Cava Cafe Restaurant and Bar, Sydney CBD

Cava Cafe, Restaurant and Bar is a hidden little gem which sits in Miller's point, between Wynyard and the rocks. I head there for brunch on a Saturday morning with Matt. 

From the street, I see a lot of business buildings and hotels. It's not until you go closer to Cava that you can tell it's a homely and rustic little cafe. From the outside, Cava's exterior fits in with the street - part of the concrete jungle - but the inside is the exact opposite with lots of character, rustic cafe vibes and a sense of warmth in decore.

The owners, Geoff and Liann are entrepreneurs with many talents in the hospitality industry, music, architecture and parenthood. I am impressed as I hear about their backgrounds and ponder my own potential. 

So what is Cava? By day, it's a cafe serving up coffees, breakfast and lunches and by night (on Thursday nights), it's a restaurant with music. Cava also serves up a catering business to local office blocks.

The locals are loving their coffees in the area. I sip my chai latte and let the atmosphere soak in. I see a regular stream of people come in and order coffees at 12pm.  I've also been told Jade Hurley, their resident Australian Rock and Roll legend who lives in the Observatory Tower Apartments nearby says they have the best coffee in Miller's point. Woo hoo.

You must also check out their specials board. This is the Pulled Pork Sandwich ($12.50) is slow cooked for days to reach it's tender flavour. The pulled pork is served up on a crusty bread roll with creamy slaw, pickles and dill. This is Matt's favourite dish from Cava. The pulled pork is delicious!

I also tried the lemon chicken salad ($15) which has a generous portion of chicken that sits on a bed of avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber and salad leaves. It's a healthier option if you are looking for a carb free option.

The table next to me starts to eye off my smoked salmon bagel. The popular cream cheese bagel with smoked salmon and pickles is delish ($12.50) and moreish. There's something about the sesame seed bagel that perfect meshes well with the cream cheese and smoked salmon. I like the pickles as it cuts through the cream cheese. So simple but so tasty. Highly recommend.

I ask the owners what is popular and they point to the Breakfast sandwich ($13.50). The sandwich is served up with egg, bacon, aioli and a few greens to balance out the protein. It's simple but well executed with just the right amount of aioli to add flavour to partners in crime - the bacon and eggs.

Matt and I also agree that a must order is the Mango Smoothie which is refreshing, smooth and fruity. I'm getting quite full but while it's cold and rainy - I also down some of their pumpkin soup topped with feta and dill. It's quite nice and filling.

If you are coming on a Saturday for brunch - just be aware that they close up early at 2:30 so you may not be able to get food from about 1pmish onwards.

Summary: Check out Cava for high quality coffee and simple but well executed food. The food is rustic and homely. The owners are very down to earth. My top two dishes are the pulled pork sandwich and the smoked salmon bagel. I also highly recommend ordering the mango smoothie.

If you work nearby, ask for the catering info. They have healthy options as well as cafe favourites. You can even order a whole platter of smoked salmon bagels.

Hot Tip: Ask the staff about "Grady and the Willow Tree"

Price: $12-15 for most dishes

Location: 3/168 Kent St, Millers Point

Opening Hours: 
Mon-Wed, Fri 7am to 3:30pm
Thu 7am to 10pm
Sat 8am to 2:30pm

Weekend Food Escapes dined as guests of zomato. All photos, opinions and words are my own.