Pattisons Patisserie St Ives

Pattisons Patisserie in St Ives is the sort of bakery and café people settle into for a while, with a coffee in hand and something from the pastry cabinet. It works for eating in or taking away, and it also takes custom cake orders. There's a dog-friendly terrace out the front, and the staff are widely described as friendly.

The food gets plenty of praise. Locals talk about the pies, with the creamy chicken pie and the spinach and feta roll among those worth trying, though one visitor found the pastry on the doughy side. The sandwiches, cheesecake and custard tart come up often too, and the dessert range is a real drawcard for people who like to try something different each visit. The eclairs and the puff pastry have won fans, while one person found the palmiers a bit dry. Fresh bread is a regular pick-up for many, so it's a handy stop for the week's loaf as well.

The coffee has a good name around the Hills area. One local called the flat white smooth and silky, another raved about the mocha, and the venue itself is often described as beautiful and immaculate.

A few honest notes. Parking on Mona Vale Road can be tricky, though there's free street parking and a free car park, with some spaces behind the shop. The outdoor seating has little shade, so on a hot day you'll want a spot inside or under the awning. We've also heard the odd grumble about service on busier days.

Pattisons, run by a team led by pastry chef Peter Pattison, who brings 30 years of experience, sits within a wider group of French-inspired bakeries across New South Wales, and their tagline is "Perfection has always been our purpose." The entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible, and they take cards and mobile payments. Hours run early most days, but check them before you head in.