Sydney Street Patisserie

If you're after a proper pie in St Marys, Sydney Street Patisserie is the name locals keep coming back to. Pies are the main event here, and the pastry gets most of the praise: flaky on top, with a base that holds together while you eat it instead of falling apart in your hands.

The steak pie has a following of its own. We've heard it's slow cooked for hours until the beef is just starting to fall apart, and that patience shows. Pepper steak is a regular favourite, and the curry pie has its fans too. Chicken and mushroom, pulled pork and a steak and cheese with egg all turn up in the praise, and the sausage rolls get a mention as well. The pastry cabinet backs it up, with vanilla slices, custard tarts and a nostalgic cream bun, jam and sultanas included. People also stop in for a coffee or a bite of breakfast.

It's a small shop rather than a big, fancy one, and the quality is what people rave about. There's a pleasant alfresco spot out the front, and parking is easy, with free street parking and a free car park. The entrance and car park are both wheelchair accessible, and they take cards and mobile payments. Takeaway is the way most people do it, and some locals ring ahead for pickup and find their order boxed and ready to go.

The staff are a big part of why people return. They're described as friendly, welcoming and happy to see regulars, and they back the local community too.

One visitor found the pastry and flavour only so-so and the sausage roll a little dry, though that's a lone voice against plenty of enthusiasm. Hours run through the week with a shorter morning on weekends and a day off, so check before you head in.

If you're nearby, pick up a pie and add a vanilla slice or custard tart for afterwards.