Ed's Beach Bakery

Locals in Rainbow Beach will point you to Ed's Beach Bakery when you want a proper pie. It's a takeaway bakery, and the staff are known for being friendly.

Pies are the main event. The plain pie gets positive mention, and we've heard the steak and mushroom, the chunky steak and the curry meat pie all described as properly tasty. One visitor said the pastry was soft and fluffy. Another had a small complaint about a pie base that gave way in the hand, but still said the flavour would bring them back. If you're after breakfast, there's a brekkie pie on the shelf too, and sausage rolls, including a cheese and bacon version, are popular.

The salad and ham rolls are popular, though the pies draw more attention. One local called them the best they'd ever had, with thick-sliced fillings and a fresh knot roll, and another noted how generous the serving was. Sandwiches such as egg and lettuce, or ham, cheese and pickle, have won over travellers passing through, and the loaves of bread are described as the old-fashioned kind, the way bread used to smell.

For something sweet, people mention jam donuts, cinnamon donuts, lamingtons and vanilla slices. The coffee has its fans too, with a good flat white mentioned, so it works for breakfast on the way to the beach or a pick-me-up before the drive to Tin Can Bay.

One customer was disappointed with a loaf sold as sourdough that didn't taste or look the part, and another felt let down by the service on one occasion. Still, most of what we hear is warm, with friendly, quick service coming up often.

You can shop in store, grab something to take away or order for in-store pick-up. There's free parking, a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, and cards and mobile payments are accepted. They open early, so check the hours before you head in.