Nothing at north shore bakery Moon Phase (formerly known as Layers) is a rush job. Each of owner Frances Song’s pastries takes around five days to make, with two of those devoted to the making of the dough.

The love and attention definition definitely shows. The cafe’s signature chocolate bar – an update on the classic French pain au chocolat – weaves laminated pastry with milk chocolate batons, and hides a generous slab of Callebaut milk chocolate inside.

Frances is also proudly showing off her Korean heritage through savoury danishes. Highlights include stir-fried gochujang-marinated pork with garlic and onion; and the triple “kimcheese” with stir-fried kimchi, chilli, gruyere, mozzarella and parmesan.

Husband, co-owner and coffee wizard Jiyoon Song personally roasts his own blend for the cafe using beans from Headlands Coffee. To that end, Moon Phase is high-point in the north shore’s specialty-coffee landscape, serving espresso, filter and more.