Avenue Road Cafe

Avenue Road Cafe has been a local favourite in Mosman for a while, and the crowds that gather daily for breakfast and lunch are testament to its longstanding popularity. Scoop visited Avenue Road soon after the launch of its new menu, which is stated to add further Asian/Indian influence to some Sydney brunch classics.

Cafe owner Taran Tamana is said to bring elements of his heritage to attention even more in the latest menu, which sees classic dishes reinvented with a twist in the cafe's strive to make their offerings unique.

The menu draws attention to Avenue Road's new signature specialties, The Ave Benedict ($19) and Palak Eggs ($18) - we try both and can give our Sydney Scoop tick of approval for their inventiveness. Eggs Benedict fans will probably enjoy the Avenue Road interpretation, with duck, poached eggs, lashings of apple cider hollandaise sprinkled with dukkah, and some cauliflower & quinoa cous cous hidden in the middle (we would have liked a little more of this for a veg and flavour boost). Palak eggs is our Scoop pick - slow cooked lamb with perfectly poached eggs, an assortment of beans, vegetables, cashew nuts, feta and a hint of spice. It's a flavoursome dish and achieves the aim of a unique, creative spin on Sydney brunch staples.

Meals such as spiced prawn masala pappadum and a slow-cooked Tandori lamb wrap are among the additions to the lunch menu, which also includes old Avenue favourites of spiced pumpkin soup and a range of burgers.

The all-day breakfast menu is also worth a mention, for those who'd choose a Haloumi stack, crowded house (big brekkie with hashbrowns) or Avocado & feta mash any time of the day.

From the range of goodies on the counter, a homemade caramel slice is a delicious sweet finish and a perfect accompaniment to a late morning coffee.

Speaking of coffee - Avenue Road's is by Double Roasters and is done well. Divine added touches are the vintage spoons and impressive latte art. The fresh juices, smoothies and shakes are also popular, and the venue is licensed with beer (Young Henry's) and wine offerings at lunch.

Avenue Road sees large crowds most days of the week, on weekends especially it's not surprising to have to wait for a table. Staff are professional and accommodating however, and do well to organise seating as efficiently as possible and keep customers attended to during waits. 

There's table seating outside on Avenue Road, with some nice spots for groups and heaters and blankets available in winter.

Kids are catered for with smiley face pancakes and mini milkshakes, and the outdoor seating is dog-friendly.

The modern interior has been freshly rejuvenated in line with the new menu launch, with a vintage light installation, fresh greenery and framed Art Deco prints. It's bright, well lit and a comfortable spot for enjoying some creative cafe offerings.