Along the busy, bustling strip of Macleay St, there are many and varied businesses and retail outlets which collectively coalesce to form the eclectic “village” that locals and visitors alike have come to know and love. Cafes, restaurants, groceries, and even your bottle shop needs are catered for.

But no “village” is complete without a bakery and that’s where the iconic Croissant D’Or comes in. Whilst there are other baked-goods outlets in the area, it’s remarkable to note that the unassuming Croissant D’Or has been in the exact same spot for at least 70 years.

It’s incredible to ponder such longevity in an area where so much change has taken place, but there is documented proof of this lineage going right back to 1954, with a well-known photo by Kenneth Redshaw showing a fashionable local lady checking out the goods on offer in a version of the very window that remains today at 117 Macleay St.

Consider just how much of the neighbourhood’s history has unfolded around it in those seven decades. Kings Cross and Potts Point have changed enormously since the 1950s, through countless eras, fashions and reinventions, while generations of locals have come and gone.

Through it all, this little Macleay St cake shop has remained, going about its business.

Wearing rolled-up jeans, a stylish head scarf and carrying a cute basket, our stylish local in the 1954 photo wouldn’t look out of place in 2026, pondering the sweet treats on offer in the tiny retail outlet.

And while the years have passed and times have certainly changed, the throughline of Croissant D’Or covering all your baked-goods needs remains strong.

Whilst the business has changed hands over the years, it maintains the old-school sensibility of a classic “cake shop”, with firm favourites such as pies, slices, meringues, loaves of bread, cupcakes and French-inspired pastries taking care of the important business of tasty fare, perfect for morning tea, lunch, or the old “3pm craving”.

Staffed on a busy weekday by Tiffany Nguyen, a relative of the current owners, a steady stream of locals and visitors swing by to check out what’s on offer and make their selection. There’s plenty to choose from, but it’s wise to make an early visit to grab any of the more popular selections, whether sweet or savoury.

“The vanilla slice is probably the most popular thing,” says Tiffany. “We always sell out of those.”

She says the shop having been there for so long means many people know exactly what they want before even entering, with an early visit key to securing their desired delight.

Whether it be the aforementioned vanilla slice, a meat pie, a chicken and leek pie, a plain or chocolate croissant, the small store sure punches above its weight. With its genuine vintage sensibility meeting modern cravings, Croissant D’Or remains a Macleay St staple, serving loyal locals and awaiting discovery by astute visitors.

Croissant D’Or information

117 Macleay St,

Potts Point NSW 2011

(02) 9358 6014

By Adam Gibson

Photo by Adam Gibson