Heart Bakes

Anyone hunting for a proper cinnamon scroll in Port Melbourne ends up at Heart Bakes sooner or later. It's a cosy corner cafe-bakery on a quiet side street, away from the main drag, and the scrolls are what built its name. We hear they're baked in smaller fresh batches through the morning rather than one big tray, so there's often a batch just out of the oven and a warm, buttery smell greeting you at the door. Locals describe them as soft, fluffy and not too sweet, with a good hit of spice. Tiramisu and garlic scrolls turn up too, and one customer loves the garlic one for being properly loaded.

The scrolls are only part of it. The counter carries cookies, cakes, banana bread and other sweet treats, and the savoury side gets real praise: a chicken sandwich one local called the best they'd had lately, a breakfast burger, a Reuben, and a bacon and egg muffin. The coffee gets good marks too, and the cafe works for a quick takeaway or a proper sit-down with breakfast, brunch or lunch.

Heart Bakes also takes custom cake orders. One regular had a giant version of the carrot cake made for a family birthday, extra icing included, and came away delighted. Staff are friendly and obliging, which keeps customers returning.

It's popular, especially on weekend mornings. Expect a queue that moves quickly, and limited seating when it's busy, so some people take their scroll to the park nearby. Outdoor seating, kid-friendly space and wheelchair-accessible entry and seating are all there, and dogs are welcome (there are even dog cookies at the counter). One visitor found it a touch overhyped and pricey, but most locals think the hype is deserved.

Hours run through to mid-afternoon every day, so it's best for a morning or lunch visit. Check the times before heading over.