When I have a good first experience at a cafe I always want to return, though sometimes it takes longer than I would like to do so. The Bell Jar on Smith St Clifton Hill impressed me the first time I was there, and positive reviews have continued to be published by Where’s the beef and Ballroom blintz.

On my second visit my girlfriend and I devoured the ricotta hotcakes with apricot compote (above) and the corn pancakes with bacon and spicy sauce (below). The coffee is really good and the staff are genuinely friendly.