A day with seniors today snd a very nice day it was to. But, they weren't asking me for cafe recommendations and that's how we ended up at Billy's Lounge. Sometimes it's good to go to a place like this just to help gauge how good much of the rest of Melbourne's food scene is.
So, how was it then. I'd say just ok and largely endorse the current low or mid range rating. I'd give it 2.7, just above a pass. It's a pleasant open cafe/bistro with a modern fit out. It was doing a very good trade when we arrived and we were told we might have to wait up to 20 minutes for our meals. The menu looked ok with some reasonable sounding dishes on it. We were served quickly and pleasantly. I started with a coffee which was average but ok, I thought. No prizes but no no major problems either. I had the chilli scrambled eggs for main. It had decent heat but with an unusual spice or spices which left a slightly odd after taste. On the plus size the dish was moderately well presented and was a decent size. There was a good serve of bacon as I'd added that as an extra. The grilled chilli on top of the dish was a nice touch. The egg itself in the dish was cooked reasonably well.
I also tried the bruschetta. I've never encountered one like it. The tomato was cut into long slices instead of being diced. The bread (not toast) barely had any oil on it so it hadn't softened and was excessively chewy. The method did not make it easy or pleasant to eat. On the plus side one of our party had the arancini balls and enjoyed them.
Overall, it's an average place for me with fairly prosaic food. But, it was a pleasant and convenient place in the middle of Westfield Doncaster to prop and have a nice catch up. read more