Lyne Park Café, Rose Bay – Rating: 18/25

 

Lyne Park Café

If a friend hadn’t recommended Lyne Park Café we would not have even known it was there.  Situated in the clubhouse of the tennis centre on New South Head Road, the café overlooks a picnic perfect park and the crystal clear water of Rose Bay.

The setting is tranquil & relaxed and we found the staff to be extremely friendly. Outdoor seating is plentiful including a sunbathed, dog friendly rooftop.  There are some tables inside but no-one bothers on a day like today!

Flat white

Cappuccino

Ordering and payment is done at the cashier.  We couldn’t spot a drinks menu but as well as coffees, they have a fridge full of beverages.  Our coffees sure didn’t last long once they hit our table – they were fantastic.

Seasonal fruit salad

As we peruse the food offerings we notice it’s quite an accomplished menu.  And it’s apparently all made in-house.  All the usuals are here from muffins ($5.50) and muesli ($11) with stewed rhubarb, natural yoghurt or fruit ($3 each) to eggs Benedict ($17) and sweet-corn fritters ($18).

We commenced proceedings with a seasonal fruit salad ($13) and natural yoghurt ($3) to share.  There’s not much missing… rockmelon, strawberries, orange, banana, apple, grapes, pineapple and watermelon, all of it ripe and tasty. The yoghurt was also something special so we recommend adding it.

Roasted cup mushrooms

It’s timely at this point to mention that the knives supplied to us were serrated and made it a pleasure to tackle the often daunting task of cutting our toast.  Kudos!

The roasted cup mushrooms ($18.50) come stuffed with ricotta and topped with  one of the tastiest pestos we have had the pleasure of eating.  The mushrooms are served atop a bed of rocket, roasted tomatoes and a tangy dressing.  This was something different to the ordinary and highly enjoyable for mushrooms lovers.

B.L.E.A.T.

One of the triumphs of any breakfast café should they choose to include it on their menu is the B.L.E.A.T. (Bacon, lettuce, egg, avocado and tomato).  All of the ingredients were fresh and they were generous with the portions.  It’s quite pricey but at least you get value for money ($15).  As we have become accustomed to such amazing bread in Sydney we were a bit disappointed by the white flat bread

Breakfast bruscetta (sic)

Bursting with colour and freshness, the breakfast bruscetta ($18.50) is available in two variations, the other being baby spinach, mixed mushrooms, soft poached egg and baked prosciutto.  We opted for the roasted cherry tomatoes, avocado, basil, soft poached egg and Greek feta.  The abundance of basil worked wonders on our senses.  From smell to visuals to taste, it was a great inclusion in the dish.  The light dressing brings it all together and the feta adds the needed richness.

Other dishes available include free range eggs (fried, poached or scrambled on toast $11.50) with a mountain of available sides, buttermilk pancakes either with ice cream and Canadian maple syrup or  ricotta, honey and cinnamon ($16.50) or crunchy potato rosti either with smoked salmon, baby spinach and soft poached egg or grilled chorizo, soft poached egg and crème fraiche ($18.50).  Watch out for the $2.50 per person surcharge on weekends and $3.50 per person on public holidays.

We did notice that our dishes were missing small touches that could have made them oustanding.  Buds from the basil plant which (in our opinion) should have been left out or the roll of the BLEAT which could have done with something more special.  That being said, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Lyne Park Café and would definitely return.

Rose Bay is a gorgeous place where you can launch your boat, play tennis, football or have a picnic by the harbour.  If that’s not your thing try taking a scenic flight or explore the harbour by kayak.  If you hang around for long enough and are hungry for lunch, Club Rose Bay does cheap and cheerful lunch and dinners with cheapish booze to match.

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Overall Rating: 18/25

Website: http://www.lptc.com.au/a/42.html
Phone: 9388 3834
Address: 600 New South Head Road,  Rose Bay, 2029

Payment Options: Credit card, EFTPOS, cash