DARLING HARBOUR. This café has something for everyone: It's a bar by evening (sometimes even with a DJ), a breakfast café by morning, and a lunch locale by day. The Blackbird Café specializes in hot stone pizzas, and you can often expect a hippie crowd in the brightly colored locale. Help yourself to the board games in the lounge area before or after your meal. Reservations accepted for lunch only. TRAIN: Town Hall. MONORAIL: Darling Park.

SURRY HILLS / INNER CITY. Serving Middle Eastern and Northern African cuisine, this restaurant offers breakfast most of the day and is also popular for lunch and dinner. Chargrilled camel is a particularly good choice. The interior has a Middle Eastern look and feel and features lots of wood with window seats, tapestries, and stools and tables outside. Casual attire and reservations not accepted. TRAIN: to Kings Cross, BUS: 311 to Darlinghurst Road.

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.

INNER CITY. You'll have your pick of seating in this café ­ there's one large communal table and several smaller ones, all stainless steel. The eatery attracts an interesting mix of people: Everyone from art students to business people enjoy the modern Mediterranean cuisine in a building that overlooks the street below. The DOV MIxed Plate is a big hit: hummus, chopped liver, feta, eggplant, and tomatoes join to make a delicious meal. Casual attire and reservations not accepted. TRAIN: to St. James or Martin Place.

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. This cafe maximizes enjoyment of the great view by offering diners large windows and a glass roof. Tourists and 20-somethings flock here all hours of the day for dishes like roasted barramundi with yabbies and herb crusted lamb loin. The terrace is ideal for a meal on a warm evening, and on Sunday afternoons, live contemporary jazz will seal your weekend. TRAIN: Circular Quay station.