Folks, I have done it.
I have found one of the best, if not the best macarons in town. In Melbourne. In Victoria.
And I’m not exaggerating.
I’ve had my share of the good, bad and the ugly (GBU). Sadly, I won’t be able to bore you with my GBU report on macarons, but if you are keen, feel free to browse my posts on Zumbo, Luxbite, Chez Dre and Cafe Vue.
Back to the jewel in the crown, the apple of my eye, the filling of my eclair. You get the drift.
Nestled along Hardware Lane, in between cafes’ and good ‘ol Maccas, is La Belle Miette. A chic little Parisienne shop that specialises in macarons.
Having found it after walking right past it several times, I bounced up its little steps and froze right in front of the macaron counter. Encased in all their glory, wonderful bright and glossy coloured shells glistened at me.
The first time I was there, I couldn’t resist and bought all 15 flavours they had in the shop. I ate them all. Alone.
The Boy having missed out, decided to take me back for round 2 where we bought all 14 flavours (1 flavour was not available).
You might think me as crazy, but really, if one has to properly assess the quality of the product, one has no choice but to try each and every single flavour available.
*Nods head knowingly*
So began the sugar filled week, as I could only eat about 3-4 flavours each day. On the last day, the macarons tasted just as fresh as on the day I bought them, so my satisfaction and appreciation was evenly justified.
I won’t bore you with each and every flavour, but I will highly recommend a few flavours which I could go back for over and over again.
Before I do that, I will give you a shot of each individual macaron to tease you (except for the Grapefruit flavour as they didn’t have that on my second visit with the Boy).
Pimm’s & Pomegranate; and Olive Oil & Vanilla
Caramel a la Fleur de Sel; and 72% Cocoa Single Origin Chocolate (Venezuela)
‘Bastille’ – Moet et Chandon and Blackcurrant; and Violet & Blueberry
Strawberry & Vanilla; and Raspberry
Lemon; and Cherry Blossom & Sake
Rose; and Hazelnut Belle Miette
Mariage Freres Earl Grey Chocolate; and Pistachio
How did you like that?
My favourite flavour of them all was the Violet and Blueberry macaron. Absolutely smashing. In my notes, I had actually written, “All macs should grow up to be like this!” So amazingly good. It’s like a mini blueberry jam sandwich which really packs a punch in the flavour department.
My second favourite is the Lemon macaron. If citrus flavours makes your mouth water, then this is the macaron for you.
After these two, my favourites are the ‘Bastille’ Kir Royale macaron, Cherry Blossom and Sake macaron, Pistachio, Caramel a la Fleur de sel, and the 72% Single Origin Chocolate.
If you visit, and can only afford a few, I highly recommend you get the above flavours.
Will I go back for more? Sure thing, I’ve been back a few times, and every time I visit, I walk out with the Violet and Blueberry macaron.
Now, how does this compare to the likes of Pierre Hermé and Ladureé?
The simple answer is that I simply do not know as I have yet to have the luxury of tasting them.
But if this is the limited exposure I am receiving to the world of macarons, it can only get better.
*Disclaimer: All food ratings are purely based on my own experiences and how I feel about the service, food and quality at the time of visit
Food/ Cuisine: French
Dining Style: Patisserie (specialising in macarons)
Overall Food Rating (Based on the Dining style): 8.25/10
Restaurant ambiance: N/A (we opt for take away)
Service/ Attitude: 8/10
Value for money: 8/10 (pretty average pricing for their macarons, $2.50 for each)
Address:
30 Hardware Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9024 4528
Website: http://labellemiette.com.au/mac/
La Belle Miette is open
Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm (or until sold out)
Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Closed on Sundays
How to get there:
So how is it compared to Zumbo?
I prefer this to Zumbo. I’ve had about 30 or more flavours of macarons from Zumbo, but they can’t seem to compare to this.
ENVY!!!! i need to go back for more.
OOO, i love the light peeking through photos!! i shall copy that idea
Yes you do!
I don’t really fancy the macarons here when the stall just opened not long ago. Maybe it has improved… hmm
Really? I found them to be consistent in quality 🙂
Oh my goodness! Heading to Melbourne of Thu night for dinner, I hope I’ll have time to stop by – the kids love “those colourful cookies”. Will be a nice surprise to bring back for them!
It would be! Have fun!!
Yes! I’ve been directing people here since my first one earlier this year. I just can’t find another one as good.
I know a lot of people wax poetic about LuxBite. And LuxBite’s are good. But La Belle Miette’s macarons are just closer to my idea of what makes a “perfect” one.
I’m not one to hold standards (ie Laduree is the ultimate standard to which all other macarons are compared… even if they ARE amazing!) If I absolutely had to do that, I’d still say La Belle Miette’s are the closest.
They once had a kir royale flavor that made me weak in the knees.
Yup 🙂 I had the Kir Royale flavour too! Still think the blueberry rocks more!
These look amazing! I’ve been wanting to find somewhere that sells good macarons in the CBD! Must give these guys a try 😀
There you go! I live to serve 🙂
when i visited their website to check out the flavours i also decided i’d be buying all of them when i visited 🙂
I’m not the only one it seems.. lalalalaaaaa
Oh they look divine! I love the sleek coating and the glossy colours! I will have to pop by to have a look.
Thank you again for your help! I went with GD as suggested and it was a breezy process x
Thanks and no problem 🙂 Anytime!
It’s Just So Pretty. SO PRETTY! And I love your favourite falvours, because they all sound amazing to me. No rotten orange in your favoured line-up! 😛
So pretty and merry and gayyyyy!!!! If there was an orange one I would buy it and eat it and say it was the bestest thing and send you one because you LOVEEEEEE orange (cough cough)
And I would leave it in your car!!!
*laughs and laughs*
Oh I know you really forgot and so that you could have it by mail and be totally awesomed out and surprised and amazed that you received your favouritest ORANGE CHOCOLATE by mail *cough*
Wahhh look at all the purdy colours!! Such gorgeous photos too! I’ve walked past before too, next time I’m going in!
Yes! You won’t regret it!
Oooh must give these a try one day! They are certainly pretty specimens! 🙂
Very beautiful!!
I bought a bunch of these when I was in Melbourne and brought them with me to Sydney where I bought some Zumbo macarons to compare – I have to say that I prefer the texture of these macarons better than Zumbo’s! (although Zumbo had a nicer caramel macaron).
Your pictures make me wanna fly down to Melbourne (it’s a long way) to have them again!
Yeah… Zumbo’s aren’t really consistent. Possibly because there are so many different people handling and making them. I’m sure if Zumbo himself made them it’d be great, but the last few times I’ve been, it’s been his minions and not all the macarons were great.
Wow. You are just SO good at taking pictures of macarons!! Hahaha… What I love abt macarons is the funky interesting flavours! Wouldn’t mind stopping by to pick one up to try one of these days, maybe after brekkie in the area hehe
Hahahaha… I can’t take full credit, the Boy took most of these but thank you!
i go to a sugar coma if i whack through the lot in 1 sitting!
It took me about 5 days 🙂
Your photos look amazing! They’re all perfect 😀
I wish we were in Melbourne to try these out. They might convince Stud about macarons. He doesnt get it lol
You could always try getting some friends to get you some!
I think you would have been neglient to not have tried all varieties- all in the interest of research of course! These do sound spectacular, but the eucalyptus one from Zumbo was pretty awesome too.
I think so too 🙂 Hee. Damn I missed out on eucalyptus??? I LOVE EUCALYPTUS! Why Zumbo, why??!!!
My belated two cents is that I too adore the Violet and Blueberry macaron from La Belle Miette but I’d suggest trying out Cafe Vue’s macarons too because they were less chewing IMO :).
Yayy! High Five! Nope, not a fan of Vue’s macarons at all 😛
So. so pretty. Pretty colours. So pretty. My precious.
Dream my pretty… dream….
How pretty and what amazing flavours! Cupcakes have taken over the UK but I think macarons are the next big thing. Even the box they came in is beautiful. What a lovely present to give yourself 🙂
Thanks Angela!! Thanks for visiting. Cupcakes have been very big here as well.. but anything with sugar is BIG 🙂
Well, I’ve been to Pierre Herme many times and truth be told, the ones from La Belle Miette are quite close, which also makes them the best in Australia in my opinion. Pierre Herme is just so outrageously sublime, I don’t think anyone else can be on par, let alone top it.
You have?? So lucky!!! I would love to try PH and Laduree… ahhh one day!
You have to check out Macarahrah in Melbourne. They sell their Macarons online for delivery or pick up from flemington, fun flavours, fun designs yummy Macarons.
It’s Just So Pretty. Your pictures make me wanna fly down to Melbourne (it’s a long way) to have them again! Very beautiful!! Cupcakes have taken over the UK but I think macarons are the next big thing.
It really is! I think that’s part of the appeal… all the poppy colours!