825 reviews Melbourne Australia since 2016

Ilza Cafe (Docklands)

Reviewed

Food

  • Pork Katsu Sando
  • Peanut Butter Latte

The Good

We were pleasantly surprised by the Peanut Butter Latte, which offered a deliciously prominent nutty flavour without becoming excessively sweet. The Biscoff crumbs scattered over the top added a welcome textural contrast to the drink, making for a well-balanced and rather distinctive café offering. An enjoyable creation.

The Mediocre

Unfortunately, the Pork Katsu Sando fell rather short of expectations. The portion was noticeably small for a main meal and, while the flavour was passable, the pork itself was disappointingly tough. We also found the crumb far too thin, lacking the light, airy crunch that makes a properly prepared katsu sandwich such a delight. The overall result was underwhelming.

The Bad

Nothing.

The Verdict

Ilza Cafe made a much stronger impression with its drinks than with its food. The Peanut Butter Latte was creative, satisfying and nicely balanced, while the pork sando lacked both generosity and the crucial textural qualities of good katsu. We can see the appeal as a Docklands catch-up spot for an interesting beverage. The sandwiches would need some improvement before we’d be back for lunch.

Would Penguin Eat Again?

Maybe

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