The acclaimed ABC-TV series Rake was filmed here. And actors, dancers and musicians have all dipped into the Piccolo Bar in Kings Cross, Sydney at all hours – including Marianne Faithfull. It is still boho, leisurely and legendary. And wholly unpredictable. By Holiday Goddess Editors.

Expect soup in winter, salad in summer, free wi-fi and an amazing atmosphere at Piccolo. In the Eighties it was unstoppable, but like good coffee, it never really pales.

Jeff Buckley and Brett Whiteley were here once in their prime – and the Kings Cross locals remain, until very, very late. Piccolo has been an Australian muso haunt forever, thanks to its proximity to famous band venues and its late hours (and killer coffee). Thus the guest list over the years has included Australian rock icons Ian Moss (Cold Chisel), Marcia Hines, Noah Taylor, and Chrissie Amphlett (Divinyls). Richard E.Grant and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have also dropped by.

Barista Vittorio Bianchi (often seen in dungarees and other Seventies attire) is in charge of the jukebox, the coffee – and occasionally the entire conversation. If you’re lucky you will be draw in as soon as you sit down. But be warned – this is not a hangout for introverts. Our tip – if you want silence, then read. There are plenty of eclectic paperbacks lying around, so choose one and try to blend into the background if you consider yourself a shy girl. Or seriously hung over.

This cafe has been here since the 1950s. Framed photographs of ancient hipsters and famous guests line the walls. We recommend the beautiful omelettes, and in summer, the ice-cream next door. Don’t be surprised if you are offered Milo though. Australian hot-chocolate in the middle of summer can often turn up on the menu here – though it is entirely of your host’s generous offering.

Vittorio was born in 1934 and must be one of Sydney’s oldest and hippest hosts-with-the-most. Rather like the famous Coca-Cola sign that dominates Kings Cross, he seems to have always been here – and in spirit, always will be. It’s jam-packed, never dull, and off-season (particularly in winter) a truly wonderful place to sit and sip Bucale.

Piccolo Bar, 6 Roslyn Street, Kings Cross, Sydney

Nearest Train Station: Kings Cross

Website www.piccolobar.com.au