Tarts Anon

Tarts Anon is a speciality tart bakery in Collingwood, Victoria, and it calls itself "Melbourne's cult tarts." The menu is built around individual slices that change with the season. Most are sweet, with a savoury option or two in the mix. Gareth Whitton, the pastry chef behind it, brings 18+ years of experience, and that care shows in what comes out of the kitchen.

Locals tell us the shell is thin, buttery and flaky, easy to cut through, with fillings that range from the familiar to the adventurous. The pecan and lemon tarts get plenty of mentions as best sellers, and the pistachio tart and pecan pie come up too. Others rave about the cherry, mulled wine and gingerbread slices, a pandan and coconut tart someone took nearly twenty minutes to finish, and an espresso and hazelnut brulee that balances rich and creamy with real coffee flavour. It's also known for pies, and savoury tarts are part of the rotation. Not every flavour lands with everyone, and one local found a particular passionfruit pairing a bit one-sided, but the general feeling is that this is a bakery worth trying.

There's coffee and chai on the menu as well, including a citrus cold brew people like. The Collingwood shop is small and tucked inside another retail space, with a slightly industrial feel and a casual outdoor seating setup. Service is friendly and quick. Takeaway is popular, and dine-in, delivery and catering for events, corporate functions and weddings are all available, plus custom cake orders. Street parking is free nearby, and they take cards and mobile payments.

A few practical notes. Tarts are on the upmarket side, and one local called them pricey, though most felt they were worth it. Popular flavours can sell out, so going earlier in the day is the safer bet. Opening hours are limited and the shop is closed early in the week, so check before you head in.