Lawson Grove Shop

LGS leaves you feeling like you've discovered a secret cafe. Hidden up a cul-de-sac behind a flourishing lemon tree and palms, the Spanish Mission exterior gives way to a charming space decked out with eclectic taste. Since starting out as a shop in the 1930s, it's been a teahouse, milk bar and even a wartime meeting spot for ladies of the night and US soldiers. These days it's the Thai green curry and house-made gnocchi that pull the punters. The latter is seriously good: perfect potato pillows in a silky sauce of tomato, spinach and feta. Sweet tooths are spoilt with home-baked cakes and slices including a ginger cake with zesty lemon icing. You'll wish LGS was your local.