In Short: Few cafes can boast Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop, yet Cool Mac Cafe does it in an unassuming way. It has withstood the test of time and, besides its outstanding menu, what I also love most about having a meal here is that there are so many interesting places to explore around the cafe, making it a great starting or ending point for adventures around the harbour.
Kirribilli is well established, with its leafy streets, the alternate home for our prime minister just a stone’s throw away from the harbour, its enviable views, and a touch less of the hustle and bustle of the CBD. Cool Mac Cafe sits on a side street just metres from Milsons Point train station. It allows for indoor seating and more alfresco style dining to take the sea-breeze on most days.
Cool Mac Cafe is one of those cafes that has been around for many years and part of the history of Kirribilli. Over the years, its menu has evolved from being a sandwich deli to being the chilled back Japanese-inspired cafe it is today.
You can still get toast with eggs, but today’s Cool Mac is more known for their Japanese items on their menu, like the Seared Tuna Mixed Leaf Salad, served with avocado, wakame and yuzu dressing. It is healthy, delicious, and eating it makes you feel good. The slices of seared tuna and creamy avocado add an element of luxury, while the yuzu dressing perks up the salad and it’s the perfect dish for when you want a meal that is delicious, healthy, and that will fill you up without any guilt.
The Beef Udon on the other hand, is like a warm comforting hug. The minute I saw it on the menu I knew I had to have it, and there were no regrets. Pools of udon noodles swimming in a rich broth, flavoured with thin pieces of soy braised beef, green onion, seaweed, and an onsen-soft boiled egg. It’s good home cooked food, full of simple, uncomplicated flavours.
With a wall dedicated to guest roasts, I could not pass up on coffee. The flat white was a strong tonic with a nice punchy flavour that cuts through the well warmed-through milk. On a cool afternoon, this was excellent with the milk temperature just perfect, and a silky foam top was as good as any flat white you will find in the city.
If its a cold coffee you’re after, look no further than their Ice Latte. An icy cold mix of heady coffee and milk, it is the perfect pick me up for a warm afternoon. Also, if are lactose intolerant, you can order it with almond milk and there is no penalty in flavour!
There are so many other interesting items on Cool Mac’s regular menu. From time to time, they also have daily specials which you definitely want to look out for those as well. Some items on their menu tend to run out, so go in early to avoid disappointment and take the time to explore the beautiful Kirribilli area as well.
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