Clifton Hill has a bakeries scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs evolving, community-driven, emerging — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every bakeries spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.
Expect to pay $28-45 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you sourdough, the higher end gets you croissant done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. Ash’s — 275 Main Drive
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $20-38 per person
Ash’s is the benchmark for bakeries in Clifton Hill. The danish pastry is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The rye loaf is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.
Order this: The fruit tart ($20) as a main, plus cinnamon scroll to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Mabel’s — 23 Main Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $19-35 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Ash’s but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The croissant here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The sourdough ($19). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Iris Quarter — 105 Young Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $17-25 per person
Iris Quarter opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The rye loaf ($25) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the cinnamon scroll ($22) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Nina’s — 257 Albert Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $22-33 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Nina’s doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Clifton Hill. The danish pastry ($22) is the standout.
5. Ruby’s — 199 Main Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $15-33 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The croissant ($25) and the sourdough ($21) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a bakeries place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash’s | Overall best | $20-38 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| Mabel’s | Locals’ favourite | $19-35 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Iris Quarter | New opening | $17-25 | Yes, via website |
| Nina’s | Best takeaway | $22-33 | Counter service |
| Ruby’s | All-rounder | $15-33 | Recommended weekends |
Bakeries Price Guide — Clifton Hill
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $12-18 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $28-45 | Sit-down, proper menu, decent wine list |
| Premium | $50+ | Tasting menus, premium ingredients |
Before You Go
Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Main Drive is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Clifton Hill.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Nina’s and Ash’s are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- Fitzroy Bakeries
- Collingwood Bakeries
- Clifton Hill Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Clifton Hill Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Clifton Hill Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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- Best Pizza in Clifton Hill
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- Best Japanese in Clifton Hill
- Best Italian in Clifton Hill
- Best Vegan in Clifton Hill
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