Miami – not Italy – is the inspiration behind Venice, a buzzing cafe that hits the sweet spot between ’90s Americana and modern Manly cool. And if not for the brews, you’d never know the place was owned by a Central Coast coffee roaster.

West Gosford’s Legend has kept its Sydney debut low key with a hole-in-the-wall space opposite Berkelo Manly. The La Marzocco mainlines Legend’s Biggie’s blend, and a slushie machine pulls oat-milk iced coffees spiked with maple syrup. Matcha comes brewed or served on ice.

The small-but-mighty kitchen serves baked treats like cinnamon scrolls and savoury pastries. The thick toasties and Maccas-inspired muffins are the real stars of the menu, which is geared mainly towards takeaway. But if you’re sitting in, the prime real estate is on the street. Dogs welcome, shoes optional.