Ella Guru

The bacon, cheese, peanut butter and burnt fig-jam toastie is reason enough to visit Ella Guru cafe. Known as The Klogger, it’s a favourite for those recovering after a big night.

Then there are the chocolate brownies baked on site by owner Candice Wilde. The smell of the chewy treats fills every corner of the small cafe when she pops another batch in the oven to keep up with customer demand.

Though Wilde has background in hospitality, Ella Guru is her first cafe. She took the plunge in late 2015, transforming the former Curious Murphy and christening it in honour of a Captain Beefheart song. Now it has a simple Scandinavian-style interior with touches of pastel. Wilde is a fan of Australian artwork and added a Brett Whiteley and a landscape of the Kimberley.

Her customer base hails largely from the surrounding neighbourhood. Children from the nearby school are also regulars, thanks to a Paddle Pop menu scribbled in rainbow colours on a small blackboard.

The coffee is from Marrickville Double Roasters. Teas come from T2, with the addition of a local sticky chai. In addition to The Klogger, several other toasties are available. All-day-breakfast staples include avocado on toast with pomegranate and pistachio relish; eggs Benedict; and a bircher cup.