Breakfast at Cafe Ish

A couple of weeks ago, I organised a breakfast in the city for myself and a group of friends. And being possessed of a domineering persona (according to others anyway; I've always seen myself as simply strong-willed), the decision of where to breakfast of course fell to me. As if the others had a choice...at all!

And - for me - if we're even going to think about having breakfast in the Sydney CBD, there is one place that we have to try out. Once, at the very least.

So we went to Cafe Ish. I insisted. No one dared to argue.

Having heard about the cafe owners' reservations about people taking pictures of their food, I made sure to ask our friendly waitress whether photography was allowed. She assured me that it was, to my immense relief. I have my own opinions regarding food photography at restaurants, but since everything that's worth saying about the issue has already been said, I'll simply state here that the reason I take pictures of food is because I like whatever it is that I am seeing and want to share it with others. And if the quality of the food and service is genuinely of a high standard, res ipsa loquitur - the thing speaks for itself.

That's enough self-righteous spiel from me. Onto the food!

I went for broke and immediately put my name down for the Big ish. Had I been anticipating a day of intense downhill skiing in the hours ahead, I wouldn't have thought twice about polishing off this whole sumptuous feast-on-a-plate by myself. As it was, since my friends and I had plans to make a trip to Bourke Street Bakery after breakfast for dessert (I know, I know), and also for the sake of variety, we agreed to do the 'order one dish each and periodically rotate plates' thing :D

The 'Big ish' - 2 eggs sunny-side up, bacon, tomato, crocodile(!) sausage, mushroom, beans, damper toast, and fried mochi, $20.50

I love me a full English breakfast, and this was a fantastic Australian (and maybe Japanese also?) rendition of the classic favourite. The fried mochi tasted like chewy hash browns. All of my friends remarked on how delicious the baked beans were.

I also ordered the iced version of barista and co-owner Ai's famous wattle maccacino. The macadamia ice cream used in this was made by Gundowring, and that for me elevates this drink to the level of a gourmet dessert. I loved it! I'm so looking forward to the days getting cooler again so I can try out the hot version.

Iced wattle maccacino

One of the friends, who has a major sweet tooth, ordered the dessert-y Emperor Don.

'Emperor Don' - toasted brioche, lemon myrtle ricotta, sake scented rosella and rasperries with passionfruit, $14.50



So beautiful! I wish my photos could do it more justice...

Another friend, who had never tried sourdough before, ordered this:

Sourdough toast with tomato and avocado salsa, dressed with extra virgin olive oil, $8.50

And both of them ordered this pretty, pink tea infusion, the name of which escapes me.

My third friend decided to venture beyond the breakfast menu and ordered chicken skewers with rice and miso. Rice for breakfast? That's authenticity for you!

I can't find this on the menu over at Cafe Ish's website, but it was tasty!

On our way out, we happened upon this little darling:

Looks like my chihuahua has competition for the title of cutest dog in Sydney.

We left Cafe Ish feeling extremely well-fed and delighted over the innovation inherent in each and every one of the dishes we tried. Since then, I've gone back there for a casual, afternoon coffee...and then dinner the very next day!

Cafe Ish, you've got yourself one, very happy return customer right here! :D

Cafe Ish

82 Campbell Street,

Surry Hills, NSW 2010

(02)9281 1688