Among the art deco touches and smart glass cabinetry crafted in Italy, the real star of Melbourne’s latest sweet sensation shines. At Bibelot, the focus is decadent pastries – all gleaming chocolate and gooey mousse – inspired by the sugary delights of Parisian high-tea salons. 

The interior, created by local firm Breathe Architecture, features custom mosaics and emerald-hued banquettes and armchairs in the rear of the store, where afternoon tea is served from Thursday to Sunday. In the cabinets, a glistening array of petite gâteaux, bonbons and biscuits by head pâtissier Andrea Reiss, tempts: salted butter caramel éclairs, passionfruit and mango St Honoré and lychee domes, with coconut dacquoise, lime curd, raspberry and lychee mousse, are among the offerings. Included in the macaron menu are many favourite flavours – including chocolate, pistachio and rose raspberry – alongside innovative creations using local ingredients, such as strawberry and native pepper berry. 

Once you’ve supped on champagne and a variety of both sweet and savoury morsels, browse the smart shelves and gold drawers of the gift shop for exquisitely packaged chocolate bars, nuts and biscuits, locally sourced honey, tea and coffee, as well as the selection of hard-to-find cookbooks. You may choose never to eat a main course again.

RELATED TOPICS: FOOD & DRINK