Meadow Heights has a bakeries 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 bakeries 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 sourdough, the higher end gets you croissant done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. Zara Place — 25 Henry Parade
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $24-33 per person
Zara Place is the benchmark for bakeries in Meadow Heights. 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 ($24) as a main, plus cinnamon scroll to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Nell Bench — 267 Bell Terrace
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm Price: $16-34 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Zara Place 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 ($16). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Cleo Union — 114 Beach Road
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $17-32 per person
Cleo Union 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 ($21) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the cinnamon scroll ($23) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Mabel’s — 187 Willow Parade
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm Price: $17-35 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Mabel’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 Meadow Heights. The danish pastry ($17) is the standout.
5. The Sunny Room — 309 Queen Place
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $22-34 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The croissant ($28) and the sourdough ($20) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a bakeries place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zara Place | Overall best | $24-33 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| Nell Bench | Locals’ favourite | $16-34 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Cleo Union | New opening | $17-32 | Yes, via website |
| Mabel’s | Best takeaway | $17-35 | Counter service |
| The Sunny Room | All-rounder | $22-34 | Recommended weekends |
Bakeries Price Guide — Meadow Heights
| 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 Queen Place is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Meadow Heights.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Mabel’s and Zara Place 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
- South Morang Bakeries
- Mill Park Bakeries
- Meadow Heights Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Meadow Heights Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Meadow Heights Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pizza in Meadow Heights
- Best Thai in Meadow Heights
- Best Japanese in Meadow Heights
- Best Italian in Meadow Heights
- Best Vegan in Meadow Heights
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed