Mawson's Bakery Cafe

Mawson's Bakery Cafe in Euroa, Victoria, is a family-owned bakery and cafe that has been serving the town for over 30 years, run by David, Gayle and Brandon. It's the sort of place travellers between Melbourne and Sydney make a point of pulling off the highway for, and it's equally a local stop for bread, pies and a decent breakfast.

They're awarded in the tagline, and the range goes well beyond the plain beef: brisket mac and cheese, jalapeno and cheese beef, Peking duck, chunky steak with bacon, Moroccan lamb, and a chicken, cranberry and brie that one visitor praised for its thin pastry letting the filling shine. The satay chicken pie gets mentioned too. One person who stopped in suggested sticking to a simple beef pie over the more adventurous pulled pork, so there's something for traditionalists as well. Sausage rolls and a vegie pastie also turn up in the praise.

On the sweet side, vanilla slice features in the display, and we've heard of people making the road trip just for it. A vanilla slice and donut hybrid sits in the cake display alongside carrot cake, a bee-sting, meringues, lamingtons and giant wagon wheels. Loaves of bread, including sourdough, are baked fresh, and custom cake orders are available if you need something for an occasion. Gluten-free and vegan options are offered too, so check with the counter on what's out on the day.

You can dine in or take away, and delivery is available. There's plenty of seating inside and out, which suits a relaxed stop with the kids or a longer breakfast or lunch. Coffee gets a mixed response: some enjoy it, others find it just okay and a little slow to arrive, though the hot chocolate and milkshakes get a better wrap. The staff come in for friendly mentions, and prices are seen as good value for the quality.

Opening hours run a little shorter on weekends, so check before you head in.