Francois Pastries

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

Overall a positive note on Francois Pastries. I popped in to get a pastry of some sort and ended up trying the house espresso. Very fair coffee indeed. Service was fast, all smiles and welcoming and most importantly friendly.
Sure to pop in next time I am near Star City :)

May 04, 2009 

6.5 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  6     

It's nearly 2 years since I last reviewed this place, just after it first opened. I'm sorry to say that it hasn't fully lived up to my expectations. Although many of the cakes and pastries are still very good, there are signs of problems with quality control! A few times now I have had a croissant that is over-cooked or even burnt and not light and flaky as they should be. The quality of the coffee is also quite variable. Turkish toast is also no longer on the menu (sometimes you want an alternative to cakes and pastries).

For the prices that are being charged and when compared with the other French patisserie in Pyrmont (Jean-Marc's Patisserie and Boulangerie), this place really needs to lift its game.

Dec 19, 2007 

7.8 Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

These have to be the tastiest treats in all the land. Their pastries are unbelievable. Everything from the humble apple pie to some of their chocolate creations. 10/10 for the food. Service could do with a bit more of a smile which lets down the ambience. They are a little pricey (i think about $4 for a small apple pie) but more than ok for the occasional treat.

Dec 20, 2006 

6.5 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  6     

On the recommendation of the reviewers here, I went to Francois today just to try their pies. Its kind of strange how different my experience was in terms of the food. I had the beef pepper pie. The pepper component wasn't great enough for me to actually taste the difference. The meat was tender and chunky but the filling had that "gluey" consistency that seems to appear too frequently in pies of lesser quality. This was a complete surprise to me, as I had not expected it given the raving reviews. The pastry was really nothing spectacular either, and at some $4.60 a pop, with a charge of 30c for packet tomato sauce, I have to say that I was really not terribly impressed at all. The iced chocolate was one of those too common lazy concoctions - chocolate syrup is slack, coating the bottom of the glass with the syrup and not even bothering to mix it is slack. Upon reflection I should have probably ordered a baguette. The place was doing a roaring lunch trade. The ambience is light and airy, as mentioned previously, but quite ordinary in terms of decor and ambience. Plus a small quibble - the name on the premises says that its a boulangerie. Its not.

Oct 04, 2006 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

My new favourite Cafe, I only wish I had discovered this place sooner! The seating area is light, airy and modern while having a distinct French ambience. The staff are friendly and professional. The choice of pies is vast and they are undoubtedly the best pies we have ever tasted. These pies are incomparable with the usual 'Aussie' pie that comes to mind. The pastry is light and the meat is juicy and chunky. The tarts and cakes literally melt in your mouth and there is a massive selection with both small and large sizes available. The coffee is also excellent. My only dilemma is whether to try something new each visit or go with the favourites I have already sampled..

Jul 16, 2006 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

What a great little French cafe! The food here is just divine. They have to make tye best pastries and pies (I used to travel across Sydney to get this kind of food -and now it is in my suburb!). The only thing bad - not enough seats as it becoming too popular and as it is on the cycling route from the city, it it always busy but I've become a weekend regular! P.S Don't forget to ask for a custom made birthday cake - let them know what you like and they'll make it!

Jul 10, 2006 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  10     

Nothing beats a pie that actually tastes like it has real meat and veggies inside. The spinach and ricotta pie is the best I've ever tasted and the meat and chicken pies are chunky and filling. The desserts not only look good but are delicious too. The lunch special (pie, salad, dessert) is value for money especially if you get a normal-sized slice or tart. Staff are friendly although during busy times can be abrupt. Pies sometimes run out or certain types are not available; desserts change by the day although the most popular tend to be there every day.

Jun 16, 2006 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  9     

The pies and tarts are fantastic. The best selection I have seen in a long time. The quiches are also great for a lunchtime snack. Great athmosphere here especially at the weekend. Love the decor, very French and classy.

May 22, 2006 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

What a delicious array of cakes, pastries, pies and baguettes! A real gem in an area that has been in need of a great little pastry shop and cafe like this one. Definitely worth dropping in for lunch or a quick pastry on the run.

Apr 21, 2006 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

Really lovely French patisserie that transported me back to Paris. They had some of the best croissants I've ever tasted and the gourmet pies are to die for. The sweet little cakes and tarts were the perfect accompaniment to a perfect cup of coffee. A fabulous find to satisfy the sweet tooth in us all.

Apr 20, 2006