Plunge 46

Jessica Rayner
31st Jul 2015
BYO
$8 - $17

Western suburbs like Summer Hill are usually overlooked when it comes to go-to foodie joints in Sydney. However, if Plunge 46 is anything to go by, we should start looking further afield for great places to eat, drink and be merry. 

Plunge 46 is primarily a family place. Owner, Hesham El Masry and his wife, Andrea Kathos, an interior designer, collaborated on the space and, having recently become parents, they want to keep the Middle-Eastern café a family friendly space.

While this definitely appeals to the mummy crowd, and in the space there were groups of students and friends sharing meze plates on our Tuesday lunchtime visit, it’s evident that Plunge 46 is universally appealing. The interior is sleek and trendy, flooded with natural light from the sliding glass doors at the cafés entrance. It’s casual enough for brunch with the girls and sophisticated enough for an evening date (plus they’re licensed!)

On our lovely waitresses recommendation, we went for 3 meze plates between two of us. If you’re starving hungry or aren’t planning on grabbing one of their cakes for dessert (which would be a crying shame), grab 4 plates for two.

The portion sizes are generous. The grilled halloumi with honey came in two large pieces, though the flavours were so gorgeous I could’ve eaten more. The lamb kofta was served with a reasonable dollop of yoghurt and the gozleme was split into four sizeable pieces. Even the slice of Turkish love cake we shared for dessert was pretty doorstop sized.

The big portions were also matched with big, beautiful flavours. Hesham is really passionate about serving good authentic food and, as a fan of Middle-Eastern and Turkish food myself, it’s great to find an eatery with such a varied selection of meze on it’s menu.

That’s not to say that’s all Plunge 46 is good for. They’ve got 3 Single Origin blends on tap, an extensive and unique all day brekkie menu and some pretty looking cakes and pastries. For the upcoming summer months, they’ve also got a leafy courtyard area which would be a perfect spot to sit back, relax and have a beer (or three).

Hesham has extended this laid-back dining style to his newest venture, Cairo Take-Away, a dedicated falafel joint that’s opening in three months time. Having nabbed a spot on the up and coming foodie haven, Enmore Road, Hesham and his wife are busy building the new space. While the focus will be Egyptian style falafel for take-away, there should be seating inside for up to 20 people so you can grab one of the craft beers on offer and take in the atmosphere. Watch this space!

plunge46.com.au