The Gorge Cafe

Walk into The Gorge and you'll immediately clock why locals keep coming back. It's the kind of place where the staff actually know your name by your third visit—no pretence, just solid coffee and food that doesn't try too hard but lands every time. Caversham Road's not short of decent spots, but this one punches above its weight with a relaxed atmosphere that works whether you're hammering through emails on your laptop or catching up with mates over a leisurely brunch. The reviews speak for themselves: nearly 700 of them, nearly all glowing.