Cafe Salina – Why We Live In The Eastern Suburbs

By Vicki Heath on June 2, 2012 in Food

Photo: Grant Brooks

Cafe Salina pretty much sums up why we live in the Eastern Suburbs – the view of a pristine Bronte beach, sunshine bouncing off waves crashing on rocks, surfers, nippers, families, couples, mates, dogs, smiles and a relaxed friendly vibe. It oozes the right kind of cafe culture, with delightful fare to boot.

Sitting amongst the Bronte Road stretch of restaurants, bi-fold glass opens Café Salina up to the street and brings inside what the outdoors has to offer. Patrons can enjoy fresh ocean air from all vantage points, yet there’s no lack of cosiness with a cushioned bench seat lining one wall and colourful blankets draped throughout.

There is no more perfect accompaniment to this scenario than a huge mug of creamy coffee and Café Salina’s machine whizzes constantly, churning out the delicious Single Origin Roasters blend.

Monitoring the busy proceedings at Café Salina is owner Hannah, who made the transition from a career in marketing two years ago. Described by one regular as an “absolute legend”, she is cute, friendly, and attentive. Riding her scooter in each day, she makes sure locals, regulars and weekday tourists are well fed and watered and she is a proud caterer and sponsor of the Bronte SLSC, providing lunches to volunteer lifesavers on weekends. And if Hannah’s not there, I’m told her manager Dana will welcome you with the same smile, enthusiasm and love.

A nutritious theme flows through the breakfast menu at Café Salina, including the ‘East Side Crew Power Smoothie’ – rich in protein and full of anti-oxidants! The local training group meets opposite in Bronte Park and also boast an East Side Crew Super Food Salad on the menu!

The corn fritters are a borderline masterpiece: heavy on the corn, crispy on the bacon and tasty on the tomato and lime salsa. The poached eggs are a pocketful of sunshine and the pecorino scramble boasts a delicious mix of mushrooms, leek and truffle oil. The hotcakes with ricotta are a real head-turner too, with every table drooling over the juicy berry compote and maple syrup stack. According to the proud pancake recipient, they’re the reason she frequents Cafe Salina, though others surely come for Hannah’s signature breakfast bircher.

The best way to wash it all down, in my humble opinion, is with an icy cold immature coconut, punctured and served with a straw. But Café Salina a liquid lovers heaven, so whether it’s fresh juices and smoothies, or affogatos and organic blends from Tea Tonic that you’re after, they’ve got you covered. You can even get a Berocca or a Bloody Mary if you’re feeling under the weather!

Lunch at Café Salina is all about soups, salads, burgers, steaks and quality seafood dishes that quietly beg for the bottles of Veuve above the counter to be popped, or even a cheeky vino aren’t your bag.

Cafe Salina is a bit of a health buff heaven and no menu alterations are needed for digestive zen, yet it still successfully provides options for proper indulgence. It’s the joint a bloke can take his girlfriend for prawns and champers whilst he chows down on the signature barramundi burger and a Super Dry.

It’s likely that tourists pass through Cafe Salina and fall a little more in love with Sydney, while for the locals it’s a lovely reminder of why we call this place home.

Cafe Salina

Address: 477 Bronte Road, Bronte Beach
Phone: (02) 9369 4012
Open: 7 Days, 7am – 4pm, plus dinner in summer
Prices: $5 – $20
Seats: 46
Cards: All cards and EFTPOS
Licensed/BYO: Fully Licensed and BYO