Update 27/1/2019: Cafe Lua has permanently closed.
December 10, 2011
Cindy and I sought to combine laziness with efficiency on Saturday morning, wanting somebody else to make us breakfast but not able to spare too much time. Good thing then that we recently discovered Cafe Lua - it's close, never too packed and, importantly, serves up great food.I ordered the pumpkin and chia seed pancakes topped with a yoghurt, lentil and spinach salad, with sumac and red onion ($13.50)
The waitress told us that these pancakes are based on an Ottolenghi recipe, so naturally it offers a great combination of flavours and textures. The pancakes were quite dense but not at all heavy, while the salad was a wonderful fresh and healthy topping.Cindy turned down all the fancy menu items, instead going for a straightforward mushroom and cheese toastie ($6.50).
This was exactly what she was looking for - a simple but effective start to the day.We're still making inroads into Cafe Lua's menu (in particular there's a vegan and gluten-free smoothie that Cindy's keen to try, while I'm eyeing off some more savouries), but everything we've sampled so far has been great. The staff were friendly and helpful again, and the coffee is consistently good. Cafe Lua is the local breakfast option we've been waiting for.
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Read about our first visit to Cafe Lua here. Our review hasn't prompted too many other bloggers to check it out, although Melbourne Coffee Review have given it the thumbs up.
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Cafe Lua
Cnr Elgin and Drummond Streets, Carlton
9348 1118
veg dishes $6 - $15
http://www.cafelua.com
Accessibility: There's no step as you come in and the cafe is spacious and well-lit. Ordering takes place at the table, with payment at a lowish counter. We didn't check out the toilets.
Cnr Elgin and Drummond Streets, Carlton
9348 1118
veg dishes $6 - $15
http://www.cafelua.com
Accessibility: There's no step as you come in and the cafe is spacious and well-lit. Ordering takes place at the table, with payment at a lowish counter. We didn't check out the toilets.
have been there and tried the pancakes - they were good but very soft - will hopefully have another visit before writing more about it - great ambiance and interesting food - lucky you to have them close by
ReplyDeletePumpkin and chia seeds... Sounds amazing! I love that it sorta gives a savoury element to the pancake dish. And OMG you simply can NOT go wrong with melted cheese in a toastie. And with mushrooms too! I wish I owned a sandwich maker... Great to hear that this place is not too packed. Can't really enjoy myself at busy cafes! I like it slow and quiet, more relaxed. I sound like an old fart but that's okay ;p
ReplyDeleteJohanna - I thought this place might suit your tastes, I'm glad you gave it a shot!
ReplyDeleteWinston - I'm not one to line up for breakfast either, I much prefer something with a little space and a slower pace. :-)