Zest Pastries — Restaurant in Stanthorpe

Stumbled onto this place late last Wednesday. Most places in Stanthorpe were shut, and we were desperate for food, any food. What we got was an eyeopener, and we knew straight away this place was something special. Nothing fancy, but very very good. Went back mid-morning Thursday for brunch and the place was just humming. People were spilling out onto the street, and there was a steady flow of happy customers going in and coming out. And not just tourists. It was very obvious that the locals also know they have a gem right there in the middle of their High Street community. And I loved the front-of-shop staff...bit of cheeky (but friendly) banter, and just good honest country hospitality. The chunky meat pie was the best I've had for a long time, and that is saying something. And the croissants? About the best I've tasted outside Paris, and up there with Anthony Bosson's boulangerie on the Rue Mouffetard. Baker Steve certainly knows his craft and obviously it is not just a job for him. Zest is truly one of those places where you regret coming to the end of your meal and realise it is time to move on. Would recommend...

A beautiful find, this little cafe. It looks modest on the outside, and then you step inside and find this funky, stylish space with a huge menu chalked on the wall, beguiling pies and pastries in the displays and a glimpse into the busy bakery space beyond.

The food is excellent. I haven't yet worked my way through the whole menu but I will vouch for the fact that they do a mean croissant and a moist and flavoursome quiche. Any bakery that can get those right is already pretty awesome. I look forward to sampling more of their offerings next time I'm in Stanthorpe.

The atmosphere is pleasant. The polished concrete floor contrasts nicely with the colouful chairs and decor highlights. The term 'groovy' springs to mind. A good place to meet friends for a coffee and a long chat, and maybe even a good place to bring someone you'd like to impress for a couple of the gorgeous pastries - you'll get style...

What a great bakery to have in our little town, the pies are amazing the choices are huge! Definitely repeat customers for us! Not sure why so many 1 star reviews about staff being rude because we had nothing but good experience so far and we are coming here 2-3 times per week which is a 40km round trip for us. I only need to mention Zest and my wife is in the car like Speedy Gonzales waiting to go :) Our favourites are the lamb pies but of course they are all delicious. When my customers come to town from Brisbane to service their motorcycles I always recommend to them to check out Zest and their pies selections while waiting on their service. They all love it, and to this date I'm yet to hear someone complaining about anything so guys keep up the...