Cafe of Sydney 雪梨澳风

A glance through the catch-all menu of standard East-meets-West cafe fare left first impressions intact. With so many attractive alternatives around Sanlitun, the dinner mains (from RMB 98) seem overpriced, though the burgers, sandwiches and pasta are affordable enough. Still brimming with smugness, I expected little from the sausage pizza (RMB 48 set includes soft drink or milk tea). However, it was attractively put together, and the fresh, flavorful toppings were an enjoyable surprise. I wasn’t quite knocked from my high horse – the pizza base was obstructively brittle – but had to store contempt away for another day. Waiter Andy was excellent, and has just the attitude the place needs. Cafe of Sydney also merits a morning visit – the English-style “big breakfast” is only RMB 35, with simpler egg-and-toast combos averaging RMB 15-20.