Stepping into Nancy's Cafe is like being in a little corner of Europe - the open kitchen, the big, colourful painting on one wall, chandelier, wood chairs, deep blue walls and bistro-style tables outside.
Jazz is playing at lunchtime, the service is friendly and prompt and a big bottle of water is delivered before anything arrives. Nice.
While I ponder the counter full of salads, rolls and pastries, a steady stream of customers comes in for Toby's estate-blend coffee ($3.50), which is strong, with a good creamy top.
But the food piques my interest. There are old favourites but also dishes not on a standard cafe blackboard.
Looking at the persian baked eggs, napolitana and Bulgarian fetta ($10.50), I curse I'm not there for breakfast (although the kitchen closes at 3pm).
Instead I opt for rissoles ($5 each) - Mexican-style, plus lamb and mint - that are deliciously moist, slightly spicy and come with knock-out sauces and can be ordered with a side salad ($6.50).
To fill my hollow legs, I blow it and have the ricotta pancakes with berry compote ($8.50). It's just as well there is no one hurrying me out.
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