Tried this cafe out with a friend. The store itself is gorgeous. The experience was strange.
The hostess the morning we were there was very aggressively making sure no one took one pair of tables. I'm not sure if it was reserved or not, but every pair of diners who entered the cafe were loudly told those tables were only for parties of 4. Every interaction with the hostess was uncomfortable, as if I was getting into trouble from a headmistress.
The menu has a lot of really interesting-sounding Macedonian food, but it's lost amongst an enormous list of usual suspects - like burgers. I chose avocado on toast and a hot chocolate; my dining partner chose french toast and a flat white.
My hot chocolate was made cappuccino-style, with foam, and was one of the better hot chocolates I've had in Newcastle. I could see myself calling in for a hot chocolate takeaway if I lived nearby.
Breakfast was disappointing, for both the price point. The smashed avocado on toast ($15) was two small pieces of ciabatta with unseasoned avocado and feta on it. It was underwhelming and overpriced for the portion size, especially comparing other cafes in Newcastle, though the avocado was fresh.
The french toast ($14) was a single slice of wonder bread-style toast with maple syrup and berries in little jars. Again, it was almost funny because it was so underwhelming. Overall, the meal kind of felt thrown together, or pre-made.
Overall, I wouldn't return. The food is basically home-made, in that I can easily make at the same standard at home. Breakfast needs to totally be reconsidered. The cafe is beautiful but needs atmosphere - music, happy staff. It has amazing history, and I think if they trimmed the menu down to focus on the Macedonian dishes, this cafe could be incredible. read more