Last updated: March 2026
Each year Fitzroy bakeries bring out their hot cross buns in the lead-up to Easter, and locals have strong opinions about where to find the best hot cross buns in Fitzroy.
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Babka
For a beautifully classic version of the Easter staple, head to Babka on Brunswick Street for their freshly baked, time-honoured hot cross buns. Soft, fragrant and spiced just right, they’re packed with fruit and finished with a sticky, glossy glaze that makes them hard to resist.
A long-time favourite for European-style pastries and slow café mornings, Babka has earned a loyal following, and its buns are no exception. Some say they’re the best in the business, and judging by the regular queues, they’re not wrong. Pair one with a coffee, perch by the window, and soak up the scent of fresh pastries in the air.
358 Brunswick St, Fitzroy | Open Tues – Sun
Falco Bakery
Falco’s hot cross buns are as you’d expect from this much-loved local bakery: small batch, thoughtfully made and full of flavour. Baked using traditional techniques with a modern twist, they’re available over the counter daily in the lead-up to Easter.
The team recommends pre-ordering to avoid the queue and we’d second that: online orders are available until 5 April and need to be made 4 days before pick up. Whether you’re grabbing a box for brunch or just one with your morning coffee, hot cross bun season at Falco’s strikes the perfect balance of spice, fruit and softness, with a glazed top that’s hard to beat.
288 Smith St, Collingwood | Open daily | falcobakery.com
Loafer Bread
Loafer’s signature sourdough hot cross buns are a beautifully crafted take on the classic, made with their own candied orange and lemon, dark barley malt, raisins and currants, then finished with an orange and vanilla syrup glaze. It’s the kind of bun that smells like Easter and tastes like a tradition.
If you are eating in, Loafer is serving their buns toasted with delicious Lard Ass butter and a slab of sharp cheese, a kitchen tradition that sounds absolutely divine! Alternatively, their hot cross buns are now ready to order for enjoying at home too, in a generous six-pack serving.
146 Scotchmer St, Fitzroy North | Open daily | loaferbread.com
Morning Market
Morning Market is back with a strong hot cross bun game this year, baking their own in-house for the season. The result is a richly spiced, fruit-studded bun that’s both fragrant and indulgent. The dough is infused with cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, nutmeg and clove, then folded with a generous mix of Pastis and brandy-soaked fruit: think orange, lemon, prunes, apricots, cranberries, currants, raisins and sultanas.
Available in-store individually with butter served on the side, or pre-order a box of six to take home. They’re delicious as they are, or gently warmed with a generous swipe of butter.
59 Gertrude St, Fitzroy | Open daily | morning.market
To Be Frank Bakery
At To Be Frank, hot cross buns are made with the same care and intention that guides all their baking, with a focus on simple, honest ingredients and a deep respect for tradition. The hot cross buns here are made with organic sultanas, currants, house-made candied orange, warm spices and apple cider, which gives them a rich, aromatic flavour and beautiful texture.
Alongside the classic, there’s a beautifully fragrant saffron, lemon and currant bun, featuring zesty house-candied lemon and delicate saffron: quite possibly our favourite pick here. You might also spot their “Cross-ant” in the pastry case, a spiced custard and fruit-filled croissant hybrid made with laminated dough. Buns are available through the Easter period and preordering is highly recommended.
Shop 1/4 Bedford St, Collingwood | Open Wed to Sun | tobefrankbakery.com.au
The French Lettuce
Known for their award-winning vanilla slices and traditional cakes, The French Lettuce is taking a sweeter route this Easter with salted caramel hot cross buns. Made with real dried fruit, warming spices, a custard cross and a syrupy glaze, these are rich, glossy and just a little bit indulgent.
A family-run bakery since the early 1980s, they’re known for blending classic patisserie with a warm, no-nonsense approach to baking. The buns are available to pre-order or pick up in-store in the lead-up to Easter, and while you’re there, it’s hard to go past a slice of their famously good vanilla slice.
237 Nicholson St, Carlton | Open daily | thefrenchlettuce.com
FAQs About Hot Cross Buns in Fitzroy
Where can I find the best hot cross buns in Fitzroy?
Fitzroy and the surrounding inner north are home to several excellent bakeries known for their seasonal hot cross buns. Local favourites include neighbourhood bakeries and artisan patisseries that focus on small-batch baking, quality spices and traditional recipes.
When do hot cross buns start appearing in bakeries in Fitzroy?
Most Fitzroy bakeries start baking hot cross buns from early March, with the biggest selection available in the lead-up to Easter. Some bakeries produce them daily during the season, while others offer limited weekend batches.
What makes a great hot cross bun?
A great hot cross bun should be soft, lightly spiced and generously filled with fruit. Many bakeries also experiment with variations such as chocolate, sourdough or orange-infused buns, but the classic combination of currants, spices and a glossy glaze remains a favourite.
Are there traditional or unique hot cross bun flavours in Fitzroy?
Yes. While traditional fruit buns remain popular, many Fitzroy bakeries also create innovative seasonal variations such as chocolate hot cross buns, citrus-infused buns or versions made with sourdough starters.
Which Fitzroy bakeries sell hot cross buns close to Easter?
Most local bakeries ramp up production in the week leading up to Easter. It’s worth arriving early for your hot cross buns as popular bakeries often sell out quickly.
