PROFILE BY BEST RESTAURANTS
Set opposite a park in an area of museums, art academies and galleries, this is a fun, energy-charged, inside-outside little place that simply buzzes with a mix of workmen, students, artists, joggers, women who lunch, business suits and tete-a-tete twosomes from breakfast till the mellow hours. And, with menus that are as eclectic and mixed as the patrons themselves, it defies the usual something-for-everyone mediocrity trap by presenting food that's up there with some of the best in the city.
A breakfast of house-made paprika-spiked baked beans on wilted spinach topped with a poached egg and parmesan is sure to set you up for whatever the day might bring. A big bowl of perfectly just-plumped black-lip mussels in a saffron broth will do the same if you're a late riser. The contemporary take on pizzas is refreshing while the risottos, meats, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are, without exception, all beautifully cooked and presented. The coffee and desserts are good, as is the Tasmanian-accented wine list (which offers 25 by the glass). Prices are reasonable and the service is warm, welcoming and totally professional.
Graeme Phillips