Babka: A Fitzroy Bakery With Enduring Soul (and Seriously Good Bread)

With over 15 years of history, Babka has long been a cornerstone of Fitzroy’s food scene—quietly proving that Melbourne’s bread game has been strong for decades. More than just a bakery, it’s been a training ground for some of the city’s most respected bakers, its influence felt far beyond Brunswick Street.

Eastern European Comfort With a Melbourne Twist

Babka leans into its Eastern European roots with a café menu that surprises in all the right ways. You’ll find hearty bowls of borscht alongside delicate cream cheese blintzes, flaky house-made pies, and slow mornings filled with poached eggs, sweet preserves, and strong coffee.

Bread, Pastry and the Power of a Proper Sandwich

What brings regulars back time and again are the rustic loaves and beautiful pastries. The challah—a soft, golden braid somewhere between cake and bread—is a standout. So is the lemon tart, a puckeringly sharp, buttery slice of sunshine that’s earned cult status. And the sandwiches? Arguably the best in Fitzroy.

A Queue-Worthy Classic

Despite its quiet presence, Babka consistently draws lines out the door. It’s a place where generations of bakers have honed their craft, and where you’ll always find something honest, warm, and just a little bit nostalgic—proof that some things really do get better with age.