You may think that I am trolling around Sydney going to each and every patisserie and you’d probably be right. My latest stop was Black Star Pastry, tucked away in Australia Street Newtown, right next to Oscillate Wildy and opposite Newtown Police Station. Who knew that in this little street, there would be so much foodie goodness? And what is Black Star Pastry? It’s Christopher Thé’s newish patissserie, he of Claudes and Quay fame.
Mel and I are an ambitious pair-we’ve just ingested an enormous lunch and yet we’re still looking for sweets not 20 minutes later. Our eyes, and ambitions are definitely bigger than our stomachs. We walk past the crowd sitting outside on stools nursing their coffees (beans from The Little Marionette) and cakes resting on the Philippe Starck Gnome tables. There’s a young boy who wanders in with his mouth covered with chocolate-a satisfied customer in need of more sustenance no doubt. It’s a small space with seating in the bay window as well as small stools and tables outside. We quickly nab a window seat while I decide on what we’re having.
Quirky Philippe Starck Gnome Tables
Plum, Fig & Orange cake
Strawberry, Rose and Watermelon cake
It only makes logical sense that we try a Ginger Ninja, the gingerbread biscuits that they’re so famous for. The Winona Ryder-esque girl behind the counter lets us know that the brownies are especially good and fresh from the oven and we also try two of the cakes: a fig, plum and orange cake as well as a cake we were initially drawn to for the look: a strawberry, rose and watermelon dacquoise cake. Yes a Watermelon cake!
The Chocolate Ninja $4 rests menacingly against a wall of Brownie $4.50
We take our cakes to the stool and we dig in. It’s very gingery, nicely so, and enrobed in a rich chocolate. The brownie was perhaps the most ambitious of items for us to try after our lunch. It’s soft and gooey inside and packed full of whole macadamias.
Small Plum, Fig and Orange cake $4 and Strawberry, Rose and Watermelon cake $6
The cakes however are the things that take my fancy the most, particularly the strawberry, rose and watermelon dacquoise cake. For those of you that haven’t tried a cake with fresh watermelon, do and do so soon. This cake is layered with almond dacquoise, cream and a slice of watermelon and plump, sweet strawberries and is undeniably light and refreshing yet still sumptuous with the cream and nutty dacquoise sponge. Importantly for us and our recent lunch, it’s also as light as a feather so we don’t feel like we’ve just eaten a cake. The small round fig and plum topped cake is full of tiny pieces of candied orange and tastes like a deliciously fragrant marmalade butter cake.
Christopher Thé and wife Rose
Christopher and his wife Rose come out from the kitchen and we have a quick chat about the business and any future plans (to keep baking delicious goodies-why fix what’s not broken?)
The friendly Barista Marco
Yes were ambitious but then again we polished off those cakes as if the Titanic were going down and we were the last ones on board.
Mel looking remorseful
So tell me Dear Reader, do you have an emergency dessert tank where you can accommodate desserts?
Black Star Pastry
277 Australia Street, Newtown
Tel: +61 (02) 9557 8656
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 7am-5pm
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58 Comments | Add your own
What a lovely patisserie! Everything looks so tantalizing, especially the watermelon cake! Oh my, I might have to see where I can find some of that…
I SERIOUSLY want to go here. The stool sold me.
I’m jealous. I want to be close to delicious bakeries.
I now must try watermelon cake.
The watermelon cake looks amazing. Any chance of getting the recipe? Love the gnome table too!
The watermelon cake sounds very intriguing. I just can’t imagine it, I would have thought the watermelon would make it a bit soggy… does it? I like the sounds of the fig and orange cake.. and of course the brownie
wow that cake with the watermelon looks so delicious!!
I definitely seem to have a second stomach purely for dessert or drive my husband crazy by not finishing my main in order to “save room” for dessert.
I would take that chocolate Ninja down with my throwing star(fork). I don’t have a dessert tank, but do have a snack drawer!!
We’ve probably discussed this many times, I have an entirely separate stomach dedicated to desserts! Otherwise I may not have survived our first Perama experience haha! Ohh a watermelon cake, what an intriguing idea! I’m going to have to try making one myself now…I’ve always thought the ginger ninjas are hilariously adorable, I will have to get myself to Newtown to try Black Star sometime.
What a delightful place you’ve uncovered for us all Lorraine! I love going to Newtown and hope to try this out soon, although I haven’t been for a while and it’s quite dangerous and expensive for me venturing there with Gabriella, the all-time clothes horse and mad-shopper. “Oh mum, this is so sweet, I just have to have it!”lol. Back to the sweets and my bottomless-pit of a stomach when it comes to eating them. We are so used to sitting round the dinner table for hours ( Italians probably invented the Long lunch) that it’s nothing for us to be looking around for something delectable even after a huge lunch or dinner. Have you been to Italy and tried to walk past a pastry shop there Lorraine? The sweets are to die for and the picturesque island of Sicily is like a giant pastry shop. In Summer they start the day with a brioche filled with granita or gelato, Heaven!!
im so glad you posted this! i have been dying to go for months (for the ginger ninja) and now im def going to go!
Haha that ginger ninja is so cute! As soon as I read the word “fig” I was sold – Plum, Fig and Orange Cake sounds delicious!
I always have room for dessert – I quite often look at a dessert menu first, as if that guides the rest of my choices
I have a separate tummy for desserts!!
Is it very wrong to want that chocolate brownie for breakfast?
who knew there’s more foodie places besides king street in newtown?
the ginger ninja is so cute, great name too!
The chocolate ninja is hilarious! I can also see interesting baguette and sandwiches on the blackboard in the picture, everything sounds delicious!
I am so there this weekend. Must eat watermelon cake now. NOW.
Go Newtown !! I am glad you went there, as it is one of my fav cafes in Newtown as well. I was even going to email you to suggest it, but I am glad you beat me to it. The quiches are to die for (that’s why I keep going back) and the coffee is good too. Those Ninja ginger guys are cute too
Do you take suggestions from reader recommendations as well ?
The ginger ninja has my name all over it, so cute and yummy! I’ve been wanting to visit Black Star for ages, and thanks to your post, I’ll probably go this weekend.
Oh it looks good – those ginger ninjas are so cute. Been meaning to go here for a while now. My friend just ordered his wedding cake here and he has been raving it’s praise for months. Looks like he wasn’t wrong!
If you go there next time, pumpkin and zucchini muffin is my favourite ^ ^ (but sometimes they are sold out quickly)
wanna go there again to try watermelon cake.
The idea of a strawberry watermelon cake totally intrigued me. I love gutsy pastry.
I like the look of the ginger ninja! My all time favourite gingerbread is from Swiss Glory Chocolates in Adelaide, they do a soft gingerbread in a flower shaped biscuit, coated in their amazing dark choc! mmm….
Haha I love it when someone mentions their ‘second stomach’ for dessert! It can actually be explained by something called ‘sensory specific satiety’ which basically means we can still have room for food that’s different to what we’ve been eating before because a variety of foods = more nutrition! I guess we could say that we’re gaining nutritional value from the desserts which weren’t present in our main meals hehehe
Like your average 5 year old I can always find space for something sweet. I think sweet things are generally lighter and fill up the spaces left by the serious savoury food. The best sweet fix, however, is one that tastes fantastic and leaves you wanting more – and there’s always room for that!
I’m so jealous There are no good bakeries around here. It sure makes me hungry looking at the pictures. Which are beautiful. Its a shame you don’t have the recipes on here, oh well I will have to try my hand at coming up with something similar. I love things that are different. Enjoy…………
Oooh…all of those goodies look yum! I’ve not tried cake with watermelon in it…next time I’m in Newtown, I’ll have to hunt this cake down!! LOL
As for the emergency dessert tank…I think all Italians have an extra stomach for desserts, don’t they?!? LOL No matter how full I think I am, I always seem to have room for a dessert of some sort! I just can’t say no to the sweet stuff!!
Thanks for another great bakery review!
Of course I think you are trolling around Sydney going to each and every patisserie…an enviable job! That watermelon in the cake grabbed my attention, as did Mel & her friendly Ninja. Another great great post Lorraine, & such a great deal of fun exposure! ♥ it!!
That watermelon cake, if you ignore the fruity top, bears a striking resemblance to those double-layer crustless sandwiches you are often served at conference lunches (with antipasti or smoked salmon and cream cheese inside).
Yep, I definitely have a separate dessert stomach. Some may argue I have separate snack, entree, mains and dessert stomachs given how much food I can magically make disappear.
I am taking an early maternity leave, just so I can eat my way all around the city at all these gems you find and so kindly share with us! Wooohooo can’t wait!
Lorraine, may I suggest adding the website (if one exists) to your postings. It always helps to check on opening hours etc.
Love your work. Keep it up!
WOW! Watermelon cake..and those ginger ningas look good too…sigh…no way you could mail these over? hahaha…gosh I need to make a trip to Sydney and appoint you as my food guide!
Yes, of course there is always an emergency tank for desserts! Which apparently boys don’t understand
The watermelon cake sounds intriguing. And the gingerbread ninja is so cool! I should really check it out soon, as it’s so close to me!
Yup, of course, there’s always room for dessert!
For me a meal is not quite complete without a sweet treat. 
yuuuummmm…I want some now…
What a lovely find! I will have to check this out. Thanks for blogging about this. Always like to try new places close to home
These pastries look delicious.
I do have an emergency dessert tank, I also keep ‘emergency champagne’, chilled in the fridge.
The gnome stools are a cute idea! I’m intrigued by the idea of watermelon cake that doesn’t go soggy. It sounds like a beautiful cake.
Oh I had plans to visit Black Star Pastry but then when I realised it was a fair walk from Sydney Uni I decided not to go. I totally regret it now – I’m craving one of those ginger ninjas!
Those gnome stools are Phillipe Starck? I had no idea, and we’ve got half a dozen of them at my workplace, haha. Another great idea to make the trek out to Newtown!
Love Cartman dressed as a ninja!
Oh yum!! That watermelon one looks absolute deliciousness! Never thought of having watermelon with cake, but that will have to be one to definitely try!!
Seriously what do you shoot with and what lenses? I love you stinking photos and trying to get better at it.
Plus oh yeah I love gnomes!!!!
Oh yeah lol chocolate ninja rules!
Delicious! I would so love to try the watermelon cake, it looks fantastic!
i want a gnome table! and a piece of that gorgeous, eye-friendly watermelon cake! but mostly, i want a gnome table!
Sydney looks like it has a stash of absolutely awesome patisseries. I really want to try that watermelon cake too
Woooo those cakes looks so goood!! I usually end up at the other cafes nearby when I meet up with my friends in Newtown. I’ll definitely try and get the plum & fig cake!!
LOL @ Mel
Lovely post! I have been wanting to come here for ages based on Ginger Ninjas alone, but after seeing some of their other cakes I think the visit will have to be sooner than later. Watermelon cake, who would have thought!
i’m hoping to try the chocolate tart with salt on it next. nice placement of the ninja against the wall hehe. did you know the same gnome chairs seem to also be at fifi foveaux cafe i think or similiar anyway http://simonfoodfavourites.blogspot.com/2009/05/fifi-foveauxs-cafe-surry-hills-23-may.html
You always have so much of fun dear, that watermelon cake sounds delicious, a different one!
i rilli wana try that water melon cake.. yummm!!!! vat a great place.. have a nice weekend
cheers!!
I cannot get my eyes off that strawberry, rose watermelon cake! what lovely things to make a cake with.
The cakes look stunning and so creative. Would never have thought of putting watermelon in a cake before!
Now I really know I haven’t been there in ages – it looks a bit different to what I remember it being – improved decor actually, which is great, and a larger range of sweets too. That watermelon cake sounds intriguing.
Hi Faith-It was great and I really must try some more of that Watermelon cake!
Hi Blond Duck-Hehe it’s cute isn’t it!
Hi Julianna-Hehe yes I must try it again, I simply must!
Hi lisa-It was so unusual but brilliant! I’d love to get it but perhaps I’ll experiment!
Hi Anita-Yes the weird thing is that the watermelon is juicy but it doesn’t make it soggy! It’s amazing stuff!
Hi sandra-Haha very smart indeed! If I had more forethought I’d do as you do!
Hi Bethie-Haha yes indeedy!
Snack drawer? How fantastic!
Hi Steph-Yes we probably have at Perama
I’m totally going to try it too as I can’t go without having another taste! 
Hi Matilda-Thankyou!
Aha well be warned there are cute shops nearby! Sadly I have never been to Italy. Seems like a crime not to have doesn’t it! I’ve heard that-how blissful!
Hi miss mellie-Oh cool! I’d love to know what you think of it!
Hi Zam-He is and he looks serious doesn’t he!
Yes that’s a very good tactic! 
Hi Sarah-hehe absolutely not! there’d be something wrong if you didn’t I thinK!
Hi isLa-I know, Newtown has so many places!
Hi Julia-Yes everything looks very good. If only we had the stomach space!
Hi SydneyGal-Fantastic! Did you end up going?
Hi Katrina-Hehe great minds!
Of course reader recommendations are wonderful and I often go to them if I can! 
Hi Belle-Wonderful! Well the weather was warm enough to warrant a slice of watermelon cake!
Hi Forager-Oh really, a wedding cake would be amazing from there I’d imagine. Make sure you get an invite or a slice!
Hi Ja-Ooh sounds lovely!
Definitely do and let me know what you think! 
Hi Angela-Yes I can’t stop thinking about it!
Hi Jess-Oh that sounds lovely! Mmmm!
Hi K-Aha! That’s brilliant and I love that there’s a real scientific reason for it!
Thankyou! 
Hi Ellen-Hehe I’m like your average 5 year old too!
Yes the watermelon cake was so light so it didn’t feel like we were eating anything heavy! 
Hi Shirley-Aww no! What a shame
Well I don’t have the recipes here as I didn’t make them! 
Hi Liv-Definitely please do!
Hehe that’s a great characteristic. You’re more than welcome! 
Hi deeba-Hehe I am more than happy to do it! Thankyou so much!
Hi Conor-Yes it does look like it but believe me it tasted better
Haha what a talent! They may be envious! 
Hi Shants-Oh what a cool idea!
I do if they have a website but Black Star Pastry don’t have one 
Thanks!
Hi Alexandra-Hehe I think a ginger ninja would survivie but I don’t think a watermelon cake would!
Sure!
Hi Betty-Yes boys don’t get that but that’s ok, more for us!
Oh lucky you! 
Hi Min Ai-Yes I always need to ahve something sweet-something!
Hi spice and more-hehe!
Hi Einna-You’re welcome and I hope that you like it!
Hi Theresa-They were great
Haha I like your way of thinking!
Hi Arwen-Yes it’s amazing it isn’t but I think it’s the cream inside that protects it (like butter on a sandwich)
Hi Jacq-Yes it’s a bit of a walk from the uni but worth it if you can find another way to get there!
Hi Moya-Yep they sure are!
Oooh really! I’d be tempted to “borrow” one 
Just kidding!
Hi Bill-Haha he does look very Cartman like!
Hi Caz -Me too, i’ve never seen it before but it works!
Hi Jeff-I use a Canon EOS 450D. Hehe thanks!
Hi 5 Star Foodie-It was great, I so want to recreate it!
Hi grace -Hehe yes me too! Love the table and the watermelon cake
Hi Esz-Perhaps if you get to visit Sydney! After all I haven’t seen one anywhere else!
Hi Yas-Ooh yes you should! This s a great place for a sugar hit
Hi Lisa-Thankyou! I know, isn’t it the funniest idea but somehow,it works!
Hi Simon-I didn’t see that cake that day (although I think they do sell out a lot). Yes they look to the the same table!
Hi Parita-Hehe thankyou it feels like it! It’s very different but in a very good way
Hi nora-It was lovely
Thanks you too! 
Hi Soma-I know, what a crazy, beautiful idea!
Hi katie-I know! So creative!
Hi Y-Ah yes I think you went there ages ago didn’t you! I remember that!
Thank you for the recommendation. I enjoyed the rose watermelon cake very much.
A lover of cheesecake I bought the elderflower cheesecake. I took a few tiny bites, it tasted very peculiar. It’s like eating lamb that isn’t very fresh and has this after taste that stays in your mouth. what a shame! nobody will eat it for me because it tastes so weird.
Hi Nigella,
If you go back, I’d also highly recommend the lamb shanks pie. The goats cheese & leek quiche is also very good, but the lamb shanks pie is just amazing and unlike any pie I’ve had before. I think you’ll like it.
Strawberry crumble is also very good.
(can you tell I’m becoming a bit of a regular at this place?)
i just live around the corner from black star
as james above notes the lamb shanks pie is very good. i often have that and a mocha for my weekend brekky
I don’t just have a dessert reserve, I have a completely separate tank! Dessert has nothing to do with being hungry
You should have ordered the Lorraine quiche!! Haha the brownie sounds delicious, rarely do i get whole macademian nuts in mine.
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