With no signage out the front yet a constant stream of customers, it's clear that The Green Refectory doesn't need any help to flourish. Word of mouth does the trick and it's the kind of place that breeds loyalty in its patrons. It might have something to do with the cute, jumbled set up, the cheery staff, the huge bowls of fresh salad to choose from or the mounds of homemade cookies, cakes, muffins and brownies that align the counter. But for me, it's all about the famous 'breakfast stack.'

For just $10 you will be blessed with a large potato patty topped with roasted tomato, spinach, bacon, haloumi, housemade relish and an egg, poached or fried to your liking. It's the kind of meal that has hangovers cowering in its wake.

One of the best things about The Green Refectory is how humble it remains despite its popularity. With so many overpriced eateries out there its hard to remember what "reasonably priced" used to mean. The Green Refectory will jog your memory. With nothing more than some spare change you can get a brownie or piece of cake and the main meals range from $6.95 to around $15. 

Adding to the humble quality of this Brunswick cafe is the fact that the interior resembles someone's dining room and sitting in the sunny courtyard feels like being in someone's backyard. It's little things like this that make The Green Refectory so charming and the reason that once you try it you'll keep coming back.