Every now and then you stumble across a café with character, but it’s rarely in this part of town. Brought to you by the boys behind Hawthorn’s iconic Nevermind Bar, Foodrinkery is a small eatery with a big heart.

A stone’s throw away from Wattle Park Primary School, it’s a given that Foodrinkery is child friendly. Parents can sip organic Map coffee in the sunny courtyard while keeping an eye on the playground next door, and tantrums are put to a stop by $2 ‘pops’, fruity icy poles in mini takeaway cups. Doors officially open at 9am, but you’ll find one of the good-looking staff on-site to cater for the school drop off.

Andre De Laine is the man behind the menu (ex Coda, Libertine, and regular guest chef on The Circle). The unfussy, seasonal food is terribly affordable (everything is under $10) and can be easily ordered to go. A number of dishes are served in plastic cups, including coconut tapioca with kiwi and mango. Toasties range from plain to gourmet, eggs make a brief appearance and salads are prepared fresh. Little Bertha brings the sweet treats and the white chocolate passionfruit cheesecake in a cup is something of exotic dreams… but we’ll keep this one G-rated for the kids.

The rustic décor is an eclectic mix sourced from auction houses. Wooden buckets planted with mint sit on the impressive communal table, a ladder hangs from the roof intertwined with exposed light globes and cups attached to the chain of an old wheel chock are suspended above the coffee machine.

Although it’s only in its infancy, Foodrinkery already feels like the kind of place you can pop in for a chat as well as a coffee. Now where did we hide that cheesecake?

Where: 22 Banksia Street, Burwood East
Phone: (03) 9808 2468
Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm
Details: facebook.com