Russell Crowe does it. Wendell Sailor does it. And what is it exactly? They succumb to the treasure trove of goodies at Sweet Infinity, a little bakery in an unlikely stretch of Riley Street in Woolloomooloo. Crowe goes for the lemon meringue tarts whilst Sailor loves the pies. We’re not in the same celebrity league by any stretch of the imagination but that doesn’t stop Teena and I from dropping by one morning for a coffee and to try some of these famous lemon meringue pies and brownies.
There’s a steady stream of customers inside the warmly lit bakery. A dozen or so wooden stools sit to the back between the counter and the busy kitchen where from 2am chef Leanne Beck (formerly of Infinity Sourdough in Darlinghurst) bakes and bakes and bakes.
Spinach roll $5
As we’re headed out to lunch we order some coffees and forego the pies although a spinach and feta sausage roll gets a quick look in (it’s spinach right, so it’s healthy like eating a salad no?). The flavour of pie depends on the flavour that she decides on that morning although I have secret cravings for the Duck L’Orange and the Wild Boar with tomato and thyme. Next time I promise my indignant tastebuds!
Pies $6.50 and sausages rolls $5
People sit waiting for the next lot of pies to come out fresh from the oven and Leanne warns one lady that they are very, very hot. A courier comes in and she eyes him “Weren’t you in here this morning?”and he tells us that it was his brother. “Good because I would have told you you can’t have another pie. One is enough” and she explains that her tough love stance is because the pastry contains a lot of butter. The pies also contain 180 grams of lean meat and Leanne tells of the long education process with the nearby mechanics and explaining how they get a better quality of meat and more of it for their dollar. The sausage rolls are popular with non pork eaters as they’re made of lean beef without pork and there is a devoted Jewish clientele for these, whom would normally miss out on a traditional pork sausage roll.
Lemon Meringue Tarts $2.50
There’s plenty of accolades. Winner of the Foodies Achievement Award this year and voted one of Sydney’s top sweet destinations by the Sydney Morning Herald, there’s a lot of hype to live up to. We try the Lemon Meringue pie. Coming in two different sizes, from a mini canape size through to a large size for a hungry person (Russell?), we bite into ours. The meringue is delectably light and fluffy, like the softest, lightest marshmallow. I’m convinced this is what angels eat (and it’s not cream cheese as the ads would tell us). The lemon curd is mild, not that zingy lemon curd that I adore but is too strong for my husband and the tart shell is a sturdy one, perhaps a touch too sturdy for the light as air meringue. I prefer my tart shells buttery like shortbread.
Chocolate Brownie $3.50
The prize is the chocolate brownie. They make from six hundred to a thousand of these babies a week and it’s unlike any other brownie you may have tried. Thick and almost like a ganache-y fudge and it’s beautifully rich and decadent. Taking two days to make (there is a lengthy setting process for these), they’re worth every cent. And yes, in my humble opinion they’re Sydney’s best.
Biscotti, shortbread and jams available
I chat to Leanne Beck, the owner. Growing up she was one child out of six and due to a sibling’s illness, chores and duties were delegated amongst the kids with Leanne getting the shopping and cooking and her love of baking and cooking grew from there. Her Italian background shows up in her passion for sourcing good quality produce such as the organic pumpkins and strawberries. The customers are equally as passionate about their food and she tells me of a time when she was unable to get these very pumpkins and customers would ask her whether she had changed the recipe as they noticed a difference.
So tell me Dear Reader, who does the best near you? Do you have a best pie? A best cake? A best burger?
Sweet Infinity Bakery
53 Riley St, Woolloomooloo NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9331 2448
http://www.sweetinfinity.com.au
Open: Monday to Friday 6am-5pm, Saturday 7am-1pm.
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61 Comments | Add your own
Can see why they have won so many awards. Just delicious. Lorraine, I’m developing such a long list of places to visit when next in Sydney, thanks to you!
Oh goodie. This is right near my hubby’s work, perhaps I should get him to drop in on the way home? Those brownies look fab.
I know what you mean about lemon meringue pies – I think we’d like the same ones… lemon curd with lots of zest and sugary shortcrust..mmmm
Cutmore cakes at Fairlight (where I used to live) has the best gingerbread (a weakness of mine) Yum.. come on Christmas!
I love little patisseries around Sydney! It’s like a treasure trove of goodies and that lemon meringue tart & chocolate brownie looks absolutely delicious. Oh and the way you described the meat pies and sausage rolls makes me crave for them even more.
Oh dear!!! I am a sucker for a good brownie and have never seen one that looks that good or takes 2 days to make. Hmm shall have to make haste to Woolloomooloo….
I love these posts, a bakery. So simple so delicious. I have to plan an eating tour of Sydney. It’s an idea I have been toying with for some time. Your blog will be my guide.
That spinach roll looks so good… so do the brownies. Now I want a brownie! Must add this place to my list!
those brownies look perfect!
*drool*
do you see many gluten free items in your travels? since i’ve had to give up the Good Stuff i’ve had trouble finding nice, freshly baked GF things. the packet biscuits do not cut it.
Haha I love the idea that she keeps an eye on how many pies people eat!
Wow, that chocolate brownie sounds heavenly (or sinfully?) rich.
Ooh! I’m pleased to an almost disturbing level of excitement to see you visited here – it’s literally diagonally opposite my apartment, less than 20 metres away! I feel greatness has visited my neighbourhood.
It’s so close in fact, I send my boyfriend over in the mornings to bring back coffees and something to nibble on. The brownies ARE spectacular, almost mousse-y; I always ponder whether eggwhites have been incorporated. And Leanne is definitely the kindest, loveliest, most generous shopowner around..a true gem. We love supporting this local business!
Yum! Those tarts are so beautiful! and the brownies sound fantastic!
These brownies look divine!
My absolute favourite, best ever brownies are from the Point Deli in McMahons Point. Big, chunky and extremely chocolate-dense (and heavy to hold), they taste amazing when they’re warm and gooey.
I love good bakery’s so much. It is very hard to find a great one in south brisbane…
Hmm the Lemon Meringue Tart looks beautiful!
I have not yet found the best brownies I personally like (or they are all good. ;p ) However, a best burger goes to Sideway deli cafe in my neighborhood!
*sigh* I used to live near a fabulous bakery in Brisbane… now the closest bakery is 50km and while they do a mean meat pie, the rest is… average.
Our main baking is our own. And for the record, a chocolate brownie at anything our P&C caters at costs $1. I tried to raise the prices but got shot down BIG TIME!!! Heh.
Gorgeous pics…
BB
ooohh anywhere for a good spinach roll
I’m glad someone else has proclaimed them Sydney’s best brownies, i’ve been telling the people at work about them for ages (though i know them from infinity sourdough in darlinghurst)
You should also make a bigger deal that they are only $3.50, such a bargain for the size/quality of them.
We don’t have a great bakery but we do have Nina’s Chocolates in Gymea,they do the best selection of chocolates, the shop and factory are in the same building the smell is unbelievable.
Hey Lorraine, great to see you in the neighbourhood again!
Leanne is truly an artist at what she does & I love her passion!
Yum! I love the adorable mini lemon meringue pies. Unfortunately, in Brisvegas, I can’t say that I have found a “best” place yet. Best cakes in Melbourne would be a hard one – there are so many that are excellent!
wanna go , I wanna go ! The Spinach roll make me very hungry now.. mmm.. The best brownie, ok, I will go soon. Thanks Lorraine
Those brownies look divine, best in Sydney is a big call so I will have to go check these out for sure! I love the great range of patisseries and bakeries we get in Sydney
Whatever is in the 2nd picture must be sent overnight to us immediately.
It all looks so delicious! My favorite bakery is Schmidts. I love their chocolate eclairs!
Holly, I don’t know where you live, but if you are after GF goodies, try Choices Gluten Free Bakery in Turramurra. They have lots of freshly baked goodies… bread, baguettes, lemon meringue pies, brownies, muffins… the list goes on and on. You must try the butter chicken pie – yummy! The have been a life saver for my coeliac husband as he no longer feels as though he is missing out.
Ooh those brownies look so decadent.
There’s a great pie shop near my place “Oatley Village Pie Shop.” They have an enormous selection of gourmet pies. The pastry is gorgeous and flakey and fillings always interesting and unctuous.
Another fave is in Crows Nest (where I used to live) “New Orleans Cafe”. You have GOT to eat their fries. Absolutelty the best I’ve ever tried (and I’ve tried tonnes, believe me).
Well, I better jump on the bandwagon and also succumb to the glories of this bakery! But it’s no problem at all! Love the spinach roll, and that rich and decadent brownie is taunting me!
i think you need to ship me one of those brownies for a full evaluation
that is one delicious looking brownie!
I’ll take two of those cute little lemon meringue tarts, please. Nothing like an awesome bakery to set the day right.
Those tarts and brownies look divine. It is truly sad, we have no bakery around here. The megamarts have made sure of that. We do have great barbecue joints, etc… Pork and peanuts rule these here parts. There is nothing more tasty that a piece of salty Smithfield ham piled on a buttermilk biscuit and if you really want to make it special,slather on some whipped cream, no joke. Divine. Think I could sneak you some through customs? LOL!
Ooo the best brownies hey? Big call. I have to go try it now : )
Um, did I spy macarons behind her in that last pic??? Am I to assume you resisted??
I do love a good lemon meringue pie
.
Oo, best brownies in Sydney! I like a good fudgey brownie. All the food here looks great, and I love the way the owner looks after her customers and makes sure they don’t eat too many pies.
Sweet infinity… yummo!
Leanne did all the cakes etc for my kitchen tea 2 years ago and I still have friends and family asking where I got them!
The lemon tarts are to die for… ooooh, and she did these little numbers with blackberries on top – took me back to my childhood eating blackberries off the neighbours vine!
My husband can attest to the pies… When he went to pick up said kitchen tea cakes Leanne gave him a pie to try… He raved about it when he got home and didnt even complain when I sent him on the 45 minute journey back to Sweet Infinity a few days later to satisfy a craving!
Leanne is a woman beyond words when it comes to creating yummy treats!
It all looks so delicious! The choc brownies look completely decadent and the lemon meringue tarts look sooo good! There’s too many yummy things to choose from.
‘The Bakehouse on Wentworth’ chain in the Blue Mountains has THE BEST pies (the stores are peppered all over the mountains). They also sell organic sourdough and stone milled breads, as well as divine cakes and pastries. Definitely worth a day trip!
I feel an irresistible urge to make spanakopita and brownies this weekend…
mousey 888- you’re a champ! i’m in sydney. i think turramurra is around here somewhere? that sounds like paradise.
Best brownies in Sydney? I’d love to be the judge of that! Wouldn’t mind trying some of those biscotti and shortbread too!
Ooohh those brownies look delicious! And that picture of the spinach roll! It’s making me salivate. Must go soon. Thanks Lorraine
I went there today after read your blog.. arrived there around almost 2 pm.. everythings gone T_T
Have to go there again..hehe
This post has me tempted to plan my next trip to Sydney in the winter time (usually a few weeks of Sydney summer is a nice change from the cold North winter) just so I can indulge in these goodies without them melting away
I’d definitely recommend the macaroons from Sweet Infinity
So I’m not sure if this is true, but apparently there is no benefit to eating spinach in it’s raw form! Like a baby spinach salad for example.
So your spinach roll is probably well justified!
I find the problem with sausage rolls made only with lean beef instead of 1/2 beef and 1/2 pork is that they don’t quite have the lovely taste and texture of the traditional sausage roll.
They make a lovely lemon tart at Kim Hai Bakery in Kingsgrove, if you like quite a tangy lemon filling like I do.
Does anyone have a suggestion for the best jam doughnuts in Sydney? I love them and so few places seem to have them these days.
All those foods look heavenly
I love a good patisserie!
The best in my area – well, I can’t go past Chimmy’s for cakes and pastries. Easily the best in Melbourne I reckon.
I love this website.I live in the US.I would give a million to go to that pastry shop.I live outside of Boston,we have a place called the “Condite Meister” pure heaven.Those sausage look sooo good,oh and the brownies.
Woolloomooloo…my fondest memories of Sydney! We got into Woolloomooloo very late that night,so guess this beautiful bakery must have been shut. It’s been a beautiful read & I’m longing to try brownies as wonderful sounding as these. Another great post Lorraine!
i don’t think i’d be able to order anything savory at a place like that–it’d take up valuable belly space that i’d prefer to fill with sweet stuff.
Adding this one to the list. Lorraine, please start posting some really healthy places because otherwise we are going to get really fat in Sydney.
Wow that is a big judgement call! I MUST try ^^! I say they doo look mighty tasty and fudgey and chocolatey!
What a fabulous bakery! I would die for a thick, fudgy brownie like that!
There’s a great little local bakery called Eileen’s Bakery near my house…they have fabulous Napoleans and cream puffs!
Fave pie is beef & stout from Finola’s in Balmain, fave bakery (after Zumbo, of course!) is Bourke St Bakery in Surry Hills. Caravela (Bondi Junction)does some interesting Portueguese goodies, ditto Paris on Bondi Road with their French wicked temptations. (PS Evie – try Sulfaro in Haberfield for jam doughnuts).
i never knew sweet infinity was in woolloomooloo! i have heard great things abt their pies and michael always seems to be speaking to or about leanne..
in only ever a good way of course lol!
Ok Lorraine you’ve whet my appetite and a visit to Sweet Infinity is now a must (fortunately it isn’t too far away), but what about that zingy lemon curd tart with a buttery shell that you talk about – your next baking project perhaps?
Lorraine ~ you have done it again! I have since begun a ‘Food Safari’ quest with my hubby in tow.. you have indeed inspired me to go food hunting the best in Sydney. These brownies calls for trip to Wooloomooloo… thank goodness, there is more than just ‘pies’ down that way!
Bless u! x
I went there to buy the brownies for the office yesterday, but it is run out. So I pre-ordered for the next day and asked for a box.
My colleagues said that it’s very delicious. Even the guy who alwayd so conscious of his food goes for one.
I met Leanne, but I immediately said that it’s for the whole office *remembered the pie guy from your story** before she throw me out *worst case*.
I tried the brownies, and yes, it is delicious and a bit moussey which I like most.
I do love La Renaissance down at the rocks…but then again who doesn’t! They have the most wonderful cakes:) so rich and chocolatey! Yum!!
Hi Julia-Oh cool! YOu’re coming here for an eating tour I presume?
Hi Liss-Oh yes do! But he’ll have to go early as I think they’ve been selling out
Yes I must make one soon and make it exactly like that 
Oh yes I know Cutmore Cakes! We drive past it all the time! 
Hi Trisha-Yes we are really spoilt for choice
I wish I were closer! 
Hi sandra-Yes me neither! They’re so good! Yes do and you’ll be duly rewarded
Hi Theresa-Thankyou!
Oh fantastic! You’ll have a ball! YAY 
Hi Betty-It was really nice and spinachey
Yes definitely do! 
Hi holly-They’re so chocolatey and good and quite different from any other brownie I’ve tried
I think they have Gluten free bread there! I think I saw a sign (although I’ve been to so many places lately I am not 100% sure). I usually try and take note as I know a lot of you have gluten allergies. I shall try and be more diligent 
Hi Chris-Heh I thought that was very nice! Yes it was both
Hi Kate-Aww thankyou!
You’re so lucky being so close by! Yes she said it has the usual ingredients of brownies but it’s so unlike other brownies. That’s great isn’t it! 
Hi Anita-They were wonderbubble!
Hi Illegallyblonde-They are absolutely divine. Oooh That sounds interesting indeed! Warm and gooey is a good thing that’s for sure
Hi Tara-Yes they’re great aren’t they! Aww what a shame!
Maybe someone else here can suggest somewhere?
Hi Yas-Hehe try this brownie. I’d love to know what you think of it!
Oooh a burger is a thing of beauty. Thanks for the rec! 
Hi Bush Babe-Aw no, 50kms away is so far!
$1! Wowee. Sounds like people like the prices 
Thankyoiu!
Hi Fiona -hehe cool!:P
Hi Neil-They are definitely and I’ve tried many! Yes $3.50 is very reasonable. In fact the whole bakery is quite reasonably priced! And I think you could easily share a brownie as they’re so rich.
Hi Linda-That sounds great! Where would we be without a good chocolatier?!
Hi Nik-Hehe yes well now that I’m moving I’m sure I’ll be there more often. She’s great I agree!
Hi Cakelaw-But I bet what you bake is better than what any of them produce! Yes Melbourn ash some great patisseries
Hi Ja-Oh go Ja, go!
You’re welcome and let me know what you think of it ok? 
Hi Steph -Yes it is but I’m very confident in this
Yes we’re spoilt here and we have Zumbo too!
Hi The Duo Dishes-Haha!
Hi Barbara-Ahh that’s great! I wish I could try one
Hi Mousey888-Thanks for the recommendations! I know it’s hard for GF eaters to find good places!
Hi Kristy-They are great! I love a good pie (especially nowadays!).Oh New Orleans Cafe isn’t that far from me! Thanks for the rec!
Hi Sophia-hehe you’ll be in good company! Yes the spinach can be the salad before the dessert!
Hi justcooknyc-Hehe I was just thinking I should really try them again just for good measure
Hi Alexandra-It was great!
Hi Kim-Yes it’s a good start to the day isn’t it!
Hi Bethie-Oh no!
What a shame there aren’t!Oh you’re making me so hungry with that description. But hang on, whipped cream? 
Although unsweetened it would be butter like I suppose. Hehe I’d love some! 
Hi Brenda-Yup big call but I’m confident that they are
Hi Megan-YOu did! But I resisted. Too much sugar before lunch
Me too!
Hi Arwen-Ah well you’ll like this one! Yes it was a nice gesture indeed. A nice change!
Hi Tracey Lynch-Yes! Ah really, that’s great! They must have been delicious
Haha isn’t that nice! And I love how he didn’t complain when he had to go back. Perhaps he had a hankering for some pie? 
Hi Gab-They were great! It was hard to choose though
Hi kirgibg-Oh yes we’ve driven past it. Thanks for the rec, I’ll look out for it when we next go to Blue Mountains!
Hi SydneyGal -Do it!
Hi holly-Turramurra is north. Best of luck and do let us know what they’re like!
Hi Karen-Ha you can be! Just go and buy one!
Hi foodie-central-Definitely nad I’d love to know what you think!
Hi Ja-Aww no
What a bummer. Maybe you could call and reserve something?
Hi Lisbeth-Hehe yes Sydney during the day is quite nice too and good strategy going in Winter. One gets hungrier and the food won’t melt!
Hi flapflap -Thanks! Next time I think!
Hi Min Ai-Oh really? Bummer as I love baby spinach salad
But YAY to spinach rolls being healthy! 
Hi Evie-I should try one to see what it’s like. I love a tangy lemon filling I have to admit. Hmm interesting question. The donut seems to have lost favour with many but I love a jam donut.
Hi Esz-Hehe me too!
Ah cool! And it’s in your area too!
Hi olivia-Thankyou so much!
Great to know that you have a place to get your pastry goodies! 
Hi deeba-Ah yes they close at 4pm on weekdays which is why it’s taken me so long to get there. Thankyou so much!
Hi grace-It’s a hard balancing act I tell ya!
Hi Akila-Haha that will be hard with patisseries!
Hi FFichiban-Yes it is! YOu definitely should
Hi Faith-It is fantastic. At 7.20am I am craving one now! OH yum! Sounds like a great place
Hi gobsmack’d-Thanks for the recs, they sound excellent! I remember going to Paris bakery during my teenage years and loving the cakes there. I was amazed to see that it hasn’t changed inside!
Hi Mei-Yes it’s in this stretch of street with mechanics, apartment etc around it. Hehe really! Of course
Hi Sylvia-Yes that’s a really good idea! I really should do that shouldn’t I!
Hi Eve-Ahh wonderful! I’d love to know what you think of it. Love your DIY food safari idea!
Hi Lilia-Haha really! Good on you
Thanks for reporting back and I’m glad that everyone liked them! Hehe good idea 
Hi Caz-Yes I really like it there too and I love their little courtyard away from the hustle and bustle of The Rocks.
I will be getting out to the bakery for a brownie fix, too. I’m sure I’ll pick up more for the trip home, as well.
The best croissants I’ve had in Sydney have been in a little Vietnamese bakery in Mt Druitt Village (western suburbs) nearest the train line. I don’t even know how many they make on the premises but if I’m not there before 9am, they’re all gone. Buttery, flaky, huge and absolutely delicious. The belly can only fit one sandwich in (barely) but the tastebuds insist on more!
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