Cafe Lafayette
30 Niagara Lane, Melbourne
03 9670 1888
Cafe
$$$
Food
- Beef Pie
- Citrus Miso Salmon
- Dutch Pancake
- Matcha Freakshake
The Good
The Beef Pie was definitely the highlight of our meal. Piled high, the strands of crispy kataifi pastry was light and flakey, sitting atop an incredibly cheesy and creamy layer of melted mozzarella. Underneath, the our itself was formed by a flavourful beef Bolognese mixed with mashed cauliflower, creating beautiful fragrant flavours and a comforting texture. The bold flavours, coupled with the textural diversity, made every bite as scrumptious as the next.
We also enjoyed the Citrus Miso Salmon. The sous vide salmon was tender and juicy, with the fish flavour forward and bold, nicely accompanied by the umami miso. Underneath sat a bed of pearl cous cous that was light and fluffy, served with refreshing and tangy pickles. With flakes of seaweed scattered around and a perfectly cooked 62degree egg with an exceptionally runny yolk, this was a light yet tasty dish for sure.
We rounded off the meal with the Dutch Pancake. Served in a cast iron pan, the puff pastry exhibited a beautiful golden brown, with airy qualities that was light and pillowy. The eggy batter was flavourful and lightly sweetened, soaking up the decadent lemon curd that was intense in sweetness and tanginess. With plenty of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert certainly impressed in more ways than one.
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Inconspicuously tucked away in an alleyway within the CBD, Cafe Lafayette is best described as a hidden gem.
The newly converted warehouse sports a trendy, futuresque decor, with a creative and unique menu to pair. The dishes not only looked awe-inspiring, they were generally well executed to a high standard, and tasty just as great. For an unconventional brunch, Grand Lafayette should be on your to-do.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Definitely!
Penguineats would like to thank Cafe Lafayette for inviting us.