If you’re ever in the Glebe early in the morning, Ichiban Bakery is a solid place to stop for fresh pastries and a quick coffee. It’s not trying to be the trendiest café or the most Instagrammable spot—it’s just a reliable, local bakery that does simple things well.

Ichiban has been around for 18 years, quietly baking Japanese-style breads, cakes, and French pastries, all made fresh daily. They don’t use preservatives or additives, and everything is peanut-free, which is great if that’s something you need to consider.

Why “Ichiban”?

In case you’re wondering, “Ichiban” means “Number 1” or “best” in Japanese.

At Ichiban Bakery, the name doesn’t feel like a bold claim—it’s more about their approach to baking. They focus on making simple, fresh food the right way, using recipes and techniques that have worked for them for nearly two decades. No shortcuts, no gimmicks, just everyday pastries and breads baked the best way they believe they should be.

What I Tried at Ichiban

I grabbed a few things during my visit:

• Almond Chocolate Croissant
  Buttery and crisp with a layer of almond paste and just enough chocolate to make it interesting. Not too sweet, not too heavy, basically exactly what you want with a morning coffee.
  
• Ham Roll
  A soft, slightly sweet bread rolled with pieces of ham. It’s simple, no-frills, but good if you want something savoury to balance out all the sweet pastry options.
  
• Berry and Peach Danish
  This one had fresh-tasting fruit and a nice, flaky base. The custard wasn’t too rich, and it all worked together without feeling overdone.

What Are You Waiting For?

Ichiban isn’t claiming to be the best bakery in the world, but it’s great for what it is!

If you’re looking for a low-key, family-run spot that opens early and serves fresh pastries, it’s definitely worth checking out. No need to overthink it—just good, straightforward baked goods from a local shop that’s been doing its thing for nearly two decades.

Happy eating,

Carina

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