Rustica Hawthorn

First opened in 2012 on bustling Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Rustica has expanded to include its CBD location and most recently Hawthorn, quickly becoming one of the most successful bakery-cafes in Melbourne. Delivering artisan breads, baked using traditional sourdough and time-honoured techniques, delicious house-roasted coffee, contemporary breakfast and lunch menus coupled with a rustic, industrial interior, Rustica’s success speaks for itself. 

Founder and co-owner of Rustica, Brenton Lang lives and breathes artisan breads. With a baking career spanning 12 years before opening his first location, Rustica Fitzroy.

Designed by architect Fiona Drago, the new Rustica Hawthorn features pastel tiles, marble surfaces, custom made furniture, lighting pendants, concrete pillars covered in greenery and a suspended timber ceiling. 

We loved tasting our way through the unique new menu. Our top picks include the slow roasted Lamb Shoulder Baguette marinated in rosemary and garlic, and topped with cumin yogurt, red onion and iceberg lettuce. 

If you don't feel like bread, then the roasted butternut pumpkin salad is a must. This beautiful salad is served with your choice of meat (go for the cumin chicken!) shaved fennel, rocket, kale all brought together with a  glorious walnut and topped with luxurious Persian fetta.

Whatever you do, do not leave without trying the pastries from the cabinet. Think coffee and coco pop cronuts, Nutella croissants, vanilla crème brulee donut and raspberry lychee bronut. And yes, they are all delicious.

Location: 121 Power Street, Hawthorn  
Phone number: (03) 9819 2018
Link: rusticasourdough.com.au