LOCATIONOrwell Street, Potts Point, ten minutes from the CBD, walk to Kings Cross and Woolloomooloo Wharf.
PROFILED BY DEGROOTSThe leafy Victoria Street in Potts Point is on the border of the glaring fluorescent lights of Kings Cross, yet it feels a world away. The tree-lined lane is the new home to Café DOV, a calm little cocoon that has twenty years of history hiding café connoisseurs from the bright lights and bustle of the city. It keeps a firm place in the heart of Sydney’s dining enthusiasts, especially in the mornings. This early-morning energy is inspired by breakfast treats such as strawberry and rhubarb compote layered over billowy ricotta and soaked up by the fluffy sponge of buttermilk pancakes. A crunchy, bubbled rim surrounds fat and sunny corn fritters stacked on spinach leaves and topped with velvety slices of salmon, a swollen poached egg, and chunky tomato relish that trickles over and under the layers. Diners share the front bench to overlook the weary Sunday morning street traffic and quaint terrace houses across the road.
Yet Café DOV’s business no longer revolves around the early hours of the day with new, creative dinners allowing a little experimentation with each visit. The menu has a new drive that is ‘all about the entrée’ serving small plates of flavour-packed creations that can be ordered in selections or in main-meal size. Are you peckish or hungry? Picky or indecisive? These pure dishes needn’t hide behind a guise of flavoured foams or coloured sauces when smoked ham hock terrine is served with rustic, farmhouse charm. However, one dish that should be appreciated in its larger portion is the eight hour slow-braised lamb - the shredded meat served in a shallow bowl of braising liqueur with pickled beetroot and mint roast potatoes.
With red, white and black banquettes lined with geometric cushions, and two large, sliding blackboards scrawled with specials, DOV is a little bit Sydney restaurant, a little bit Parisian café and a little bit New York bistro. It is the small village eatery with big city style that sees breakfast, lunch and dinner continuously draw back DOV devotees.
Edwina Storie
DETAILSThis is one relaxed cafe. The decor is simple, the staff friendly and genuine. Originally located in Darlinghurst, this highly popular cafe moved a year ago to the new Potts Point location on the corner of Orwell and Victoria streets. The customers followed and continue to be rewarded with great service, delicious food and value for money.
The proximity to King’s Cross makes this a convenient dinner spot before a night out, and it’s available for small functions and parties. All in all - a worthwhile visit at any time of day or night.