Fran & Rafi Bakery sits on the corner of a quiet row of neighbourhood shops in Oatlands, operating as a Korean bakery café offering cakes, pastries, breakfast dishes, and a small beverage menu.

Mont Blanc Tart ($15.00)

Notably generous with the inclusion of chestnuts, both within the almond frangipane and hidden under the Mont Blanc mound. The tart shell was crisp and well-executed, and the frangipane’s nuttiness paired well with the chestnut. A centre of chestnut purée added a smooth roasted sweetness, balancing against the surrounding cream. However, the chestnut pieces themselves were dry, lacking the tenderness expected of well-prepared chestnuts. The top vermicelli chestnut layer, heavily dusted with icing sugar, tipped the sweetness too far, throwing off the overall balance. While technically proficient and generous in content, refinement in moisture and sweetness levels would improve the overall experience.

Chestnut Basque Cheesecake ($19.50)

The base cheesecake was well-executed, rich but well-balanced, with subtle savoury notes from the cream cheese allowing the chestnut flavour in the purée and whole pieces to shine. However, the additional topping of chestnut purée in vermicelli form and whipped cream felt unnecessary, adding sweetness and weight that detracted from the more measured complexity of the base. While enjoyable, it fell short when compared with benchmark versions such as that from 15cenchi, particularly in terms of texture and flavour integration.

Mugwort Injeolmi Gâteau ($12.50)

A distinctive and well-executed cake that leaned into the owners’ Korean heritage. The mugwort sponge had a soft, pillowy crumb with a slight density that gave it substance, and the herbal note of mugwort was well-paired with the nutty smoothness of the injeolmi buttercream. A crumble topping provided textural contrast and a pleasant caramelised note. A unique offering, both in concept and delivery, and one worth returning for.

Fran & Rafi Bakery demonstrates solid technical skill and generosity in its components, with clear care taken in its presentation. However, the chestnut-based items—though ambitious—suffered from imbalances in sweetness and texture. In contrast, the Gâteau Mugwort Injeolmi stood out as the most compelling item for its originality and harmony.

Fran & Rafi Bakery is located at Shop 3, 9 Gibbons St, Oatlands NSW 2117.