Baker D. Chirico

Daniel Chirico doesn’t do things by halves. In 2000, he helped kickstart Melbourne’s wave of cult local bakeries and became one of the city’s favourite culinary figures in the process. Baker D Chirico in Newstead is his first branch outside the home city and, judging by the queues, Brisbanites know these baked goods are worth the wait.

Carb lovers can pick up more than just their daily loaf of sourdough. The offering also includes classic bomboloni, maritozzi and cannoli. Plus, a range of panini and calzone. You might try the standout potato, caramelised onion and bechamel danish. It’s rich, but not rich enough to stop you having seconds.

The space is all speckled terrazzo marble and brass-rimmed tables, with a high, curved ceiling covered in wooden slats. It’s inspired by the bread-basket-style ceiling of Chirico’s Carlton store, evoking the gentle curve of a croissant. Out front is a little red Piaggo van sporting the Baker D Chirico logo.