Young Dandy

Slightly hidden among a cluster of shops on Parnell Rise, Young Dandy, which opened this year, is, from the outside at least, a quiet, unassuming cafe. Inside, you’ll notice a lot of coffee love, with a shifting line-up of specialty blends, single-origin espresso and Chemex filter options — it’s little surprise that owner-operator James Prendergast previously managed Ozone Coffee’s Grey Lynn site. For something quick but delicious, head to the cabinet for a sausage roll, a croissant or the spectacular spiced egg bap. The main menu is concise but refreshing, with familiar cafe breakfast fare — granola, porridge, eggs on toast — alongside dishes that push breakfast boundaries, like toasted sourdough heaped with a cloud-like swoosh of fermented tofu, chilli-and-macadamia cream and vadouvan-spiced mushrooms, or perhaps the caldereta fish toast, decked out with marinated tomatoes, caramelised onion and herby green mayo. A visit here will leave you feeling nourished, caffeinated and potentially a little more sophisticated.

While you’re in the area: Lamplight Books