Knotted

I’m an absolute sucker for a good bread roll, especially a buttery, soft, and knotted one with that perfect balance of crisp exterior and pillowy interior. So when TikTok wouldn’t stop raving about Knotted in Burwood, I knew I had to make the trip. On a bright, sunny Saturday morning, we set off with high hopes and rumbling stomachs, heading to the far end of Burwood Road in search of some serious bread-based happiness.

Walking into Knotted, the first impression is a bit of a surprise. The space feels surprisingly sterile and clinical for a bakery, very open-plan and a large central island bench that dominates the room but offers zero seating. It almost has the layout of a food court stall rather than a cosy neighbourhood bakery. Because the venue is generously sized, that empty island bench just sits there looking like wasted real estate. A few more tables or some thoughtful styling could easily warm the place up.

The natural light pouring in through the massive windows is another notable feature, unfortunately in the harshest way possible. The tables near the glass became brutally sunny within minutes. With no window tinting, blinds, or even basic shutters, we felt like ants under a magnifying glass. A simple fix like light curtains or tinted film would make the dining area far more comfortable, especially on hot days.

Despite the busy weekend crowd, the queue moved surprisingly quick. We placed our order without too much wait: the much-hyped Plain Salted Butter Bread Roll, a Lemon Curd Doughnut, a small flat white, and a Hot Chocolate.

The Lemon Curd Doughnut was genuinely excellent,  beautifully light and airy, with a delicate, creamy filling that delivered a smooth, balanced lemon flavour. It was bright and zesty without being sharp or overly tangy, the kind of doughnut that feels indulgent yet refined.

But the undisputed star of the show? The Plain Salted Butter Bread Roll. It completely lived up to all the TikTok hype and then some. Buttery, flaky, and perfectly seasoned with just the right touch of salt, it arrived with a gloriously golden, crispy base that gave way to the most dreamy, fluffy, pull-apart texture in the centre. Each bite was soft, rich, and deeply satisfying, genuinely one of the best bread rolls I’ve had in a long time. It’s the sort of thing you keep tearing off pieces of even when you’re full, because it’s just that addictive.

The drinks, sadly, were only average. Both the flat white and hot chocolate were hot and creamy, but nothing particularly memorable or worth going back for. They did the job but didn’t leave any lasting impression.

Knotted brands itself as a bakery, yet it feels more like a specialist doughnut shop that also happens to produce outstanding knotted bread rolls. The concept feels a little unclear or unfocused, but when the bread is this good, I’m honestly not complaining. The pastries and bread are clearly where their heart and talent lies.