Profiled by de Groots MediaMoorish flavours reign at this striking cafe that sits imposingly on its corner, looking out over Lygon Street. Its impressive dark facade gives way to a light, airy interior with whitewashed walls, glass cabinets full of baked goodies and staff waiting to take your early morning coffee order. Tables up the front catch the sun on warm days, or head towards the back for a darker, more intimate feel. It’s a simply done and elegant space that is clearly highly desirable for breakfasts – tables are in hot demand on weekends and you can be hard pressed to find a seat.
If you’re here for breakfast the Syrian French toast is a must – a triumph of texture and flavour which melds crunchy, buttery toast with tart rhubarb and creamy labna, sprinkled generously with pistachios and orange blossom syrup. Other menu items for the early hours include shakshouka (Israeli eggs baked with tomato) or simply poached eggs with mushroom, avocado and Persian fetta. Lunchtime offers soups, a tasty tapas list including jamon, grilled haloumi and pickled octopus, and heartier hot dishes such as quiche, pasta or goulash.
Angela Costanzo