WHY Fantastic sandwiches, excellent espresso, lovely patios both front and back, and all sorts of good food to take home and pretend you made.

WHAT Nino Linsmayer and his chef mom, Esther, were caterers before opening this café and gourmet-to-go market, so they already knew how to make crowd-pleasing food. They now have a devout following for their sandwiches (Austrian meatloaf, prosciutto with ricotta and honey, veggie-pesto), salads, soups and breakfast dishes, made with organic ingredients. They’re Austrian, which explains the Viennese coffee and strudels. Success has brought a new location in Silver Lake.

WHO Mostly neighborhood locals, including people who actually walk here.