Weekends to me mean sleeping in, relaxing and brunch.
Being out in the west I don’t tend to trek into the city for breakfast/brunch as often as I would like, as it would take an hour for me to get there; time which would be better spent on sleeping instead. So you could imagine my joy when I found about a cafe in Parramatta offering brunch on weekends; a cafe which could be easily mistaken for something in Surry Hills/Glebe/Newtown etc.
Cafe Circa is a small cafe situated behind Westfields and a short 2 minute walk from the station. It’s tucked away from the mainstream road and only those in the know would know of its existence.
To wake up my senses, I start off with a coffee ($3.50 regular, $3.80 large). The blend is from Single Origin and it hits the right spots with me, strong and smooth tasting without the bitterness.
The blood orange juice ($4) is freshly squeezed for those who want a caffeine-free beverage.
The baked eggs ($8) is jam-packed with flavour and served in a frypan alongside sujuk, Danish feta, tomato, baby spinach, a hint of chilli and a couple of slices of bread. The best part of the dish is mopping up everything with pieces of bread. If I had to be picky, soft runny eggs would have been preferred; they were semi-hardboiled.
For those with a sweet tooth like me the french toast with labne, poached rhubarb and pistachio ($8) is a perfect way to start the morning. Thick slab of buttery and eggy brioche is slightly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The slightly tart labne offsets the sweet rhubarb mixture, and a heavy-handed scatter of cinnamon sugar makes it even more delicious.
I was tempted by the portobello mushrooms stuffed with ricotta, walnut and basil that was on the menu. However, they didn’t have portobello mushrooms so instead they whipped up field mushrooms on sourdough with hommus and a parsley, red onion and sumac salad ($7) for me. Creamy hommus smothered on a thick slice of crusty and soft sourdough is piled high with juicy pieces of mushrooms.
As I was ordering the mushroom on sourdough, I wasn’t sure if that would enough for me so I contemplated on ordering the avocado and fetta on sourdough($6) but then thought it might be too much. Tony (the barista and part-owner) was accommodating to let me have half a serve (just one piece) of the avo on sourdough, but in hindsight I probably would’ve been able to finish a full serve anyway because it was so good and I have a bottomless stomach. A thick piece of slightly toasted sourdough was generously slathered with avocado, scattered with fetta and finished off with some sea salt, cracked pepper and lemon oil. Simple but scrumptious.
So I’ve been here on two occasions now and have felt welcomed each time. The vibe is relaxed and casual, staff are super friendly and the food is simple but damn good, oh and did I mention that everything is $8 or less? I think I’ve found my “local” cafe for brunch for the weekends, definitely something worth getting out of bed (or the house) for.
The guys don’t have a website as yet but you can keep up to date by following them on Twitter.
Agree with you that it looks very inner city and hip! The prices are unbelievably affordable and the fare is bit more inspiring than your usual bacon-and-eggs on offer.
Yes, very groovy place that reminds me of Newtown or Chippendale or similar. I haven’t been to Parra for so long.
I LOVE Circa – as you might have guessed when we bumped into you there on Sunday – it’s a small world out west eh?
Lovely shots, they make me want to grab that French toast and take a bite of it.
It really could be Newtown or the likes, but without the prices. $8 or less, OMG what great looking food at a great price.
my happy place! love the french toast here and zomg the mushrooms are amazeballs
Ooooh I’d def go the mushrooms! Although Id have a sneaky bite of everyone elses too 😉 lol. Shame about the eggs 🙁
I am the biggest HUGEST fan of baked eggs and this one looks amazing. it’s great that Parramatta is getting some good food. We had some great Thai there not long ago too!
Not quite sure when the day may come but when I’m next in Parra I’ll be sure to drop by this place. A big yes to baked eggs & French toast!
French toast with labne and rhubarb and pistachios? All of my favourite things in one very affordable dish… and in a funky cafe to boot. I have no idea how you manage to fit so much food into you though – that slice of avo on toast seem large enough for me to eat without any sides (as opposed to it being a half-served side).
i really love circa, its so good to have something so good so close!!! my hubby said the same thing about the eggs too. i’m definitely ordering the avocado one this weekend, along with a chai (JasmyneTea’s post said it was great).
Served in a fry pan- that is very cool/even a bit intimidating!
The food looks awesome, especially the mushrooms! I’m gonna have to venture out to Parra one day just to try them out
Rita: There needs to be more places like this in Sydney I’d say 🙂
Joey: I think this is a good excuse for you to come back for a visit
Miss Piggy: LOL small world, I had a funny feeling I’d bump into you though 😛
Dumpling Girl: Thanks!
Sara: I guess it’s one advantage of being out in the west 🙂
Chocolatesuze: You’re lucky to have that as your happy place! I’m totally craving more of that french toast!
Nic: I’d call it research, might as well since all the items are cheap anyway
Catty: Yes, Parra is becoming quite a food hub as of late
John: Hope you get around to it soon, it’s so good!
Shez: Awesome, then you’ll definitely should try and would love this french toast.
Muppy: Yes, I love that it’s somewhat close to home for me too.
Gastronomy Gal: It is cool indeed and I guess it saves up on the washing as well 🙂
Jacq: Mmmm mushrooms, gotta love them! Do make your way out there soon
Looks scrumptious, and a very funky looking little cafe. I can’t wait to be able to go out for brunch again!
Loved the baked eggs here. I agreed I wish it was a bit more runny – nonetheless still a yummy dish!
Ladybird: Hi! You’ll have to treat yourself here once you can go out again 🙂
Julie: Indeed 🙂
everything looks so delicious!!
Drove past this place the other night on my way to dinner hehe it’s like a hole in the wall cafe! Yeah you’re right, it definitely has a Surry Hills/Glebe/Newtown theme to it. That french toast looks and sounds awesome!
Beti: It is and it’s so cheap!
Vivian: It’s amazing!
Hands down my fave hangout in Parra..amazing coffee, amazing food. Love that they have sujuk on the menu.
Selina: We need more cafes like this in the West!
Totally!
All foods looks so deliciousCafe and Restaurant deals at Parramatta