Normanville Bakery

Normanville Bakery is the kind of place you stumble on while passing through and end up going back to. Known for pies, this bakery in Normanville, South Australia, has filling that shines: big, tender chunks of steak rather than anything mushy. The pepper steak and the mushroom pie both get a particular mention, there's a pie of the month for those who like to try something different, and one person was so taken with their pepper steak that they drove a good fifty kilometres to bring some home. Pasties and sausage rolls get the same warm nod, and the word is that the pastry is balanced rather than overly crumbly.

It's not all savoury. The donuts are a firm favourite, and one visitor singled out the Kitchener bun as the pick of the cabinet. Fresh bread and ciabatta are on hand too, along with sandwiches and wraps, and there's a salad bar if you want a salad sanga made to order. The fresh juices are worth a look, with one local calling the orange juice absolutely delicious, and the coffee gets plenty of praise for being smooth and served at a good temperature.

Everything has that fresh-from-the-oven feel, and the welcoming staff are part of the appeal. People mention being made to feel welcome, with a smile at the counter. We've heard the odd grumble about service or a pie that didn't land for someone, but the overall picture is of a bakery people recommend to friends.

You can eat in at the few booths inside or at the tables outside, or take your order away. They also take custom cake orders. Parking is free, with a car park and street parking, and the entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible. Cards and mobile payments are accepted. They're open daily for the morning and into the afternoon, though it's smart to look up the hours.