Nielsen Park Cafe

It was during Sydney’s (two week) winter of discontent that I discovered a corner of the city I didn’t know existed. The Nielsen Park Cafe overlooks the ominously named Shark Bay, but there is nothing sinister to see here, even on a grey day the heritage building is luminous and warm, with ocean views from every table. The setting may feel very turn of the 20th century but the newly relaunched winter breakfast menu has all the trendy trimmings. Think bagels, baked eggs and bespoke breakfasts. Still swept up in the NYC craze, I test out the Toasted Bagel with Cured Salmon ($16) – more expensive than its rivals, but it does come with a poached egg and crème fraiche – and it stacks up very well. It’s chewy but sleek, with generous amounts of salmon and an explosive egg. My hungry dining partner went for the Big Breakfast ($21), the hallmark of a brekky cafe. It’s the first time I’ve seen one look pretty – tidy, colourful and fresh – but still grandiose in scale. The side of Banana Bread ($6.50) was not needed, but with its maple whip butter, it was more than welcome. As much as I’d like to keep this place a secret, stay tuned for my review of their seafood-laden lunch menu…

Nielsen Park Café
Nielsen Park, Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse
Ph: (02) 9337 7333 nielsenpark.com.au
Cafe $-$$