La costa cafe

Charcoal grilling gives the kitchen its character at this Mediterranean café just off Paddington, where the smoke touches everything from grilled octopus to king prawn shish. The hours are remarkably generous — open daily from breakfast until 11pm — making it as well suited to a morning coffee as a leisurely dinner, with outdoor seating and a dog-friendly welcome besides. A 4.6 rating from nearly a thousand reviews suggests the neighbourhood has well and truly taken it to heart.