The Maling Room Roastery

The Maling Room sits proudly on the corner of busy Canterbury Road and Pleasantville-esque Maling Road. From the exterior, this heritage-listed building still looks like the post office, but it now houses an unassuming cafe that's serving up some of the eastern suburbs' best coffee.

The building (built in 1908) shut its doors as a post office in 1996 yet evidence of its former life has been preserved through touches such as the stain glass windows that read Money Order and Telephone Bureau.

Inside, apricot-coloured walls and high ceilings house practical, classic timber furnishings. Although slightly dated (and even a bit daggy), the main clientele (elderly couples and mums with kids) don’t seem to mind. This cafe's appeal isn't a designer fit-out. It's the coffee.

Current owner Andrew Lew has installed a couple of Synesso machines that get quite the workout. The extensive coffee menu makes a particular note of steaming milk at the optimal 65 degrees, so those who like it hot will have to request so. Upstairs, staff are busy roasting their own blend and single origin coffees, all of which are available for purchase. The roastery supplies to many cafes all across the city.

For some food to go with your coffee, The Maling Room provides an extensive breakfast menu that is heavy-on for eggs. The lunch menu prize-winner is the salmon signature platter, served with five condiments. For sweets, house-made cakes and baked goods from Noisette fill the display cabinet.