Le Monde is the essence of a cafe that hides in plain sight – I’ve been down the hill on Foveaux Street many times by bus and car and have never noticed it perched on the slope, until I walked through the area one time and was actually moving at a pace that I could appreciate how bustling it was during weekend brunchtime.
This cafe with its airy, high ceilings has actually been around for a while and does a solid brunch – so it’s not surprising that it is packed the whole time we were there, seated on a comfy banquette seat filled with soft cushions.
We tucked into two of the dishes off their signature menu – I went for their Crunchy Potato Rosti which formed the bed for an artful mound of silky smoked salmon, poached egg, spinach, crumbs of salty feta, topped off with an interesting saffron hollandaise and crumbed pistachios for a slightly Middle Eastern inspired touch. The combo of all those elements tied in nicely with the juicy, roasted cherry tomatoes on the side.
Crunchy Potato Rosti with Smoked Salmon, $16
The boy went for the Truffled Poached Eggs, enticed by the promise of grilled haloumi paired with white truffle oil for a luxe touch, as well as confit tomato and avocado on a delicious slice of toasted miche. It lived up to expectations, especially with the liberal dashes of white truffle oil and a sneaky extra side of chorizo for a meaty flavour hit.
Truffled Poached Eggs, $16 (with extra chorizo)
It’s easy to see why Le Monde Cafe holds its own against the many Surry Hills cafes on the scene – with great value brunches for the neighbourhood that feature interesting gourmet ingredients for a unique, worldly touch.
Excuse Me Waiter dined as guests of Le Monde Cafe
Le Monde Cafe
83 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: (02) 9211 3568
