The Book Kitchen

There is something about mixing honest food, Single Origin Roasters coffee and shelves of cookbooks within a characterised industrial sphere that is just a winning combination and can be found right here in Surry Hills- Welcome to The Book Kitchen.

With a bit of creative ingenuity, power couple Amelia and David Birch have successfully transformed an open space (once an old garage) into a mecca of pages and plates. The stylisation of the cafe embraces elements of the industrial with strong brass finishes, polished concrete floors yet is softened with homely features of fresh flowers, velvet upholstery and streams of natural light.

Diners and java sippers are surrounded by towering shelves of cook books for sale, with a great selection from the culinary greats to peruse through, adding a sense of calm and cool. “We want people to feel they have walked into our family home and can sit down, have a chat” says Amelia regarding the cookbook meets kitchen concept.

The urbane cool vibe crafts the menu, with breakfast items being served from 8am-3pm and lunch 12pm-3pm everyday, encouraging diners to indulge in brunches and long lunches. The breakfast menu is quirky in its items divided into eggs and not eggs and stellar Singe Origin Roasters coffee.

Those with a sweet tooth will love the Bircher Muesli ($11) the Banana Bread ($7) for something light. Serious breakfast goers must try the Sourdough Pancakes ($18) served with fresh banana mousse, honeycomb, flaked almonds and banana bread crumb. A generous serving which is Moorish and surprisingly, not too sweet.

Team egg supporters will enjoy The Egg and Bacon Roll ($12), the humorous ‘ Soft Boiled bio dynamic’ egg/eggs ($9 for 1 egg, $13 for 2 eggs) served with vegemite soldiers or Slow Cooked Greek beans ($19). Avocado Sourdough ($18) is a delicate balance of a fresh sourdough base, with creaminess of the Persian feta, bite from the rocket, married together with the golden soul of a free-range egg and zesty infusion from the lemon olive oil.

Lunchtime is all about the Sambo’s, Burgers, Chips, Salads and a shortlist of main items including Duck Ragu Linguine ($18), Poached Salmon($22) and the chickpea battered fish of the day ($17). Diners of the gluten free and vegan variety are also catered for with items clearly marked.

A place to catch up with friends, a brunch with the family or a me time escape, The Book Kitchen is a space that brings together the best of the book and food worlds in one through it is welcoming hospitality and delicious bites.