The best cakes in Melbourne - no questions asked.
I've been to most of their shops and their factory and can say that their front of house sometimes lets them down, but behind the scenes they only use A1 ingredients and hire the best chefs / bakers.
You pay for it, but it's worth it...

Great cakes and presentation. The service varies on the staff and they could do a bit about noise and maintaining a freshly cleaned look in the shop. The mess sometimes lets this great shop down.

Great decor, very classical. Feel like being back in time in the restaurant. Had Van Gogh, Christine and Monte Carlo during the last visit. Highly recommended. Will definitely revisit.

Approximate cost: $10

I love the interiors of this place - a typical french tea salon! There are two levels so it's always easy to find a seat. You can't beat the tarts and macarroons. I like to order take-away large cakes for birthdays.

Approximate cost: $10

Superb French patisserie, one of the best in Melbourne. The down side is their service and prices are on the high end of the spectrum. Avoid lunchtime as very busy & chaotic.

A beautiful cafe to indulge in one of their miniature cakes or a hot chocolate. Can get crowded and cramped, but you can sit outside in the alley on a nice day. Ideal for when you need a treat.

This is a lovely patisserie at the end of the alley of Little Collins Street. The display case is one of the most magnificent displays of goodies I have ever viewed in Australia. Just like Paris and so very tempting.

Well worth a visit for the croque monsieur - a fancy kind of French ham and cheese toasty. The coffee is consistently good also. Can tend to be over-crowded, so go for morning tea rather than lunch.

Approximate cost: $10

Laurent has a reputation for being pretty fancy, but I don't know if that's accurate. The fare is pretty standard, and the service at lunch times is actually pretty bad -- the place is often packed, and staff shout "Who was next?" and everyone insists they were. Some of the sweets are worth venturing in for -- especially the macarons! -- but try to come when it's quiet.