Atelier Mimi is the latest patisserie to open its doors in Brisbane.

The patisserie, which perfectly melds French techniques with Japanese precision, was officially opened earlier this year.

Co-owner Paul Benetti has 15 years as a pastry chef under his belt, and a formidable resume to boot.

Paul began his career in Lyon and Provence, France, before relocating to Melbourne in 2011. Here he joined the team at Noisette, where he met his wife, Miki, before moving on to Laurent Bakery, Eventually Paul and Miki relocated to Japan, which provided Paul with the opportunity to work with renowned pastry chef Pierre Herme and at Laduree.

A move back to Australia in 2022, this time to Brisbane, saw Paul take on the role of head pastry chef at Brisbane City Hall, but he said he and Miki had long dreamed of opening their own cafe.

“I would say it took about a year to really find the right place,” he told InDailyQld.

“We were looking for a nice shop like this one, with high visibility and character. That’s why we love this one.”

Atelier Mimi, named after their daughter, offers small batches of meticulously crafted pastries – think tarts, macarons, cakes, and pastries.

“It’s French classical – not too fancy – sometimes with a Japanese twist,” Paul said.

“I want to keep some products all year, but I want to play with seasonality too. I’m also planning to include some local products – native ingredients like Davidson Plums.”

However, Paul said it’s the sense of community that really lies at the heart of the patisserie.

“That’s really the spirit that we want to show our customers, and that’s why we decided to call the shop Atelier Mimi,” Paul said.

“Atelier, because we like both Japanese and French craftsmanship, and Mimi for our daughter – that’s her nickname.”