The third epoque of Melbourne’s prettiest macaron specialty boutique has launched.

Our experience

Since opening in 2011, just before we launched this dessert-only blog, La Belle Miette has maintained a vice grip on the trophy for Melbourne’s best macarons. Yes, macarons made by Cacao and Josephine present very strong competition, but with respect to brand-building and exquisitely immersive boutiques, La Belle Miette does it best. Much to our delight, it has recently launched a third Paris-style, shop at the “Paris-end” of Melbourne’s Collins St. This third boutique is probably the most beautiful. The wallpapering  plastered on one wall is utterly covetable. It looks printed straight from a tapestry hanging that must have graced the walls of a Loire Valley chateau. On the opposite wall, boxes of French tea sit on mirror-backed shelving. Elegantly curved Louis XIV-style chairs are upholstered with a fabric imprinted with Delft-like patterns, and are positioned at either side of the oak French doors. As with the other stores, this La Belle Miette III has a glorious white glass counter displaying a rainbow of macarons.

If you are looking for a detailed review of macarons from La Belle Miette, please click here. For this review, we will focus on the two flavours that we love the best, and also four new flavours that we have not yet reviewed.

The “Bastille Macaron” is not particularly revolutionary in flavour strength. Containing a flattened dried blackcurrant at its centre, it is mostly sugary. The “Lavender Macaron” imparts its unmistakeable aromatic, herbaceous taste. Note that we believe that La Belle Miette is especially good for perfume or floral-inspired macarons. This is no exception. However, those who disliked lavender tones will probably compare its strength to soap or grandma’s house. We like it though. The surface of the “Scone with Cream and Jam Macaron” is dusted just like a scone. It requires a more sensitive palate than ours though. Aside from a slick of jam, it was difficult for us to discern a toasty scone amid the meringue. The “Opera Cake Macaron” is a complex, multi-layered macaron and does require rather slow sampling to fully appreciate its delicate chocolate and coffee tones.

If you haven’t heard of La Belle Miette or if you have only a $5 note to invest in this business, then get the “Raspberry” and the “Salted Caramel Macaron.” Although Josephine’s Salted Caramel Macaron is now our greatest salted caramel love (because it is less sharp and more buttery), you won’t go wrong with either of these two macaron flavours.

Our verdict

La Belle Miette, je t’aime. Please introduce a loyalty card for us. 🙂

Dessert adventure checklist

1. ☑ Dessert destination: La Belle Miette, Portland House at 8 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, Vic 3000.
2. ☑ Budget: $ ($2.50 each).
3. ☑ Sweet irresistibles: Macaron.
4. ☑ Must-eat: The “Raspberry Ganache” Macaron. Note also here.
5. ☑ The short and sweet story: The third epoque of Melbourne’s prettiest macaron specialty boutique has launched.