What a gem of a little bakery! Not being on the main Sydney…read moreroad drag means that there are mainly locals that frequents this shop. Although I have a feeling that the Village Bakery may have its own not-so-local addicts. It's one of those places that looks almost warehouse like from the outside so you don't really look twice. Once you decide to visit Village Bakery though, it's a whole different story! It's elegant and welcoming inside, Open plan type counter and seatings and bread, cakes and pastries, pies and the smell of coffee. It's bright and smells delicious inside. You know you're gonna put on those kilos here. Bread are fresh daily, and there's also a selection of cheap day old bread on the side. Fresh whole meal loaf will set you back about $4 and between $1-3 for day old sourdough, rolls etc. I tried the Nutella donuts ($4)ea also available with jam or custard Pies and pasties selection include lamb, chicken and vego and there's also quiches on offer It was super difficult to keep my eyes off he cake cabinet... Eeeegggghhhhh I spied meringues, berry tarts cheesecakes, EVERY THING looks good!!!! I walked out still sniffing the coffee in the air and thinking about my next purchase... Oh its a blessing and a curse to have finally discovered the Village Bakery. Tip: on street parking and a few off street parking spots directly on door. If you're stuck, park at union square across the road

A quaint little bakery you may not think twice about. However, if you just kept walking on by then…read moreunfortunately you would've just missed out on some really good treats. Sure they make your typical varieties of fresh breads and sweets, but it's the Greek speciality items on offer that makes The Village Bakery worth a visit. The spanakopita in particular is a rare treat. They don't make it often, so when it is available, the locals flock to it. The folio pastry they use must be homemade as it's nothing like the stuff you'd find in a supermarket. It's thicker and beautifully crispy on top. The filling has the perfect balance between salty feta and earthy spinach. I can definitely see why it runs out so fast. One morning I popped in to grab one of their Greek pastries with the custard in the middle, and the owner told me they had just baked a fresh batch and went to get me a one from the back. It was still warm which made it twice as good. Now I try to get there in the morning hoping to score another freshly baked goody.

I've come in a few times for a hot chocolate and cupcake. Overall, atm anyways, maybe I should be…read moregiving sweet Evelyn 3 stars. But the cupcakes deserve an extra star all of their own. this spot is right near my best friends house which is terrible as now all I want when I'm there is to pop in for a cupcake! My few experiences have always been good. The girls working there are so friendly and go out of their way to make your day! You'll find plenty if seating indoors and out and a decent sized menu. But always save room for the cupcakes!! My friend has said the coffees are a bit hit and miss, but they are advertising for a barista so it might be something that gets sorted before you know it. A great alternative to the always busy Miss marmalade next door!

Make sure you plan your visit as a day trip - that's how long it takes for orders to arrive.read more

Vanilla Slices the size of your head, $2 date slices,mince pies and cookies as soft and gooey as a…read moremarshmallow around a camp fire. Not sold yet? Well that doesn't bother me. I have probably already bought all of their goodies anyway. Cafe Lucchino, more of a bakery than cafe really, is a little Italian eatery that is my go to place when I need that extra burst of energy after a day spent haggling with all of the store holders at Preston Market. Did I mention the large Vanilla Slice? Mmm....

My love for Cafe Lucchino was love at first - pastry - sight and now I can't get this little cafe…read moreslash bakery within the food court of Preston's awesome markets out of my head. Yeah, it makes coffee, sure, it calls itself a cafe, but where Cafe Lucchino really excels is with its pretty little cakes and pastries and its amazing vanilla slices. Now THEY are something to write home about. I've already sworn allegiance to the Beechworth Bakery's ineffably beautiful French vanilla slices but I have to say that Cafe Lucchino's take on this classic treat is up there with the best of 'em. Their USP is also notable. Cafe Lucchino's vanilla slices aren't just vanilla, no, no, there is a very thin layer of raspberry flavoured something in between the vanilla filling and the pastry that makes them stand out from the crowd. Call me mad for having such highly developed adoration for a humble slice if you like, but take my word for it. If you're a fan of pastries, cakes and slices, Cafe Lucchino is the place to go.

I recently celebrated my 60th Birthday here at the Post Office Cafe. I can't recommend the staff…read moremore highly - the service was impeccable, beautiful tranquil settings and not to mention the most wonderful tasty homemade finger foods made fresh on the day. Marreck, Poppy and the team thank you for making my special night a fantastic night to remember Very happy customer - we will be back soon

Post Office Cafe The…read morefitout is a bit dated here but by no means awful. Just a small renovation would work wonders in my view. I was nicely greeted on arrival and offered the table of my choice. I ordered a warm chicken salad which seemed a tad pricey at $19. It was probably a rather silly dish to order on a bitterly cold day. When it arrived I raised my eyebrows a bit as I'd never quite seen the likes of it before. It was nothing like the warm chicken salads you get at most places these days. You know, the bed of salad and the grill marked chicken and a few other extras and a nice dressing. This though was very different. For a start, the chicken came with a sauce. And, there were several thickly cut slices of warm sweet potato provided plus avocado, Spanish onion and lettuce as well as surprisingly, slivers of green pickle. It looked very unusual and I had some trepidation about tackling it. I needn't have worried. It was rustic but nonetheless very good. The chicken pieces were generously sized and nicely cooked with ample moistness. The veggies were all lovely and tasty. It all hung together nicely. The dish probably needed a couple more leafy greens but was still very satisfying and I found myself liking it. Against the odds, I found myself liking it here and 3.5 is just the right score in my book.

Beautiful outdoor courtyard and really friendly staff. The Benedict Rosti is to die for and coffee…read moreis consistently good.

Gorgeous space tucked away in Eltham! Second home is a spacious art gallery cafe with loads of…read morenatural light and extensive food menu! Stopped in for a quick breakfast on my way to an appointment and I don't want to leave! Their Almond milk magic was the caffeine hit I needed and Noisette Fruit toast served with home made jams is delicious. I'll definitely be back to try more of their breakfast and lunch menu!

This cafe turned out to be pretty good, and their breakfast options weren't all that bad either…read more Then again that is probably why I considered this place to be pretty good. Sure, it does get a little crowded at times, but that probably has something to do with the fact that it is pretty good. The service was great, and they made a pretty decent pot of tea as well. Oh, and the breakfast, well, that certainly was something that I quite enjoyed as well. Yeah, this is definitely a place to check out.

I'm digging Milkwood. Hopefully soon to become a favourite hang-out of mine;…read moreits a great cafe find in the immediate area, with excellent coffee, and the ever sought after $10 priced baguettes for lunch. Cute little fit-out inside, and on my few visits, full with happy people, both dining and serving. definitely a local's favourite, but one worth checking out or taking a trip for.

I've ventured to Mitte for some breakfast the past two Monday mornings in between PT clients and I…read morehave to say, I am a bit disappointed. If my beloved two:bob were only open on Mondays this would not be a problem! But I digress... Mitte is cute enough. The staff are quite nice too. Coffee (or in my case tea) orders are taken the moment you sit down. Plus water and menus are brought over in a jiffy. My issue really lies with the menu. Everything is $12.50+, with pretty much all the egg dishes are just shy of $20. Now, for a weekend brunch, I have no real problems with these prices. But during the week when you don't necessarily want all the bells and whistles and prefer some simpler, cheaper options (think eggs on toast with optional extras or a standard porridge for under $10), the choices are non-existent. I have tried the breakfast crumble (which was quite nice, but too sweet for my taste) and the wheat-free porridge (the only porridge option). I think the porridge was actually polenta based, which I wished they mentioned on the menu rather than calling it a "seed & grain" mixture (I was expecting something completely different to what arrived on the table). It was ok, but I wouldn't be ordering it again. I like my porridge kept pretty simple (even if it isn't oat based), and this was just a bit too weird for me, not just in terms of consistency but also flavours and toppings wise too. Oh well. I have no doubt I would feel differently about Mitte if I was here on a weekend and ordering one of the yummy sounding egg dishes, but alas, it's Monday and I just want something simple...if they added a few more simpler & cheaper options to the menu I have no doubt it would get an extra star.

Just a fly by here yesterday because the wind killed our leisurely sunny…read moresit-outside-with-a-dog-cafe weather. Our waitress was lovely and brought our doggie friend a water bowl while my coffee was also quite good and served at a great temperature for Soy. Mitte is a cute cafe off the main areas and a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Brunswick or Smith St. Perfect to go to after a morning walk in the Park. We had our sandwiches to go and even though they didn't appear to give you a great quantity of ham, the salty smoky quality of it carried it's way through every bite of sandwich while the avocado kept it moist enough to comfortably eat. I like it and I reckon I'll be back again.

Sweet by name, even sweeter by taste this café is by far my favourite in and around Oak Park. It's…read morea cosy little café located in the Snell Grove precinct, just a minute's walk away from the train station. There's seating inside if you want to stop in for a treat, but I prefer to grab my specialties to devour at home. I'm a big fan of home made pies but usually I'm left disappointed by the quality of the meat or other ingredients used. Not so with Sweet Nektar. Their beef burgundy pies are the best I've ever tasted and the different lamb varieties should be award winning they are just that delicious. The thing I love is that everything is made on site on the day, so you can't always be sure your favourite will be available when you go there. It's so not a bad thing here though because it just frees you up to find something just as scrumptious and loveable. The made to order rolls and sandwiches are delish as well, even my daughter who is addicted to hot chips loves coming with me to order her own special sandwich. While your there you have to spoil yourself with one of the handmade sweets, from cookies to slices and cakes you'll want to take the lot, but do yourself a favour and at least try the hedgehog! I'm also big on service and the people here are lovely, and because they always take the time to talk with my children and tell me how cute they are they win extra points with me!

This is a great little cafe and rather appropriately named Sweet Nektar. My French toast and cafe…read morelatte this morning was delicious as always and the owner is wonderfully warm and engaging to all her customers. Sweet Nektar is a genuine treat with everything being prepared daily on the premises. Recently I asked them to cater an event I was involved in and as usual, the food was fantastic. Whenever I am in Snell Grove I never miss an opportunity to call in for a bite to eat and a coffee and of course the enjoyable friendly atmosphere that can always be found at Sweet Nektar Cafe!