My two-year-old and I are regulars at Soto Espresso after dropping the older two children at school just up the road. If you don't like children, school starts at 8.45am so grab your caffeine fix before then on weekdays.
Photo by Lillian Wong, licensed under Creative Commons.
A small selection of games that kids can play with helps make this cafe child-friendly. The shortbread men and babycinos are favourites with all my children, and the staff have always been welcoming.
One note for those with prams or wheelchairs: the side door off Mary Street is the designated 'accessible' door, however it is quite heavy to open without assistance, and most of the tables are down a set of three steps.
There is a good selection of breakfast options and light lunch options. I can vouch for the fruit toast (thick slices of fruit and nut loaf) and the omelette (huge and perfectly cooked). The small selection of cakes looks appetising, but I try to avoid them as I'm usually a morning visitor.
Most importantly, the coffee is good. The right temperature - attention, Perth baristas, coffee is not supposed to be served with boiled milk - and a good brew.
The service tends to be a little on the slow side, but the setting is comfortable with a nice ambience, so if you're not in too much of a hurry, it's worth waiting for.
Soto Espresso also offers free wi-fi with any purchase; ask the staff for the password.
