Keilor has a desserts scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs affordable, diverse, developing — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every desserts spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.
Expect to pay $18-32 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you gelato, the higher end gets you tiramisu done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. River’s — 350 Collins Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm Price: $20-38 per person
River’s is the benchmark for desserts in Keilor. The churros is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The pavlova 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 chocolate fondant ($20) as a main, plus lemon tart to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Zara — 249 West Avenue
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $17-29 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than River’s but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The tiramisu 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 gelato ($17). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. The Good Cellar — 258 Elm Street
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $18-33 per person
The Good Cellar 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 pavlova ($25) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the lemon tart ($26) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Theo — 308 Plenty Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $21-39 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Theo 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 Keilor. The churros ($21) is the standout.
5. Nell — 40 West Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $23-38 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The tiramisu ($26) and the gelato ($23) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a desserts place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| River’s | Overall best | $20-38 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| Zara | Locals’ favourite | $17-29 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| The Good Cellar | New opening | $18-33 | Yes, via website |
| Theo | Best takeaway | $21-39 | Counter service |
| Nell | All-rounder | $23-38 | Recommended weekends |
Desserts Price Guide — Keilor
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8-14 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $18-32 | 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 King Parade is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Keilor.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Theo and River’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
- Melbourne CBD Desserts
- Melbourne CBD Desserts
- Keilor Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Keilor Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Keilor Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pizza in Keilor
- Best Thai in Keilor
- Best Japanese in Keilor
- Best Italian in Keilor
- Best Vegan in Keilor
Useful tools:
Best Dessert Spots
Sweet Lulu’s
Sweet Lulu’s is the Keilor Village pick when you want dessert to feel like a cafe stop rather than a quick counter purchase. Order it for brunch-style sweets, coffee, and a sit-down atmosphere that works well after a walk around the village strip.
Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse Keilor Village
Ferguson Plarre is the dependable local option for cupcakes, slices, celebration cakes, and last-minute sweet runs. It is especially useful when you need something portable for a family visit, school event, or birthday without driving out of Keilor.
Bonbons Bakery Keilor Central
Bonbons Bakery is the Keilor Central option for Asian and Western-style baked sweets, cakes, drinks, and grab-and-go treats. It suits shopping-centre dessert runs: quick, practical, and easy to pair with groceries or errands.
Tiana Bakery
Tiana Bakery in Keilor East is a low-key bakery stop for classic sweets, pastries, and takeaway baked goods. It is the sort of place to use when you want something simple and local rather than a plated dessert bar.
Lai Bakery and Cafe
Lai Bakery and Cafe is another Keilor East bakery worth keeping in the rotation for coffee-and-cake style visits. Go early in the day for the best choice, especially if you are picking up sweets for a group.
Local Tips
Keilor’s dessert scene is strongest for bakeries, cafes, and takeaway sweets, not late-night dessert lounges. If you want the best range, plan around morning and afternoon trading rather than assuming everything will be open after dinner.
Keilor Village is the easiest sweet stop if you want a sit-down coffee with dessert. Keilor Central is better when convenience matters, especially for families combining dessert with shopping.
For birthdays and family gatherings, order ahead instead of relying on the display cabinet. Local bakeries can sell through popular cakes and cupcakes quickly around weekends, school events, and public holidays.
If you are comparing options, think by occasion: Sweet Lulu’s for a cafe catch-up, Ferguson Plarre for reliable cakes, Bonbons for shopping-centre convenience, and the Keilor East bakeries for everyday takeaway sweets.
FAQ
Q: What is the best dessert place in Keilor for a birthday cake? A: Ferguson Plarre Keilor Village is the safest choice for a mainstream birthday cake, cupcakes, or a quick celebration order.
Q: Are there good dessert options in Keilor for a casual coffee catch-up? A: Yes. Sweet Lulu’s is the best fit for a sit-down cafe dessert, while Lai Bakery and Cafe works for a more casual bakery-style stop.
Q: Where should I go for quick takeaway desserts in Keilor? A: Bonbons Bakery at Keilor Central and the Keilor East bakeries are the most practical options when you want sweets without a long dine-in meal.
