A really good sandwich can make your day. Anyone who ever discovered a soggy Vegemite sambo (or egg, the humiliation!) in their school lunch box understands how soul-crushing a disappointing sandwich can be. Epping Appetite does a good sandwich. The Cuban pulled pork version is stuffed with slow-cooked, cumin-laced pork, crunchy pickles, cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, an excellent combination of flavour and texture on properly chewy bread. Other sandwich picks include roast pumpkin and feta. The cous cous and roast vegetable salads also look fresh and tasty.

Located just inside a shopping centre on one of Epping's main retail strips, the cafe opened in August and is owned by Robert O'Callaghan. He and his staff are personable and banter easily with regulars. This, with the sultry jazz soundtrack, adds atmosphere and cosiness to what could otherwise be a rather nondescript spot.

The shop-front type fitout has a bench along the windows with stools to perch on, three red lanterns hanging from the ceiling and a triptych of swirly paintings on the wall. But it's really more of a takeaway joint, with a steady stream of office workers and locals dropping by to pick up sandwiches, salads and coffees.

The Di Bella coffee ($3.50-$4.40) is very good, carefully made with a robust flavour and creamy texture. Which is just as well, given the sign outside that reads ''life is too short to drink a bad coffee''.

Also on the menu are milkshakes and Tiro and Splitrock soft drinks and juices.

Sweets, displayed in a big glass case, include a raspberry and pistachio friand that is a little dry; I wish I'd chosen a swirly cupcake instead, or one of the rich-looking slices.

Apart from good coffee and sandwiches, the cafe does a range of take-home dinners, prepared on-site.

The latest summer menu includes a confit duck salad and pork belly nachos with refried beans - perfect dinner party bluffing fare.

Epping Appetite

Address 8/49-52 Rawson Street, Epping, 9876 8448 Open Mon-Fri, 7.30am- 4.30pm; Sat, 8.30am-3.30pm