Bitton Cafe & Bistro

Thirteen years ago, French chef David Bitton opened a small cafe in Alexandria. That small cafe has grown to include a gourmet grocer and cookery school, and helped kick-start the revitalisation of this inner-urban area. On any given day, the grown-like-Topsy space is crawling with arty types and families with young children kicking back unapologetically for hours (well, there is a playroom, and TEN highchairs, and good food for kids). Do as the French do and enjoy flaky brioche ($6) with a bowl of cafe au lait ($5.20), which has sweet floral notes and a pleasant aftertaste.