Yankalilla Bakery

If you're driving through Yankalilla and want a proper bakery stop, this is the one locals point you to. It's a roomy place that copes with big groups, so a carload of hungry travellers won't have trouble finding a seat. You can dine in or take it away.

Pies are what it's known for, and the range is wide: steak and pepper, beef and cheese with chilli, beef and Guinness. Pasties get a good word too, and one visitor was pleased to find a large pasty packed with real meat and chunky veg, turnip included, rather than a mash-heavy filling. Sausage rolls are on the counter, and vegan and gluten free choices turn up in the cabinet, including a vegan pasty one couple called the best they'd ever eaten.

Beyond the savoury side there's a big spread of cakes, slices and pastries. The caramel slice, lamingtons, apple and blueberry strudel and an Oreo cheesecake all get a mention, and the hot cross buns have a fan who reckons they're the best going, with a generous mix of dried fruit. Barista coffee is part of the draw, plus chai, hot chocolate and breakfast. Locals pop in for their morning cup, which tells you something. The selection changes from day to day, so it doesn't feel like the same cabinet every visit.

Service gets plenty of praise. People talk about friendly, chatty staff, and one visitor singled out Tania for making a busy morning feel easy. Prices are regarded as good value.

We've heard a few grumbles that the pies can be hit and miss, and a regular of many years felt the beef pies had slipped lately. Others have been happy with the same pies on the same trip, so it may depend on the day.

Getting there is easy, with free street parking and a free car park, plus a wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park. Cards and tap-to-pay are accepted. It's a good bakery in Yankalilla for a pie and a coffee on the way through the Fleurieu, and checking the hours before you head in is sensible.