Four Ate Five

Watching the goings on at Four Ate Five through their Crown Street doorway is fascinating – kind of like watching someone host a party in a walk-in wardrobe. Blurs of coloured socks, mismatched floral prints and tattooed arms crash into one other as the staff try to accommodate each new arrival and as they deliver plates of food to tables.

The crowd might be mismatched here, but they’re often happy to share the booth or the communal table as they eat their BLT or toasted cheese sandwich.

The menu is simple and straight up here. Think cafe favourites like a giant roast beef sandwich with onion relish, aioli and polski ogorki (gerkins), or a creamy Caesar salad.

Lamingtons, hummingbird or carrot cakes with cream cheese icing are the perfect afternoon tea, along with Marsala chai. On hot days they even make refreshing coffee granitas.

The décor is uncomplicated and there’s nothing overly styled or designed, with local artworks hanging from the walls. There are no frills at Four Ate Five; it’s just homely and casual with good food and warm hearts.