For those of us who thrive on eating out, Kepos Street Kitchen is the ever-reliable go-to that not only meets our desires for casual-yet-professional offerings, but feeds our need for humble, vibrant, big-flavoured food that warms the cockles and is a joy to share. It’s Sydney’s local, not just for the residents of Redfern. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s the sort of place you can simply drop into on a whim (if you can get a seat) but will remind you just how far ahead of many casual eateries it is. Each visit has you yearning to get back for the friendly and warm service, short, accessible wine list, and the inspiring Middle Eastern-inspired menu by chef Michael Rantissi that’s just as good at breakfast as it is at lunch and dinner. Green tahini provides the ideal dip for soft, textural Tel Aviv falafel. Seared tuna perfectly medium rare arrives on a tumble of eggplant, tomato, cucumber, egg and potato, while fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks settle in a chickpea stew. Smoked eggplant provides rich, silky foundation for tuna tartare, while goat’s cheese, black olives and asparagus let fat potato tortellini shine. Bring friends, bring an appetite and expect to take home leftovers, too.