Now Open: French-Inspired Pastry Haven Rise Bakery Has Launched Its First Brisbane Outpost

Maybe you love croissants. Perhaps you can't go past a pain au chocolat. If it's a pastry and it has a French history, it could just get your tastebuds melting. If any of these apply and you've been in the vicinity of Sanctuary Cove since 2022, then you might've enjoyed Rise Bakery's wares. Now, Brisbanites can tuck in without the trip to the Gold Coast. Next stop: Portside Wharf.

When this riverside stretch announced that big changes were in the works back in late 2022, complete with exciting new eateries on the way, the precinct wasn't kidding around. Also last year, the restaurateur behind Opa Bar + Mezze, Massimo Restaurant, Yamas Greek + Drink and George's Paragon revealed plans to open a seafood venue, Fosh, at the Hamilton spot. That'll come in August, and the Gold Coast's Rosé Gelateria has also set up shop — and now so has Rise.

After their pastries quickly proved a hit on the coast, French-born chef pâtissier Adrien Marcinowski and fellow chef Maxime Bournazel have now done what plenty of popular eateries on the Glitter Strip did in the past: capitalised upon that success by expanding up to Brisbane.

This is the first Brissie outpost for the company, with customers able to pick up artisanal bread as well. At the moment, however, Rise's Portside venue is doing takeaways and serving just a limited in-store menu as it gears up for a full official opening in August.

Both now and in the future, the chain is serving up its bites in a space spanning across 75 square meters indoors, plus an extra 80 square metres over an al fresco terrace — to make the most of the waterfront location. Even better: Rise Bakery's Portside venue features a champagne bar for sips over croissants and cakes.

"Our Portside Wharf store menu will give people a taste of everyday French life with items made fresh daily, using recipes our team have learned while training back home in Europe," said Bournazel.

"Some customer favourites from our menu include buttery croissants, pain au chocolat, delicate pastries and artisan bread. We also have a selection of drinks to suit every occasion, including premium organic Tavalon tea to enjoy with pastries, a speciality coffee mix from local-based Bear Bones Coffee and, true to French tradition, an extensive wine list with boutique champagnes."

Marcinowski and Bournazel were drawn to Portside because it reminded them of the French Riviera, with the design and decor of Rise's new white- and pink-hued location nodding in the same direction.

"Growing up in France, many cherished memories made during child and adulthood are created when visiting pâtisseries and boulangeries with loved ones," added Marcinowski.

"Through Rise Bakery, we wanted to recreate this experience, encompassing not just the flavours but also the entire sensory experience — from the beautifully designed space to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. We look forward to introducing Brisbane customers to Rise Bakery and providing them with an authentic boulangerie and salon de thé experience at Portside Wharf."

Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons

Find Rise Bakery at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton — open 7am–4pm daily.