Tucked into Red Hill and already winning over locals, atelier mimi is a French patisserie Brisbane pastry lovers are quickly claiming as their own, thanks to delicate pastries, colourful macarons and warm family hospitality. I loved so much about this little cafe, from the coffee and croissants to the best chocolate macaron I’ve ever tasted!
Authentic French Pastries Made Fresh Daily in Brisbane
This small, family-owned French patisserie and café is run by husband-and-wife team Paul and Miki, who combine French pastry tradition with subtle Japanese touches to create something both refined and warmly welcoming. The name itself tells a story. Atelier is all about craftsmanship, to the careful making of beautiful things. Mimi is named after their daughter, making the café not just a business, but very much a family dream brought to life.
Paul and Mikki at atelier mimi
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French Training, Global Experience
Paul brings more than 15 years of pastry experience to atelier mimi, having trained and worked at some of the most renowned patisseries in the world.
His career includes time at iconic pastry houses such as Ladurée and Pierre Hermé, two of the most celebrated names in French patisserie. Ladurée, founded in Paris in 1862, is credited with creating the modern double-decker macaron and has since become world-famous for its elegant salons and pastel-coloured boxes of perfectly crafted macarons. Pierre Hermé, often referred to as the Picasso of Pastry, revolutionised the macaron with bold flavour combinations and meticulous technique, elevating it from a classic treat to a global luxury pastry icon. Working within these kitchens gave Paul invaluable experience in the precision, consistency and creativity required to produce world-class macarons and refined French pastries. Paul also worked with celebrated Japanese-French pastry chef Sadaharu Aoki in Tokyo. In Australia, Paul has worked at Melbourne favourites Noisette Bakery and Laurent Bakery, and most recently spent three years as Head Pastry Chef at Brisbane City Hall.
His passion lies in French classics. Macarons, biscuits and traditional pastries are his specialty, and everything you see in the shop is baked fresh daily in their small in-house kitchen.
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Small Kitchen, Big Creativity
The kitchen at atelier mimi is compact, which means creativity and careful planning go into everything produced. Rather than large cakes, Paul and Miki specialise in beautifully crafted mini pastries, allowing them to offer variety while working within limited oven space.
On any visit you might find:
• Authentic French mini cakes
• Almond croissants and pistachio chocolate mini pastries
• Light, crisp meringues
• Vanilla and chocolate biscuits perfect for gifting
• Signature macarons in a rainbow of colours
• Mini gourmet sandwiches made fresh with care
Their biscuits and sweets are popular as small gifts, and Miki hopes to continue expanding this range for celebrations and special events.
Macarons Take Centre Stage
It doesn’t take long to notice that macarons are the main event at atelier mimi. Regular customers have already learned that if you want the full choice, it pays to arrive early, because favourite flavours rarely last the day.
The display shifts slightly depending on what Paul is baking, but you’ll usually find classics like vanilla and pistachio sitting alongside matcha, raspberry, passionfruit and chocolate. Seasonal flavours also make appearances throughout the year, giving returning customers something new to discover.
Beyond the daily selection, Paul and Miki also create customised macarons and biscuits for special occasions, from weddings and baby showers to birthdays and corporate events. Colours, flavours and even personalised messages can be tailored to suit each celebration, turning the humble macaron into an edible centrepiece.
As for favourites, Miki smiles and admits she always gravitates towards vanilla and matcha, a sweet reflection of the French and Japanese influences that shape everything at atelier mimi.
A French Café with a Japanese Heart
While the pastries are unmistakably French, subtle Japanese influences appear throughout the café. Miki lived in France for over ten years, immersing herself in French culture while bringing her own Japanese sensibilities to the experience.
You’ll notice Japanese cups, touches of matcha, and careful attention to small details that make the space feel calm and welcoming. It’s a gentle fusion that feels completely natural. Miki also brings warmth to the front of house, greeting customers and creating the friendly neighbourhood atmosphere that keeps people returning.
More Than Just Pastries
Beyond cakes and macarons, atelier mimi offers savoury options too, including freshly made mini gourmet sandwiches, perfect for a light lunch or takeaway treat. Their chocolate drinks are also worth seeking out, made with homemade ganache, creating a rich, comforting cup that pairs beautifully with a pastry on cooler mornings.
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Growing One Local at a Time
Atelier mimi is still being discovered by the wider community. Mornings can be lively, while afternoons are quieter as more locals realise this little gem has opened nearby. School students pop in after classes for macarons and drinks, and neighbourhood regulars are beginning to make it part of their routine.
Why You Should Visit
If you love authentic French pastries, beautifully crafted macarons, or discovering small local businesses run with genuine passion, atelier mimi deserves a visit. Arrive early for the best selection, pick up a box of macarons to take home, and don’t overlook the mini pastries. They may be small, but they deliver big delight.
Paul and Miki will be there, quietly baking and welcoming customers, building their family dream one pastry at a time.
You’ll find them at 186 Arthur Terrace, Red Hill. Open Monday to Saturday. Check their Instagram page for their latest pastries.
