Choux Box has been part of the rhythm of Kingscliff since 1993. What began as a small hole-in-the-wall café has evolved over more than three decades into the town's longest-running café — a familiar Marine Parade meeting place where generations of locals and holidaymakers have stopped for coffee, breakfast, lunch and conversation.

Food balances familiar café favourites with dishes that have developed their own Choux Box following. Breakfast might mean Eggs Benedict or waffles alongside Nasi Goreng and a smoked salmon omelette, while lunch moves into fresh salads, burgers and local favourites such as chilli and lime squid. Fresh produce is sourced locally where possible, and much of the food is made in-house, right down to the hollandaise.

Then there are the cakes. A pastry chef creates a changing selection of house-baked treats available by the slice, with whole cakes also available to order for celebrations. From 10am, the café shifts comfortably into bar mode with wine, bottled beer and cocktails, making a long beachfront lunch an equally tempting option.

The family behind Choux Box is central to its character. Owner Brett Freeburn brought years of experience as a chef before moving front of house, while daughter Cenza has grown with the business after first joining the team at 14. Together they have also created Choux String, a takeaway-focused sister café just a short walk along Marine Parade.

After more than 30 years, Choux Box feels less like a café that happens to be in Kingscliff and more like a small piece of Kingscliff itself.