Tusk

LOCATION
On the corner of Chapel Street and Green Street. Easy walk from Windsor train station and Swinburne University campus.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Tusk is something of an institution on Chapel Street and has created its own little oasis on this Windsor street corner. A wide footpath means plenty of room for tables as well as some calming greenery to help provide some respite from the rigours of Chapel Street. The large open-plan kitchen, huge shop windows and tropical wall mural add to the sense of space and make this an instantly welcoming, buzzy, bustling place that is ideal for idling away some time while watching the world go by. This restaurant is best known for its great breakfasts – try the “Tusk breakfast” which is this eatery’s interpretation of a traditional English breakfast complete with spicy chorizo, mushrooms, scrambled eggs and caramelised onions on top of an English muffin.

However, the menu more than amply caters to a post-morning crowd with a good selection of Mediterranean fare such as the signature tiger prawn tagliatelle, seafood paella and chicken and prosciutto risotto as well as burgers, stir-fries, salads and share plates. Service can be patchy during hectic periods but is generally friendly and responsive. And the food, while offering little out of the ordinary on this dining strip, is well cooked and decently priced. Its unique position is what makes this such a great place to take some time out and soak up the sun over an early weekday breakfast or lazy afternoon brunch.

Angela Costanzo