Paris Brest French Bakery

For a proper French-style bakery in Palm Beach, Queensland, Paris Brest French Bakery comes highly recommended by locals. We've heard of visitors driving a good 45 minutes for it, and of Melbourne and Sydney travellers who reckon it holds its own against what they get back home.

The baguettes are the thing locals rave about most: a crisp crust, a chewy, dense crumb, and often still a little warm when you pick them up. One regular calls them their favourite on the Gold Coast, and has been back more than once for them. The sourdough gets a good word too, with one local saying it's fully organic. Pastries come fresh from the oven, and croissants, almond croissants, tarts and savoury pastries are what people tend to mention. The beef croissant and the danish burger both have their fans, and the croque monsieur and croque madame get praise for a crunchy crust and a creamy bechamel. One person did find the plain and almond croissants only average on their visit, but the rest of the pastry cabinet won them over. Sweet things like eclairs, tarts and flan slices sit alongside all of this, and the coffee is offered, from a smooth flat white to the mocha and caramel latte.

You can dine in, take away, pick up in store or have it delivered. There's a modern, spacious outdoor setting, though seating can fill up when the place is busy. It's also handy for a beach lunch or picnic stop, with chicken and beef baguettes the usual picks.

Staff and owner come in for a lot of warm comment. One local told of the owner walking out in the rain to guide them to the shop, and others describe the team as friendly, polite and accommodating. One visitor did find it a touch on the expensive side, though most seem happy with what they get for it.

There's free street parking and a free car park, with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, and cards and tap-to-pay are accepted. It's open daily, from early morning into the early afternoon, so it suits a breakfast or morning-tea visit. It's worth checking hours before you head in on a public holiday.