July 24, 2026Dulce BakehouseBakery$This venue is one of Good Food’s 100 Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2026.Some quests are endless. Others – such as seeking the perfect vanilla slice – can be concluded in Melbourne’s north-western suburbs, specifically at Dulce Bakehouse, a South American bakery that also nails Aussie high-street classics and French pastries. Since 2017, the family-run Delahey shop has been the only place with a queue on a low-key shopping strip. In a genius South American twist that nods to the owners’ heritage, the bottom layer is spread with dulce de leche, the rich milk caramel cutting the slice’s creamy sweetness with a touch of bitterness and tang.Empanadas are non-negotiable. The beef version is filled with braised, paprika-spiced topside wrapped in lard pastry, along with the quirky and satisfying Chilean-style inclusions of one black olive, two sultanas and a slice of boiled egg. Whatever you land on, you’re unlikely to strike any duds.Must order: The bestselling vanilla slice, with custard shimmering and quivering between crisp, light puff pastry.Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upLast visited: June 2025Continue this seriesBest bakeries in MelbourneUp nextReviewElkaThis venue is one of Good Food’s 100 Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2026.ReviewFalcoThis venue is one of Good Food’s 100 Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2026.PreviouslyReviewDaybakerThis venue is one of Good Food’s 100 Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2026.See all storiesMore:DelaheyDulce BakehouseMelbourneBakerySouth AmericanWalk-ins onlyOutdoor diningTakeawayBudget friendlyBakeryReviewsGood Food GuideEssential cafes and bakeriesFrom our partners