ENA Sydney

If you're after pastries in St Leonards with a bit of a twist, ENA Sydney is the sort of small, hidden-away spot that has built a loyal following. We hear it's a regular weekly stop for some who live nearby, and one local admitted the proximity is "very dangerous".

The pastries lean East-meets-West, with Korean-inspired touches that locals say you won't find elsewhere. The char siu croissant and the char siu pie come up a lot, and we've heard the bulgogi pastry, spicy pork, hot dog and bee sting all go down well too. There's a truffle and caramelised onion pastry, a kouign amann, and an earl grey lychee croissant for those who like their flavours a little different. Locals also mention the signature chocolate bar and a chocolate croissant. Seasonal specials change things up, from a winter chai drink to a mango creation in summer.

The coffee gets as much love as the baking. People talk up the iced latte, the earl grey latte and a quality matcha latte, and one regular makes a habit of having a sit-down coffee and then taking another away. The team behind the counter are described as friendly and quick with a smile, and locals say the pastries are generous with their fillings and nicely puffy.

ENA also takes custom cake orders, so it's worth asking if you have an occasion coming up. You can dine in, with both indoor and outdoor seating, or take away, and it's a comfortable stop with kids. Free street parking nearby is a bonus.

One practical tip from regulars: go early. The popular croissants and pastries tend to sell out, and the selection gets thinner later in the day. They open every day, though it's worth checking the hours before you head in.

If you're in St Leonards or Crows Nest and want something a bit more inventive than the usual croissant, ENA Sydney is a good bakery to try.