BEST CAFÉ: KAWA

Who knew Crown Street could feel this peaceful? Inside Kawa, the benches at the communal tables are strewn with cushions and piles of dog-eared magazines for long breakfasts or to settle in with a pot of chai. Outside, you’ll find cosy mismatched tables under leafy trees for people-watching or for peacocking, if you prefer. Plenty of people from the suburbs drop in to mix with the Surry Hills hipsters and grab the healthiest-tasting big breakfast in Sydney; it helps that the food is mainly organic. It’s a good idea to stop by a bit later in the day though. Of all the goodies on the menu, it’s impossible to go past the organic chicken ball salad or sandwich. As any Surry Hills local will tell you, it’s the business. (Sarah Neill)

348A Crown St, Surry Hills. 9331 6811