The Bunker, Darlinghurst – Rating: 18/25

The Bunker is known in the local area for its coffee.  Perhaps that’s why even finding a stool to perch on outside is difficult.  This is a tiny establishment that sprawls out onto the Liverpool Street pavement.  This suited me fine as it meant we could bathe in sunlight despite the crisp autumn morning.

The crowd eats fast here so you won’t have to wait long for a seat.  The staff were helpful enough when it came to starting us off with water, coffees and even spotting free seats!

The outstanding coffee is a bargain at $3.20 (or $3.50/$4.30 for milk based).  I understand the fuss now – if you’re in the area, drop in for beans of the highest order!  The affogatos ($5) are made that little bit more special thanks to the Messina gelato from their store around the corner.

Tea lovers will also be happy with the large selection including jasmine, sencha, oolong, Bunker breakfast, darjeeling, Earl Grey or orange pekoe ($4-6).

The hot chocolate ($3.50) was easily one of the best I’ve tried.  Not too rich but loads of chocolate and perfect for a cold morning.

This is one of those shots that makes you turn off your computer and go straight to breakfast!  The housemade crumpets ($11) is a small plate featuring some of the best flavours The Bunker has to offer.  Scrumptious crumpets, smooth ricotta and sweet housemade blueberry jam.  Decadence on a plate.  I’d suggest sharing but you may not want to!

While The Bunker’s menu has some nice sounding dishes, we couldn’t resist the specials board.  The brekky plate ($16) features Persian feta (“with thyme” my guest mused), fresh tomato and the unmistakable Sonoma toast.  The soft boiled egg and salt is simple but oh so moreish.  The Bunker presents this dish elegantly and lets the ingredients speak for themselves.

The other special dish we sampled was the green eggs ($16).  Eggs benedict with a basil hollandaise essentially.  Just a slight fresh basil flavour though, not overpowering.  The amount of lemon was cut down otherwise it would have just fought with the basil.  Perfectly poached eggs too and a mountain of ham!  I’d order this again for sure.

The eggs on toast ($9.50) can be had poached, fried or scrambled.  My guest requested her scrambled eggs cooked through and the kitchen obliged.  They came out more folded than scrambled but who cares, it was silky and divine.

It’s obvious that The Bunker prides itself on the best ingredients.  Everything is either organic, fresh, housemade, a well-known local brand or a combination of these.

Other breakfast dishes include Sonoma toast with housemade jam and condiments (organic sourdough, olive oil panini, $5 each, wholewheat miche, soy & linseed $6 each), burnt fig and cinnamon granola with natural yoghurt, seasonal fruit and honey, $10), bacon and egg roll with housemade tomato relish ($7.50) to name a few.

Without going into too much detail on the lunch menu, let’s just say 12 hour pork belly, tomato & watercress with a soy & ginger glaze on a miche roll ($10) or corned wagyu beef with dill pickles, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and horseradish on miche ($16).

What’s that?  You’re already out the door and on your way?…