CAFE MORSO
Sydney, New South Wales

With an enviable position across the water from East Balmain and with views of North Sydney, Cafe Morso inhabits the shell of its heritage-listed building. Having been awarded winner of the 2008 Restaurant and Catering Association Best Cafe/Restaurant, and the 2009 and 2010 NSW metropolitan award for best breakfast, the accolade pretty much encompasses what Cafe Morso does. Luring both suits and the de-suited, this dining warehouse has been kicking goals since 2004 and takes advantage of both the cafe and restaurant world. Half come for a takeaway sandwich and top-notch coffee, the other prefer to linger over a long lunch with a bottle of vino and the sea breeze.

The location has a colourful history beginning with the train tracks which, having transported World War Two soldiers onto boats, now leads guests along the Jones Street Wharf to Cafe Morso's entrance. The venue has kept its industrial inheritance with exposed metal jousts and original wharfie touches, but the gritty interior is juxtaposed with a large, yet elegantly beautiful, chandelier which hangs daintily above those contently mopping up their plates. Seats on the large decking area are the most coveted on a warm day; however, regardless of your vicinity to the water, every table is presented with truly terrific and inspired fare. Free-range scrambled eggs with chives and gruyere cheese is served with roast tomato, sourdough toast and pride not often seen in a breakfast dish. Wild field mushroom and truffle risotto with walnut crisps has a heavenly texture while the Beef bourguignon pie with shallots, red wine, mushroom and bacon marries both colour and flavour with delicate skill. Finish on a sweet note with vanilla bean panna cotta with Champagne and berries or Sauternes-poached pear with cinnamon ice-cream and tuille. When the sun sets, Cafe Morso provides an ideal location for cocktail parties and sit-down parties.