Fresh crusty bread rolls - the perfect accompaniment to a long lazy breakfast (image by K.Hopfner)
Not much can beat having some fresh crusty bread with your long lazy breakfast on a weekend morning. Whether your bread fantasy is a slice of artisan sourdough, a crusty baguette or fresh focaccia, the bakeries of Sydney have it all.
Here are my top 10 bakeries in Sydney:
Bourke Street Bakery:
633 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, T: 9699-1011
This is a Sydney institution and a mecca for baked goods. Their sausage rolls are to-die-for, especially the pork and fennel.
Iggy's Bread Down Under:
49 Blegrave Street, Bronte, T: 9369-1650
On a Saturday morning, there is always a line a mile long leading to Iggy's, so don't bother coming down after lunchtime as there won't be much left. Exceptional sourdough that is chewy, sour and sweet.
Village Bakery:
179 Victoria Road, Drummoyne, T 9181 4046
This is a lunchtime favourite for the local crowd, often queuing for the organic, specialty grain breads. Village Bakery specialises in organic gluten-free spelt, rice and potato flour bread options. Make sure you try the Banh Mi (Vietnamese Pork Roll).
Sonoma Baking Company:
2/9 Danks Street, Waterloo, T: 9699 1920
Sonoma Baking Company specialise in - and are famous for - artisan sourdough, as well as white and spelt loaves and a range of pastries. Try the Sonoma mission loaf, made using a wet batter making the bread extra chewy with a sticky caramelised crust.
Le Pain Quotidien:
Corner Fitzroy & Bourke Streets, Surry HIlls, T: 9360 8460
This bakery is in a large and airy warehouse location which functions both as a bakery and cafe. The bread has a thick crust, is dense and chewy, with artisan style variations. Check out the hefty rye loaf, weighing in at 2 kilograms.
Brasserie Bread:
1737 Botany Road, Banksmeadow, T: 1300 966 845
With award-winning bread, it's worth the trek to Brasserie Bread - even if only to smell the delicious aroma of fresh bread and watch the bakers at work from the viewing gallery. While you're there, try the caramelised garlic loaf or the signature French mountain bread (miche). Brasserie Bread also offer baking classes.
Luigi's Bakery:
396 New Canterbury Road, Dulwich Hill, T: 9560 5008
Luigi's is a truly local bakery, where you'll find the locals of Dulwich Hill doing the bread-run very early in the morning and leaving with their arms full of fresh ciabatta, polenta bread and a variety of rolls and bread rings dusted in semolina and other flours.
St Honore Sourdough Bakery:
Shop 2, 40 Miller Street, North Sydney, T: 9929-4388
People come from all over Sydney for the popular organic loaves, wholewheat batards and levain. Apparently, the sourdough is so good people are buying in bulk and freezing it for a mid-week indulgence.
Central Baking Depot:
37-39 Erskine Street, Sydney CBD, T: 9290-2229
Central Baking Depot is a close relative to the Bourke Street Bakery and gives city crowds a chance at having some gourmet bread for their rushed office lunches. Try their linseed and honey loaf, or the apple sourdough.
Bowan Island Bakery:
183 Victoria Road, Drummoyne, T: 9181 3524
Specialising in Irish soda breads, Bowen Island Bakery is Sydney's oldest organic and sourdough bakery. They also do divine Turkish and ciabatta breads and offer gluten free options. Try the walnut version of the 'Ireland'.
