Rustic Pearl

The verdict

Rustic Pearl is a pint-sized nirvana. Le Cordon Bleu trained chef, Timur Celik, infuses the traditional brunch experience with Eastern European flair. The intimate setting is a microcosm of culture, with a hand-painted mural and intricate tiles adorning the tabletops. Opt for a chargrilled sucuk and melted buffalo mozzarella bruschetta with pomegranate molasses, or a faultless wild mushroom gnocchi with goats cheese.

For the fearless, there's a Balkan tapas menu with morsels like smoky eggplant, flaky borek pastries and lamb kofte skewers. Pair your meal with a silky avocado and honey smoothie or a Callebaut chocolate bowl. Rustic Pearl can do no wrong and Sydney knows it – queues during the weekend are a testament to its brilliance.