CJ's Pastries

If you're driving through Ningi and want a proper bakery stop, CJ's Pastries is worth a visit. It's a family-owned place that trades on its pies, and the tagline, Famous Pies, Pastries & Fresh Coffee, tells you the three things to expect.

The pies are the main event. People rave about the pastry and the fillings, with butter chicken, a tasty veggie pie and a peppered steak all getting a mention. The sausage rolls come recommended too, and so does a bacon and egg roll for breakfast. Things come fresh from the oven, and one local who stopped in on a road trip was happy to find the chips cooked fresh as well. On the sweet side, there's the old-school stuff you'd hope for, like custard tarts and a lamington with jam and cream, alongside a few newer items.

Beyond the counter, they also take custom cake orders and do catering, and there's takeaway and delivery if you can't make it in. If you'd rather stay, there are tables to eat at, and the coffee gets plenty of praise. It's a dog-friendly spot too. One local mentioned their dog was welcomed and even brought a bowl of fresh water.

The staff are a big part of why people return, with friendly, quick service mentioned time and again. Prices are generally seen as fair for what you get, though one or two folks reckon the pies are a touch dear for the size. The odd grumble about an order not coming out quite right has been mentioned about the coffee, though opinion on it is mostly warm.

Parking is easy, with a free car park and street parking nearby, and the car park, entrance and toilet are all wheelchair accessible. Hours run long, starting very early in the morning and wrapping up mid-afternoon, so it suits an early start but not a late dinner run. Check the hours before you head in.

If you're after a reliable pie and a decent coffee in Ningi, this bakery is an easy one to add to the list.