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The food at a museum’s café isn’t normally a reason to visit, but this café is a treasure, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to an appreciative crowd. Opening onto the paved forecourt, it offers excellent café standards such as sandwiches, salads and cakes, as well as bistro-style dishes such as steaks and tea-smoked trout.

Despite its abrupt service and non-existent decor, this huge eatery has long held cult status. To understand why, try dining late after a big night on the town and you’ll discover just how welcome this hearty food can be. Order the barbecued duck and Chinese beer.

Inauspiciously tucked away at the bottom of the Republic Building, this restaurant’s wood-fired, sparingly topped, thin and crusty pizzas are as close to the real thing as you’ll find in the inner city.

This Sydney stalwart is loved for its strong coffee, free old-fashioned cordial and checked tablecloths. Upstairs, you’ll find delicious home-style Italian, such as spaghetti Bolognese and bistecca. Head downstairs for gelato.

If the long queues aren’t a dead give away, the delicious smells that greet you will make it clear that this place is special. Run by Kylie Kwong, Sydney’s celebrity chef, Billy Kwong specializes in traditional Chinese family food souped up with a modern edge.

Really the best for breakfast but also great at other times, this restaurant is the showpiece of another celebrity chef, Bill Granger. At breakfast tuck into their speciality: delectable ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter and a sunrise juice.

A light and airy room and pleasant service make this a good option. Eggs come with a choice of sides, the lunch menu contains great salads. Be sure to try an unusual fresh juice combo.

The delicious North African food at this small café is loaded with aromatic flavours such as cinnamon, mint and cumin. Try the varied meze plates with dukkah -coated Turkish bread. The big servings are great value.

Right on the water, this café is on the marina’s wharf. Sit out in the sun or choose a shaded table.

Beachside at Balmoral, this café is in the restored bathers’ changerooms. The varied menu has great choices, and the ambience is wonderful.