Little Woodpecker

Until Little Woodpecker came along, there wasn’t much happening in Katrina Street. It replaced a decades-old furniture upholsterer in 2016, instantly brightening up the strip. Owner Tanya Baharian was raised only a few doors down and the area is close to her heart.

The fit-out brings together fresh white walls and Scandinavian simplicity. Baharian’s father – a carpenter by trade – built and designed the hardwood tables. He’s the “woodpecker” and she’s the “little woodpecker” the cafe is named after.

Dishes have whimsical names such as Tutti Frutti and Rupelstitlskin – each reminds Baharian of a different relative. The idea here is to keep thing simple and relaxed, focusing on that backstreets, family- and community-oriented vibe.

Breakfast and lunch options include The Golden Temple (Panko-crumbed chickpea fritters with natural yoghurt and tahini) and La Bamba (Mexican green-chilli burger in a Japanese-style milk bun served with shoestring fries). The counter also holds a neat little sweets pantry with plant-based bars and slices from Compassionate Kitchen and gluten-free snack bars from G Luxe.

Little Woodpecker roasts its own house blend coffee through UBlend.