The large open-fronted corner location spills out onto a huge sunny outdoor seating area which takes in views of busy Victoria Avenue, and once inside, it’s all pastel pinks, soft grey banquettes and buttermilk tiling with a choice of seating at the huge rustic communal table or one of the smaller, more intimate two-tops.

There’s a distinct vintage-kitsch aesthetic (think Austrian dollhouse) with a pretty series of antique-looking plates lining one wall and faux pink carnations on the tables. Though it’s the display cabinets filled with their renowned cakes and tarts that surely garner most customers’ attention.

Hausfrau pays homage to many of the classics, and here you’ll find authentic, house-made renditions of Euro staples like Linzer torte, apple strudel and plum cake as well as a delicious range of take-home savoury pies.

Owners Sally Roxon and her husband, Austrian-born Christian Gattermayr, are veterans of the Melbourne food scene with Sally having clocked up time as sous chef at the legendary Stephanie’s in the late 80s and Christian doing the front of house rounds at the likes of then-legendary Rogalsky’s, Fanny’s and the uber-haute Paul Bocuse.

The couple is now kept busy overseeing the two businesses, with a team of eight highly trained pastry chefs split between their savoury kitchen in Albert Park and the sweet headquarters in Yarraville.

And if the well-sated groups of sweet-loving locals and families filling the cafe are anything to go by, Hausfrau (mark two) is hitting all the right notes.

Hausfrau
123 Bridport Street, Albert Park
(03) 9686 8226

Hours
Tue-Sat 8am-5pm
Sun 10am-5pm