Laurent Bakery

Laurent Bakery in East Melbourne is part of a French bakery group with a string of shops across Melbourne, and its signature is the Levain sourdough range, made from a starter first created over 25 years ago. If you're after a loaf to take home, the takeaway bread selection is a good reason to call in, and sourdough is a core part of the offer.

Locals also know it for pies. One person raved about a chicken and leek pie alongside a good latte, and the cake cabinet clearly stops people in their tracks. Croissants come up often, including a well-loved almond one and a ham and cheese version, and the sandwiches and quiche get plenty of praise too. The pulled pork sandwich has its fans, and so does the quiche Lorraine. If you're here for something sweet, eclairs and French-style desserts fill the cabinet, though one visitor found an eclair a bit dry, so it pays to pick with your eyes open.

It works for a sit-down or a quick stop. There's dine-in, takeaway, in-store pick-up and delivery, plus coffee and breakfast, and the entrance is wheelchair-accessible. Cards and mobile payments are accepted. Catering and custom cake orders are on the list as well, so it can suit a gathering as well as a morning coffee run. Someone on holiday called brunch here a highlight, and a regular on a walking route calls it a handy coffee stop with the odd queue at busy times.

Helpful staff get plenty of mentions, but we've heard a few grumbles about inconsistent service, coffee that doesn't always hit the mark, and prices that run on the higher side for some. Others find the food good value for the quality. It seems to depend a fair bit on the day and the order, and the pastries and pies are where it tends to shine.

The shop is open seven days a week with long daytime hours, but it's worth checking before a public holiday trip.