Prahran Bakery

If you're after a bakery in Prahran, Victoria, this is one that locals tend to bring up with affection. It has the feel of a proper neighbourhood bakery: a steady stream of people through the door, a counter full of fresh bread, pastries and pies, and a team behind it that comes across as warm and easy to chat with.

Pies are a big part of the story. The beef brisket pie gets a mention, and so do the sausage rolls, which people describe as fresh and properly satisfying. Alongside them you'll find sourdough loaves, baguettes at lunchtime, croissants, and a run of sweet things that people clearly rave about. The lemon tart and raspberry tart come up often, and one local called the raspberry tart the best they'd had, with a firm base and a firmer cream filling that does things a little differently. There's also a vanilla slice that earned the kind of praise you don't hear every day, plus mini canelés that are an easy add-on to a coffee order. Savoury fans mention the quiches too, especially the pumpkin and feta.

Value is something one customer has come back for. We've heard more than once that the prices feel fair for the quality. One local put it simply: it's the kind of bakery where you can tell the owners care about keeping things realistic and using good local ingredients.

You can eat in or take away, and there are vegan options on offer. Coffee and breakfast are on the menu as well, so it works for a morning stop as much as a lunch run. They open early on the days they trade, which suits anyone grabbing something before work, and they're closed on some days, so check the hours before heading in. Free street parking nearby makes a quick visit easier, and they take cards and mobile payments.

If you're in the area and want fresh-from-the-oven baking without the fuss, Prahran Bakery is an easy one to put on your list.