It is surprisingly hard to find a good cup of coffee on Smith Street, despite its abundance of eateries. When Cavallero opened, just over a year ago, it was to the great relief of local caffeine enthusiasts, particularly those – like me – who favour Coffee Supreme.

At night Cavallero is a bistro and bar, but during the day it does a regular trade in breakfast and lunch, drink-in and takeaway coffees. The space is large, bright and airy; the chief adornment a deer’s head above the green marble-topped bar. A glass frontage makes for excellent people-watching (always entertaining on Smith), and if you want to sit in the thick if it, there are two large communal tables out front.

The people-watching can be just as interesting inside. Cavallero draws a diverse crowd of regulars, many of whom are attracted by the restaurant’s wireless internet connection and excellent music. Both owners, Rob Cattanach and Kent Bell, moonlight as DJs, and boast an impressive and eclectic record collection between them.

Cavallero’s breakfast menu contains a good range of options, all made with top quality ingredients. The three-egg omelette with istra ham, asparagus and chèvre is great, as are the ham hock braised beans on grilled sourdough with gremolata. A lighter, but equally delicious, option is the bircher muesli, made with organic almonds, sunflower seeds, gala apple and Paris Farm yoghurt. If you’re feeling decadent, try the poached pear on brioche french toast with vanilla custard and pear caramel.

As well as great coffee, Cavallero offers a wide range of leaf teas and freshly squeezed juices. Being a bar, it also has an excellent selection of beer, wine and spirits. The beer on tap changes regularly and is usually sourced from boutique Australian breweries. It can be all too easy to come to Cavallero for a late brunch find yourself lingering on into the evening.