Le 76 patisserie & Bakery

For a French-style bakery in Neutral Bay, Le 76 has a strong local following, and the croissants are often where the conversation starts. Locals rave about the almond croissant and the pain au chocolat in particular. The pain au chocolat is said to be a weekend special, so it's worth knowing if you're planning around it. The sourdough has its own following too, from the sultana loaf to the half sourdough baguette and a rye that one French-born local said tastes like home.

The kitchen makes its bread, viennoiserie, savoury pastries, individual cakes and celebration cakes from scratch on site, in the traditional French way. Owner Jean-Marc Masset quotes custom wedding and celebration cakes individually, and people have been happy with what came out of the order. One local picked up a fruit cheesecake for a baby's milestone and said it looked as good as it tasted. Another ordered a profiterole tower with 40 choux in four flavours for a party and called it a big success. You can also order ahead for collection, and gluten-free options are on the list.

Beyond the cabinet, there's a small lunch side, with savoury galettes, a pastrami baguette and crepes. One local would like to see the savoury crepes improved, and another found a takeaway pain suisse less crisp than hoped. The coffee earns praise alongside the pastries.

The setting is part of the appeal. It sits at the end of a small arcade, away from the noise of Military Road, with indoor rooms and a good amount of outdoor seating that welcomes dogs. People describe a relaxed French bistro feel, and the staff come up again and again as friendly and polite. Prices are called reasonable for the quality, which counts for something with pastry this good.

Takeaway, delivery, dine-in and in-store pick-up are all available, and there's free street parking and a car park nearby. It opens early and closes mid-afternoon, so check the hours before heading in.