Henry Sugar

Henry Sugar sits on Rathdowne Street in Carlton North, a leafy, characterful pocket of Melbourne's inner north. A much-loved all-day eatery and wine bar, it's built a strong following — the kind of welcoming, quality neighbourhood spot that works equally well for a coffee and brunch, a relaxed lunch or a glass of wine and a bite in the evening.

The appeal is that easygoing versatility combined with genuine quality: a place that takes care with its food, coffee and wine in a relaxed, friendly setting, anchoring its Rathdowne Street neighbourhood. In an area with a strong cafe-and-dining culture, building this kind of loyal following speaks to a spot that delivers across the board.

With a 4.8 rating from nearly 800 reviews, it's clearly hitting the mark with locals. Menus, opening hours and offerings change with the seasons, and a popular all-day eatery gets busy on weekend mornings and into the evening, so it's worth checking current details before a special trip — though for a coffee, a casual meal or a glass of wine, it's often just a matter of dropping in and finding a spot.