Glowing under a striped awning, the small, walk-in-only dining room specialises in kamameshi – a Japanese comfort dish hard to come across in Sydney. Plus, hotpot ramen and house umeshu.

Whether you visit the original Buttercrumbs in Five Dock or the Ultimo sequel, some tough choices lie ahead. Plain or almond? Strawberry and Nutella or the monthly special? There are also milkshakes, iced tea smoothies and coffee on the cards.

Some fanatics call this the best pasticceria in Sydney. Five Dock’s Italian community certainly seems to think of. In any case, the quality of Tamborrino’s Roman-style biscuits, cannoli and cream-filled pastries is evident. For a quick breafkast, go for an Italian-style croissant and a strong espresso.

All about those hop-forward, American-style beers.