Blue Moon Café

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

There's a comfortable vibe in the Blue Moon Café, a popular bar/bistro that's been tucked away on Broughton Street for 20 years. A blue skylight in the centre of the restaurant area shines down on guests sitting at well-worn wooden tables. The menu serves up basic pub fare, but with good attention to detail. A starter of bruschetta is a heap of tomatoes, mozzarella and basil on a slice of fresh crusty bread. Three fat triangles of crispy breaded brie, soft on the inside, is paired with sticky red currant jelly. A warm noodle salad dotted with fried slices of beef and vegetables is evenly tossed with a spicy chilli and lime dressing. The open Mexican bean burger, served with chunky salsa, comes with salad and deliciously salty fries. Deep Blue, the bar downstairs, has a new pool table and serves up drinks until midnight. Gone is the private dining room, but a juice bar and takeaway system will start in spring 2008. With its informal vibe, friendly service and wide range of wines, the Blue Moon Café continues to be a bright spot in the city's gay quarter.

• High point: Upbeat atmosphere
• Low point: Side door entrance easy to miss