Montagu

Lord John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich, had a penchant for playing cards and eating meat between pieces of bread. In a tribute to his lordship, owner Robert Brennan has named his Crows Nest café for the earl, with a big portrait of the big man, to boot.

Tucked away off the main drag (a quick step down the lane off Ernest Street), this little café is big on sandwiches. Try a panino with the likes of salmon, egg and horseradish crème fraiche, or an egg, bacon and beetroot relish number. Cooking the apple for the ham and gruyère sambo might have been a more exciting move than serving it raw, but the crunchy texture gives it some bite.

Staying away from the evil (yet so very delicious) carbs? There's a salad of Moroccan lamb with preserved lemon and chickpea dressed with tahini. Take it to vego town by ordering it sans lamb. Or give the lentil and cumin patties with coriander and yoghurt a tilt. The fruit bread, studded with chunks of fig, apricot and other delights, is served with organic Kangaroo Island honey and ricotta. Coffee-wise, Montagu serves the Single Origin blend of Colombian and Indian beans.

Small, low-sitting tables and stools spill out into the courtyard from folding doors, and an inviting, grassy hill is dotted with people lunch breaking and sun baking. You can bring a rug along and picnic with the bready goods on offer at Montagu, but add one dollar to the price of each item to dine in. Service is friendly and prompt, and the tiny little tables and stools add a certain Sydney charm. If you like your sandwiches to be more than slices of meat between pieces of bread, Montagu is a pretty good start.
Nancy Lee