In Short: Nine Yards goes hard with a dining space with that can swallow dozens and an intriguing menu which admirably champions Australian native ingredients. Shunning stalwarts of the Melbourne roasting scene and a doffing of the cap to some of the finest coffee in the land from Canberra’s Ona Coffee.
Nine Yards is newish to South Melbourne but has the know-how of veterans of the Melbourne cafe scene with an impressive resume which includes Left Field, Coin Laundry and Touchwood. A space where the light bounces and reflects to create a bright and airy feel while the menu is sprinkled with Aussie native ingredients. Think lemon myrtle, bush honey, pepperberry, and wattle seed.
We could not wait to try some of the food, and first off the pass was a Tasmanian Salmon Gravlax beautifully seasoned with native spices and piled high on a slice of sourdough bread. Served with dill crème fraiche, zucchini ribbons, fennel and caper herb salad, and finished with exotic beads of native finger limes, which pop in your mouth, creating tiny explosions of citrus flavours. Sweet potato crisps and perfectly poached eggs complete the dish, and if you hadn’t been down Beach Road for a ride or jog, you would be fuelled for it after this generous helping of deliciousness.
If you’re looking for something healthy for brunch without compromising on flavour, Nine Yards’s Breaky Board is the item of choice. On one side of the board, wild muesli made with buckwheat kernels and cranberries is served with seasonal berries and native ingredient strawberry gum syrup and a side of honey labna. On the other side, quinoa toast spread with Vegemite, topped with avocado, feta, and a poached egg. It’s a curious combination yet the saltiness of the Vegemite gels with the avocado and is surprisingly delicious. Who would have thought? To wash it all down, a glass of organic orange juice refreshes and cleanses.
If you’re a bacon lover, look no further than Nine Yard’s Honey Glazed Bacon Slab with native wattle seed, featuring a generous slab of delicious, decadent, and uniquely flavoured bacon served with poached eggs, apple cider Hollandaise, grated apple and fennel slaw. The apple cider hollandaise has a citrusy bite which contrasts the richness of the bacon, while the grated apple and fennel slaw provide a clean crunchy respite. To top it all off (and just in case you hadn’t had your fill of bacon) the dish is topped with bacon crumb bits. This is one dish that would delight any bacon lover and keep you coming back for more.
Nine Yards deliver on the coffee front. It’s interesting to observe that in a city renowned for its great roasters the splash that Canberra roaster, Ona Coffee is making in Melbourne. We have been a big fan of their blends, including Hitman and Raspberry Candy, which can be had in Sydney and of course all over Canberra. Nine Yards’ Flat White is up there with the best of the city. It was light, creamy with a punch of dark chocolatey flavour slicing through the milk.
We rolled the dice on a Sunday afternoon, and after only five minutes of waiting, and with seven of us in tow, we were able to be seated. Impressive! Service was great, along with innovative food and exemplary coffee.
Go the whole Nine Yards after perusing the fresh produce at South Melbourne Markets. You will walk away satisfied and happy, as we did.
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