It’s not the newest. It’s not the most obvious. But it is certainly one of the most loved locals in Fitzroy. Three streets back from the main drag, under a weathered awning, you’ll find the comfy and cosy Min Lokal.

“My local” in Swedish, that’s just what this cafe is all about: being a retreat from the world; a home away from home. Here you’ll find a coat hook just made for your jacket, a nurturing breakfast, a comforting lunch and a superb latte … just when you need it.

Cousin to Richmond’s compact New York Tomato, at first glance Min Lokal is a simple square room of communal tables, not trying too hard to be cool. But it’s the little things that make it so comfortable; ‘Tibetan’ milking stools clustered around tables, the street-side bench sagging happily in the sun and the almost secret room out the back (that you’ll only find if directed there). It all keeps the ‘lokals’ coming back.

Then there’s the food. Boards of waffles with stewed fruits, baked eggs to get you out of bed, or a chunky sandwich for a hearty lunch, washed down with a jug of Pimm’s. Min Lokal has been feeding the main-street-weary for a little while now, and we suspect it will be for many years more. If it’s not your local, you’ll just wish it could be.