St. Malo Bakery

When Holly and Anthony Marquette opened St. Malo back in 2010, they won locals over early with their organic artisan breads and pastries. A little down the track and it’s still a winner when it comes to turning out some of the best baked goods not just on the North Shore, but Sydney-wide.

Street-side seating has a Parisian air, with cafe tables spilling past the display of freshly baked pastries and organic breads onto the pavement.

Jack and the Bean coffee and a crusty, golden croissants are an ideal start to the day, as the regular flow of suits and mums-with-prams ordering take-away will attest. But this is not just about grab-and-go orders.

Make your way to the back of the cafe for the best seat in the house in the enclosed courtyard; it’s got a view onto all the action in the bakery out the back, where you might spy focaccias resting, dough being weighed out, or buns coming fresh from the oven. Oh, and it’s super kid friendly.

Try the steak sandwich on house bread for a truly hearty lunch; grab an all-day brekkie of baked beans; or order a bundle of escargot, custard brioche or dense almond croissants to savour as you flip through the paper. Ingredients are organic and as much as possible is made in-house.

Don’t forget to grab a spelt or light rye loaf to take home and continue the magic.