La Colmena

Spanish pastry is the whole point at La Colmena, a pastelería in South Yarra that keeps its focus on traditional recipes from across Spain. The shop calls itself an artisan pastry house, and the team's own words describe authentic pastries made with premium ingredients and family recipes, with ensaïmadas among the specialities. Cristina, the pastry chef, brings decades of experience to the work.

If you ask around, the Basque cheesecake comes up first, and it comes up a lot. One local described a dark, caramelised top with a slight bitterness that balances a creamy, almost custardy centre. A Spanish visitor was happy to see it done properly, and another person who knows the San Sebastián original said this one holds its own against it. The ensaimada appears on the menu alongside chocolate palmeras, pionono, and the roscón de reyes when it's in season. Locals say the pastry is flaky and everything tastes freshly baked, the sort of range that feels chosen with care rather than stocked to fill a counter.

It's takeaway and dine-in, and cards and tap-to-pay are fine. Custom cakes are also on the list, and one local organised a cheesecake pick-up ahead of time for a birthday and said the family went back for seconds. Staff are friendly, and the sourdough gets a mention for anyone who wants bread alongside the sweets.

The prices aren't the cheapest, and one person felt they were high for a market stall. Others said it was worth every cent, and most seem to agree the quality justifies it.

Hours vary through the week and the shop is closed a couple of days, so check before you head in. For a proper taste of Spain in South Yarra, start with the cheesecake and add a palmera or an ensaimada.