Laurent (South Yarra)

Ph: (03) 9824 1414; Shop 16 Como CentreShop 16 Como Centre, 169 Toorak Rd, South Yarra 3141

Bakery, $, ** for Food & Ambience
Open 7 days 7am-7pm; Unlicensed; No cards, Seats inside 55, Outside seats 30

Mietta's Review
Lots of glass, brass, and marble - rather like a high-class washroom inside but more European among the statuary and shrubs on the broad footpath of Toorak Road. Good vibes from smartly jacketed and aproned staff who are mostly young, brisk, personable and very helpful. Wicker baskets display a great variety of breads for sale and also for on-premises consumption. Large, highly polished glass cabinets display the intricately worked cakes and pastries from minute petits fours to celebratory confections that many come to devour. The fine quality cutlery and gold-rimmed Pillivuyt crockery maybe justification for the higher prices. But there are also generous serves of good quality sandwiches, savoury pastries and croissants. Also at Shop 2/ 71 Church St Brighton, 9592 8411; 109 Dundas Pl Albert Park, 9690 4700; Shp 3/ 310 Whitehorse Rd Balwyn, 9830 0188; 600 Burke Rd Camberwell, 9882 9611; 1 Powlett St East Melbourne, 9417 7310; 139 Upper Heidelberg Rd Ivanhoe, 9497 3844; Shop 2/ 26 Princess St Kew, 9853 7900; U 2/ 306 Little Collins St Melbourne, 9654 1011; 477 Toorak Rd Toorak, 9827 6928.