Its been pleasing the locals for years and once you’ve tasted the pastries you’ll understand why. Take head though, you’ll want to get in early. The regulars know best and the croissant sell like hotcakes. Their artisan loaves are also top-notch; for something different, try one of their Italian breads – the casalinga (a white Italian loaf), stirato (Italy’s take on the baguette) and ciabatta are all popular, as is their version of Puglia’s famed focaccia topped with grapes, schiacciata – available on Saturdays only. 36 Giles St, Kingston silobakery.com.au

Owners Emily and Russell Brindley have evened the playing field for vegans wanting delicious baked goods. This vegan-cafe bakery champions organic ingredients and a rock ‘n’ roll vibe. Plant-based cinnamon buns, cakes, and a dine-in menu with a wholefoods ethos keeps both vegans and carnivores coming back. 18 Lonsdale St, Braddon www.sweetbonescompany.com

Those in the know head to one of the three locations (Fyshwick, Crace, Deakin) of this popular bakery-cafe for a good bagel or crusty sourdough. But it’s not just bread that attracts a following here, classics such as vanilla slice, palmiers and doughnuts help build a steady line of devotees at the Fyshwick Markets or Crace outposts most weekends. First in, best dressed. Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, 12 Dalby St, Fyshwick fyshwick.beanandgrain.com.au

If it’s ornate sweets you’re after, Flute’s rainbow-coloured cabinet will make your head spin. Mousse, bavarois, macarons, praline, feuilletine – you’ll find Euro-inspired gateaux in all sizes from all corners of the globe here. 8 Barrier St, Fyshwick theflutebakery.com.au

The croquembouche is this Canberra landmark’s emblem, but it’s far from where the buck stops. Established in 1978, the company’s Civic Bus Interchange store is home to a rotating cabinet of French patisserie treats spanning tarts, tortes and macarons. 33 East Row, Civic

When it comes to sourdough, Three Mills Bakery is a cut above; their hand-formed, long ferment, wild yeast breads use only house-milled flour and specialty grains. This is the closest to bread heaven you’ll get to in the ACT. Plus, there’s plenty of sweet and savoury pastries using the most of the season’s bounty – peach and ricotta puff, anyone? 5 Lancaster Pl, Canberra threemillsbakery.com.au

These Belconnen Markets stalwarts don’t do things in halves; their ‘brookies’ (half brownie, half cookie), ‘cruffins’ (croissant muffins) and cakes are designed to please, as are their European-style loaves of bread. 10 Lathlain St, Belconnen belconnenmarkets.com.au/stores/73-knead-patisserie