Strand Espresso

The CBD may now be home to glitzy new food courts, nay, food atriums, but it's reassuring to know that when you shop you can still drop at solid, no-nonsense cafes like this. The shoebox interior is tighter than the latest Greek budget but there's plenty of sought-after 'outside' tables under the splendour of the Strand Arcade's ornate glass and iron ceiling. The menu features the usual range of sandwiches, snacks and cakes with the Danesi-driven coffee reliably good. A flat white is robust and rich ($3.50) although service can be distracted when busy. And when is it not busy?