Bobby’s Bakery

Bobby's Bakery is a small, no-fuss bakery in North Melbourne, and the pastry case is the reason people make the trip. The shop's own line is "high quality bakery products without the hype", and that's roughly the feel: simple, a little cosy, with a few small seats if you want to stay a while.

Locals come back for the viennoiserie. The cinnamon star comes up constantly, a pull-apart, crisp-edged, buttery thing dusted in cinnamon sugar that isn't too sweet. The everything croissant is the other big recommendation, and the almond croissant impresses with its crunch, flavour and texture. There are also danishes in flavours such as tomato pesto cheese, mango passionfruit and apple crumble. People who've tried the plain croissant call it delicate, buttery and nicely layered.

On the savoury side, the Cornish pasties are a draw in their own right, with traditional, curry and cheddar versions, plus vegetable pasties and a chilli cheese fougasse. Sourdough is part of the line-up too, and it's a pie-and-pasty kind of place that has a reputation for fair prices. Everything is baked fresh, so arriving earlier in the day gives you the widest choice. One visitor who turned up close to closing found the selection a bit thin.

Coffee is on offer too, from Allpress and Clark St Coffee Roasters, and one local called it excellent on a blustery Melbourne day. Takeaway is popular, particularly for lunches. The staff are described as friendly and efficient, and one person who'd been braced for a cool welcome found the opposite.

On the practical side, it's not right beside public transport, but there's free street parking nearby, and the entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible. They take cards and tap-and-pay. It's worth checking the hours before you head in.