Tucked away just off Fortitude Valley’s fashion-forward James St, King Arthur is a worthy addition to the style strip, although the minimalist façade may be hard to spot unless you know what you’re looking for. Before heading upstairs to the light-filled airy dining loft, stop by the blue and white mosaic counter and cabinet to ogle the daily selection of pastries from Sprout Artisan Bakery and dietary-friendly bites from My Clean Treats. While you might not find your favourite eggs benny or big breakfast on the menu, a step outside your comfort zone will be well-rewarded. Try a pretty plate of pickled fish, with a gooey-centred crumbed hens egg, goats curd and rye bread, or the deeply satisfying smoked ham hock congee, made on brown rice, with local XO sauce and all the trimmings. Even simple soft-boiled eggs are dressed up with a sprinkling of bottarga and lemon.

Recharge between retail therapy sessions over a galangal and Thai basil or pink grapefruit and rosemary soda, sipped at one of the billy button-adorned timber tables, or go all out with an almond fragipan and raspberry jam filled chocolate pithivier. It’s the second café venture from the trio owners, Josh Russell, Mairi Mackinnon and chef Jarrod Huey, who also have the equally lovely Merriweather in South Brisbane.

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