A small bakery tucked away in Stafford has gained a cult following, with customers travelling across Brisbane to get their hands on its coveted pastries. Bella & Tortie, operating only on Fridays and Saturdays, consistently sells out within hours, making it one of the city’s most exclusive food destinations.
A Bakery Born from Passion and Perseverance
Bella & Tortie was founded by pastry chef Suzi Unwin in 2018. It started as a humble market stall with an online store. Demand for her baked goods rapidly grew. This led to wholesale supply partnerships with popular Brisbane cafes. By November 2019, Ms Unwin opened her first shopfront in Grange. She employed a team of four pastry chefs, one apprentice, and six retail assistants.
However, the rapid expansion came with challenges. The bakery faced difficulties during COVID-19. Staff shortages, and global supply chain disruptions prompted Ms Unwin to close the Grange store in December 2022. She later revived Bella & Tortie in Stafford, focusing on a more sustainable approach to business.
Stafford’s Best-Kept Secret with a Limited Window
Located at 12/240 Stafford Road, Stafford Central, Bella & Tortie operates just two mornings weekly. The bakery opens from 7:30 a.m. to midday on Fridays and Saturdays, or until sold out.
Visitors can enjoy their pastries at picnic-style tables. They can also order coffee from the neighbouring café, Papa’s Corner, via QR codes provided at the seating area. However, some customers prefer to take their baked goods to a nearby park for a quieter dining experience.
Menu Highlights That Keep Customers Coming Back
Bella & Tortie’s rotating menu offers an array of meticulously crafted pastries and savouries, changing each week. Some standout items from the recent menu include:
- Choux au Craquelin – Hazelnut praline, espresso caramel, and espresso mousse.
- Matcha Yuzu Chiffon – A soft matcha chiffon cake with yuzu curd and matcha cream.
- Sausage Rolls – Featuring pork, prawn, and water chestnut; beef, mushroom, and thyme; and pork, fennel, and apple options.
- Strawberry & Rhubarb Trifle – Layers of vanilla custard pannacotta, compote, sponge, and mascarpone cream.
- Quiches – Flavours such as mushroom, leek, and parmesan; caramelised onion and goat cheese; and maple bacon with semi-dried tomato.
- Smoked Beef Brisket Pie – Made with jalapeños, pickles, and cheese, using locally sourced meat.
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies – A permanent menu staple.
- Russian Honey Cake – A delicately layered dessert.
Bella & Tortie maintains its reputation for high-end, handcrafted pastries that draw food lovers across the city.
A Bakery That Sells Out in Hours
Bella & Tortie’s limited operating hours contribute to its exclusivity. Many items are selling out quickly. Customers often arrive early to secure their favourites. Others visit Stafford purely for the experience.
For owner Suzi Unwin, the bakery’s relaunch has been a lesson in balance. It has allowed her to continue her passion for baking while maintaining a sustainable approach to business. With a dedicated fanbase and a weekly menu, Bella & Tortie remains one of Brisbane’s most sought-after bakery experiences.
Published 14-Mar-2025