Burleigh Baker

If you're after proper sourdough in Burleigh Heads, this is the bakery locals point you to. Burleigh Baker makes its loaves with slow fermentation, natural leavens and organic ingredients, and the tagline "Love Your Gut" tells you where their heads are at. One person who came to the area on an exchange said they couldn't think of anywhere else to buy bread once they'd tried it, and that their gut felt good for it.

The pastry cabinet gets just as much love. Croissants get a mention, with the almond version singled out by one customer and another calling them flaky, buttery and crunchy. A visiting baker from the Netherlands went out of his way to praise them, which says plenty. Portuguese tarts and custard tarts come up too, along with pies. Ask what pies are on, though, because we hear there's no printed menu or signage for them.

Beyond the cabinet, you can dine in or take away, and the coffee gets a thumbs up. Breakfast and lunch are covered with sandwiches on their own sourdough, avo toast with bacon and egg, and the odd soup. One local called the chicken club the best they'd had. The Breakie Bun gets a mixed response, with one person finding it a little basic for the price, so you might prefer the toast or a sandwich.

The team gets plenty of warm words. Locals mention a friendly crew, a generous owner who drops bread and croissants to neighbouring workers, and a lovely staff member called Javi. One group who arrived late in the day, after the bread had run out, were sent off happy with a few extras on the house. Service can be hit and miss at busy moments, and one person waited a while for a sandwich, though they said it was worth it.

They also supply wholesale to venues around South East Queensland and Northern NSW, so you may have already eaten their bread elsewhere. There's an accessible entrance and car park, and cards and mobile payments are accepted. Hours run across the whole week, but check them before you head in, especially if you're hoping for a particular loaf late in the day.