My favourite is the ricotta cake. My kids love the zuccheratti and panzarotti and my partner loves the jam tarts. It's so Italian and so great.

This is my favourite sushi train in Sydney. The Absolute Ocean Hand Rolls are unmissable - freash tune, salmon and salmon caviar in a hand roll for about $6.50. Food is always fresh and they do a 10% discount at lunch time, making it good value.

The macarons are amazing! Flavours such as liquorice, salted caramel, truffle, avocado, parmesan and other unlikely flavours are some examples - along with the more traditional coffee, vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. They make a very pretty arrangement on a plate to serve with coffe after dinner.

****NOTE: The cafe has recently closed as Adriano is preparing to open another eat in establishment and cooking school in nearby Rozelle****

Albert and Anthony (Bertoni) have become a central part of the Balmain village. Service is fantastic. The place can become very busy on the weekends - so if you're in a BIG hurry then best to choose somewhere else. If you can stand to wait a few minutes the wait is worth it.

Great courtyard out the back. Good spot for those with young families to catch up for lunch. Although not cheap the food is generally pretty good.

A good spot to stop and buy a few key ingredients for dinner along that part of the Darling Street strip. Prices are a bit variable - mostly expensive, but the convenience is worth it if you are only buying one or two things. Good bread and also a good meat section.

Bowan Island make and serve the best coffee and breads. The ciabatta and turkish rolls are a favourite at my place.

Personal Eyes Optometry has a really great range of frames for both men and women and friendly but professional service.