Opened by the savvy folks behind Purple Peanuts Japanese cafe, Pallet Espresso similarly caters to the fast-paced city business crowd.

The snug cafe is an unlikely, self-proclaimed Japanese-Italian fusion that somehow works. The Japanese element is the driving force of the lunch menu though – a variety of bento boxes are the specialty. Prepared swiftly by the chefs in an open kitchen, most meals are small but satisfying – grilled salmon bento with miso egg, soup, shitake, brussels sprouts and brown rice; and the Karaage fried chicken burger with coleslaw are standout choices.

The Italian influence comes in via hearty ciabatta sandwiches and, for something different, the acqua cotta, an Italian vegetable soup with slow-cooked egg and garlic bread. A sweet collection of macarons, almond biscuits and meringues decorate the counter, and coffee is sourced from Sensory Lab – with no extra charge for soy, decaf or an extra shot.