In Short: The Mews in Mosman, is definitely one of the best cafes on the lower north shore. On our two visits we were presented with stunning plates of food and consistently great coffee. The shakshuka and grilled haloumi stack are our recommendations.
On my many journeys, back in the noughties, from Dee Why through The Spit and up that painful stretch of Military Road, Mosman was as it is today, a jewel of the lower north shore, except that it was unremarkable on the coffee front. More of a place to be seen in, visitors and residents alike subsisted on the second wave coffee shops that had stood the test of time. Today though, a slew of of new cafes have moved in bringing sophisticated third wave coffee techniques, and offering a diversity of food offerings. Eschewing Military Road frontage, The Mews is located in a pedestrian lane, and is a confluence of design, outstanding coffee, and delicious food. Having dined there on a couple of occasions now, I really enjoy the relaxed, almost European, vibe of the cafe with its awnings providing shade on the warmest days. It’s a petite cafe with a clever use of mirrors to enhance its perception of size.
Service was one of the highlights of our visit. I loved how the wait staff engaged with us, and really understood each of the menu items. It’s refreshing to see the people who served us share the same passion for food as their diners. Our first dish was a braised pork shaskshuka that came highly recommended. It featured eggs, red capsicum, feta cheese, pistachio dukkah, and roti. It’s warm, comforting and aromatic. I enjoyed the textures of the luxe egg with the meaty pork, and zing of pomegranate. There’s a nice subtle spicing that provides heat. It’s expertly seasoned.
After a couple of spoonfuls of shakshuka, it was time to launch into a perfectly sculpted flat white. The flavours were decadent, with a rich chocolate finish. Silky textures are a hallmark of The Mews milk coffees.
Beautifully plated food is one of The Mews’ forte. An example is their beautifully plated grilled haloumi stack. Along with the haloumi, there’s wilted spinach, spiced eggplant, poached eggs and tomato relish, and it’s all perfectly stacked on sourdough. Every ingredient works in harmony. Of course, perfectly grilled haloumi is the hero. A crusty outer gives way to lava like soft centre. I particularly enjoyed the eggplant with the poached eggs. An altogether perfect plate of food!
Mavis has been to The Mews twice, and each time she could not resist ordering an omelette. The Mews really elevate their omelette with 8-hour slow braised pork. In addition there are tomatoes done two ways; roasted, and a tomato relish. Kim-Chi, mozzarella and furikake and corn ensure there’s a treasure trove of delights when the omelette is unfolded. Tender moist pork is spiced up with the chilli of the Kim-Chi. Furikake gives that unique umami flavour. Garnishing is beautiful and it provides avflavour lift as well. After tasting it myself, I can see why it’s one Mavis’ favourite Sydney omelettes.
Fellow Coco and Viner Steven joined us for a quick bite, and he sampled Mews brekkie roll. In what’s become a staple of construction workers of Sydney, the version at The Mews is a step up, with wild rocket, brioche and a tomato relish joining the bacon and egg. It’s a soft roll, with perfectly cooked rashers marrying perfectly well with the oozing yolk of the egg.
Instead of opting for a dessert before escaping down to Balmoral Beach, we instead indulged in an affogato, which in itself was a sweet ending. Simplistic as it is, with just a scoop of vanilla ice cream and coffee, a well made espresso really does a make difference. I love the fruity notes of the espresso. It’s strength is tamed by the sweetness of the ice-cream. It’s a perfect sharing drink as I savour the coffee, while Mavis enjoyed spoonfuls of ice-cream.
The Mews is definitely one of the most enjoyable cafe experiences north of the harbour bridge. Friendly staff and gourmet food coupled with excellent coffee in a relaxed atmosphere will have us coming back whenever we’re anywhere near Mosman.
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