July 31, 2024July 18, 2024Life...One Big Adventure47 Comments

Are these the World’s Best Croissants? Lune Croissanterie, Melbourne

This will be a short and sweet post. Literally!

I am the first to admit that I have a terribly sweet tooth. I can devour a whole family-sized block of chocolate in one sitting and annihilate bags of lollies in a blink of an eye.

Luckily for me and my hips, croissants are not my go-to pastry of choice, but when faced with the artisanal deliciousness of Lune Croissanterie, how could I resist?

Lune Croissanterie, Melbourne — Calories, anyone?

Lune Croissanterie is somewhat of an institution in Melbourne. Not being a foodie at all, I was completely oblivious to its charms – the Husband, on the other hand, was all over it! He had read the articles. He had saved the directions from our hotel door to Lune’s front door and planned, and timed his assault to the second. Synchronise watches and all that.

On a previous trip to Melbourne, he had stumbled across Lune and its lengthy queues. He knew if he was going to conduct both an efficient and effective sortie on this trip, he was going to have to be far more strategic.

So, what is all the fuss about?

On face value, it is a small bakery with a no-fuss, hole-in-the-wall look. Its minimalist design sees its croissant selection simply lined up on top of the shop bench, with racks and racks and racks of croissant and carby calories as a backdrop.

This low-tech approach has obviously won the hearts, minds and tastebuds of dedicated foodies, including those at the New York Times. In a 2016 article they posed the controversial question of – Is the World’s Best Croissant Made in Australia? I can hear a French-toned collective snort of disgust and disbelief from here.

In fact, they declared that:

the classic beurre, with its holy balance of buttery heft and feathery flake, may be the finest you will find anywhere in the world, and alone worth a trip across the dateline.

As an avid reader of the New York Times, this statement became the Husband’s new mantra and he was a man on a mission!

Picture this – a sleepy Sunday in the Melbourne CBD with the odd piece of litter pin-wheeling down the deserted streets in the early morning wintery breeze. An alarm in a hotel room rings at an incredibly rude hour and volume, and the Husband springs into action! Shopping action that is!

With reusable shopping bag in hand (he is an environmentally friendly shopper) he sprints out the door to be the first person at Lune’s door pre-opening. Imagine his surprise when he arrives to be customer number eight shivering in the queue, 30 minutes before the doors actually opened?! Now that is dedication to the cause.

Proudly bearing his numerous purchases, the Hunter/Gatherer Husband exits the store to see the queue is now 50m long! Yes, Lune Croissanterie has a serious following amongst Melbournites, even with all the chatter in the media about the cost-of-living crisis. Lune croissants are not cheap.

By the size of the boxes and bags the Husband was toting on his return to the hotel room, I was starting to think he must have mortgaged the house on one Sunday morning shopping spree. He denied that, of course, and merely stated that he was being efficient by purchasing in bulk and that this haul would go into the home freezer (a 90minute flight plus 4hr drive away) for later consumption. You can’t say he is not a planner!

Oh well, you only live once and why not enjoy some of the nicer things in life?

Rumour has it that Lune will soon be opening two outlets in Sydney (there’s already a couple of shops in Brisbane). I bet the Husband has already saved the relevant directions in Google Maps. 😊

Bon appetit.

Where have you enjoyed the most delicious croissant?

The Basics

What: As well as in-store shopping, it is possible to pre-order online. For a more permanent memento of your croissant coma, order a mug, a tote bag or a book.

Where: There are two stores in Brisbane and three in Melbourne. Check their website for locations.

When: Get there early to avoid the queues. Stores are open from 730am on weekdays and 800am on weekends.

Why: For some deliciousness and decadence, and if you go for a long run beforehand it can all be guilt-free.

How: Any which way, just get there! 😊

Who: Foodies, tourists, croissant lovers and pastry fiends.

Related Posts: I have already said that croissants are not my first choice, but don’t stand between me and a donut! Check out Espresso Boy donuts for a serious sugar hit!

Related Blogs: Not Quite Nigella is also a fan of Lune Croissanterie and she really gave it a workout!

Read About it: And if queuing and buying a croissant at Lune is not enough for you, you can buy Lune proprietor Kate Reid’s cookbook ‘Lune: Croissants All Day, All Night’ to learn how to create your own croissant magic at home.

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