In Short: Nostimo Café is a coastal café with a nearby beach within walking distance, making this a place for locals and visitors to chill out and enjoy a casual dining experience.
When Ompty gave us word of an eastern suburb cafe, we took notice. They live and work in the area, so when they recommended Nostimo Café, we took the first opportunity to check it out. Nostimo is a cosy café located in the coastal suburb of Malabar, just over 10km south-east of the Sydney CBD. Since setting up shop here 10 years ago, co-owner Isabelle Perez Scott has made Nostimo Café an integral part of Malabar’s food scene.
From the outdoor tables on the decking with big umbrellas, to the extensive use of wood fittings on the café’s floors and walla, the decor is designed to make you feel like you have stepped into a coastal beach surf shack. To add to the homey feeling inside, there is also a comfortable lime green sofa with patchwork cushions, matching lime green high stools and finally, lots of little inspiration plaques around the café, with my favourite being “…Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you won’t see tomorrow…”. Café specials are written on the mirrored wall near the entrance, while the regular menu is on display on the chalkboard above the counter as well as printed on paper to help customers decide on what to order.
Nostimo Café’s chef strives to bring the home-made vibe to customers through its simple, but extensive, food offering with a lot of familiar café favourites on the menu. Today, I decided to try the Breakfast Stack from the Chef’s Special section, consisting of sliced toast with 2 poached eggs, tomato, and bacon. It’s simple and comforting breakfast with all the traditional items done to perfection. The tomatoes give the dish the right balance of acidity, while the poached egg had an oozy centre creating a sauce to accompany the toast. Little Coco and Viner Sammi and me had a great time polishing off the dish together.
Coco and Viner Sacha was a little more adventurous, and decided to try an item from the Weekend Special menu, the Tasty Savoury Toast. When the food arrived, I have to admit that I suffered a wee bit of food envy! The savoury toast with shaved brussels sprouts, chilli, lime, grain mustard, poached eggs and sesame seeds did not just look sublime, but tasted really good as well. The red pickled radish provided the colour and taste contrast, while the pea shoots, shaved brussel sprouts and coriander made this a healthy dish that is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Finally, the chef completes the dish by adding a drizzle of his own home-made tangy dressing.
After a tasty breakfast, I finished off with a flat white. The coffee is presented with a nice frothy round top and a nice glossy sheen. A sip reveals a great balance between the espresso and the milk. The strength comes through nicely with little acidity. A tasty cup that’s easy on the palate.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, Nostimo Café also has a wide array of cakes and sweets, which are on display in the glass cabinet at the front of the counter. Some of the recommended dessert items include the rich and chocolaty chocolate log with pistachio and cherry. The deliciously moist paleo coconut slice is all about the coconut, with a nice contrast from the criss-crossed chocolate topping. The passionfruit slice is full of that tangy tropical flavour. My favourite item is the caramel slice, as it is not too sweet but decadent enough to satisfy my sweet craving.
No matter whether its breakfast, lunch or just a quick bite, Nostimo Café’s extensive menu has you covered. If you happen to be in Malabar, drop by Nostimo Café to enjoy a good wholesome meal and let café manager Maha Ligori and her staff make you feel completely at home with their delicious food and great service.
* Coco and Vine dined as guests of Nostimo Cafe and Ompty Media.
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