Kawa

Peaceful and unassuming, Kawa is the perfect cafe to while away a lazy Sunday watching the faces of Surry Hills pass you by. Set with quaint vintage iron folding chairs and tables for two along the sidewalk, the furniture might be mismatched, but that’s all part of the appeal.

After years under the same owner, William Walsh – a retired cabin crew attendant for Qantas – and his wife Tina Walsh took over in August 2016.

Not much has changed. The menu stays true to its roots with everything sourced as close to home as possible, including fresh fruit and veg from Fruitique in Alexandria, sourdough from Infinity Bakery and fresh organic eggs delivered daily from just outside of Sydney.

All pastries and cakes are baked in-house, and most recipes have stayed with the cafe in the hand over. Still, there’s always room for development, and Tina knows a thing or two about experimenting with new flavours.

Try the long-standing breakfast salad with leafy greens, apple and quinoa tossed with a lemon dressing and topped with avocado, poached egg and chilli; and the popular chicken meatball sandwich.

The extensive drinks menu includes juices made to order. Or, if you fancy something more indulgent, milkshakes and thickshakes come in all manner of flavours, from comforting chocolate to refreshing mango and banana. Coffee and tea are courtesy of Little Marionette.