Gasolina

In the industrial backstreet netherworld of South Melbourne, where wide streets meander and confuse, you'll find Gasolina like a sturdy beacon, drawing coffee lovers into its airy interior accented with vintage motoring accoutrements, such as enormous car-wax cans transformed into leather-cushioned stools. Chefs tinker like mechanics in the open kitchen, soft-boiling eggs, baking mini cakes and making American-accented lunches of burgers and mini cobb salads. Gasolina revs on 5 Senses' Dark Horse blend ($3.80), a punchy brew with a hefty citrus centre and light, nutty aroma.