Avenue Road

Mosman - land of ladies who lunch, small dogs and very large SUVs. They're a fussy bunch, but with a selection of top-notch patisseries, delis, cafes and providores all within manicured reach, why wouldn't you be?

At this shabby-chic café you'll find outdoor tables with comfortable banquettes for people-watching with a relaxed and unpretentious vibe. Service is prompt and efficient, if a little brusque, but the café is buzzing and so are the waitstaff who attend to everybody in a timely fashion. Caffeine addicts north of the bridge will be happy to know that the coffee here is kick-arse. Avenue Road are also one of the only cafés in Sydney to use South Australian Rio coffee - think of it as Campos' southern cousin in flavour and strength.

The menu is succinct, with lots of killer and very little filler to be found, moving from inventive salads to heartier fare. There are also regularly rotating specials based on seasonal produce. The corn fritters with house-cured ocean trout topped with dill and crème fraiche is a well-balanced dish. The fritters steer clear of stodgy territory and are light and crunchy on the outside. Squished between each fritter is a spicy, tart avocado salsa. This is all topped off with the smoky, salty cured trout - kudos to them for using something other than smoked salmon.

Winking suggestively from the menu is the roast pork and apple sandwich on sourdough; sounds heavy, tastes heavenly. The apples are caramelised and squished between the tender roast pork, slices of melted saracino (a sharp sheep's milk cheese) and balsamic-drizzled rocket. This is delicious, flavoursome comfort food. Unfortunately, the crackling isn't as crisp as it should be, but over all, it's a satisfyingly rustic sanga.

Avenue Road is all about good value daytime dining. Cheers to that.

Around $15pp.