If you like your lamingtons with a bit of personality, then boy, is this the place for you. The flavours change all the time, but expect things like yuzu, pandan, black sesame or even something marshmallowy torched on top. Why? Because it’s delicious. The sponge is always soft and light and the fillings are generous without ever being ‘cloying’. It’s fun, a little unpredictable, and very easy to get carried away ordering more than you planned. Even if you’re a die-hard traditionalist, it’s hard not to enjoy seeing how far these guys can push the idea of a lamington. You might not love every flavour equally, but that’s part of the joy of trying them all. Multiple locations; tokyolamington.com

You know the kind of lamington you can spot from across the room – the slightly uneven coconut, the glossy chocolate and that quiet hunch that it’s going to be exactly what you were hoping for? This is what’s going on here. The sponge is light without being airy to the point of disappearing, and the chocolate soaks in just enough to keep things moist without ever turning it into a mess. Buy them by the half dozen and save yourself the bother of doubling back to grab another. Or just cut your losses and go for the scaled-up sponge cake version. 792 Old Princes Hwy, Sutherland; thestationpatisserie.com

If you’re chasing a proper, classic lamington in Sydney, Sonoma is hard to beat. The sponge is soft and springy, the chocolate coating is rich but not too thick, and there’s a generous layer of cream inside that gives it a bit of a special touch. It’s the kind of lamington that reminds you why they’re such a classic. Nothing flashy, nothing overcomplicated, just really good baking highlighting well-balanced flavours. You could happily eat one of these with a coffee and not think twice about it. Whether you’re hitting up one of their many stores or passing by a market stall, a Sonoma lamington is always a good call. Multiple locations; sonomabakery.com

The matcha lamington at this Japanese-inspired cafe is one of those excellent things that doesn’t need to shout to get your attention. The generous matcha coating gives it a gentle bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check, and the sponge is light enough that the whole thing never feels dense or overly rich. It’s simple in the best way: no big surprises, just a really well-balanced, gently re-imagined lamington that’s easy to keep going back to. If you’re after something a little bit different without straying too far from the original idea, this is a safe and delicious bet. 4 Pitt St, Redfern; oratnek.com.au

If you like having options, this is where things get fun. Luscious Kiki has a whole range of lamingtons, from more classic styles through to things like caramel, tiramisu or mud cake. It could easily feel over the top, but everything is made with enough love that, no matter the ingredients or flavour combos, it always manages to work. Keep it simple, or go for something a bit more indulgent, depending on your mood. Either way, it’s very hard to stop at one. The cabinet has that dangerous, kid-in-a-lolly-shop energy, where everything looks good and you start convincing yourself you’re not doing it properly unless you’re trying it few. You have a point. 16 Sydenham Rd, Brookvale; lusciouskikicakes.wixsite.com

Love lamingtons but tired of being left with nothing but coconut crumbs before you’re properly satisfied? Enter the Lucien lamington berry cake. Layers of chocolate-and-coconut-coated sponge are stacked with chantilly cream and berries, so you get the lamington richness along with a bit of freshness from the fruit. It’s generous, but since it’s designed to share, you can spread the indulgence around. Although we won’t tell if you don’t… Also worth noting: it’s egg free, which makes it a bit more accessible without it changing the flavour or texture of the sponge. It’s a good example of how the lamington format can be stretched without losing what made it so good in the first place. 111 Phillip St, Parramatta; lucienbakedgoods.com.au

Most famously known for its 80cm (!!!!) bánh mì, this suburban bakery is somehow also managing to turn out one of Sydney’s most solid lamingtons as well. It’s a classic from top to bottom: light sponge, chocolate coating that soaks in just enough to satisfy, and a generous layer of coconut. Sure, it’s nothing fancy (and sadly isn’t 80 centimetres long), but sometimes you just want a really good, old-school version of what a lamington is supposed to be, and that’s exactly what you get here. Pair it with a roast pork roll for best results. Trust us on this. 70 Kearns Ave, Kearns; @kearnsvillagebakery

Known for their inventive cakes, killer breakfast menu and welcoming Inner-West energy, Flour Drum take a playful approach to their lamington game. The flavours rotate, so there’s usually always something new to try, be it tiramisu, Nutella or something with a bruleed finish. They’re creative without ever losing sight of what it is that makes a lamington so good in the first place. The sponge is always soft, the flavours are well balanced and nothing feels like it’s there just for decoration or bragging rights. For some extra lamington love, you can order yours in mini, large or jumbo. 531 King St, Newtown; flourdrum.com.au

This is one lamington that gets talked about a lot, and for very good reason. The panna cotta lamington here is soft, creamy and utterly indulgent. There’s a generous layer of berry compote in there too, which might divide some people who like their lammo traditional (jam in a lamington is apparently more of a Victorian and South Australian thing), but it actually helps to balance everything out. The sponge is lightly soaked in panna cotta, so it almost melts as you eat it, and the snowy coconut coating is fine and delicate rather than chunky. It’s not your standard lamington, it’s true, but rules – and diets – were made to be broken. 53 Riley St, Woolloomooloo; flourandstone.com.au

If you’re looking for a bit of a change from the traditional lamington, Brickfields Bakery leans into brighter flavours, combining white chocolate with raspberry, passionfruit and a hint of lemon. It’s a bit tangy, a bit sweet and much lighter than the standard dark choc version. The sponge is still soft and satisfying, but the overall vibe is fresher and a little more summery. It’s the kind of lamington you might expect to be outraged by, but then end up thinking about for the rest of the week. You can tell people you’re just going back for the sourdough. We won’t snitch. Multiple locations; brickfields.com.au