The Pound South Yarra

Hidden down a lane, this light-filled modernist cafe hums with fatigued fashionistas, media types and loyal pooch-in-tow locals keen for coffee and Portuguese custard tarts. More club than cafe, it’s relaxed and convivial. Grab a stool, window table or intimate banquette. Will it be freshly squeezed OJ, avo mash on multigrain or a super-sized scrambled egg-and-bacon pide smothered in tomato relish? Over lunch, genial staff might suggest a wine match for that zingy Thai-style beef salad or lamb goulash. Plump made-to-order pide combos are the pick of the blackboard menu.