Rabbit Warren Bakery

Rabbit Warren Bakery in Kingscote is the sort of bakery visitors to Kangaroo Island tend to stumble on once and then keep returning to. We've heard of people who came every morning of their stay, and the pies are the reason most of them give.

The pastry is the part people talk about first. It's sturdy enough to eat out of the paper bag without the whole thing collapsing in your hand, and the fillings are generous. The steak and mushroom and the pepper steak both get praise for tender chunks of meat and a well-balanced gravy. The Guinness pie has its own following, with big pieces of beef and plenty of flavour. If you're after something else, the steak, onion and cheese and the chicken and leek come up too, and cheese kranskies and pasties are on the counter alongside them.

Beyond pies, there's a good spread of sweet and savoury. Locals mention donuts, lamingtons, vanilla slices, muffins and croissants, plus breakfast options like a brioche with egg done just right. Coffee is made here too, and it gets a nod from people who stop in for a morning start.

You can take your order away or settle in. There's a lot of room inside, and a big outdoor area with shaded tables, handy if you're travelling with a dog. Local photos hang on the walls, and the old recycled doors used as outdoor tables are a bit of a talking point. Parking is free, with a car park and street parking, and the entrance and car park are wheelchair-accessible.

Prices are a regular point of praise. On an island where eating out can run expensive, people appreciate that a pie and a coffee here feel fair. The staff come across as friendly and helpful, and plenty of locals pop in, which says something. One visitor did find the counter service a bit hurried on a busy morning, but that's the exception rather than the story.

Card payments are accepted, including tap, so you don't need to carry cash. The hours differ on weekends, and the bakery is closed one day of the week, so it's worth checking before you head in, especially if you're grabbing pies for the drive to Flinders Chase.