Dana Patisserie — Restaurant in Melbourne

Phenomenal world-class patisserie right here in Balaclava

Dana Patisserie is easily my favourite patisserie. I've lived in various parts of the US and Australia; and traveled to other countries. As a pastry and cake lover I've sampled wonderful baked goods from bakeries, including French patisseries, in many places. Dana's cakes and pastries are the best I've had - they are sensational. And they're local!

I never liked danishes until I had one of Dana's and realized I'd never had a real danish before. Buttery, light flakiness in the crust and gorgeous, fresh fillings to perfection. Their danishes and other treats are now all favourites with my morning coffee - they are a sunny, indulgent spot in moderation for me as I work from home, and I love to order them as gifts for others.

It's easy to tell from the quality and artistry of Dana's offerings that Dana is a master baker, and she and her team are meticulous about top ingredients, technique, texture and flavor. Their pastries and cakes are never greasy, heavy or overdone, but simply beautiful.

During COVID, I order a variety of cakes and pastries in advance and freeze ahead. Almost all their things freeze very well and are wonderful freshened up in the oven - their danishes taste even better recrisped in the oven. They deliver on Fridays now, which is so helpful and community-minded during lockdown. Their prices are extremely reasonable for their very high quality. It's common to see substantially higher prices being charged elsewhere for inferior, greasy goods. Dana and Yoni are also so friendly and helpful.

Run, don't walk to support this amazing local business :) Or...

I really enjoyed the atmosphere at Dana Patisserie when we visited. We arrived around 8am and dined upstairs. While we could hear the hustle and bustle downstairs as people came and went, the upstairs area was empty and peaceful. There’s a small collection of books that were fun to browse, and a couple of tables by the window for any avid people-watchers.

The coffee and hot chocolate were good, not too memorable but a nice way to kick-start the morning. There were plenty of pastry and dessert options in the display case, catering to a variety of dietary requirements. The staff were friendly and approachable as they served customers, creating a pleasant morning vibe.

Overall, it’s a lovely little cafe, conveniently located right by the train station in Balaclava. The quiet nook on the second level is a great spot to relax. With its charming, modern interior, it’s definitely a worthwhile stop when passing...

Dana Patisserie is a wonderful patisserie at 175 Carlisle St, Balaclava and truly an institution in the area. I am always impressed with the quality of the pastries, especially the croissants and pains au chocolat. As a fellow French woman and fan has mentioned, they are exceptional, a testament to the quality and care they put into their baking! The food is consistently amazing, and I always enjoy the warm and welcoming service from the staff. I was particularly impressed with the gluten-free Basque cheesecake and greatly appreciate the numerous gluten-free options available. I especially love the creamy, delicious cheesecake and canelé. I highly recommend your cafe to others in the area. The coffee is excellent and high quality, the pastries are always fresh, and the service is consistently amazing. Open 7 days a week 7.30am - 5pm. Hamish John Appleby //...