Peggy’s could sit more under the moniker of a sandwich bar but its corner location, day trading and central Fremantle location puts it well into competition with local purveyors of avocado on toast. Harry Peasnell is a chef with form, having worked for Melbourne-based Andrew McConnell, himself not a stranger to going casual. Peasnell has turned his attention to sandwiches at Peggy’s with breakfast staples such as an English muffin with sausage egg and American cheese. Giving Maccas a run for their money. Lunch fare might use focaccia, baked in-house, or put a spin on a West Australian classic such as a Continental. For our money the schnitty sub is one of the best sangers going this side of the Nullarbor. 35 Market St, Fremantle; eatpeggys.com.

We’re in coffee shop territory with Howard’s Groove, from the folk behind Smooth Operator Coffee and Twin Peaks Coffee Roasters. The coffee offering in Perth’s CBD has been strong for over a decade, and Howard’s Groove is definitely towards the top of that pile. While it’s always great to see a skilled barista working a machine, we’re enamoured by the ever-changing batch brew offering. Pushing it strongly in to feed-me territory they’re well into the groove with what could be the city’s best toasted sandwich. We’re open to a Cuban any day of the week (as long as it’s Monday to Friday) with a little bit of pickle, mustard, ham, cheese and gherkins, on toasted sourdough. 22 Howard St, Perth; howardsgroove.com.

From the team behind North Street Store in Cottesloe, a runaway success itself, is People’s Cafeteria. Tucked away off Williams Street it’s easy to miss, and to misunderstand. Amongst the shiny cafe offerings that are sometimes style over substance, this is a place that’s focused on good food and nutrition. It’s a little rough around the edges, but full of heart. Think an ever-changing menu, plenty of vegie options and meat in moderation, served from an old-school bain marie, and liberal amounts of their own bread. 5/6 375 William St, Perth; peoplescafeteria.com.au.

No, it’s not a culinary following up for Taylor Swift. Forklore is a seven-day-a week operation from the Khor brothers who were behind now shuttered Bayswater favourite Tbsp. City West shopping centre isn’t exactly a dining destination for many but it’s the menu that has been the draw for those in the know, and especially as a brunch spot. Think great coffee and pandan pound cake, or tonkotsu congee with pork belly chashu, ajitama egg, mustard greens, burnt garlic oil, chilli oil, and spring onions. Sold? 102 Railway St Suite 11-12, City West Centre, West Perth; Instagram: @folklore.perth.

A meeting of sustainble coffee and a great menu, Modus is perhaps the blueprint for the modern Perth cafe, because if the beans aren’t right then most of us just aren’t interested. You may have come across the Modus crew in Mount Lawley and Wembley, but the Vic Park outpost offers space to enjoy a menu that is pitched perfectly for the neighbourhood. Yes, there are pastries and a frou-frou avo on toast with pickled radish, coriander emulsion, togarashi and whipped feta, but you’ll also find weekend specials such as chipotle mushroom quesadilla or a take on the classic club sandwich.5/660 Albany Hwy, Victoria Park; modus.coffee.