Sugar Art Cafe

Sugar Art Cafe in Templestowe Lower is a Greek-leaning cafe where the cake cabinet does a lot of the talking. A visitor dropped in for coffee and cake, choosing from options like a slice of tiramisu, a vanilla slice that one local called the best they'd ever had, or a dark chocolate hedgehog slice. Baklava and cannoli come up too, along with biscuits and the kind of Greek favourites you don't find at every cafe.

It runs as a proper all-rounder. You can dine in or take away, and the menu stretches from coffee and breakfast through brunch and lunch to dessert. Lunch is described as fairly simple but good value, with a generous Greek salad singled out. If you're after something for a celebration, one local had a three-layer carrot cake made here for a birthday and was delighted with how it looked and tasted.

The atmosphere is a big part of the appeal. The room is busy and lively with Greek spoken at many of the tables, and the outdoor seating fills up with conversation and laughter, sometimes music. It's a clean, welcoming space, and there's good access for everyone, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and seating. It's also good for kids, and cards are accepted.

Welcoming staff and fair prices are what people mention most, and one regular has been greeted by name after years of visiting. Greek coffee gets a lot of praise, and the barista on the machine during the week has his own fans.

One person found some of the cakes a touch too sweet, and another felt freshness had slipped. A couple of locals have had a service experience that fell short, and the outdoor area can be noisy and smoky for some. Most seem to come away happy, though.

It's open daily with long hours, so check the times before you head in. Go for a Greek coffee and a slice, and stay for a bite if you're hungry.