The front entrance, located in an alley linking Crown Street Mall to Simpson Place, looks like the back door but don't let that deter you. Just follow the white arrows on the brick wall to a little Chinese restaurant offering authentic flavours and good-sized portions at reasonable prices. Try the noodles, enjoy the vibe.

121 Crown Street, Wollongong

If you like your sandwiches big and tasty, you can't go past Industri, a great lunchtime option tucked away in North Wollongong's industrial zone. Known for crowd-pleasers like the Reuben and giant roast beef, schnitzel, ham or salad sangas, they also do coffee, burgers, salads and more.

Unit 13/6-8 Ralph Black Drive, North Wollongong

With its discrete signage, this laneway dessert shop is easy to miss. Keep your eyes peeled because the decadent treats are to die for. There's the traditional Hungarian pastry krtskalc (aka chimney cake), as well as pastries, loaves - and hard-to-resist slab cakes sold by the weight.

Globe Lane, 200 Crown Street, Wollongong

Read more: 8 new Illawarra cafes to add to your must-try list