round out the counter, along with rugelach and canelé that locals single out. One person who tried a plain croissant as a test said it was far less oily than most, with a soft, open crumb.

The savoury side deserves a mention. Cheese and spinach and ricotta triangles, mini pizza scrolls and a spinach bureka all get a good word, and pumpkin sourdough is available. Everything is baked fresh, and we hear the pastries have that crisp surface and soft middle you hope for.

Coffee is a draw here as well. One local called it really good, though the hot chocolate got a lukewarm verdict, so you might stick to a flat white and the baked goods. It's a small shop with a few tables inside and a couple out front, so it works for a sit-down coffee as much as a takeaway box. They offer both dine-in and takeaway.

The staff are friendly and attentive. The ladies at the counter are described as warm and happy to talk you through the range, and one took the time to answer a string of questions. The owner is spoken of with real affection, and people say the care shows in the food. Pricing is a touch premium for some, but others reckon the quality and value stack up against what you'd find in Paris.

It's easy to get to, with free street parking nearby, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and card and mobile payments accepted. The shop is open every day, so check the hours before you head in. If you're after a proper croissant and a good coffee in Bentleigh, this is a sound place to start.