Wellzones Gluten Free Bakery
The Overview…
Wellzones bakery is now closed. For other great eats in Camberwell try Heritage Well and Collective Espresso.
Food: Bacon and Cheese Sandwich, Vegan Pie, Chicken Pie, Lemongrass Chicken soup, Vegan Salad, Lemon Blueberry Cake and Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry Cupcakes
The details…
Unlike a lot of places that have jumped on the GF bandwagon, Wellzones’ offerings have been developed by owners Liwe and Ivan over the years out of the necessity of familial illness and the desire to create an alternative menu without compromising on good flavour and taste. The result is a small but perfectly balanced menu of truly delicious options, ranging from sandwiches, soup, salads, and even an array of wonderfully tasty sweet treats.
The bakery itself is a cosy little space, with just a couple of two-seater tables against one wall and a large communal table in the centre that can sit eight people. Extra seating is available at the window bar as well as along the other side wall, although these appeared better suited as an area for people just waiting on their takeaway orders. Bright white walls and the choice of a light wooden finish to the counter area and tables give the space a modern and relaxed feel. The large floor to ceiling windows let in lots of great light and really add to the venue’s bright and airy atmosphere.
As soon as you walk in you are immediately made to feel welcome by the enthusiastic staff. You can choose from the regularly stocked up delights in the counters or choose from their menu and variety is the key at this gluten free eatery. We tried the Bacon and Cheese Sandwich, Vegan Pie, Chicken Pie, Lemongrass Chicken soup, and Vegan Salad, followed by a few of those wonderful sweet treats we mentioned earlier; the Lemon Blueberry Cake and the Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry Cupcakes.
The lightly toasted sandwich was the perfect lunchtime snack for these chilly Melbourne mornings. The quinoa bread is soft and light and generously loaded with thick cuts of bacon (glazed in maple syrup) and cheese. Well balanced flavours with a nice juiciness, this was a great, filling snack.
Another great winter warmer are the pies. The chicken pie was so smooth and creamy thanks to the topping of potato mash, and the generous portion of meat and eggs inside ensured this was an incredibly filling and great tasting option. The vegan pie was equally as tasty with its topping of sweet potato mash and generous, creamy mixed veg filling. Pies are pot-pie style, so no pastry just the generous filling and potato toppings. They’re warming, yet light and have so much flavour.
We struggled to finish everything at the cafe so we took the soup and salad away and reheated this for dinner. The lemongrass chicken soup was delicious. We were surprised at the amount of chicken in the soup, it was such a generous serve and it made for a hearty, filling dish. The salad was fresh, with lots of variety. It came with a delicious satay sauce which really lifted the flavour. The inclusion of both tofu and potatoes helped add to the substance of this – and shows there is a lot of thought put into each dish to make it balanced and enjoyable.
To finish off, the lemon blueberry cake was a great choice. Subtle flavours with just the right amount of tang to the lemon and a nice balance with the blueberry, for someone who is currently obsessed with lemon desserts at the moment, it was perfect. The cupcakes were gorgeous, with delicate frosting and wonderfully moist sponge, they are a testament to how great gluten free desserts can taste with a little knowledge and willingness to think differently in the kitchen. While the vanilla ones are a little more savoury than your typical cupcake – they don’t add sugar to any of their desserts – the chocolate one is sweeter and was definitely our favourite of the day!
Everything else…
Website: https://www.wellzones.com.au/
Address: Shop 10, 436 Burke Road, Camberwell,
Opening Times:
Mon Closed
Tue 8am to 4pm
Wed 8am to 4pm
Thu 8am to 4pm
Fri 8am to 4pm
Sat 8am to 4pm
Sun Closed
Parking: There were plenty of street parks available nearby when we visited, being away from the heart of Camberwell Junction means it’s easier to find a spot!
Getting here on PT: It’s on the 72 tram route – alight at Middle Road, or about a 15 minute walk from Gardiner Train Station on the Glen Waverley line.
Disclaimer: We dined as guests of Wellzone Bakery, Camberwell. Reviews are honest and based on our own personal experiences. We cannot guarantee things at a cafe won’t change including, but not limited to, menu items and opening hours, so please confirm any details with the venue before visiting.