Best Bakeries in Sydney: Sourdough, Pastries and Pies

Sydney wakes up to the smell of butter, coffee and warm bread. The city’s bakers start before sunrise, shaping crusty sourdoughs, layering pastry for flaky croissants, and crimping pies that steam as soon as you crack the lid. Whether you are hunting down a life-changing loaf or planning a pastry crawl between beaches and inner-city laneways, this guide to the best bakeries in Sydney will set your itinerary, tempt your taste buds and help you order like a local.

Below you will find a curated hit list of can’t-miss bakeries for sourdough, pastries and pies, practical tips for timing your visit, where to find gluten-free and vegan options, and suggested routes for a delicious day out. Pack your appetite and arrive hungry.

Why Sydney Is A World-Class Bakery City

Sydney blends European technique with Australian produce and an adventurous palate. Local flour and butter meet tropical fruit, native wattleseed and international influences from Portuguese to Middle Eastern baking. The result is a bakery scene where you can buy a classic baguette, a pastel de nata, an Australian lamington and a contemporary laminated pie, all on the same street.

What sets Sydney’s best bakeries apart:

• Sourdough commitment, long ferments for deeper flavor and better digestibility.
• Lamination expertise, exacting technique that creates shattering layers in croissants and danishes.
• Seasonality, menus change with fruit and farm deliveries.
• Community, many bakeries underpin neighborhood morning rituals, from coffee queues to weekend markets.
• Creativity, modern twists like cube croissants, pistachio scrolls and layered pies that still honor the classics.

How We Chose The Best Bakeries

To build this Sydney bakery guide, we looked for spots that consistently deliver on taste, craft and experience. Each bakery on this list excels in at least two of the three pillars, sourdough, pastries and pies.

Selection criteria:

1. Bread craft, flavor, crust and crumb quality, wholegrain options.
2. Pastry technique, lamination, custard and seasonal fruit.
3. Pies and savories, from sausage rolls to classic Australian pies.
4. Consistency, quality across locations and over time.
5. Value, fair pricing for the quality and portion.
6. Atmosphere, friendly service and a sense of place.
7. Accessibility, multiple locations or reasonable queues, plus dietary options where possible.

Pro tip, many bakeries sell out by late morning on weekends. If you have a must-eat list, go early or pre-order when available.

The 16 Best Bakeries in Sydney

Bourke Street Bakery, the neighborhood icon

Surry Hills and across Sydney

The benchmark for Sydney bakery culture. What began as a humble corner shop in Surry Hills became the blueprint for the city’s love affair with good bread and pastry. Expect lines, warm service and time-tested classics.

Best for

• Golden sausage rolls and quiches that define comfort.
• Rustic sourdough loaves and seeded breads.
• Old-school sweets with finesse.

What to order

• Pork and fennel sausage roll
• Ginger brûlée tart
• Olive and rosemary sourdough
• Carrot cake or lemon curd tart

When to go, mornings for the freshest pastry selection and the shortest queue.

Insider tip, grab a loaf and a tart, then wander to a nearby park with a coffee.

Iggy’s Bread, the cult sourdough

Bronte

Iggy’s is the pilgrimage for crust lovers. The loaves are deeply caramelised with lively, open crumb and a tang that speaks to patient fermentation. Expect a queue and a bag of warm bread that perfumes the car the whole way home.

Best for

• World-class country loaves and baguettes.
• Simplicity at its peak.

What to order

• Country sourdough
• Baguette
• A seasonal pastry if you see one

When to go, as early as you can on weekends. They sell out.

Insider tip, slice and freeze the loaf the day you buy it if you will not finish it in two days.

Brickfields, Mediterranean mood and meticulous baking

Chippendale

A Sydney favorite where bread supports a menu of imaginative sandwiches and pastries with Middle Eastern tilt. Espresso is excellent, the vibe is urban and warm.

Best for

• Sourdough and seeded loaves with a distinct flavor profile.
• Small but perfect pastry range.

What to order

• Brickfields sourdough
• Pistachio and rose cake
• Ricotta and honey tart
• A sandwich on house bread

When to go, brunch hours for a seat, or takeaway early.

Insider tip, ask what is just out of the oven. Timing your order around fresh bakes pays off.

Flour and Stone, the sweetheart of Woolloomooloo

Woolloomooloo

Romantic, charming and laser focused on flavor. Flour and Stone is where butter is a love language and cakes feel like a celebration of ordinary mornings. The pastry case is classic Sydney.

Best for

• Signature cakes and heavenly lamingtons.
• Comforting pies and buttery pastries.

What to order

• Panna cotta lamington
• Beef pie or chicken pie
• Croissant
• Raspberry and almond tart

When to go, mid-morning for full selection without peak rush.

Insider tip, pre-order whole cakes for birthdays and picnics by the Domain.

Sonoma, the dependable artisan

Various Sydney suburbs

Sonoma helped define the city’s bread boom. With cafés across Sydney, it is the reliable choice for quality loaves, very good coffee and pastries that hit the spot.

Best for

• Everyday sourdough that still excites.
• Brunch staples and pastries in multiple suburbs.

What to order

• Miche or country sourdough
• Fruit loaf
• Almond croissant
• Breakfast roll on house bread

When to go, anytime. Supply is steady across the day.

Insider tip, Sonoma’s fruit loaf makes an incredible base for French toast.

Black Star Pastry, the cake celebrity

Newtown, Rosebery, CBD and more

Black Star put Sydney on Instagram before food was an algorithm. The famous Strawberry Watermelon Cake is still a must-try, layered with rose-scented cream and melon freshness. Savory options are limited, but for cakes and sweet pastries, you are in safe hands.

Best for

• Iconic cakes with visual drama.
• Seasonal sweets that balance sugar with fruit and texture.

What to order

• Strawberry Watermelon Cake
• Orange and Persian Love Cake
• Pain au chocolat

When to go, afternoon sweet fix or mid-morning treat.

Insider tip, share slices so you can try more than one cake.

Lode Pies & Pastries, the laminated pie revolution

Surry Hills

Lode is where pastry technique meets Aussie pie culture. The pies are encased in laminated dough, an irresistible hybrid of croissant and classic pie that crackles when you bite. Sweets are refined, modern and not too sweet.

Best for

• Next-level pies and exquisite viennoiserie.
• A culinary experience that feels special even on a weekday.

What to order

• Beef and mushroom laminated pie
• Chicken and leek pie
• Pistachio scroll
• Seasonal fruit tart

When to go, early lunch. Pies can sell out by early afternoon.

Insider tip, take two pies, one to eat hot and one to reheat for dinner.

A.P. Bakery, wholegrain wizardry with city views

Surry Hills

Perched above the city at the Paramount rooftop, A.P. brings a wholegrain mindset to modern baking without sacrificing indulgence. Expect deep flavors, creative bakes and superb coffee.

Best for

• Hearty loaves with character and complexity.
• Savories that travel well and satisfy.

What to order

• Wholegrain miche
• Morning bun
• Hash brown sandwich or egg roll
• Chocolate chip cookie with a salty edge

When to go, breakfast on the rooftop is a Sydney moment.

Insider tip, wholegrain loaves keep beautifully. Save some for day three toast.

Sweet Belem, Sydney’s pastel de nata destination

Petersham

The Inner West’s Portuguese heart beats at Sweet Belem. These custard tarts are burnished on top, flaky underneath and just the right amount of sweet. The queue moves fast and the reward is instant.

Best for

• Pastel de nata perfection.
• Portuguese classics like custard-filled doughnuts and savory pastries.

What to order

• Pastel de nata, buy at least four
• Portuguese custard doughnut
• Chouriço bread if available

When to go, mornings and early afternoons. Tarts are best warm.

Insider tip, sprinkle a little cinnamon for the full Lisbon experience.

Tuga Pastries, butter-rich and joyful

Alexandria and additional outposts

Tuga is a love letter to butter, sugar and the art of flaky pastry. The counter gleams with croissants, custard tarts and eye-catching specials, and the vibe is cheerful and fast-paced.

Best for

• Traditional and playful Portuguese-inspired pastries.
• Easy parking and coffee to-go in Alexandria.

What to order

• Pastel de nata
• Twice-baked almond croissant
• Savory pastry with cheese and ham

When to go, morning for full trays and strong coffee.

Insider tip, grab a box for the office. You will become very popular.

Rollers Bakehouse, beachside croissant creativity

Manly

Just off the sand, Rollers pairs ocean air with inventive bakers who think beyond butter and sugar. Expect flavor bombs and playful designs that still respect technique.

Best for

• Croissants that push boundaries, sweet and savory.
• Beach-brunch energy.

What to order

• Jalapeño and cheddar croissant
• Miso caramel cruffin
• Classic butter croissant for comparison

When to go, post-swim breakfast or late-morning treat.

Insider tip, take your pastry to the beach but keep it shaded. Butter melts fast in the Manly sun.

Berkelo, Northern Beaches sourdough with soul

Brookvale, Manly and more

From a microbakery to a community staple, Berkelo champions local grain, long ferments and nourishing bakes. It is the kind of place locals visit daily and visitors plan detours for.

Best for

• Sourdough with depth and wholegrain character.
• Family-friendly bakes that still feel artisan.

What to order

• Classic sourdough
• Seeded loaf
• Cinnamon scroll
• Seasonal danish

When to go, mornings for pastries, any time for bread.

Insider tip, Berkelo bread freezes particularly well. Slice thick for toast.

La Renaissance Patisserie, French elegance in The Rocks

The Rocks

A longstanding patisserie that brings Parisian classics to Sydney’s historic quarter. Beautiful cakes, crisp pastry and a courtyard made for lingering.

Best for

• French patisserie, opera cakes and fruit tarts.
• Prettily boxed treats to gift or picnic with.

What to order

• Opera cake
• Mille-feuille
• Butter croissant

When to go, morning coffee and a pastry before exploring The Rocks.

Insider tip, take a box of petits gâteaux to enjoy by the harbour.

Pasticceria Papa, ricotta royalty

Haberfield, Five Dock, Bondi

Sydney’s Little Italy is full of pastry, and Papa is the name locals swear by for ricotta desserts. Savories are hearty, cakes are generous and the ricotta is legendary.

Best for

• Signature baked ricotta cheesecake.
• Cannoli and Italian biscuits for the road.

What to order

• Baked ricotta cheesecake, original or chocolate chip
• Cannoli with ricotta filling
• Savory pastries like spinach and ricotta pastizzi

When to go, afternoons for dessert cravings.

Insider tip, the cheesecake travels very well. Perfect souvenir for dinner hosts.

Textbook Boulangerie-Patisserie, lamination masterclass

Alexandria

A workshop of butter and precision, Textbook is where pastry geeks geek out and everyone else simply enjoys perfect layers. Expect seasonal creations that look as good as they taste.

Best for

• Flaky, impeccably layered croissants and specials.
• Picture-perfect entremets and tarts.

What to order

• Butter croissant
• Kouign amann
• Seasonal fruit tart
• Chocolate eclair

When to go, early. Croissants sell quickly on weekends.

Insider tip, if you love pastry, buy an extra croissant to compare day one and day two textures.

Wholegreen Bakery, 100 percent gluten free

Waverley and Sydney CBD

A game changer for gluten-free eaters and a pleasant surprise for everyone else, Wholegreen makes pies, breads and pastries that stand up to traditional counterparts. It is a rare bakery where dietary needs take center stage without compromise.

Best for

• Gluten-free pies, sausage rolls, bread and sweets.
• Inclusive eating where the quality is the headline.

What to order

• Classic beef pie
• Sausage roll
• Sourdough-style GF loaf
• Lamington

When to go, lunchtime for hot pies and rolls.

Insider tip, check the daily specials on social media before you go.

The Best Sourdough In Sydney

Bread is the backbone of this city’s bakery culture. If sourdough is your priority, these bakeries lead the pack, each with a distinct style.

Top picks for sourdough

• Iggy’s Bread, deeply caramelised crust, lively tang, excellent keeping quality.
• Sonoma, consistently great everyday loaves, accessible across suburbs.
• A.P. Bakery, wholegrain-forward loaves with complex flavor and fantastic toast.
• Brickfields, house sourdough and baguettes that shine in sandwiches.
• Berkelo, nourishing, flavor-rich loaves with strong farmer relationships.

How to choose by style

• Bold and tangy, Iggy’s or A.P.
• Gentle and versatile, Sonoma or Berkelo.
• Best baguette feels, Brickfields.

Bread care tips

• Same day, enjoy slices with salted butter and a crisp salad.
• Day two, toast liberally to reawaken the crumb.
• Freezing, slice before freezing, then toast straight from frozen.
• Storage, store cut-side down on a board or in a paper bag, avoid the fridge.

Pairings to try

• Olive sourdough with marinated feta and heirloom tomatoes.
• Wholegrain miche with smoked salmon, lemon and dill.
• Fruit loaf with cultured butter and a sprinkle of flaky salt.

The Best Pastries In Sydney

Croissants, danishes, tarts and modern inventions are everywhere in Sydney. For butter bliss and flaky layers, start with these pastry specialists.

Where to go for pastry

• Textbook Boulangerie-Patisserie, benchmark croissants and seasonal tarts.
• Rollers Bakehouse, creative croissants by the beach, from savory spice to caramel swirls.
• Flour and Stone, croissants and lamingtons that taste like a hug.
• La Renaissance, classic French pastries that transport you to Paris.
• Lode Pies & Pastries, laminated pies plus sleek sweets.
• Tuga Pastries and Sweet Belem, Portuguese custard tarts that vanish in two bites.
• Banksia Bakehouse, CBD favorite for cube croissants and playful seasonal bakes.

How to order like a pro

• Buy a classic butter croissant plus one special to benchmark the bakery.
• Ask which pastry just came out of the oven.
• Split pastries so you can sample more without hitting a sugar wall.

Timing matters

• Croissants peak within hours of baking. Morning arrivals reap the flakiest layers.
• Afternoon is great for cake and tarts when you want a sugary pick-me-up.

The Best Pies In Sydney

From tradie fuel to date-worthy comfort, pies are a Sydney staple. These bakeries are your destination for the perfect crust and filling.

Pie powerhouses

• Lode Pies & Pastries, laminated pastry turns every bite into a crisp, buttery marvel.
• Flour and Stone, homestyle fillings with golden lids, ideal with a side salad.
• Bourke Street Bakery, iconic sausage rolls and seasonal pies that never disappoint.
• Wholegreen Bakery, gluten-free pies that satisfy even the pastry purists.
• The Pie Tin, Newtown favorite for both sweet and savory pies in generous portions.

What to look for in a great pie

• Sound, the lid should crackle when cut.
• Balance, rich but not greasy, flavorful filling without soggy bottom.
• Ratio, equal respect for pastry and filling.

Reheating tips

• Oven only, 180 C for 10 to 15 minutes restores crispness.
• Avoid microwaves, they soften the pastry.

Sydney Bakery Itineraries By Neighborhood

Short on time or planning a delicious day out. Use these mini itineraries to explore the best bakeries in Sydney by area.

Eastern Suburbs morning

1. Sunrise swim at Bronte Beach.
2. Iggy’s Bread for a warm sourdough, grab butter and olives from a nearby deli.
3. Tuga Pastries for pastel de nata and a coffee.
4. Head to Centennial Park for a picnic breakfast.

CBD and The Rocks sweet stroll

1. Start at La Renaissance in The Rocks for a croissant and espresso.
2. Wander the laneways and heritage buildings.
3. Swing by Banksia Bakehouse in the CBD for a cube pastry.
4. Finish with Black Star Pastry’s Strawberry Watermelon Cake at their city store.

Inner City pastry trail

1. Brickfields in Chippendale for a pastry and baguette to go.
2. A.P. Bakery rooftop for a morning bun and incredible city views.
3. Lode Pies & Pastries in Surry Hills for a laminated pie lunch.
4. Flour and Stone for a panna cotta lamington dessert.

Northern Beaches bread and beach

1. Browse the surf at Manly, then Rollers Bakehouse for a croissant.
2. Berkelo in Brookvale for a loaf to take home.
3. Sunset picnic with fresh bread, cheese and fruit by the water.

Inner West custard crawl

1. Sweet Belem in Petersham for warm pastel de nata.
2. Continue to Pasticceria Papa in Haberfield for ricotta cheesecake.
3. End with a walk in nearby parks to recover from dessert bliss.

Practical Tips For Visiting Sydney Bakeries

• Go early, the best selection is in the morning, especially on weekends.
• Weekdays are calmer, lines are shorter and staff have more time to chat.
• Pre-order when you can, whole cakes, special loaves and large pie orders often need notice.
• Bring a tote, pastries and bread travel better in a sturdy bag.
• Payment, most places take cards first, small independent bakeries may prefer cashless.
• Weather check, if you plan a beach or park picnic, avoid direct sun on buttery pastries.
• Parking and transport, inner-city bakeries are easiest by foot or public transport, suburban stars often have street parking.

Dietary Needs: Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Sydney’s best bakeries are increasingly inclusive, and there are dedicated spots for those with dietary requirements.

Gluten-free standouts

• Wholegreen Bakery, entirely gluten free with excellent pies, loaves and sweets.
• Nonie’s (stockists and markets), beloved for gluten-free sourdough and seedy loaves. Check their website for retail partners.
• Nutie Donuts, gluten-free donuts and baked treats, handy for sweet cravings.

Vegan-friendly tips

• Many bakeries offer at least one vegan pastry or bread. Ask staff for the day’s options.
• Look for fruit-based tarts, dark chocolate items and breads made without dairy.

Allergen advice

• Always ask about nuts, sesame and dairy, recipes change with the seasons.
• Cross-contamination can occur in mixed bakeries. Dedicated gluten-free bakeries are safest for coeliac diners.

Storing, Reheating and Maximising Flavor

Bread and pastry are at their peak fresh, but a few tricks will extend the enjoyment.

Bread

• Same day, store cut side down on a board.
• Next days, paper bag or bread box, never the fridge.
• Freezing, slice loaf, wrap well and toast from frozen.

Croissants and pastries

• Re-crisping, warm in a 160 to 170 C oven for 5 to 8 minutes.
• Avoid microwaves, they make layers rubbery.
• Syrupy or custard items are best eaten the day of purchase.

Pies and sausage rolls

• Reheat in the oven only.
• If reheating from chilled, cover loosely with foil for the first half to prevent over-browning.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Sydney Bakeries

• Early morning, peak for croissants and danishes.
• Mid-morning to lunch, pies and sandwiches are hot and plentiful.
• Afternoon, cakes and tarts shine, but bread selection may be slim.
• Weekends, arrive early and expect lines at the most popular spots.

Seasonal highlights

• Summer, fruit tarts, danishes and light cakes star.
• Winter, rich pies, custards and spiced treats make the queue worth it.
• Holidays, Easter and Christmas bring special bakes, pre-order early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the best sourdough in Sydney?

• Start with Iggy’s Bread, A.P. Bakery, Sonoma, Brickfields and Berkelo. Each has a loyal following and a signature style.

What is the must-try pastry in Sydney?

• The Strawberry Watermelon Cake at Black Star is iconic, but a butter croissant from Textbook or a pastel de nata from Sweet Belem delivers pure bakery joy.

Which bakery has the best pies?

• Lode for laminated pastry pies, Flour and Stone for homestyle classics, and Wholegreen for gluten-free excellence.

Can I do a bakery crawl by public transport?

• Yes. The CBD, Surry Hills, Chippendale and The Rocks are walkable and connected by trains and light rail. Manly is a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay.

Do Sydney bakeries do custom cakes or large orders?

• Many do. Place orders at least 48 to 72 hours ahead for whole cakes, dessert boxes and event trays. Check each bakery’s website for lead times.

How much should I budget?

• Pastries, 5 to 12 AUD each depending on complexity. Pies and sausage rolls, roughly 6 to 14 AUD. Artisan loaves, 7 to 15 AUD. Prices vary and can change.

Do these bakeries offer coffee?

• Most do, and many serve excellent espresso. For rooftop views and coffee, A.P. Bakery is a standout. Brickfields and Sonoma are also strong.

Are there baking classes?

• Some bakeries and independent schools host occasional classes. Watch bakery newsletters and social feeds for announcements.

Responsible Tasting and Local Etiquette

• Queue with patience, popular bakeries move fast despite the line.
• Order confidently, but ask for recommendations, staff love guiding first-timers.
• Take rubbish with you if picnicking, and feed the birds nothing, pastry flakes are not bird food.
• Share, the best way to taste a city is with friends and a small army of forks.

The Bottom Line: Your Sydney Bakery Playbook

Sydney’s best bakeries make you slow down and savor. From the shattering crust of an Iggy’s loaf to the refined layers at Textbook, from the joy of a warm pastel de nata at Sweet Belem to a lunch of Lode’s laminated pie, you are never far from something worth crossing town for. Map a morning around sourdough, plan an afternoon pastry break in The Rocks, or build a weekend itinerary that moves from beach to bakery and back again.

If you are short on time, here is a simple starter plan:

• Bread, Iggy’s or A.P. Bakery.
• Pastry, Textbook or Rollers.
• Pie, Lode or Flour and Stone.
• Dessert, Black Star or Pasticceria Papa.
• Gluten free, Wholegreen.

Arrive early, bring a tote and a few friends, and let Sydney’s ovens guide your day. Your only challenge is choosing what to eat first.