When the need for a catch-up with friends strikes, it's good to have a reliable local cafe to head to. Tongue and Groove ticks all the boxes.

The menu is fairly standard, but we were intrigued by the trio of grill options - the "big", the "vege" and the paleo". We also liked that although there is a board behind the counter listing the meal options, ordering is a la carte, which makes a relaxing change from ordering at the counter and paying before you eat.

While long and narrow, the cafe has plenty of seating space - either along the walls or up the steps to the back area with views across the water to the city, or you can lounge with a coffee in the leather sofas in the front of the cafe. The bookshelves along the walls house an eclectic collection of old books and knick-knacks.

We ordered the paleo grill of chicken breast, free range eggs, streaky bacon, baby spinach, freah tomatoes and homemade relish ($17.50) and the "Benny" with all the usual suspects - eggs, hashbrowns, spinach, with the house-smoked salmon fillet ($18.50).

Both meals hit the spot.

The coffee was great - Allpress brand - and good for relaxing with in the sofas if you don't want a full brunch.

The service was super-friendly, helpful and efficient.