Seasalt, Clovelly – Rating: 16.5/25

Seasalt Café

Imagine a cool breeze on a summer’s morning, rays of sun breaking through the clouds and the calming sound of the sea. We’re awoken from this reverie by splats of rain from the grey sky. Sea Salt is located next to the picturesque Clovelly Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It seems like a great destination for a fine summer’s day however it was cold and windy on this rainy spring day.

We’re lucky we’re such good friends because this café has our opinions decidedly split! Dane and our guest for this week thoroughly enjoyed their meals while April was left unimpressed. More on that later… Our first impressions of Seasalt were that it didn’t look as impressive as their website. Pictures of lobsters, wine glasses and shining silverware are contrasted on location by the word “kiosk” and the plastic lime green chairs. There is no shortage of seating which is great for the late risers. We were offered a table immediately by the staff whereas other patrons were told they could simply sit anywhere so it’s a nice relaxed atmosphere.

Mango smoothie

We have four words for you: “order the mango smoothie”. The fruit frappes and smoothies ($6.50) are available in mango or mixed berries, all made to order with fresh fruit. The texture of this beverage was part of its allure as you could make out the pieces of real mango. The flavour was out of this world and comes highly recommended.

Large flat white

Our guest Andrew is no stranger to coffee and ordered a large flat white ($3.60). He said the coffee was a bit burnt but provided the necessary caffeine hit.

Piccolo latte

April ordered the Piccolo latte ($3.50). It was tasty and well presented, as usual she was left wanting more.

Potato Rosti

Dane ordered the potato rosti ($14.50) and added a side of bacon ($7.50). Every element of this dish was outstanding. The rosti itself was crispy on the outside but airy and soft inside. The chipotle mayonnaise and rocket took it to another level and when combined with the guacamole and roasted tomato, Dane was in flavour heaven! The bacon… sure there was plenty of it but $7.50 for a side is ridiculous. Why not shrink the portion and price?

Eggs Benedict

Our guest ordered the eggs Benedict with spinach, hollandaise and smoked ham ($15.90) or smoked salmon ($17.90). The eggs were cooked to perfection, oozing out yolk when lightly sliced. The sausages were still sizzling when they hit the table and made our mouths water.

Home-made Baked Beans

April ordered the home-made baked beans on sourdough toast with parmesan and rocket ($12.90). It was bland, dry and included a mountain of beans. The beans had no taste at all and the rocket had no dressing. It would be better if the portion was smaller and included avocado or a salad. April was left hoping that next week’s breakfast would be better.

So we walked away with mixed reviews of Seasalt. For Dane, it’s worthy of a return visit if you’re in the area. The waitstaff were responsive and friendly, our food and beverages were delivered promptly and the potato rosti was amazing. April recommends calling in for coffees, or buying an ice cream from the kiosk.

Prices are as reasonable as most other cafés we visit but keep an eye on the prices of the sides (tomato $4, scrambled eggs $5.50, breakfast sausage $6.60, bacon or mushrooms $7.50, toast $6.90). Other dishes that whizzed passed our table looking delicious were the breakfast crumble with poached fruit ($9.90), french toast with berry compote ($14.50) and the Seasalt BLT ($16.80).

Clovelly is a protected beach that is good for families. There is great snorkelling beyond the rocks, just be carefully of the sharp reef. It’s also close to the coastal walk that winds around the cliffs from the Waverly Cemetery to Bondi Beach.

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