Nothing beats the lingering aroma of freshly baked bread coming out of the hot oven. The classic loaf has been an iconic family table staple since its inception, and bakers all around have tirelessly dedicated themselves to this labour of love, getting up in the wee hours of the morning to mix, roll and bake fresh dough to serve the community.
To pay homage, we’ve collated a list of the best bakeries in Canberra – we think our top picks are the best thing since sliced bread!
Inconspicuously hidden behind EQ Café Lounge in the centre of Equinox Business Centre in Deakin is a bakehouse offering more than just sliced bread. Loaves come in all shapes, sizes and ingredients, while towers of sausage rolls, steaming pies and bursting sandwiches are quick and delicious lunch options. With rustic frittatas and daily salads made fresh every day you’re spoilt for choice. Savoury is balanced by sweet, and half of the display is made up of cakes for which you don’t need an occasion.
With the baking room surrounded by glass and exposed concrete décor, the space has an industrial feel but feels homely with hanging greenery and wooden benches to sit at while you sip your coffee, do the crossword and crunch on a croissant.
Open Monday – Friday from 7am
70 Kent St, Deakin ACT 2600
Three Mills bread can be found in many cafes around Canberra, but a visit to their café is well worth it. Located in a quiet spot in the business district of Majura, this café shows the great variety of Three Mills bread, as well as how to eat it. The menu features fuss-free and delicious breakfast and lunch with sandwich specials that level up the sarnie game. Buttery croissants, pear frangipane tarts and wicked brownies are other items not to be missed. The light and airy space is a great place to sit and munch, with a view of the bakers busily kneading, slicing and rolling.
Open Monday – Friday 7.30am – 3.30pm
5 Lancaster Pl, Canberra ACT 2609
Passionate about delivering healthy and nutritious bread, Deeks are unique in the way that their range is completely gluten and grain-free. Their café in Pearce is decked out with colourful rugs and comfy lounges, so take your time to decide on which of the loaves to choose. Flavours such as tomato and basil, or date and walnut show just how creative these bakers get in their approach to baking. The café also stocks paleo and vegan products, as well as gluten-free pastas and pizza bases so no one needs to miss out.
Open Monday – Friday 9am – 4.30pm, Saturday 9am – 3pm
Shop 4 Pearce Shops Hodgson Crescent, Pearce ACT 2607
Possibly one of Canberra’s most popular Saturday brunch destinations, Silo feels more like a tiny bakery in Europe than a café in the middle of Canberra. Shelves of fresh bread are behind the counter, which displays rows of French-style tarts and pastries. If you can, take the time to sit down and enjoy a European style menu including specialties like duck rillettes, or just the simple pleasure of sourdough smothered in butter.
Open Tuesday – Saturday 7am to 4pm
36 Giles St, Kingston ACT 2604
Canberra’s easy proximity to Braidwood makes a trip to Dojo Bread is a must for the bakery lover. Follow the aroma of freshly baked bread down a laneway behind the main row of buildings to find a tiny cottage producing big breads and bigger pies. Make sure to get there early because their stock sells out within the first hours of opening, and they close at 1pm.
Open Monday – Saturday 8am – 1pm
91 Wallace St, Braidwood NSW 2622
