Copo Café and Diner, Drummoyne – Rating: 17.5/25 (re-review)

Copo Café and Diner

It has been quite a few years since my last visit to Copo Café and Diner. This double storey café with South American flair continues to thrive a block behind Drummoyne’s busiest road.

Service for the most part is spot on. The staff are friendly and lively but there is one member of staff who shall remain nameless who could do with some cheering up to say the least on the two occasions that I visited in the last two weeks to make up this review. Having said that, I found that the other staff go out of their way to ensure that you enjoy your meal and are able to arrive or leave without much fuss.

Flat white

The cups of Campos coffee ($4.20) were prepared well however I have tasted much better blends and brands in the last few months. Cold drip ($4.50) and affogato with white chocolate ice cream ($5) are just two of the other hot beverages available.

Lulo smoothie

Strawberry smoothie

Copo has one of the largest selections of smoothies ($7) and they are sure to please. Our lulo (a Columbian cirtus fruit) and strawberry versions were thick and delicious. You can also order feijoa, banana, guava, lime & mint, mango, mixed berry, passionfruit, pineapple & mint and soursop. Protein ($2), Bonsoy, almond or coconut milk ($1 each) can be added to any smoothie.

Milkshakes ($6) and fresh juices ($7) are also available.

Zucchini and quinoa fritters

My guest was pleasantly surprised by how much flavour was packed into the zucchini and quinoa fritters ($19). Light and fluffy and ever so packed with flavour, they’re complimented by a sweet tomato relish and topped with a feta dressing and poached egg. The fitters won her over though and well they should have. Fried to golden perfection, these come highly recommended.

B.L.E.A.T

One of my favourite breakfasts is a classic B.L.E.A.T. Copo serves a B.L.A.T ($16) but were happy to accommodate my request to add an egg. Served on seeded ciabatta which was soft enough to not crush everything within, this behemoth of a breakfast bun comes with the ingredients of its namesake in copious amounts. The bacon was thick but crispy and the burst of the egg yolk was heavenly. A sweet tomato relish and mayonnaise bind the cacophony of flavours well. This was a well made breakfast roll and once again, I can recommend it for breakfast or lunch (even though it resides on the lunch menu).

Huevos rancheros

The huevos rancheros ($21) is not as heavy as some other versions of this dish that I’ve come across. The quesadilla is filled with smokey chipotle pulled pork and beans and topped with a fried egg. It all combines to make a hearty, fiery mixture of savoury goodness. The jalapeno salad and fresh guacamole are a nice touch.

Moroccan baked eggs

The Moroccan baked eggs ($22) offers a dish of soft eggplant, eggs and a textured light tomato sauce. The herbs and spices of the sauce were abundant but not overpowering and the topping of labne was a great accompaniment and testament to the kitchen’s ability to work with flavours that combine so well.

Eggs Benedict

One of my guests ordered the eggs Benedict ($21) which normally comes with ham, bacon or house smoked trout. Through no fault of the waiter but rather my guest who confused him, the Benedict was served without any of these and instead came with a zucchini fritter (which she did order). Despite the confusion, I can attest to the consistency of the hollandaise being as good as most that I’ve tried. The flavour was lacking slightly, I would have preferred it tangier but the eggs were poached perfectly and my guest was happy.

Karaage chicken burger

The karaage chicken burger ($24) was the only dish that left me slightly disappointed. It wasn’t a badly presented or made meal but it wasn’t fantastic in any way. On the plus side the bun was nice and soft and the pickles and coleslaw refreshing albeit slightly lacking in flavour. The chicken was cooked for a bit too long though. It was extremely crispy and while the chicken within was juicy, their wasn’t anything about the taste that would encourage me to order it again. The chips on the side come with a dipping bowl of wasabi mayo which is fantastic idea!

The menu at Copo is a large one with a lot more available than what I’ve mentioned. Regardless of what you feel like ordering, there will be a drink or dish to please you!

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