Pompidou

This European-inspired cafe is deservedly famous for its croque-monsieur. With its shavings of smoked ham and gooey melted gruyere finished off with bechamel,Dijon and more cheese,it is perfect in every way. The Toby's Estate espresso ($3) is full-bodied and nicely balanced. This is a weekday-only joint,which is such a pity,as the impressive breakfast menu has'slow Sunday brunch with a newspaper'written all over it. Still,it's popular with the Monday to Friday office crowd,and a good spot for mums and bubs post-swimming lesson at the nearby North Sydney pool before a play in the park across the road.