Who said Sydney couldn't compete with Melbourne's laneways? This little gem has the coffee, the food and the tatts to rival any caffeinated bolthole the southern capital has to offer. But be warned - space is seriously limited and the word is out that this is the place to come for incredible sandwiches (ricotta, tomato, prosciutto, lemon juice and olive oil), crazy good breakfasts (creamed red and brown rice with an embarrassment of toppings) and sublime coffee. A caffe latte ($3.50) from Mecca Espresso's The Dark Horse blend via the cheerful, inked-up baristas and waitstaff has some kick but goes down smoothly.