Meola Kitchen - CLOSED

Overview

Westmere’s Meola Kitchen has previously received nods for its flair as a neighbourhood cafe and delicious coffee. On this occasion, the nods were transformed into to half-baked head tilts as the strings loosen at the perfectly located establishment.

A spot on the pavement is the main objective upon arrival to Meola Kitchen. The view beyond the Meola Reef and the bustling intersection are what have been bringing people to the suburban hangout for years - as well as the coffee. The outdoor seating plan is made up of mis-matched chairs and stools, some of which could do with a good dollop of carpenter’s glue or a trip to the closest inorganic collection. Further inside through the large windows, the no-frills decor continues with straightforward white walls and a large blackboard menu.

On the decently sized list you’ll find classics like: a weekend-only eggs benedict ($18.50), a salmon and cream cheese bagel ($14) and a breakfast burrito ($16.50). For those that like to see their meal before they buy it, the cabinet features a good selection of turkish pide sandwiches, salads and sweets. A selection of homemade breads can also be purchased to take away. Whichever option you roll with, you'll have to wait in the small interior before making your order.

Whether you're dining in or taking away, coffee is a must. It's one of the main drawcards for the cafe, aside from the location, and the focussed barista surely knows how to whip up a fine brew. Though, it certainly was a first to witness a saucer and teaspoon shortage. Unsure of whether this was due to a mad weekend rush or a hungry dishwasher, the apologetic and lighthearted waitress dug around the kitchen to see what she could find, before returning with a mighty tablespoon. A larger-than-expected heap of sugar later and the meals arrive. The free range egg scramble is a great start to the day, coming with chorizo, potato, onion and cheese and accompanied by two slices of five grain. The aforementioned salmon bagel isn’t quite as impressive, though manages to comes slathered with a month’s worth of cream cheese.

Despite a few niggles, Meola Kitchen is still a go-to for the locals of the upper market suburb and a quaint place to sit back and enjoy a coffee, tablespoon of sugar and all.