The Coast crowd is up early. Plenty to surf, the rest seemingly in the queue at Burnt Honey Bakery in Avoca, where kouign-amann, bread and coffee are just the start. Launched in 2019 by Jo Fairall (a Northern Beaches local) and Hayley Thorncraft (from Bateau Bay), the shopfront is ground zero for artisan sourdough and tin loaves, but it’s the pastries that keep a steady throng of coasties perched on seats and stools out front.

Impossibly golden ricotta pastizzi stuffed to bursting. Brown sugar cinnamon buns glazed in burnt butter. Multilayered mustard, honey and cheddar bear claws. Not to mention the whole gamut of barista coffee, served in loaner ceramic cups for you to take to the beach then drop back once you’re done.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.