Tucked in along Taree Street in Burleigh’s industrial precinct, Aux Fines Bouches (pronounced oh-fin-bush) is a quaint space that is very much about showcasing the art and magic of pastry. Walk in and you’ll be greeted with a passionate ‘bonjour’ before your eyes quickly fixate on the pastry cabinet. While the range of cakes, pastries and tarts on offer will expand once a second display cabinet arrives, and there are still final touches on the fit-out to be done, Richard’s kitchen – which you have full view of through glass windows – is very much in full swing.

Open from 7:00 am daily, Aux Fines Bouches offers a selection of authentic handmade French pastries, featuring an assortment of traditional recipes alongside a growing series of Richard’s own creations and modern adaptations of the classics. Handmade tarts also grace the cabinet, as well as whole cakes – which are available to takeaway daily or can be secured via a pre-order. Every single element of Aux Fine Bouche’s creations – from the delicate chocolate leaves to the glazes, fillings and decorative toppings – is made in-house from scratch by Richard.

Just a handful of seats are dotted within the patisserie, each one offering views straight into the kitchen, so you can witness the skill and finesse that goes into each piece of edible goodness. Those wanting to pair their pastry with a coffee have the choice of a house blend or a single origin by La Crema, plus there are French sodas and cold-pressed orange juices there to keep you hydrated. While Burleigh Heads is home base for the new northern incarnation of Aux Fines Bouches, Richard and Sophie have high hopes of opening a second Gold Coast location to dispense their creations from – so watch this space. If you’re from Adelaide, we feel for you – your loss is certainly our gain.

For Aux Fines Bouches opening hours, address and contact details, scoot over to our Stumble Guide.