Taksim Square Bakehouse

Essendon North's slice of Istanbul. pide baked on premises, Turkish breakfast banquets, and pastry chef desserts worth the detour.

Spacious, modern, and clean with a warm Istanbul-inflected aesthetic. Reviewers describe it as inviting and cosy. The venue can get loud when busy. some note it needs acoustic treatment. A window service for coffee operates for quick visits. Turkish tea arrives in traditional teapots with a candle warmer underneath. Early in its life as a venue (opened mid-2025), so some operational roughness noted alongside genuine hospitality warmth.

Turkish bread baked fresh on premises by an in-house baker (Burak noted by name). High tea offering at $40 per person featuring savoury and dessert courses. Pastry chef Ebru specialises in Turkish sweets. kadayif, profiteroles, magnolia, rice pudding. Window coffee service available.

Strong authenticity signals: an in-house baker from Samsun, a dedicated pastry chef for traditional Turkish sweets, and a menu anchored in Turkish staples. Turkish-background reviewers are divided. many say it is the most authentic Turkish spread in Melbourne, while others note inconsistencies in dishes like menemen and simit quality. Overall authentic intent is clear and credible.

Divided opinion: many find the generous portions and quality justify the price ($40/person high tea, ~$25 menemen with bread and tea). A vocal minority. particularly Turkish-community reviewers familiar with the cuisine. find it overpriced relative to expectations. Portions are frequently described as very generous, with many diners taking leftovers.

Summary drafted with AI from public reviews.