Nikos Cakes

Nikos Cakes is a Greek cake and sweet shop and cafe on Eaton Mall in Oakleigh, and locals will tell you it's the kind of place that stays busy well into the evening. The glass display cases are a big part of the appeal, packed with cakes, slices and traditional sweets, and the cafe behind them serves coffee alongside a wide spread of desserts.

The Greek classics are what people keep coming back for. Galaktoboureko, baklava, spanakopita and the continental cakes get plenty of praise, and one local called the sweets beautifully made and absolutely divine. There's also a chicken and mushroom pie for something savoury, plus cookies and cakes for every occasion. Vegan and gluten-free options are on the menu too, and they do takeaway, delivery, catering and dine-in, with seating inside and out.

Custom cakes are a big part of the business. They make birthday and wedding cakes to order, and the team brings over 60 years of experience in design and decorating. Their showroom displays the cake designs, which helps if you're planning something special. We've heard one customer had a mix-up with the writing on a plaque, and the team sent a replacement to their home along with some pastries, which says a lot about how they treat people. Staff are friendly and attentive, though it gets busy enough that you shouldn't expect long chats at the counter.

Opinion is not entirely one-sided. One long-time customer felt some of the traditional pastries had shrunk in size, and another was unhappy with a custom cake order, so it's worth being clear about exactly what you want when ordering. Most people, though, describe good value, a welcoming atmosphere and a place that suits gatherings with friends and family.

Opening hours run long, from early morning until late most nights, but check the hours before you head in. If you're ordering a cake for an occasion, call ahead to confirm the design and timing with the team.