Sydney Eat Street: Where to find the best Easter treats
From hot cross buns to milk chocolate bunnies, Easter is the sweetest time of the year. Sydney Eat Street looks at the best treats on offer... some that look too good to eat!
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From hot cross buns to milk chocolate bunnies, Easter is the sweetest time of the year.
These Sydney establishments have you covered when it comes to sweet treats.
MakMak Macarons
Take a picture; it’ll last longer. That’s actually sage advice when it comes to MakMak’s award-winning macarons, as not only have they mastered that delicate balance of the macaron’s unique texture and its subtly sweet taste, but they’re also bitesize bits of artistry.
MakMak’s founder Carlos Heng says, “We’ve been very lucky to be able to serve up our macarons to Sydney-siders for 15 years now, and I think that new and old customers alike really enjoy our nuanced flavour selections and also the difference in textures of our macarons”.
There are over 20 flavours on offer, doesn’t mean that Carlos is resting on his laurels as he has plenty of opportunities to tap his creative side. “I absolutely love anything to do with art. When I design for an occasion, I like to dive deep into the significance and background of the occasion and let that lead the creative process in terms of design and flavours,” like the extra-large egg with its mango and Caramilk filling ($ 10 each).
In addition to making macarons, MakMak also bakes cookies and cakes, does customisations, and offers classes. Carlos adds, “We also love collaborating with other businesses as it gives us a chance to create new and exciting limited-edition products that are not our standard offering”.
Order online or pick up in-store from Monday, April 3, 2023. Extra-large egg ($10); mixed box of four ($16.50); Hot Cross macarons (from $25.50 for a box of seven); bunny and chick shortbread (from $6 each).
-6 Flinders St, Darlinghurst; makmak.com.au
Oh! Boo Chocolate
Pop into any grocery store right now, and you’ll find a veritable colony of gold-foil-wrapped bunnies, a vast array of easter eggs, and any other Lollies that can be mass-produced in pastel colours.
Of course, tis the season for chocolate, but while a bag of speckled eggs is fine for the reception desk, true connoisseurs of the cacao seed will point you toward artisan producers like maître chocolatier Fanny Chan of Oh! Boo Chocolates.
Trained in Belgium, Fanny has used her years of experience to create a range that layers conventional flavours with the nuances of native ingredients. Additionally, she also crafts seasonal items she paints by hand.
For this year’s Easter Collection, Fanny favours a spring theme that includes little chooks adorned with colourful crowns (technically, they’re “combs”) and tiny bunnies with polka-dot bows. Oh! Boo ships nationwide and offers hand-delivery within 20km of Barangaroo for a $15 flat rate.
-Shop 1, 33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo; ohboo.com.au
Hearts of Cupid
It was fantastic lunch with family and friends, but now that the table is cleared, it’s time to break some hearts.
No, this isn’t the moment to tell everyone that you’re leaving law to pursue underwater basket weaving, but rather the time to bring out the palm-sized 3-D chocolate hearts and crack them open to reveal decadent amounts of chocolatey goodness.
Because of their geometric shape, not only do these hearts (and bunnies and teddy bears) have a clean break, but they can also be packed to the brim with fillings that include Nutella, caramel, peanut butter, Oreo, and even fluffy marshmallow.
The brainchild of sisters and successful caterers Kelly and Norma, Hearts of Cupid came to fruition after countless hours of researching novelty chocolates and even more time experimenting in their kitchen; the rest of the story is just heartbreaking…in a wonderfully chocolate-filled way, of course.
-Heartsofcupid.com.au
T Totaler
While you’re out picking up goodies and groceries for the Easter long weekend, you could take a break a break and grab a cuppa or head to T Totaler and treat yourself to their Easter special, The Golden Wattle Egg, a “topless” chocolate eggshell filled with chilled wattle custard and a gold “yolk” centre. Served with a cheery yellow and white-striped straw, this cutie will surely bring a smile to your dial. It’s available through to Easter, but best to get in sooner rather than later as supplies are limited.
- The Galeries City, 26A Ground Floor, 500 George St, Sydney; ttotalertea.com
The Cupcake Princess
Ask any baker, and they’ll tell you that everything is better with butter, and Carissa Lake, “The Cupcake Princess”, couldn’t agree more as it was her butter-icing topped cupcakes that first got her noticed at the Entertainment Quarter Markets. From there, she developed a loyal following, giving her the confidence to open a brick-and-mortar shop and add other baked goods to her repertoire.
That was 18 years ago, and that loyal following is still going strong, with regulars coming in for the moist cupcakes she bakes every morning. So this Easter, taste the difference that butter can make, which her delightful Easter cupcakes, cookies and cakes. And if you’re looking to keep the kids (of all ages) busy, there’s also a DIY Easter Cookie Making Kit. The Easter cupcakes in vanilla and chocolate can be pre-ordered online or purchased in-store. Box of six large cupcakes ($33), 12 large cupcakes ($60), or $6 each.
-48a Albion St, Waverley; thecupcakeprincess.com.auor online
Aria
Over the Easter long weekend, this iconic Sydney restaurant will be offering diners the best of both worlds: a sweeping view spanning from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Opera House and a limited-edition six-course seafood-centric tasting menu from Head Chef Thomas Gorringe. With a deft hand and an appreciation for premium seafood, Tom’s menu features Scarlett prawns with caviar and Tasmanian rock lobster pasta, which is followed by a mouth-watering chocolate honeycomb dessert ($300pp). Available April 7, April 8, and April 10, 2023.
-1 Macquarie St, Sydney; ariasydney.com.au
Din Tai Fung
Known for their dumplings and buns, leave it to the masters at Din Tai Fung to take the traditional Hot Cross Bun and give it some of their signature folds, rolls, and twists to create Hot Cross Baos. Made with light and airy cocoa-rich dough, they’re filled with warm melting chocolate ($8.90 for two baos), or, if you’re looking to add some flare to your Easter lunch at home, there are frozen packs ($12 for three baos) available for delivery.
(Available at all Din Tai Fung locations while stocks last).
-Dintaifung.com.au
Hyde Hacienda
Overlooking Circular Quay towards The Rocks and Harbour Bridge, HYDE Hacienda is worth a visit just for its enviable location, but it’s the inspired cocktails from their master mixologist that’ll keep you in place. True to form, there’ll be two limited-edition Easter cocktails: the Berry Bunny - Strawberry liqueur, Pomegranate liqueur, White chocolate liqueur, Amaretto, Milk, Strawberry Syrup and White Chocolate flakes ($25), and Choctail Delight – Coffee vodka, Frangelico, Baileys Irish Cream, Milk, Lindt Chocolate Syrup ($24). (Available Sunday, April 2 – Saturday, April 15).
-Level 3, 61 Macquarie St., Sydney
The Tea Cosy
At this adorable cafe in a heritage-listed building in The Rocks, owner Ash Kinchin has captured the essence of “cosy” without the cliche. Behind the white picket fence surrounding the outside seating, visitors sit around petite tables, enjoying freshly-baked scones that Ash says are “Just like my Irish Nanna used to make”. Alongside the basket of scones is her housemade jam and most likely a pot of tea.
Not just any pot, though, as these are dressed in an eclectic range of cute and quirky, hand-knitted cosies, often matching the hand-knitted lap blankets on the back of each chair. Should all these handmade adornments reignite your interest in knitting, Ash has placed a bucket of yarn and knitting needles on each table. For those wanting to head down to the water or one of the nearby parks, she’s also put together an Easter-themed picnic basket with egg chive sandwiches, lots of fresh seasonal fruit, some creamy frosting-topped carrot cake and the requisite chocolate easter eggs. ($23 per basket). Of course, you’ll be remiss if you don’t add an order of scones. Hot Cross Scones, to be precise. Available through April 9, 2023).
-7 Atherden St, The Rocks; theteacosy.com.au
Scarborough Wine – Easter Shiraz and Chocolate tasting
Take this time to head out of town and reexplore the Hunter Valley. There are vineyards, restaurant, and cafes a plenty but stop into Scarborough Wine Co. for your chocolate fix. While they have regular tasting sessions on the books, they’re offering on in line with the season: The Easter Shiraz and Chocolate Tasting ($35pp). Over the course of 30 minutes, you’ll pair artisan chocolates from local chocolatier, Cocoa Nib with a vintage Shiraz from The Obsessive and Black label ranges. Available April 7 – April 10. Book online.
-179 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin; scarboroughwines.com.au
The Rocks
Hop over to The Rocks this Easter long weekend for some family fun and Easter treats. Start with The Rocks’ Easter Egg hunt (April 8 and April 9, 10am-4pm), which will have you wandering through the historic laneways looking for clues to a grand chocolatey prize.
Emporium of Chocolate
Continue your sweet excursion with a stroll through The Rocks Markets to Emporium of Chocolate for handmade chocolates inspired by Brazilian desserts. Individually wrapped in vibrant colours, they’d make a great addition to any Easter basket.
-16/10-26 Playfair St, The Rocks; The Rocks Markets (Saturday, Sunday); emporiumofchocolate.com
Creperie Suzette
No need to hunt down some of the area’s other Easter treats, as there are plenty of places hidden in plain sight, such as the Parisian-style Cafe Creperie Suzette. Take a seat and order the Nutella Nest, their signature dessert crepe. On top are juicy strawberries, banana slices, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while inside, there’s a generous spread of Nutella with added chocolate eggs ($21. Available April 1-30).
-34 Harrington St, The Rocks; harbourrocks.com.au
Munich Brauhaus
For the adults that remain a kid at heart, your egg hunt stops at Munich Brauhaus for their clever Stein-egg, a giant chocolate egg filled with their Haus-bier. Of course, you can always pair that with one of their plate-sized schnitzels, but considering the occasion, indulge in a cinnamon doughnut pretzel served with a limited-edition dark chocolate dunking sauce ($12). Available Friday, April 7 to Monday, April 10 at all Munich Brauhaus and The Bavarian locations.
-18 Argyle St, The Rocks; munichbrauhaus.com.au
Sake
Not all Easter treats are hollow critters wrapped in colourful foil; Sake’s Dragon Egg is an elegant dessert on par with their sophisticated Japanese-inspired menu. A veritable work of art, this painted chocolate egg is brought to your table standing upright in a misty shroud of dried ice before warm miso caramel sauce is poured in a steady stream on top, melting away the chocolate shell to reveal a cinnamon apple compote with lime cream and more miso caramel ($31). (The Dragon’s Egg is also available at their Manly and Double Bay locations).
-12 Argyle St, The Rocks; sakerestaurant.com.au
El Camino
When you’ve had your fill of chocolate but are still in the Easter spirit, El Camino Cantina has you sorted with seriously fun libations. Paying tribute to another Easter tradition, they have created The Showbag Series of Margaritas with flavours such as the Trollie Lolli, Rainbow Nerd, and Jelly Belly. (Available April 3-April 30).
-18 Argyle St, The Rocks; elcaminocantina.com.au
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