Sonoma Bakery Rose Bay

Sonoma sourdough may be a staple on breakfast menus throughout the city, but if you want to try its signature miche loaf, slow fermented baguettes or flaky pastries you'll need to head straight to the source.

Of the nine outposts in the Sonoma family (and five market stalls), the Alexandria one remains the most impressive. Set within a converted warehouse, the shopfront boasts high, slanted ceilings and a sleek monochrome fit-out, with shelves stocked with loaves like a gallery for gluten.

If you need more than just a loaf of bread, Sonoma also offers up a range of pies which have earned a reputation right across the state. The beer braised chicken leak and potato pie is perfectly spiced while the chunky beef pie is exactly the classic pie you're after and goes well drenched in tomato sauce. For vegetarians there's an eggplant parmi pie or a verde quiche, and if you're just after a humble sausage roll its pork option is everything you could ask for and more.