Rollers Bakehouse

Anyone who's spent a morning near Manly Beach has probably heard about Rollers Bakehouse. It's a French-inspired bakery that treats the croissant as something to experiment with, and the flavours go well beyond the usual plain-and-almond lineup. Pastries change with the seasons, so there's often something new to try alongside the favourites.

The croissants are the main event. The almond croissant gets plenty of love, with a filling that reminds people of frangipane inside properly flaky dough, and the cinnamon scroll is another regular mention for its balance of soft, crisp and sugary. It isn't only sweet things, either. The sausage rolls and beef pie have won over people who describe themselves as croissant devotees, with the pie crust getting special praise. Coffee is a big part of the appeal, and we hear the matcha and the thick, creamy hot chocolate are worth ordering too.

Pastries come out fresh from the oven, and the staff are friendly. Locals say the place gets busy for good reason, so going early is the smart move, since the popular pastries can thin out well before closing. A queue can form quickly even when the doors open quietly.

You can take your order away or sit in. There's a small, pleasant courtyard and more seating out on the street, which suits a slow breakfast or a rest after the coastal walk into Manly. Be warned that the seagulls take an interest in anyone eating outside. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, there's a free car park, and they take cards and mobile payments.

A few people have found the prices on the high side and the service a bit rigid with requests like heating up pastries or swapping the packaging. Most people leave happy, though. It's the kind of bakery regulars return to, and one couple even trusted them to hold pastries and a table on their engagement day.

They open daily, but check the hours before you head in.