Since 1997, this Paddington institution has been turning the daily shopping run into something approaching a theatrical experience—in the best possible way. Start your morning at 6:30am with buttery croissants still warm from the oven, flaky pastries that shatter at first bite, and golden baguettes with crusts that sing when you squeeze them.

The salad bar is a riot of colour and crunch, featuring seasonal Australian produce that changes with the whims of local growers, while the cheese counter showcases everything from creamy bries to aged cheddars that could stand in for a full meal with just a handful of crackers.

The deli section spans the globe with artisan products and international ingredients, but the real magic happens in their kitchen, which operates every single day except Christmas and Boxing Day—a commitment that borders on heroic.

Whether you’re assembling a picnic for the Brisbane River or planning a dinner party that needs to look effortless, their catering options and ready-to-eat meals do the heavy lifting while you take the credit.

It’s the kind of place where popping in for milk somehow results in leaving with a bag full of treats you didn’t know you needed, and honestly, that’s exactly how it should be.