Christophe Zauner and Jacqueline Lodge have worked the floor at their petite French eatery since 2002, bustling between the small round tables and greeting each new customer with a friendly, "Bonjour!".

In 2017 the duo took over the adjacent tenancy, doubling the cafe's size and extending its opening hours to include dinner and bar service. The iconic tiled facade (inspired by Paris Metro stations) now extends across two shopfronts, with ample seating inside and out. It's still as busy as ever.

Zauner and Lodge call it their "brasserie francaise". It's a popular spot for hospo crew from the surrounding bars (many warding off hangovers with a well-made Bloody Mary) and visitors enticed by the venue's classic European charms.

If you’re here for brunch, there’s croque monsieur, brioche French toast with seasonal fruit, and eggs every way. Plus, a champagne breakfast for two, which includes eggs, pastries, toast, salmon, coffee and a 375ml bottle of Louis Roederer.

The kitchen serves dinner Thursday to Saturday, and the menu includes petits plats (small plates), daily specials, steak frites and bar snacks. For something fancier, go for freshly shucked oysters or Oscietra caviar with all the trimmings.