Base Kamp

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At this end of the CBD, Little Bourke Street is full of tiny cafes and eating places. Base Kamp is one of the cutest. It takes its name not just from all the camping and climbing equipment stores nearby, but because the Chilean-born owner, Alvaro, wanted to convey a sense of somewhere to rest and shelter from the rigours of the day. Seating is at small tables, on stools and chairs or red upholstered banquettes, all made by Alvaro himself. There are posters on the walls, a board with specials, drinks kept in a small fridge, and a counter where food is displayed. As you can tell, they pack a whole lot into this small place.

What distinguishes Base Kamp from its contemporaries is the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the ingredients. Breakfast toast and lunchtime sandwiches are made using bread from Dench bakery, and the ham is good quality Spanish jamon. For breakfast, try porridge with grated apples and honey, or poached free-range eggs on sourdough with ham and tomato. At lunch, bit into the tortilla with chorizo and spinach, or empanadas – Chile’s version of a meat pie or pastie, served warm on a wooden board with a salad on the side. There’s also the great value $15 option of soup, salad, toasted sandwich or empanada, and a drink. All the soups are home-made, and they change on a daily basis.

Rita Erlich