JC Patisserie Boulangerie

Hidden in a quiet section of Abbotsford between residential apartments and concrete buildings lies this homage to French baking and Parisian fare. JC Patisserie Boulangerie, named after chef and owner Jonathan Camilleri, is a no-frills pastry shop yet to be discovered by croissant-loving Melburnians. 

Wander between maroon marbled walls and duck under the roller door to choose from the daily lineup of cakes and baked goods.  Cheesecake, opera cake, a range of madeleines along with Saint Honores, a puff pastry filled with vanilla custard, mascarpone cream and topped with a caramel choux, are regulars on the menu.

"Melbourne has some of the best croissants outside of France, so I wanted to create a croissant that has all of my favourite bits," Camilleri explains. After studying in Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Camilleri returned to Melbourne when COVID-19 hit. Initially an online pastry delivery service, demand grew until Camilleri decided to open his own brick-and-mortar shop. 

Crowd-favourite croissants come in a signature cube, its angular shape creating a crispier croissant with no trace of denseness. "It's a got lot of butter," Camilleri admits. But its worth it for the result, a feather-light, flaky and buttery take on the traditional treat.

Patrons can expect limited-edition specials across the weekend too, while savoury items might run to chicken salad sandwiches between freshly baked baguettes, or a caprese sando with basil oil, tomato and buffalo mozzarella.

Images: Ellen Seah