Will update opening times and meal prices after next visit...
I've lived a ten-minute walk from Duthy Street Deli for close to six years. I go through phases where I'm there five days a week, then I bore of the monotony. But the reality is, I love the familiarity of the place which is just one of the reasons I keep coming back.
The cafe is on Duthy Street just north of Wattle Street intersection. When locals say, "I'll meet you up at Duthy Street" they're referring to the cafe rather than the street itself.
The cafe has had the same owner since I started going there and is hugely popular with residents from Unley Street through to Fullarton Road, and most likely the surrounding suburbs.
I think one of it's best features is its fantastic service. The owner, Vasil, is behind the counter taking orders 90% of the time. When he's not, one of the other regulars is holding fort. The fact that they retain their staff is just one sign of great management. Joe is the barista and if he's behind the machine, you're guaranteed a great cup. In fact, I'm not sure when/if he has a day off as he's there nearly every time I drop in. A distinguished older gentleman, who I can only assume is Vasil's father is often about the place, rolling cutlery and serviette or clearing plates. On occasion I've felt like I've dropped in a European friend's home and been warmly welcomed with offers of delicious treats to fill my belly.
The menu offers a great variety of brunch options available all day and other light lunch specials. The kitchen makes most of the dishes to order, but there is plenty of wraps and rolls in the display to choose from.
It's packed here on Sundays - definitely their busiest trading day, however you can book a table or I sometimes call ahead as I'm leaving home on foot and ask them to hold me the next table that becomes available. I've also phoned ahead to place a takeway coffee order if I'm in a rush.
One of my favs for brunch is the poached eggs with truffle and sour dough bread for $xx.xx. If I'm after a salad, I'll order the haloumi salad for $15.90, although it's changed in the past few months so I now order it without the dressing and choose a thick balsamic dressing on the side instead (warm tahini dressing makes me want to vomit).
Desserts are presented with flair, usually on a platter with a fancy swirl of raspberry, cream or chocolate sauce and maybe a fanned strawberry. Coffees are served with a chocolate button on the saucer. It's such a little gesture, but I don't know anywhere else that does it, and I'm so used it it now that if they forget, I don't hesitate in asking for one (the bonus being I then usually get two). It's these little indulgences that put Duthy Street Deli high up on my list of favourite cafes.
You'll be treated with the same enthusiasm if you order lunch, desserts and drinks or nurse one cup of coffee for an hour while flicking through a glossy magazine.
Things to note, it closes at 5pm during the week and around 4pm on the weekends. I know they are already open seven days, but I've often wanted a late afternoon cuppa and have had to drive somewhere else. They are one of the few places that don't offer a loyalty card, but I think the prices are slightly cheaper here anyway and they have such a loyal following, they just don't need to. Soy milk is read more