Neutral Bay café guide

Tucked away at the rear of Theo’s Arcade, Paradiso serves Italian-inspired dishes as well as modern café staples. Try the avocado super smashy (Paradiso’s take on smashed avo with crumbled feta, smoked salmon and an omelette), or a steaming bowl of chorizo and spinach pasta for lunch.

The Monkey House Café serves up light meals and coffeeshop treats inspired by a fusion of Eastern and Western flavours. Their drunken prawn pasta adds Chinese flair to Italy’s spaghetti con gamberi, while their huge chicken schnitzel burgers show they’ve got the classics down pat. There’s a focus on fresh, healthy ingredients, but it doesn’t ever feel like a ‘healthy eating’ type of operation, with plenty of attention given to desserts. Try a sweet potato latte for an afternoon pick-me-up with a difference.  

Away from the bustle of Military Road, Chaos Café is a favourite for families. With lots of seating, space for prams and a well rounded menu of café classics, it’s no surprise that Chaos is heaving on weekends. The café has recently undergone renovations and now boasts a slick minimalist interior. Sit outside on a good day and enjoy the relative serenity of Grosvenor Lane while eating a Chaos big breakfast (there’s a vegetarian version as well) and sipping a Toby’s Estate coffee. Or try one of the café’s new gourmet sandwiches or cakes.

It’s easy to forget you’re on Military Road while sitting in La Baguette. Hidden away at the rear of Theo's Arcade, the café has exposed brick walls, turquoise highlights and faux leather booth seating that seem more appropriate for an old bistro in Cannes than Neutral Bay. La Baguette of course serve hot and cold baguette sandwiches as well as assorted cakes and French pastries. You can also buy a crusty-topped artisan loaf or full baguette to take home.

At Maisy's, brekky is 24/7 (go for the mega breakfast with eggs, bacon, tomato, sausage, hash browns, mushroom, baked beans, tomato and toast) and though the space is small, it's always pumping. Like at any good 24/7 restaurant, comfort food is the theme at Maisy’s, making it easy to satisfy your 3am pasta cravings or grab something soothingly greasy after a night out.