I just came back from Madrid and Paris, tried a variety of sweets whilst there, was disappointed and deeply puzzled. After visiting a dermatologist today, I thought to myself why not get 3 croissants and 3 pieces of cakes for the Lunar New Year? Then I googled “patisseries”, and managed to find this 3.9 star Laurent Bakery nearby. The shop display wasn’t fancy, nor it has outstanding visual appeals of any sort, it’s customer service was pretty good, a lady jumped my queue, and I received this phone call in store, which annoyed the hell out of me. Then I developed a very ‘real’ hunch that the cakes will taste bland, or perhaps too sweet or greasy by the look of it. After dinner my 4 year old kid wasn’t particularly looking forward to dessert, neither did I. Nevertheless, we both had one scoop to try it out, and my daughter suddenly burst into excitement by crying out a big “wow”! I just couldn’t believe my tastebuds, I was sure to complain as well, but I couldn’t. This piece of cake deserves 10 stars! It has a light touch of sweetness, also filled with delightful aromas, and its smoothness goes perfectly along with the cake’s layered textures. We can now all forget about Paris, and stop trusting Google stars ;) Thank you Laurent Bakery for a wonderful surprise, and your cake truly rocks!

Disappointing as I've been to other Laurent locations and had no issues. For some reason the location is no longer accepting cash? This didn't appear to be advertised anywhere other than at the front counter. We ordered two coffees (latte and cappuccino) both large. What we received was a mostly bland latte and a too hot cappuccino - both of a size that might fulfill a child. And we ordered two different flavoured croissants. Both were dry and freezing cold as if they'd just come from a fridge. The place was lacking any friendliness. We were walked past a number of times on the way to the til and only addressed byy the server that had to take ourorder. No prices we could see. All guess work. There's a much nicer more homely cafe about a block back towards punt with hot beautiful food. Try there.

I can c why there is a big difference in the experiences (and reviews) at this place. Place : looks nice, recently renovated. Not too spacious and filled with tables. Service: the lady I dealt with was very polite and friendly, however, I can c what people r talking about with regards to costumer service from other staff. F&B: had a flat white and yes they seem to like to add too much milk. I would say it is below standard for Australia The pastries were of a good quality though. The place seems to have some previous good reputation (came here based on a recommendation from a friend who had been to Melbourne previously) they should work extra hard to keep it. And, yes, many older couples come. Nothing wrong with that. I actually enjoyed some of the chats with them.

I was stunned that Laurent doesn’t accept cash! Australian dollars!! I was unable to make any purchases because I could only pay by cash. I would have appreciated knowing this before I spent ages looking for-then paying for parking to especially go to this store. Only to leave empty handed. The staff couldn’t care less. Disappointed in a store I have been frequenting for many many years. If that’s your policy-and it’s legal, then please make patrons aware. I understood this practice in the depths of the pandemic. Thankfully we are not in these times anymore. I thought cash was king? Not at Laurent in East Melbourne! Plastic cards that attract fees and hacking and theft are preferred

Staff taking orders had no comprehension of their menu or what people were asking for. No signs on some items so we all had to describe what we wanted rather than asking for it by name. Manager rudely said to another customer ‘darling, that’s a salad baguette’ like it was obvious that was what we should all call the baguette with salad and chicken as opposed to the salad baguette with ham or lamb. Ridiculous.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Baguette

Laurent never fails to deliver regardless of the location you're at. They have a nice range of breads, sandwiches, hot food, beverages and most importantly cakes! What always draws my attention is their range of cakes. They never disappoint and I've had quite a number of them. Service is always impeccable and everything is clean and well presented. It's a great place for a meeting spot for coffee, to grab a quick lunch, to have some afternoon tea or even to grab some cakes home to share with the family.

Beautiful upmarket bakery in a stunning location in Wellington parade on Yara Park. There is plenty of comfortable seating inside and out with toilets available for the mobility impaired. Try their delicious almond croissants, certainly worth a visit for. Lovely place to sit down visit or drop in for a Take Away coffee or baked delight. I recommend you try Laurent’s soup of the day (There is a different soup for every day of the week). The pumpkin was delicious.

Went in with high expectations as I've been to other locations of Laurent but the experience here was terrible. Paid for a choc croissant and 2 lattes and waited for 40 mins with no sign of either. The girl at the counter tried to tell me the payment had not gone through and I had to show her my bank screen confirming payment. The choc croissant when it came out was horribly hard and dry and had like 1 teaspoon of chocolate in it. Very disappointing

I love to visit Laurent Patisseries as you know what you are going to be getting. The East Melbourne location is a nice quieter location to visit. I love any of the selection sandwich baguettes, individual quiches and savoury tarts, you can really taste the quality butter they use. Choosing a Parisian sweet to go with your tea is hard! I usually just get a macaron - the pistachio butter cream is always a good choice. The tea selection is good.

The greatest advantage of this restaurant is the variety, but that same variety is problematic if one or two products are not of the same quality as the others, my favorite was the Ciabatta sandwich with salmos and egg, but the gateau fromage is not up to par with other cakes on the same shelf, the eclairs as well as the donuts are only good fresh so I don't recommend it late in the day but first thing in the morning freshly prepared.

I just had coffee and breakfast here today I was not clear on the item I ordered and when it was delivered to my table, Michelle was great and returned with what I thought I ordered, no problem, polite and professional. Thank you for starting my day off with such a lovely experience
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The cakes and sweets were lovely, thoroughly enjoyed the macarons - but the savoury breakfast items were a let down considering the price paid. Nearly $40 for two croissants and two "large" coffees. The croissants were dry and cold, and the "large" coffees were more like a medium at best. And they do not list the prices of their food, which would be incredibly helpful.

Incredible pastries and food. The croissants are authentically French. A rare find. Service is excellent and fabulous location - not amongst the hustle and bustle and just a short walk from our hotel Pullman. Will definitely visit again when we are in Melbourne and continue to visit every morning during our stay!

Unfortunately my experience was not good I have been many times and this time the disabled toilet was dirty, bin overflowing and taps grubby. The eclairs were tiny and quite soft and it was filled with chocolate and not the normal cream. Will try again as I’m a patient at Freemasons and I do like the coffee

Omg this place is amazing. Coffee is perfect, food fresh and delicious. We came over from NZ to attend an event and we have been every day without fail for food. It is an excellent place!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Recommended dishes

Although much has been written about Laurent East Melbourne's refusal to accept cash, I think a greater problem is a rude, aggressive and confrontational manager. Perhaps a customer service course would help, although it is hard to change an aggressive personality.
Service: 1

Great cakes, only giving it a 3 stars since their staff doesnt seem to know some of the food that their selling. Had to say it over and over.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 4

Food was lovely however the dining experience and atmosphere were disappointing. Staff completely disinterested and left over plates littered many of the tables. Love Laurent but not this venue which damages the brand.
Food: 4
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Coffee was average at best, croissant was dry, but worse of all does not accept cash now ?? One of the oldest forms of currency. Just lazy and should not be trading if you can’t handle a till. Not going back to any of these stores if you don’t accept cash as a payment!

Amazing quality. Great food, coffee and service. A perfect spot for nice bite to eat and coffee. Highly recommend.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

$9.90 is a bit much for a half a salad baguette, looks tasty, but it’s pretty boring. It doesn’t have much flavour, the cheese could be punchier, even some salt or pepper would do. For a french bakery, you’d kinda expect this.

So the coffee was fine, but the “cheesecake”…looked good on the outside but be sure to read the fine print. My mistake entirely but, this is a raspberry reduction disguised as a cheesecake. Anyway I feel deceived.

Delightful selection of baked goods. As a lover of coffee being able to order by the soup bowl was novel without compromising on quality. It was my preferred breakfast location whilst down for latest conference.

Really good selection of pastries and their house coffee blend tastes so amazing! Would highly recommend to anyone in the area, definitely worth checking out. It definitely deserves more recognition.

A truly french bakery - their breads were very very good. High recommend. Their meals were also really tasty, just a bit pricey but worth it.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Sandwiches a little over priced. The service was quite terrible. They seemed rushed, got my drink order wrong and Hot Chocolate was very watery. Expected better for the price.

Vsited Laurent bakery opposite to MCG last year. Recalled the place being a cosy little cafe serving good quality desserts and coffees. Will visit again.

Had some coffee there and bought different types of bread and croissants. Perfect vibe and awesome food. Trying to go back there at least once a week.

Good bakery with large choice of baked goods and good quality coffee.
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Good locations and variety of food, and use here often. But I find it this place is bit over priced. Eat in and take away have different prices.

Beautifully crafted coffee made by Leonidas. Shop is amazing and food was great. Its all about the smell and the taste.

Consistent, good quality coffees and pastries. Today I had a large strong hot chocolate and a jam doughnut.

Good place. needs a little refurbishing though as looking tired. Will miss Leon the barista - master !!!

Friendly service, wide range of well presented food and it tasted how it looked. Will be coming back

Our friends got us some goodies and everything was delectable yummy! Can't wait to try more soon

Cakes were good and sweet. Always busy.. but kind staff. Proper pack for a take away.

My coffee was good but not great. Overall, I had a lovely experience!

The shop is bright and airy. Cakes are nice but on a pricey side.

Great service and food. Just wish they made coffee a bit higher!

Very nice bakery, good variety and quality of food.