Wonder Pies Coburg North

Wonder Pies – launched in 2018 by Raymond Capaldi and his partner Jodi Crocker – is renowned for its distinctive pastries, supplying cafes, caterers and even Flemington Racecourse. Capaldi’s much-loved pie recipe has been tried and tested so that when you take a bite it won’t collapse and crumble in your hands. Each one has a light shortcrust pastry on the bottom and crisp puff pastry on top.

While Capaldi and Crocker also run several retail shops under the Baketico name, wholesale pies are definitely their bread and butter. That's easy to see at the Coburg North outpost, where a large viewing window lets you watch the pie-making process first-hand.

Pies are available to purchase, of course, with the options to take them home or eat on the spot. You’ll find around 15 fresh options at any given time – from flavours like classic braised beef mince and gravy to a lasagne rendition filled with sheets of pasta, Wagyu mince and bechamel. There are also sausage rolls, pasties and a toastie range, plus a cabinet of sweets like Golden Gaytime doughnuts and salted caramel apple pies from the couple’s other spin-off brand, Nana Fraser’s Bakery.

Taking advantage of the extra-high ceilings, the building has a custom mezzanine overlooking the production area. Fitted with an open kitchen and a long marble bar, it's available for functions of up to 100 people and more intimate private dining experiences. It’s bookable for groups of up to 16 and can be customised upon request. The four-course menu will be different each time, giving room for Capaldi to play around with dishes like duck à l'orange pithiviers with coffee sauce, or kangaroo tail pies with red wine jus.