Chicken & Fishhead packs a lot into a small corridor. Owners Sarah Cannon and Scott Bollington, a husband and wife team, have created a thriving cafe-cum-children's emporium attracting young families. Its unusual moniker combines the couple's nicknames.

As mothers pore over crafty gifts at the back, couples and babies cram into the front - a mix of whitewashed furniture, red walls and black chandeliers. Toddlers play in a cosy nook.

The child-friendly menu includes fairy bread ($3.50), ice-cream spiders ($4.50) and chocolate crackles ($2.50). For older diners, French pastries arrive each morning from Lumiere in Surry Hills.

Our mellow Grinders coffees ($3.50-$4) arrive at just the right temperature. Tea lovers can choose from herbal, flavoured and T2 options ($3.50-$4).

The breakfast trifle ($8) includes tangy natural yoghurt and Whisk & Pin muesli as well as berries, which today have a slightly icy crunch. Winners include the BLT with avocado ($9.95) and big breakfast on a light local sourdough ($15). The poached eggs ($10) are a little overcooked, however.

Service is friendly if a bit slow - the trade-off for popularity.