Now Open: Lait Noir Is the New Edward Street Cafe Adding Parisian Vibes to Brisbane's Coffee Scene

Brisbane's CBD has a sleek new go-to for caffeine, pastries, and bacon and egg croque toasties.
Sarah Ward
Published on March 22, 2023
Updated on March 22, 2023

Fancy enjoying a taste of Paris without paying for the plane fare? Brisbanites, the CBD's newest cafe has you covered. Freshly arrived on Edward Street, Lait Noir is here to help break up the nine-to-five grind with French-inspired surroundings, a menu packed with pastries and toasties, and plenty of coffee.

First announced at the beginning of March and now trading Monday–Friday, Lait Noir aims to give the River City the Parisian vibes it's missing — it's "Brisbane's first Parisian-style dining with guests able to watch the hustle and bustle go by from their seat," explains Charlotte Bourguignon, the cafe's Operations Manager.

"I have lived in Brisbane for ten years, and there has never been a go-to destination for takeaway or dine-in on the finer side in the CBD," Bourguignon continues.

"We are so proud to be opening our doors for workers, visitors and locals to experience a little bit of Paris, right here in the CBD. We pride ourselves on quality and service, with all of our pastries and desserts made with true French ingredients from some of the best French suppliers in Brisbane."

On the menu: a hefty range of baked goods pumped out of Queensland's first Unox Speed-X oven. Lemon muffins, raspberry almond coconut tarts, apple tarts and mini French doughnuts sit among the sweet bites, while croissants, quiches, frittatas and beef bourguignon pie are highlights from the savoury range. And, from a dessert-focused lineup, lemon meringue tarts, passionfruit tarts, choc-fudge caramel brownies and carrot cake are sure to tempt tastebuds.

Lait Noir also does salads, including a roasted vegetable option, plus sandwiches, toasties and wraps. And yes, the cheesy egg and bacon croque toastie instantly sounds like a must-try.

Lait Noir now sits in the space that was previously home to Roll'd Vietnamese, and takes its cues from French cafes design-wise — complete with luxe $450,000 fitout overseen by Outkast. That means getting a caffeinated brew beneath seven-metre-high ceilings and over A-grade marble bench tops.

If you happen to work in the building, it's also planning to do a concierge service for tenants.

And, anyone who heads along to the cafe's official opening party between Wednesday, March 29–Friday, March 31 will find live tunes setting the mood, samples to help you try out the menu, and the chance to win free coffee for a year.

Find Lait Noir at 144 Edward Street, Brisbane — open from 6.30am–5.30pm Monday–Friday.

Published on March 22, 2023 by Sarah Ward
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