Cafe Scintilla is just one of many cafes on Burgundy Street, Heidelberg. Mr Pen likes to eat here due to its immediate proximity to our local supermarket.
The interior has a slightly cold, sterile feel which is in part due to the blue and cool, deep red walls but also the stainless steel tables. This is in part mitigated by the constant chatter of fellow diners - it's nearly always busy.
As a newbie to Melbourne, my first visit here I learned the hard way that smoking is still permitted in outdoor eating areas - there doesn't seem to be a non-smoking outdoor eating area.
Beans are supplied by Merlo, so you're guaranteed a decent caffeine fix. Cold drinks on the menu include juices and a range of milk/thick shake flavours, including the hard-to-find blue heaven. For a trip back to childhood joy, I suggest ordering one of these unnatural coloured, mystery tasting beverages. A small range of alcoholic beverages round out the menu so no matter what your thirst you should find something that appeals.
The food is middle-of-the-road. A large menu covering breakfasts, light meals, pasta, risotto, burgers and mains (including the mandatory chicken parma) spoils you for choice. I think the food is a little too salty - for example - my most recent meal was gnocchi with salmon and capers and all the capers had to be picked out because too much salt. The burgers are a good choice - try the New York Knockout. There are chips on the burger.
Breakfast is severed daily until 3pm, so if you've had a late night, there is somewhere local a for that greasy fix.
Overall, I'm still undecided if I like it or not. May have to visit again to make sure. read more