Le Petit Café: A Slice of France in Coogee

Sitting at Le Petit Café with my coffee cup and the red and white chequered napkin hanging from the croissant basket, I can pretend that I am in a little café in st-germain watching the ebb and flow of the Parisian crowd. But here in the beachside suburb of Coogee, I have to contend with the noise from the construction site next door and the odd local resident running an errand or going for a walk.

Le Petit Café is located away from the Coogee Beach main strip, in a relatively quiet residential street. Sandwiched between an apartment block under construction and a sleepy laundromat, its tiny interior invites you to sit outside on the wooden banquettes.

The menu is printed on French ruled paper, an authentic touch that reminds me of school books and homework. There is a variety of French dishes to please for breakfast, brunch and lunch, including croissants, brioches and a good selection of crêpes.

I stop for a pause café and croissant. The cappuccino is served in a tallish black cup and saucer, the kind I often get in Parisian cafés. My coffee has a fine froth, just the way I like it, with a good sprinkling of chocolate. The mini croissant is buttery and flaky, served with the quintessential Bonne Maman confiture or jam.

The staff are friendly and attentive. Judging by the number of people stopping for a take away or quick coffee, it is proving to be a popular spot for those who prefer to be away from the main drag of Coogee Bay Road. I make a note to return and try one of the crêpes with a café au lait served in a bowl.

Le Petit Café is just what its name claims to be, a little friendly café with an original stained glass window serving a little slice of France not too far from Coogee Beach.

Le Petit Café
63A Dudley Street
Coogee NSW 2034