The best cakes in Melbourne

Pick up from Thornbury or Brunswick.

Having started in Castlemaine, Icecream Social has since made waves in the northern suburbs of Brunswick and Thornbury. Owner Helen Addison-Smith (who you might know from Loafer Bread in North Fitzroy or Each Peach in Brunswick East) does ice cream, and she does it well. She has since added a repertoire of pies (both sweet and savoury) to her portfolio – all of which should be tried. But it's the cake-curious that are reading this, and cakes you too shall have. Pre-order whole cakes or get them to go by the slice, the only catch is you need to pick it up from either the Brunswick or Thornbury store. Tricolour ice cream cakes sit atop brownie bases, or personalised cakes complete with icing borders (à la Costco) are made to order with raspberry red velvet or vegan hummingbird innards. Whatever you fancy, you can order it here. 

Available for delivery.

What once was a boutique Chapel Street store studded with multi-coloured flavoured meringues, garden beds of chocolate flowers, and rows of cakes is now a completely virtual concept. Acclaimed pastry chef Darren Purchese's store is known throughout Melbourne and now his cakes are available to have delivered to your doorstep. Each decadent cake is minimal in design and prices start at $25. Order something here.

Pick up from South Melbourne.

Think of shiny things. Diamonds. Kim Kardashian’s hair. Bibelot is shinier. This high-tea salon from the Chez Dre crew (housed in what was formerly Chez Dre's overspill space) is so sleek, so modern and glittery, it’s like a spaceship with cake. The cakes reflect this – polished and glamorous. Sample the likes of gateaux infused with mango, yuzu and coconut, or for those seeking a chocolate-induced food coma, look no further than the hazelnut praline crunch topped with macarons. Order here.

Pick up from South Yarra or delivery.

LuxBite boasts a schmancy selection of cakes and sweet treats like giant macaron towers or geometric hearts comprised of vanilla mousse, elderflower jelly, strawberry compote, vanilla sponge atop a yoghurt and almond base. There are even cakes inspired by Weis ice cream bars with mango, coconut mousse and white chocolate glazes that imitate glaciers. All cakes are available to be delivered or picked up from LuxBite's South Yarra store.

Pick up or delivery.

Ex-Lune chef Audrey Allard's beautiful, sugar-spiked creations can be found via her small business, Holy Sugar. She doesn't have a website, but you can get in touch with her via Instagram to order a custom-made cake or one of her cake boxes. 

Pick up in North Melbourne.

Featuring an enticing array of cakes, slices, biscuits, tarts and scones, as well as ciabattas, sandwiches and coffee, Beatrix is one of North Melbourne's best eateries. Tucked in on the corner of Queensberry and Lothian Street, Beatrix is somewhat off the main North Melbourne drags, but it's likely you'll find it thanks to the line that snakes down Queensberry most weekends. Line up and pick up a slice of cake or order in advance for a full cake extravaganza. Daily menus are usually shared on Instagram or check out the website to order.