Paradise Cafe

When it first opened, Paradise wasn’t much more than a coffee nook operating out of bi-fold windows, serving Padre espresso and Jocelyn’s Provisions baked goods. But original owners Dutch and Brekky Brill (who have since left the business) knocked down an internal wall, painted the space white and turned this old neon-lit pizzeria into a bright and airy daytime 60-seat cafe.

The striking tiled frontage of the old Alfredo’s remains, as do the checkerboard floors, front counter and the pizza oven in the corner. Scattered about the place are vintage-shop knickknacks – a couple of ladders and hanging rope, and an old hospital bed frame that has been turned into a communal table. Recycled timber tables and benches have been supplied by Ant Aitken’s New Earth Timber. The result is a cafe with a laid-back, lived-in feel.

To drink, there’s coffee by Semi pro (expect single-origin pour-over and cold brew), plus craft beer and a natural-leaning wine list for later. The drinks wash down an approachable food menu that includes breakfast burgers, smashed avo, overnight oats and cinnamon brioche French toast.