Definitely a locals favourite this cozy cafe serves up bountiful breakfasts and more in a funky surrounds.
On a freezing morning with the Sydney rains lashing down with no respite in sight me and my dining partner ran from the car into the Third Village café on a bustling Saturday morning. We were welcomed with a sense of warmth and coziness.
As we settled down to peruse the breakfast menu I was struck by the eye catching mural of the streetscape of Oxford Street which looks to be a print with a chalk drawing effect. This local piece of art took up the entire wall of the downstairs eating area and created very much a local’s feel to the place. The set up of Third Village is simple but effective industrial style furniture match within a cozy terrace and super friendly and smiley staff, despite the rain.
I decided I definitely needed some caffeine to start my Saturday with so I ordered a skim flat white whilst my breakfast buddy ordered the cha-. My coffee hit the mark and was smooth and strong although I have to admit I did have a bit of food envy when I saw the huge jug of steaming hot fragrant chai come out.
We were both ravenous; somehow the rain always makes me hungrier, so we both ordered a substantial feast. We both chose specialties of the house. For me it was the Eggs Mediterranean – two poached eggs with Sonoma sourdough toast with avocado, roasted tomato and sheep feta with basil pesto dressing and my friend decided on the Big Breakfast – Scrambled/poached free range eggs with Sonoma sourdough toast, and chosen sides.
When our breakfast delights did arrive we were not disappointed. Huge servings with the poached eggs on both our plates poached to perfection, no under cooking and yolks just right. My avocado was perfect and very generous. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the basil pesto however it was surprisingly modest in serving instead of a huge dollop however this worked as not to overpower the dish with too much oil and dressing, it cut through the feta and eggs perfectly. The feta was smooth and creamy with just a hint of bite. My only complaint was the roast tomatoes. These are indeed my favourite parts of a breakfast and they were sadly not roasted enough, just grilled. Still delicious and very sweet but I was expecting them a bit more roasted.
My companion was equally happy with her selection of the oh so perfect poached eggs and the crispy and flavoursome bacon, but again it was the promise of roast tomatoes that left us wanting for that sweet tang we were expecting.
All in all a very delicious breakfast on both sides of the table. Honest, clean and fresh ingredients cooked to perfection.
If you are feeling in a more virtuous mood there is a very healthy and energy filled protein porridge made with organic brown rice quinoa, nuts and seeds, served with berry compote and honey. For the health conscious they also serve a 5 egg white omelete with spinach and mushrooms. And of course the breakfast usual of bacon and egg roll with wood smoked bacon and toasties galore.
They also do a mean lunch menu that I will definitely be coming back for. With a selection of gourmet wraps and sandwiches as well as a ploughman’s lunch platter and some very tasty sounding salads included a sustainable Tasmanian salmon salad and a grilled chicken salad with grilled chicken strips, mesculan leaves, tomato , dried cranberries, seeds and balsamic.
I had a little nosy upstairs where I was greeted with a sun filled and spacious top floor room filled with more seating in the Darlinghurst terrace eatery.
This is definite a local fave, somewhere you can pop in grab your coffee fix and a quick bite from the grab and go section of the menu – fast breakfasts for on the run such as acai berry granola and berry Bircher muesli or meet your bestie on a Sunday morning to spill and gossip over the night before all within cozy and very friendly surrounds.
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri 7am – 4pm
Sat – Sun 8am – 4pm
Third Village
80 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
02 9361 5826