La Banette Patisserie Boulangerie

If you're after a French-style bakery in Avalon Beach, La Banette Patisserie Boulangerie has been recommended locally. It's a small shop with a good spread of pastries, breads and savouries, and the sourdough and the pies are what it's best known for.

The pies are mentioned often by customers. One local who'd come back to Avalon after years away was told to try them, grabbed two beef burgundy pies and raved about the flaky pastry and generous chunks of properly cooked beef. Others point to the quiche, vegetable and otherwise, and appreciate that the pies hold their shape while you eat them, which matters if you're taking one to the beach.

On the pastry side, croissants are a regular talking point, from classic to almond, and we've heard good things about the éclairs, baguettes and cronuts too. It's French baking done with real attention to detail. Custom cake orders are available if you've got an occasion coming up, and catering is on offer as well.

You can take your order away or eat in, and the staff are friendly. People often single out the team at the front for quick, warm service. There's a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, and they take cards and mobile payments.

Coffee gets a mention from people who wish they served it, though there are plenty of cafes nearby if you want a flat white with your croissant. A few locals found a vanilla slice, a lemon tart and an éclair underwhelming, and thought some prices a bit steep, so the savouries and croissants are the safer bet on a first visit.

The shop is closed one day a week, so check the hours before you head in.