Miss Sina, Marrickville

A little while back, this pistachio croissant video-hype kept popping up on my Ig feed.  Of course, I have to try it.  We went to this cafe called Miss Sina in Marrickville.  The tables were nearly all occupied and there were queues at the register as well.  Overwhelmed in array of choices, we surrendered with three orders.  The famed pistachio croissant, s'mores donut and cinnamon scroll.  This place is not an ordinary cafe, they are actually a vegan-friendly cafe.  You won't believe that their sweet and drinks are plant based.    

Pistachio Kunefe croissant $14 - with kunefe pastry and pistachio spread

I was thoroughly disappointed with this highly anticipated item.  While the flavour was satisfactory, the texture was overly dry, lacking the rich and creamy filling I've seen showcased in videos.  

 

S'mores donut $8.50

On the flip side, the s'mores donut was remarkably fluffy and soft, featuring an indulgent oozy creamy center.  It was delightful.

Cinnamon scroll $8.50

Then another impressive item in the house, cinnamon scroll, impressing with its softness and topped with a generous slab of icing, striking the perfect balance of sweetness.  It was truly wonderful.

Pandan iced coffee

A mishap occurred with my drink order.  Despite waiting until we were nearly finished with our desserts, it appeared that others who arrived after me had already got their drinks.  Initially, we asked the serving lady, very ignorance and just redirect us to approach the lady behind the register who obviously having a long queue in front of her.  This unhelpful response heightened my frustration because I have to jump into the queue again just to ask "how come I haven't got my drink?".  Fortunately, once I got to the counter staff, she immediately offered a sincere apology, quickly served our drinks and accompanied by two complimentary donuts. Turning an epic fail into a sweet win!

Miss Sina

132 Illawarra Road,

Marrickville 

Open: Everyday from 8am - 4pm

Cafe Sydney

There is a place called Cafe Sydney where you can experience panoramic views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge while having a fine dining meal.  Of course, it will come with the price though.  When you wanna ball out on the luxury and take in the finest view in town but still be penny pincher, I suggest you skip the main course and treat yourself to their dessert course alone instead.  Some your bucks yet enjoying the same perks.  Don't miss out on their exceptional cocktails and exclusive wine selections.

Salted caramel martini $25

Sherry $11

Lemon meringue cheesecake

Salted caramel hazelnut, dulce de leche slice, churros, and chocolate ice cream $22

Cafe Sydney

5th floor Customs House 

31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay

Ph: 02 9251 8683

Celcius Coffee Co, Kirribilli

As the weather warms up, outdoor cafes beckon.  I found this adorable little cafe called Celsius Coffee and Dining in Kirribilli.  This cafe is frequently featured on Instagram. It is literally floating on the Kirribilli Wharf with clear glass window from ceiling to ground, I understand why this cafe slays on IG.  Not only an astounding view, but this cafe also serves delicious coffee and food.  Definitely worth a visit!!

Celcius Cafe can easily be reached by ferry from Circular Quay or the closest train station is Milson Point and another 15 minutes' walk on foot toward the Kirribilli Wharf.  Otherwise, there are buses nearby as well.  

It was a lunch hour rush when we arrived, so tables inside were all occupied.  We got the last table outside.  That is why I couldn't capture Instagrammable pictures but still enjoyed their delicious food though. 

 

Love green juice and iced coffee $7.50 each

Iced chocolate $7.50

Poached eggs on toasted sourdough with ketchup and butter $15

Bacon & egg roll $19

Truffle butter mushroom $13

Their mushroom cooked just right, still bouncy and juicy.  It has truffle paste levels that are on point.  It's profound without being too in-your-face, leaving me wanting more.   

Spanner crab spaghetti $32

Harissa chili eggs $25

Where the loo meets the view

Kirribilli Wharf

Celcius Coffee Co

Shop 1 Kirribilli Wharf, Kirribilli

Opens: Mon - Fri 7:30am - 2:30pm

            Weekend 8am - 3pm

Old School Kafey, Haymarket

Craving of something like cafe food and something fancy last weekend.  So, we landed at this quirky looking cafe owned by Thai.  This place used to serve sweet and dessert only but now they also have savoury dishes in the house.  We tried their toast and also spaghetti. 

Curry chicken toast $19

This toast looks amazing.  The bread was smeared with good amount of butter then toasted to golden brown yet inside was still soft.  Also, the toast came with katsu chicken pieces lying on the bed of creamy omelette and some curry sauce flows on top of them.  It is accompanied with baby spinach leaves and cherry tomatoes dressed with Japanese sesame salad dressing.  This dish tasted pretty good actually.

Beef with pepper sauce toast $28

We also tried their black pepper beef toast.  It was similar with the curry toast earlier, only the different was the meat and sauce.  I still prefer the chicken curry one for taste and flavour wise.  Somehow, chicken curry and toast blended much better together.

Aglio olio spaghetti with grilled sirloin $29

They cooked the spaghetti to al-dente.  This wasn't just a simple aglio alio dish.  It got a little bit Thai influenced.  They added some basil and chili into this spaghetti.  It was delicious and I also like the fact that they cooked the wagyu to medium-rare just what I like. 

Boscaiola fettuccine with salmon $27

I found that their fettuccine was a little too sweet.  Otherwise, it would be perfect. 

Iceberg bingsu (L) $24.90

This cute-looking ice-shaved was so refreshing.  Lychee flavoured ice with some fresh rock melon and watermelon.  It was sweet and fresh at the same time.  For the drinks, I think they were slightly too sweet, especially their butterfly pea coffee. 

Milo volcano $16.90

Croffle with nutella

Matcha orange $9.90 and strawberry velvet soda $9.90

Ice latte butterfly pea and mango yogurt $9.90 each

Old School Kafey

459 Pitt Street, Haymarket

Open: Monday - Thursday 1pm - 11pm and Friday - Sunday 1pm - 11:30pm

La Renaissance Patisserie & Cafe, The Rocks

This classic pastry cafe is one of the best cafes in town selling Parisian patisseries.  They have been in this business for over twenty years.  I absolutely love their cakes and sweets selection.  They also have savoury items available in the shop as well.  This place makes a great breakfast and morning tea outing especially on those clear blue-sky days.  There is a not-so secret courtyard located at their back door.  With more space and tables under the warm sunshine.

 

If you come from Wynyard/Circular Quay station, walk along George Street toward The Rocks.  When you see this Belgian Chocolate Cafe in the corner, turn left and La Renaissance just behind them.  It has LaR sign on the top left of the building or otherwise it is very easy to spot, the one with lots of customers.  

Mocha $4.50

Earl Grey tea $4/pot

Rare roast beef sandwich $12.50

Mushroom quiche $8

Coffee eclair $8.80

La Renaissance Patisserie & Cafe

47 Argyle Street, The Rocks

Open: Daily from 8am - 4:30pm (except weekend until 5pm)