Lt. Nic

What it lacks in size this micro-cafe makes up for in character. With a countertop of shiny contraptions and a glass cabinet brimming with dietary-requirement-conscious food selections, Lt. Nic brings offers options to those looking for a quick bite. Discreetly located between Swanston Street and the walkway near Melbourne Central, this new coffee spot is on your way through the city.

Self-confessed coffee nerds Brandon Chin and Kevin Wei of Breakfast Thieves serve blends and beans by the newest roaster on the block, Rumble Coffee Roasters. With Lt. Nic they cater to coffee connoisseurs and are a convenient one-stop shop for those pressed for time in the CBD.

The brightly lit cafe, with its rustic, washed walls and Scandinavian furniture encourages patrons to sit right in front of the action in a space that promotes customer interaction.

With a focus on catering to those who want a healthy meal that doesn’t consist of just leaves, the menu features gourmet sandwiches such as the Not So Reuben, with seven-hour braised-beef brisket, mushroom, caramelised onion, cheddar and wild rocket. There are also wholesome salads such as The Ronin, with Japanese pumpkin, chickpeas, semi-dried tomatoes, broccoli and feta, and Long Live The King, a spicy glass-noodle salad with prawns, bean sprouts and coriander.

For those looking for a sugar hit, there is an array of pastries including gluten-free and vegan options. Try dark chocolate and salted caramel lamingtons and Valencia orange and almond teacakes.