One of the prettiest bakeries in Sydney, and I go at least once a week. Banksia Bakehouse is a dessert shop tucked into the base of an office tower on George Street. It’s been getting busy lately, which is no surprise.
Tenancy 4, Grosvenor Place, 225 George Street, Sydney CBD. There’s also a second shop at Barangaroo. The George Street store is open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4pm and Saturday 8am to 1pm, closed Sundays.
Basque cheesecake
My usual order, every single time, and the best in Sydney as far as I’m concerned. The individual ones are around $18. Banksia changes its flavours every month, and the one I most wanted to try was black sesame. Sadly it’s no longer on the menu.
Truffle chocolate cake
I’d wanted to try this one for ages. The chocolate is very rich, but the back half gets a bit sweet. I still prefer the cheesecake.
Mont Blanc puff
The chestnuts inside are big, whole pieces, and there’s a berry jam in the middle, which I haven’t seen anywhere else. Life needs a little sweetness.
The signature swirl
A round pastry with a coffee or chocolate filling and cream dotted on top. The recipe seems to shift slightly each season. It’s really good, but towards the end it gets rich, so share it with a friend.
Beef pie
The shell is flaky and layered, the filling is big chunks of beef, and it doesn’t get heavy. After eating this, the frozen supermarket beef pie I used to buy doesn’t count as a pie.
Chicken avocado sandwich
The bread outside is good, but the filling doesn’t taste of much. I don’t think sandwiches or pizza are what they do best. Still not bad at all.
Margherita pizza and strawberry tart
The cheese flavour is strong. The strawberry tart is the one I’d tell everyone to order. The strawberries are very fresh, the cream isn’t heavy, and the tart shell is baked just right. I can’t work out how the shell is so crisp.
Coffee and seating
The only downside is iced black coffee, which isn’t great. There aren’t many seats if you eat in, and the atmosphere inside is a bit flat. Everything else I’ve picked up there has been good, so you can choose almost anything.
Worth it
Go for the Basque cheesecake, the beef pie and the strawberry tart. Banksia Bakehouse is at T4/225 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
For more Sydney sweet stops, see our Pantry Story croissant guide and our Homm Dessert in Haymarket review.