In Rome, they once dished out cheap food and entertainment, aka “bread and circuses”, to gain the voting favour of the masses – that’d be like Tony Abbott working the barbie in his budgie smugglers. But for our vote, we’d rather send you for some stellar eats like the ones at Alexandria’s new Bread & Circus.

B&C is the kind of cosy, bright, organic wholefoods café you can readily find in New York and LA, but that Sydney has sorely lacked. It’s mostly vego, but there are also dishes of sustainable meats to placate flaming omnivores. It’s a cosy wood, produce and plant-laden space simply serving fresh, good-tasting food that’s good for you.

You’ll find B&C in the new The Fountain warehouse space in Alexandria, adjoining the glistening Don Campos roastery, and lots of spaces awaiting more gourmet tenants. Lining this walls are open glass doors creating a picnic-like feel, replete with wood picnic tables, but even better – you’ve got rain insurance.

Snazzy breakfasts include ‘Foxy Porridge’ parmesan eggs, tasting breakfast plates, Iggy’s sourdough, and seasonal smoothies. For lunch, Agenda beelined for the shared ‘salad’ plates for two. Forget whether you’re vego or not; the ever-changing, moreish veggie collage – in our case, lentils, braised cinnamon carrots, slow-roasted balsamic tomatoes, baked maple peaches, finely shaved baby radish, char-grilled zucchini slices, toppings of soft goat’s cheese and more – can subdue even the worst of Macca’s cravings.

And it’s in Alexandria of all places. So come recharge after retreating from one sample sale or outlet binge too many. Some fresh coconut juice, and you’ll be right.

Where: 21 Fountain St, Alexandria
Hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-4pm | Sat-Sun 7am-4pm
Details: breadandcircus.com.au