St Jude, Surry Hills – Rating: 21.5/25

From outside, there’s not too much that gives St Jude away.  It’s an understated corner café that relies on its reputation and aroma of coffee beans to bring in the customers.  And it works because St Jude is well known among those in search of a satisfying breakfast.

The seating outside sprawls quite far down Thurlow Street but despite a full-house both inside and out, the service this morning was exceedingly quick.  Our waitstaff were also full of personality and they contributed towards making our visit a very enjoyable experience.

Our coffees (regular $3.50, large $4.50) were strong, delicious and well presented.  Definitely one of the better cups to be had in the area (and that’s saying a lot).

Made in house is the raspberry and vanilla soda ($4.50).  It has quite a subtle flavour but it’s great to find a delicious beverage that is light on sugar yet sparkling and refreshing (yes, yes, other than mineral water).

The tarragon sautéed mushrooms ($16.50) is a sizable meal that really showcases deliciously herbed and seasoned mushrooms on soft brioche.  The mushrooms are topped with rocket and sheeps milk feta.  My guest added a very generous side of bacon ($4.50) which was cooked crispy as requested.  There’s not much else to say other than “order this”!

When you’re hungry, you’re hungry and something that never fails is ordering the eggs and surrounding them with sides!  The eggs ($10.50) can be scrambled, fried or poached and are served with toast and St Jude chutney (which was smooth & sweet and perfect with the eggs).  On the side I added bacon, chorizo and avocado smash ($4.50 each) for a packed but scrumptious plate.  The chorizo wasn’t very hot (spice-wise) but was still full of savoury flavour.  The avocado was ripe, well seasoned and served with a slice of lemon to compliment.

St Jude knows its food.  It knows its coffee.  And it knows good service.  Normally this would equate to long queues for tables but thanks to the abundance of seating both inside and out, you won’t have to wait for long.

There are a few amazing sounding dishes that I didn’t try including French toast with banana, toasted coconut and butterscotch sauce ($16), pumpkin and sweet corn fritters, poached egg, hollandaise and a spinach & tomato salsa ($16) and pulled pork, smash split peas, grilled asparagus with poached egg on toast ($19).  Just the thought of that is enough to make one salivate…