A new slice of Paris has arrived in the heart of Wollongong, with the sweet scent of freshly baked croissants now wafting down Market Street in the early hours. The cafe and pastry shop, Crois.Au, opened its doors on January 8, 2026, and immediately faced a delicious dilemma: it sold out.
From London to Paris, and Now to Wollongong
The inspiration for Crois.Au (pronounced 'kwas') came to owner and chef Matt Taylor during his time working as a pastry chef in London. With nearly two decades of culinary experience, a trip to Paris proved transformative.
"The taste of simple things, like using fresh fruit on pastry instead of what we're sort of used to, like tinned fruit, was a revelation," Mr Taylor explained. "That simplicity of balance is what got me really started."
He revealed that his passion for the perfect croissant predates his professional career. "Before I even started working in a kitchen commercially, I was trying to make croissants, so it's something that has stuck with me for a long time."
Early Mornings and Early Success
Despite opening in the post-holiday period when many locals were just returning to work, the cafe has already cultivated a loyal following. This reward comes after significant dedication, with baking starting in the pre-dawn darkness.
"Everything's baked on site ... At the moment, we're getting here at 3am," Mr Taylor said. "Hopefully in the future I won't have to, but just to make sure we're close to being ready for 7.30am, we're getting here nice and early."
The commitment to freshness is a cornerstone of the business, and customers are responding, with Mr Taylor noting he has seen repeat visitors already.
A Surprising Best-Seller
While Crois.Au offers classic French options like the plain croissant and pain au chocolat, it's a more inventive creation that has taken the early lead in popularity.
"The most popular one, surprisingly, has been the maple bacon cheddar," Mr Taylor admitted. "I was a bit surprised. I thought the more traditional ones might be better sellers."
This local twist on a French staple highlights the cafe's blend of authenticity and innovation. With a selection that also includes coffee and matcha, the venue is positioning itself as a premium morning destination.
Confident in the future, Mr Taylor stated, "We're only going to get better." Crois.Au is currently open Wednesday to Saturday from 7.30am to 1pm, bringing a genuine taste of Parisian pastry craft to Market Street.
