Best Bakery and Cake Shops in City of Parramatta Council

"Why: The Big Brekkie ($25) is designed specifically for people who don't like missing out on anything – not chorizo, nor serrano ham, braised white beans, cherry tomatoes, soft poached egg, crackling, piquillo peppers, halloumi, avocado, toast or hollandaise. The experience: In case of apocalypse, head for The Grounds – with its landscaped gardens, play areas, coffee roastery, florist, cocktail-dispensing garden shed, cafe and bakery, it's like a self-sufficient suburb in its own right. They don't call it brunch, but all your brunch favourites are here from 11.45am until 3pm; from avo on toast (with dukkah, labna, feta and heirloom tomatoes), four different "health bowls", brekkie burgers; or a kale, cabbage and parmesan salad."

"The Grounds of Alexandria is one of the most unique and popular dining options in Sydney. From speciality coffee roasters to an exquisite onsite bakery to the wholesome indoor and outdoor café with an enormous courtyard and organic garden, there is so much to do and see here. The menu here encompasses home-style cooking and is perfect for sharing, like a slow-roasted pulled-pork sandwich with slaw and handmade pappardelle or try the bakery’s loaves of bread and sweet pastries and signature potato and onion flatbread."

"This cafe is constantly rated one of Sydney’s best for a very good reason. The Grounds of Alexandra is a cornucopia of whimsical delights. From the farm animals (meeting the famous pig, “Kevin Bacon” is a must) to the play area, fountain and rambling paths leading through gardens and lanes bursting with flowers, statues and tiny creative details, the external grounds at The Grounds is, in itself, worth a visit alone."

"You can’t talk about brunch in Sydney without mentioning The Grounds, the Alexandria mega-café that’s become an icon of the Harbour City’s hospitality scene. Occupying a heritage-listed industrial precinct in this now-fashionable inner-city suburb, The Grounds is made up of a huge café, restaurant, bar, garden, bakery, patisserie, coffee roastery, markets, florist and even an animal farm, so there’s a veritable buffet of brunch options on the table."

"The Grounds of the City, the metropolitan sister to the bucolic The Grounds of Alexandria, evokes the luxe brasseries and coffeehouses of New York and London. Booze is served from 10am. Enjoy your single-origin coffee with old school fare from the house-made crumpets to the wild mushroom feuillete – a puff pastry parcel filled with mushroom, poached eggs, sheep’s curd and hazelnuts."

"What makes it special: You’ll be surrounded by everything you love about food. From food in restaurants to food for take away, casual food sold at markets to organic food grown in the garden areas, it’s any foodie’s paradise!. From breakfast at The Café, fresh produce at The Garden, and a bar scene at The Potting Shed, the Grounds of Alexandria is an acre full of experiences."

"This Marrickville gem is a from-scratch café and bakery with a focus on organic produce. Chirilas says, “You can’t go past this one – the fact that it serves everything on Mud plates and bowls gets me every time.” The menu is Mediterranean-inspired with peperonata breakfast bruschetta and meze plates, along with healthy alternatives to a standard weekend fry-up. The beverage selection is thoughtfully crafted, with coffee sourced from nearby Microlot Coffee Roasters and house-made sticky chai, a raw honey-soaked spiced chai tea."

"It’s hard just getting your head around the fact that all the bread and pastries are made in-house every day at this winning Marrickville cafe. Enter through the open garage doors on Chapel St and be prepared for Insta-pretty dishes with flavours you’ll be thinking about all day. Take your pick from the sourdough crumpets with chilli-braised broad beans and straccitella or the chana dal breakkie bowl with flatbread and yoghurt."

"This ‘from-scratch’ café bakery on Marrickville’s Chapel Street is revered by locals for its handmade breads and pastries that even angels would fight over. Forever rotating their donut repertoire be sure to follow them on Instagram to make sure you’re up to speed on what’s on offer each day. We’re hankering for the lemon curd and violet meringue or the salted caramel cream cheese with crispy caramelised popcorn."

"Find all things pastry along with celebration cakes at Banksia Bakehouse on George Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Named after and inspired by native Australian fauna, this trendy bakehouse rocks... Order OnlineBook Now"

"Find all things pastry along with celebration cakes at Banksia Bakehouse on George Street in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. Named after and inspired by native Australian fauna, this trendy bakehouse rocks..."

"For the best baked ricotta cheesecake this side of the equator, go to Pasticceria Papa - easily the one of the best cakes in Sydney. Visit one of their three locations spanning the Inner West and Eastern Suburbs of Sydney - the locals can’t get enough. All stores feature a huge display cabinet piled high with Italian cakes, desserts, and sweets, and friendly, fast service."

"Established in 2010, MakMak Macarons have truly been delivering the goods - the premium, handmade and 100% gluten-free macarons, that is!. You can count that MakMak sources the highest quality ingredients like Callebaut chocolate, Maldon Sea Salt and Bombay Sapphire gin, as well as seasonal Australian ingredients including lemon myrtle and strawberry gum!. They also offer Macaron making classes with options between learning to make a Unicorn or Raspberry macaron."

"There is no denying that Adriano Zumbo hits the sweet spot every time. Famous of for whipping up some of the most mouth-watering cakes and desserts in town, and macarons so delicious they’re now called Zumbarons. For lovers of his colourful macarons, eight-layer cakes, tarts, pastries and darn good desserts, there’s an Adriano Zumbo Patisserie dotted around Sydney to tantalise your tastebuds."

"Known throughout Sydney as both quality purveyors and successful restaurateurs, the Salt Meats Cheese group is family-owned and has a deep passion for the honest cooking of Italy. There’s five locations in Sydney, but the flagship Drummoyne eatery is our favourite because it’s open from 7am. Yet regardless of which restaurant you visit, premium ingredients drive home a menu of Italian dishes which is always reliable."

"With a prime position in Circular Quay, this branch of Salts Meats Cheese combines a stellar view of the Sydney Harbour and delicious food. Contemporary Italian cuisine is the name of the game at this Sydneyside favourite, and most of it is designed to be shared. So when thinking of lunch plans, we recommend heading here with friends who don’t mind sharing."

"Dog-friendly Rouse Hill Regional Park is great for a picnic or barbecue. There is a lot to do; head to the playground, go bike riding, or take a stroll down to Second Ponds Creek."

"Wrapped around Farm Cove just south of the Sydney Opera House, the gardens, which were established in 1816, occupy one of Sydney’s most spectacular waterfront positions. A relaxing day exploring the gardens is one of the best things to do in Sydney with kids. The Royal Botanic Gardens runs plenty of family and kids’ programs all year ’round (check their calendar for upcoming events) but we have the most fun practicing cartwheels on the shady lawns, watching eels in the pond and climbing rocks and trees."

"When it comes to Australian gardens, the Royal Botanic Garden and Domain is one you will want to visit with kids. There’s always something special on the show with a range of tours and activities developed frequently for kids (check their calendar for upcoming events). One of our favourite spots to visit with the area is Lady Macquarie’s Chair which boasts a spectacular view whilst being rich in history."

"Welcome to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, an oasis of 30 hectares in the heart of the city. Wrapped around Sydney…"

"Next to the Opera house, Royal Botanic Garden is sparsely close and convenient. The scintillating view of the flowers, birds, statues, ponds and lots more are something to feature in your social media profile pictures. Explore and take shots, plus enjoy the sanctuary nature in the heart of the city!"

"I recommend joining an Aboriginal Heritage Walk to learn about the Cadigal people who were the original owners of this area. (every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10am to 11.30am). Alternatively you could join a free guided tour to learn more about the plants at the Gardens."