Parramatta Park Café, Parramatta – Rating: 14/25

: Parramatta Park Café

Parramatta is best known for Church Street, a popular restaurant and café strip. However this week we ventured away from the hustle and bustle of a city centre and relaxed in the Parramatta Park Café. The Park is well maintained with a creek and river running through it. There is a bicycle track and numerous open and shady spaces to relax or enjoy some sports. The Parramatta Park Café is right at the centre of this green getaway, serving more than what you would expect from a park kiosk. There are numerous seats both inside and out with most tables having a view of the river. Table service is provided.

Strawberry and banana smoothie

The jumbo strawberry and banana smoothie ($5.50) seemed like a safer bet than the avocado smoothie. It was served to us overflowing and we got very sticky while we sipped it. The fruit was fresh however the ice cream used did have a tangy aftertaste that was not very favourable. There are numerous other bottled cold drinks as well as teas and coffees so we’d recommend choosing one of them.

: Bundaberg ginger beer

The Bundaberg Ginger Beer ($3.50) was thirst quenching and delicious. Not much more can be really said except we were given a glass with ice in it, which was appreciated.

: Chef’s omelette

One of three specials on the menu was the chef’s omelette ($14.50). There was no shortage of vareity and amount of ingredients. Enclosed in the omelette was bacon which would have benefitted from longer frying on a separate pan, chorizo, salami, tomato, parmesan and rocket. The one gripe we had was that it was not cheesy enough – we wanted to cut the omelette and have strings of cheese between the pieces. Otherwise, we enjoyed the dish as it was not too dry and boasted plenty of flavour.

: Turkish toast with avocado

The Turkish toast with avocado ($10) was overpriced for what it was. The avocado looked slightly bruised and wasn’t presented very well but was ripe and delicious nonetheless. We would’ve liked some lemon on the side and some salt and pepper too.

Seasonal fruit salad

The seasonal fruit salad ($8.50) was also disappointing. It didn’t look very fresh and was served in an unappetising manner squashed into the bowl.

The café has a great location so if you’re out enjoying the park it’s convienent to stop buy. The waitress who took our order was very helpful but we did not receive the same service form others. Cutlery, food and drinks were cast onto our table in a fashion we’re not used to. You’ll pay relatively high prices for average food so don’t come with high expectations.