In your neighbourhood

We search the 'burbs to ensure that when the usual city luncheries are out of sight, you'll not be left without a decent latte.

Cajun blue cod at Jagz

Tucked away in the Northwood subdivision, this stylish café is a mere seven months old. Opting for the Cajun blue cod felt a bit risky, as such a delicate fish needs little embellishment, but, fortunately, the spices weren't overpowering and the accompanying tomato and corn salsa was a welcome flavour hit. Served atop broccoli, carrots, courgettes and potato roasties, it made for a very substantial lunch.

Price: $19.90

Address: 158 Hussey Road, Styx Mill

Beef at Beauvais

Eaten outdoors in a secluded courtyard, the food at Beauvais quickly proved itself even better than expected. Sirloin beef shared the plate with a generous serving of hand-cut fries and green salad. Blue cheese butter was declined, but the meat on its own was soft, succulent and full of flavour. The chips didn't seem too sinful either and the salad, albeit a pile of pure green, was full of hidden herby treats. Discovering the chef once worked at Rotherhams of Riccarton, it all made sense.

Price: $22.50

Address: 186 Yaldhurst Rd, Riccarton

Prawn spring roll at Café Metro

Nestled alongside the estuary at Ferrymead, Café Metro oozes chic, with a menu to match. The prawn spring roll was chosen to eat al fresco, while we soaked up an unseasonably warm autumn day. A mixture of rice noodles, carrot, capsicum, coriander and mint was delicately wrapped in a translucent roll. It was served with a sensational dipping sauce - a fusion of lime juice, fish sauce, shallots, coriander, garlic and a dash of chilli. Such an elegantly light, healthy and tasty morsel was well worth the pilgrimage.

Price: $8.50

Address: 4A, 23 Humphreys Drive, Ferrymead

Crispy potato cake with salmon, greens and dill at Oddfellow's Café

Despite this café's location in an old Oddfellows Hall in industrial Addington, it's often tricky getting a table. A potato, fish and greens combo from the blackboard menu appealed as a light lunch. The potato cake lived up to its name, being firm and golden, rather than stodgy or dry. On top was a generous pile of the pinkest salmon. Mayonnaise and lemon added a fresh zing. A simple salad, with lettuce, capsicum and cucumber and a vinaigrette, reinforced that this was a modern and healthy twist on the usual fish 'n' chips. You'd be hard pressed to find a better meal, at this price, on The Strip.

Price: $12.50

Address: 5 Disraeli Street, Addington