SURRY HILLS / INNER CITY. This casual cafe offers the best bagels in town, but if you're looking for something other than great bread, try lentil soup or risotto. Locals frequent the place for a quick breakfast or lunch, and outdoor seating is available. Reservations accepted for dinner. TRAIN: to Central, BUS: 301-303 along Bourke Street.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. This comfy café offers everything from a hot cup of coffee to a full breakfast of eggs benedict, pancakes, and corn cakes. The simple décor features black and white furniture, and as the name implies, polished concrete abounds. Located eight minutes from Darling Harbour in an up-and-coming part of town. BUS: from George Street down Harris Street.

INNER CITY. Stop by Spring on your way home the morning after a night of dancing and bar hopping. This cafe is popular with a young, hip crowd and was rated by "Wallpaper" magazine as the best breakfast locale in Sydney. The food is delicious, although given the small interior, you're not always guaranteed a table! TRAIN: Kings Cross.