Walk past the fountain, up the stairs and through the courtyard of an unassuming office block in Bella Vista and eventually you'll find Rave Cafe. It belongs to a small clutch of eateries that have popped up to satisfy the burgeoning workforce of Norwest Business Park.

There's a good reason why it's tucked away behind a building. From its balcony, there's a stunning view across a sea of trees, fields and rooftops all the way to the Blue Mountains.

While the outlook is impressive, the venue lacks atmosphere. White umbrellas dot the balcony and manicured gardens line its edges. Inside feels cosier, with dark tables, comfy ottomans and chocolate lounges. The staff are friendly and attentive, too, which adds to the relaxed mood. That's not to say service is slow. Our coffees ($2.80-$3.50) arrive within minutes of us settling into our balcony seats.

The Grinders Giancarlo blend has plenty of flavour but our cappuccinos aren't quite hot enough. The second round is better - not steaming but getting there.

We order a vegetarian omelet with tomatoes, mushrooms and herbs ($12.50); the big breakfast with poached eggs, bacon, roasted tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, hash browns and toast ($15); and bircher muesli with fresh fruit, yoghurt and honey ($8).

All three servings are tasty and generous - the omelet has a herby tang and the big breakfast looks hearty but not overly so, although the eggs are slightly overdone.

The muesli is dry and crunchy rather than soft and chewy as we expect but my companion enjoys it nonetheless.

Behind the counter is a small sandwich bar and the pre-made takeaway range is packed with fresh salads and sliced meat.

The lunch and drinks menus reveal standard salad, pasta and grill options and familiar beers, spirits and wines while a poster on the wall promotes the new sundowner drinks. On one Friday each month, the balcony turns over to live jazz and funk music until midnight.

During the morning we visit, the cafe welcomes a stream of businessmen and women bearing paperwork and laptops, which hook up to its free Wi-Fi network.

Before the lunchtime crowds arrive, we dash to the counter for an apple and cinnamon muffin ($3.90) and a cherry and coconut cupcake with chocolate icing ($3.50). Each bite of the home-made muffin is fresh and fluffy and the cake tastes moist but it's a shame the cherries aren't real. It's a bit like the cafe itself - a lovely spot that just needs some extra oomph.