Coco & Rye Artisan Bakery & Café

Inside the bustling Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, Coco & Rye Artisan Bakery & Café has built a devoted following for its freshly baked pastries, crusty breads, and specialty coffee. This Fyshwick bakery operates as both a scratch bakery and a full-service café, turning out doughnuts, danishes, bagels, and waffles from an open kitchen that runs Thursday through Sunday. The moment you step into Shop G22 at 12 Dalby Street, the smell of Vittoria Coffee and warm laminated dough signals what the regulars already know—everything here is made in-house, baked daily, and served in a relaxed market atmosphere where familiar faces greet you by name.

The bakery has earned a solid 4.0-star rating across 114 Google Maps reviews, and the feedback reveals a clear pattern: customers rave about the Italian cream-filled doughnuts, the generous brunch portions, and the friendly staff who go the extra mile. One visitor described it as having some of the best doughnuts they have tasted anywhere in Australia, while another praised the café as a weekly Saturday ritual built on outstanding food, service, and comfort. The team at Coco & Rye takes this feedback seriously, frequently responding to reviews and continuously refining the menu to deliver the quality that its market community expects.

Our Story and Baking Philosophy

Coco & Rye Artisan Bakery & Café was born from a passion for honest, handcrafted baking that honors traditional techniques while embracing bold, modern flavours. Located inside one of Canberra's most iconic fresh food destinations, the bakery is more than a place to grab a quick bite—it is a destination where the craft of scratch baking is on full display. Every morning, the bakers arrive before dawn to mix, shape, proof, and bake a full range of products from raw ingredients, never relying on pre-made mixes or frozen dough. This commitment to scratch baking means that every croissant, loaf of bread, and filled doughnut carries the unmistakable character of something made by hand.

The name Coco & Rye hints at the duality at the heart of the bakery: the richness and indulgence of chocolate and cocoa-inspired creations alongside the earthy, wholesome foundation of rye and other heritage grains. This balance runs through the entire menu, from the deeply caramelised notes of a perfectly baked sourdough to the silky sweetness of a vanilla custard doughnut. The team believes that great baking starts with great ingredients, which is why they source high-protein flours, European-style butter, fresh eggs, and seasonal fruits to ensure every product meets their exacting standards.

Breads and Artisan Loaves

The bread program at Coco & Rye is a cornerstone of the bakery's reputation. Each loaf is the product of long fermentation, careful hand-shaping, and expert scoring that creates the beautiful, rustic crusts visible in the display cabinets. The bakery offers a rotating selection that may include classic white sourdough, whole-wheat boules, rye and caraway loaves, and seeded multigrain options. Regular customers know to arrive early for the best selection, and many take advantage of the pre-order system by emailing info@cocoandrye.com.au to skip the queue and guarantee their favourites.

Beyond the everyday loaves, the bakery produces specialty breads that reflect both European traditions and Australian tastes. Look for olive and rosemary sourdough, fig and walnut bread, and an exceptionally popular fruit loaf that toasts beautifully. The breads are designed to be versatile—equally at home sliced thick for morning toast, torn apart at the dinner table, or used as the foundation for a market-fresh sandwich built from ingredients found just steps away in the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. The bakers pay particular attention to crust development, knowing that the crackle of a well-baked crust is one of the great pleasures of artisan bread.

Signature Pastries and Sweet Treats

If there is one category that has put Coco & Rye on the Canberra food map, it is the pastry selection. The Italian cream-filled doughnuts, offered in flavours such as raspberry jam, vanilla custard, caramel, and hazelnut chocolate, inspire genuine devotion among customers. These bombolone-style doughnuts are fried to order in small batches, filled generously, and dusted with sugar. The result is a pastry that manages to be both light and decadent, with a satisfying chew and a burst of creamy filling in every bite. Reviewers consistently single out these doughnuts as a must-order item, with some admitting they plan entire market trips around them.

The laminated pastry program extends well beyond doughnuts. The bakery produces a vibrant range of fruit danishes featuring apricot, blueberry, mixed berry, and cherry toppings, each arranged on a bed of silky pastry cream atop a crisp, buttery base. Croissants are baked to a deep golden brown, shattering into delicate layers when bitten. On weekends, specialty items such as twice-baked almond croissants and savoury danishes often make an appearance. For those with a particular sweet tooth, the Coco & Rye waffles—served with fresh cream, maple syrup, and mixed berries—offer a plated dessert experience that feels both generous and celebratory.

All-Day Café Menu and Brunch Favourites

While the bakery case is a powerful draw, the full-service café component of Coco & Rye deserves equal attention. The kitchen operates from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day the market is open, serving an all-day menu that spans hearty breakfasts and satisfying lunches. Portions are famously generous, and the kitchen team takes pride in crafting dishes that balance comfort and quality. Customers can expect to find breakfast rolls loaded with bacon and egg, bagels with creative toppings, and seasonal specials that make use of the fresh produce available in the surrounding market.

The bagels have developed a particularly strong reputation. Available in varieties including plain, sesame, and everything, they are boiled and baked in-house to achieve that signature chewy crust and tender interior. The bacon and egg roll on a fresh bagel is a consistent bestseller, though the kitchen is also happy to accommodate requests and dietary needs. Brunch crowds flock to the café on Saturdays and Sundays, and while the seating fills quickly, the friendly staff work hard to keep wait times manageable. Many reviewers highlight the warm, welcoming service as a key reason they return week after week.

Coffee, Drinks, and the Vittoria Partnership

No bakery café experience is complete without exceptional coffee, and Coco & Rye has chosen to partner with Vittoria Coffee, one of Australia's most respected roasters. Trained baristas pull shots that are rich, balanced, and consistently well-executed, whether ordered as a short black, a silky latte, or a strong flat white. Soy lattes appear regularly in customer reviews as a standout, suggesting the team pays just as much care to alternative milk orders as they do to traditional espresso drinks. The coffee machine runs from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., giving afternoon visitors a window to grab a caffeine fix even after the kitchen has closed.

Beyond coffee, the drinks menu includes a range of teas, hot chocolates made with real chocolate, and cold beverages suited to warmer market days. The team understands that a great coffee is the anchor of many café relationships, and the consistency they deliver has helped build a loyal base of morning regulars. Whether you are sitting down with a flat white and a doughnut or taking a takeaway cup to browse the market stalls, the coffee at Coco & Rye is treated as an essential part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

Our Services: Dine-In, Takeaway, and Pre-Ordering

Coco & Rye offers multiple ways to enjoy its products, catering to the diverse needs of market shoppers. Dine-in service invites customers to settle into the relaxed seating area, enjoy table service, and soak in the market atmosphere. The staff are known for small touches that make a big difference—offering blankets on cooler mornings, remembering regular orders, and treating every visitor like a neighbour. For those on the go, takeaway options allow customers to grab pastries, bread, and coffee without breaking stride. The bakery also supports online ordering and pickup, making it easy to plan ahead for a busy weekend breakfast or a loaf of sourdough to take home.

Pre-ordering is strongly encouraged, especially for breads and pastries that often sell out before midday. Customers can email info@cocoandrye.com.au to reserve items for pickup, ensuring they do not miss out on their favourites. This service is particularly useful for those planning brunch gatherings or wanting to secure specific doughnut flavours before they disappear. The bakery's website, cocoandrye.com.au, provides full details on the all-day menu, coffee and drinks menu, and a comprehensive breads and pastries list, along with a gallery that showcases the beautiful products on offer.

Why Locals Choose Coco & Rye

The loyalty Coco & Rye enjoys stems from a combination of factors that go beyond excellent baking. First, the bakery operates within the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, a destination that draws food-conscious Canberrans looking for quality produce, specialty goods, and a genuine market experience. Being part of this ecosystem means the bakery is constantly exposed to customers who care deeply about food provenance and flavour. Second, the four-day operating schedule creates a sense of occasion—each Thursday through Sunday feels like an event, and the anticipation builds during the closed days.

Third, the team's responsiveness to feedback has created a culture of continual improvement. Owner replies to Google reviews address specific concerns, thank customers by name, and demonstrate a genuine interest in getting things right. When a reviewer mentions cold tea or overcooked eggs, the bakery responds directly and constructively. This transparency, combined with the consistently high quality of the core menu items, builds trust. Customers feel heard, and that emotional connection turns first-time visitors into weekly regulars.

Finally, the bakery fills a specific niche in the Canberra food scene: it offers artisan-quality baked goods without the formality or price point of a high-end patisserie, all within the accessible, community-oriented environment of a fresh food market. The value for money is frequently noted, with generous portions at reasonable prices. Whether you are a tradie grabbing a bacon and egg roll before a day's work or a family sitting down for a leisurely Sunday brunch, Coco & Rye makes everyone feel welcome.

Location and Contact Information

Coco & Rye Artisan Bakery & Café is located at Shop G22, 12 Dalby Street, inside the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets in Fyshwick, Australian Capital Territory 2609. The shopfront is easy to find once you enter the market complex, and the aroma of fresh baking serves as a reliable guide. The bakery can be reached by phone at 0452 278 368 for inquiries, though the team encourages customers to use email at info@cocoandrye.com.au for pre-orders and detailed questions. The full website at www.cocoandrye.com.au provides up-to-date menus, a pastry gallery, and links to all ordering information.

Public transport options serve the market area, and there is ample parking available for those driving. The market itself offers a vibrant shopping experience, with greengrocers, butchers, delis, and specialty food vendors surrounding the bakery. Many customers combine a visit to Coco & Rye with their weekly fresh food shop, making it a convenient and enjoyable one-stop destination. The bakery is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly, with high chairs available and a welcoming attitude toward children.

Operating Hours and Best Times to Visit

The bakery operates four days a week, remaining closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Opening hours on Thursday through Sunday are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., though it is important to note the distinct kitchen and coffee hours. The kitchen serves food from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., covering the peak breakfast and lunch windows. The coffee machine continues pouring until 3:30 p.m., while the market itself remains open until the 5:30 p.m. closing time. This means afternoon visitors can still purchase bread, pastries, and other baked goods even after the hot food and coffee service has concluded.

Weekend mornings are the busiest periods, with Saturday and Sunday brunch drawing the largest crowds. Arriving before 9:00 a.m. is advisable for those seeking the widest pastry selection and the shortest wait times. Thursday and Friday offer a quieter alternative, often with the same full menu and a more relaxed pace. The bakery does experience sell-outs of popular items, particularly the Italian cream-filled doughnuts and certain bread varieties, so pre-ordering remains the most reliable strategy for securing specific products. Parking availability and market traffic should also be factored into visit planning, especially during holiday periods and special market events.