The Bakehouse Street cafe

If you're after a bakery in Rye, Victoria, The Bakehouse Street cafe is the kind of place that has people talking, and the pies are usually where the conversation starts. Locals rave about the pastry being light and flaky, the fillings generous and the pies hot from the warmer. Curry pie fans, take note: we've heard it can sell out when the place is busy, so don't leave it too late. One visitor said the curry pie was as good as you get anywhere, even when they dropped in close to closing.

Pies are only part of the story. Sausage rolls and pasties get regular mentions, and there's a decent run of sandwiches, wraps and bread rolls for a proper lunch. A chicken roti wrap, toasted crisp rather than soggy, has its fans, and one visitor was won over by a garlic prawn pie. On the sweeter side, people talk about the vanilla slice, a very apple-packed apple cake, carrot cake and a Tim Tam slice. Custom cake orders are available too, so it's worth asking if you've an occasion coming up.

It's a proper bakery cafe, not just a grab-and-go counter. You can dine in at the cosy indoor seating or take your order away, and breakfast and coffee are on offer. The coffee gets plenty of praise, with a barista who clearly knows the craft and the odd bit of latte art to finish. The bakery is across the road from Rye Pier, so it's handy before or after a walk by the water.

What keeps people coming back is the welcome. The staff are friendly and the owners are described as lovely people who feel like part of the community. Prices are considered fair for the quality and portion sizes, so it feels like good value. Several holiday visitors went more than once during their stay, and regulars treat it as a weekly habit.

Getting there is easy, with free street parking and a free car park, plus a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. They take cards and tap-to-pay. It's open seven days, but check the hours before you head in, especially late in the afternoon when the pie warmer may be running low.