Ruby's

Where and what

Caffeine fans can find things getting a little bleak at the north end of Nicholson Street, but newcomer Ruby's, a cute brunch/lunch spot in a former cake decorating shop, has brought quality coffee and food to the largely residential area.

The cosy interior is beautifully refurbished in art deco style, all sexy black, gold and turquoise, with bespoke shelving, stained glass and deco-era fittings and bric-a-brac. Ruby's (named after the owner's dog) is also a gallery space, with changing artworks (for sale) lining the walls.

Where to sit

Perch at the window on a retro stool, at one of the vintage Formica-topped tables, or on a couple of seats out front, served by milk-crate tables. The place seats about 20 inside at the moment, but plans are afoot to turn the back garden into an al fresco area.

Drink

The coffee is from Brunswick-born speciality roaster Padre, and there's also Chamellia teas ($4.50), proper chai and Emma & Toms juices.

But worth stopping for alone are the old-school-meets-modern-flavour-combination milkshakes - there's Ruby's Red Rampage, a blend of fresh raspberries, ice-cream, flaked almonds and pomegranate seeds ($7); Banana & Co, fresh banana with coconut milk and ice-cream, topped with shredded coconut ($7); Vanilla Spice made with organic chai, ice-cream and powdered with chai dust ($7); and decadent Nut But Not Nut, made with scoops of Nutella and peanut butter, blended with ice-cream and topped with chocolate sprinkles and almonds ($7).

Eat

A small but varied menu features some Greek influences (co-owner Mik Tsatsis is Greek), and a good mix of sweet and savoury brunches.

There's the regulation Bircher muesli ($10/$13 with berries), sourdough toast with a range of toppings, and free-range eggs and bacon with sides including house-made dukkah and tomato relishes.

For the sweeter tooth there's the banana nut jaffle ($8), or the sublime French Kiss - Greek sweet bread, soaked in free-range egg, fried and served with Greek yoghurt and the house-made lemon curd (which is both amazing and available to buy), topped with red berries and maple syrup ($14).

For those less inclined towards a morning sugar hit, options include house-made spanokopita, served with salad ($13), and the green pea and haloumi fritters, made with mint and fresh chilli and served with lemon, mixed salad and house-made tomato relish ($14/$18 with a side of bacon), and a changing selection of daily specials. It's all lovingly made - no mean feat given the cosiness.

Who's there

Given its locale, it's largely locals at this stage, but Merri Creek Trail regulars should add Ruby's to their stopping-off list.

Why bother

Nutella and peanut butter. In a milkshake.