On days when the thermometer is inching up, taking Sydney into Amazonian territory, we like to pop into Exotik Latin Cafe’s King Street premises simply for a shot of Brazilian guarana or an imported Inka Cola, if a bit of a kick’s required, or a cool smoothie freshly made from some truly exotic South American fruits like lulo or soursop. It’s hard to resist, however, the lure of some of Sydney’s most authentic Peruvian ceviche, a light and tasty Venezuelan ensalada de gallina (chicken salad), or something heartier from this Newtown Latin American restaurant’s mighty (and not all meaty) menu.

Exotik Latin Cafe’s rustic, slow-cooked Colombian-style beef dish tops the list, simmered in a rich tomato sauce and served with rice and plantain. This and the Venezuelan shredded beef with black beans are both available as vegetarian dishes, too, and the friendly staff are always happy to let you know the day’s specials. There’s a lot going on at this South American restaurant in Sydney’s bustling, cosmopolitan Newtown – and not just fine food and drink. Catch Exotik Latin Cafe at the right time and you can find live jazz, Latin music and social networking events geared to the city’s Latin American expats taking place at this charming King Street terrace. You can’t miss it – look for the national flags of South America painted on the shutters and you’ll know you’ve arrived in Newtown’s New World.