CJ's Bakery

CJ's Bakery on Beach Road is the kind of Christies Beach bakery locals value for its quality. Pies, sausage rolls and pasties sit alongside donuts, vanilla slices and sourdough, and people tend to leave with a mixed bag rather than a single item.

The pies are what draws people in. Meat pies and sausage rolls come with proper flaky pastry and plenty of filling, and we've heard the sweet chilli prawn pie has won a seafood pie award in South Australia. If you prefer something meat-free, one regular's favourite is the cauliflower and broccoli pie, and they also do vegan options. The sourdough is another drawcard, with a lovely texture and a hint of honey.

On the sweet side, the vanilla slice has a following of its own. One local calls it the best they've found, and plenty rave about the beesting version, which stays light and full of flavour even a couple of days later. The donuts rotate, with a donut of the week or month, so there's usually a new flavour to try. They're not the cheapest donuts around, but people seem happy to pay for the quality. Everything is baked fresh daily.

CJ's also takes custom cake orders. One couple had them turn a vanilla slice into their wedding cake, with matching slice bites for the guests, and found the team a pleasure to work with and keen to bring their idea to life.

You can take your order away or have a coffee on site, and breakfast is on offer too. Seating is limited, and one regular suggests the outside tables can be chilly in winter, so rugging up or taking it to go is the way to handle that. There's a free car park and street parking, plus step-free entry, and cards and tap-to-pay are accepted. The staff are friendly, and the owners are known for being involved in the local community. Opening hours vary through the week, so check them before you head in.