Laurent Boulangerie Patisserie

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 158

A lovely 1920s building, beautifully fitted-out, Laurent style aesthetically designed china, wonderful patisserie, finely finished decor, exquisite food. But something is missing. The clientele dribble in, quite a few tourists, people who are familiar with the splendidly successful South Yarra and Camberwell branches .. . but in this, the most beautiful of the three, where is the life, the joie de vivre?

I keep returning, the cakes are so good, but it is always the same . . low spirited, solemn. I first went there the day France won the World Cup, seeking somewhere to celebrate, somewhere with an echo, however faint of the delirium I had seen in the Champs Elysees on TV the night before. I must have imagined the whole World Cup thing. It contrasts sharply with the colourful party atmosphere of nearby Block Place. The Laurent products are great but the impeccably dressed staff lack manners and a sense of humour. Some spirit and style are needed to set the tone or let's move it to Southbank which needs Laurent. The patisserie deserves it.

306 Little Collins Street
Melbourne
French Cuisine
Melways reference 1B:L6
Phone: 9654 1011
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-5pm
Licensed
Does not accept credit cards
Seats Inside: 120, Outside: 40
Features: Restricted smoking, kids encouraged, private room on mezzanine level
Favourites: Monte coffee $2.30, Chocolat creme patissiere beignets $2.20, Laurent baguette fresh leg ham, cheese, avacado & salad $7