Zubi Bar

Like beautifully polished driftwood tossed onto the sand, Zubi Bar is an unexpected gem on dusty old Barrenjoey Road. From colourful street-side seats on patches of astro-turf, to its distressed wood floors, scruffed-up timber counters and leafy back courtyard, this is a magic-box of cafe bliss, supported by owner Steve Hulley and a bright cast of welcoming staff. Filled rolls are followed by custard tarts and delicate friands, and the green-and-white tiled kitchen nook turns out breakfast-ish egg and prosciutto brioche, while the La Marzocco hisses out bright and zesty Campos caffe lattes ($3.60). There are even $2 busy-bags for the kids while you're busy with your coffee. Take the morning newspapers, order a Campos coffee and a prosciutto and egg roll and settle in the secret garden out the back as if you own the place.