Southside Tea Room

So often the best places are the ones you might never even notice existed; the ones that conjure a strong sense of personality in an under-the-radar way.

Case in point: in a nondescript strip of shops in Morningside, you'll find the Southside Tea Room, which has perfected this balance. Being owned by Patience Hodgson and John Patterson of local indie rock band The Grates also helps.

Those familiar with the band’s music might be prepared for the vibe: a kitschy wonderland of well-loved furniture discarded several decades ago. Its menu, though, is 100 per cent modern.

Brunch is the cafe’s forte. The breakfast burrito – chorizo, black beans, avocado and cheddar – is an excellent start. The breakfast smoothie also goes down a treat, with a concoction of pine and coconut juice, strawberries, banana, chia seeds and coconut oil.

Hunger isn't the only reason to show up, though. The venue also hosts an ever-changing array of daytime events such as Hottest 100 countdown parties, art shows, live podcasts, zine workshops and markets. Here, you'll leave with your appetite satisfied, and your sense of fun as well.