Noisette Port Melbourne

If you're after a French-style bakery in Port Melbourne, Noisette on Bay Street is a familiar name locally, and you'll find pastries and breads on offer. The counter runs the full length of the room and is packed with pastries, gateaux and slices, with plenty of regulars among the crowd.

The croissants get a lot of love. Locals mention the plain, the almond (which comes in a regular and a mini size), the pain au chocolat and fillings like raspberry jam and pistachio. The sourdough and baguettes are a draw too, though one local found the bread selection a touch smallish compared with the pastry range. On the sweeter side, the eclairs, the Opera and the Coco Rico come up often, and there are seasonal treats such as Buche de Noel around Christmas. The chicken focaccia is a favourite for lunch.

It works for a sit-down or a quick grab. Dine-in and takeaway are both on offer, and the coffee gets consistent praise, usually hot and out promptly. The room is bright, high-ceilinged and minimalist, with outdoor seating on Bay Street if you don't mind the traffic, and air conditioning that gets a mention on a scorching day. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and many people call it good value. Free street parking nearby, a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and card and mobile payments make the visit easy.

A longtime regular feels the quality and table upkeep have slipped a little, and a couple of people find the cakes on the pricey side, so it pays to look over the counter before you choose. The sandwiches and filled rolls are also best picked when they look fresh.

Noisette is part of a small group of French bakeries serving both retail and wholesale customers, and it's open early, which suits a breakfast run before work or an early start. Check the hours before you head in.