Café Lilliputien – One Of Bondi’s Quirkiest Cafes

By Rhys Kane on March 1, 2012 in Food

Photo: Grant Brooks

I don’t think the Bondi locals are going to thank The Beast for publicising Lilliputien Cafe, as we will be giving away their little secret. But it seems a shame not to let everyone know just how great this place is.

One of Bondi’s quirkiest cafes, Lilliputien is nestled in an unassuming position on O’Brien Street, just a stones throw away from the hub of Hall Street but in a whole little world of its own.

If you haven’t already noticed, Lilliputien has been around for two years, set-up by owner/operator Jina, who has been baking her heart out and making great coffee for a loyal fan base. She is as cute as a button and seems to love every minute of her work, as a never-ending stream of punters continue to enjoy her coffee, pastries and banter. Jina bakes everything fresh daily and has built a reputation for delicious organic coffee and an epic croissant.

Recently, a new business partner, Chef Mark Tucker, has come on-board and he’s introduced a breakfast and lunch menu that follows the cafe’s ethos that homemade is best.

The cafe itself is as cute and quirky as Jina. It has been decked out with furniture and knick-knacks that have been donated or found on the street. One person’s junk is Lilliputien’s treasure, it would seem, and this tribute to sustainability doesn’t feel at all staged – it’s almost like you are sitting in your granny’s front room. Although the cafe is quite ‘out-there’, it is still very warm and welcoming.

The food is all made in-house and the menu is small and simple with some interesting twists. The breakfast selection is good value, served with home-baked bread and some interesting ingredients like black garlic. Get in early for the almond and chocolate croissants as they often run out. There is a selection of sandwiches on the blackboard (the Reuben is a knock-out!), all for under ten bucks, and the apple, raisin and tomato chutney is so good they even sell it in jars for you to take home.

Chef Tucker has been on board for around five months and is a perfect addition to Lilliputien. He creates delicious food and is passionate about his organic supplies, even growing his own herbs and a few veggies out the back.

The coffee is organic, from gold medal winners Numero Uno. More importantly though, Jina makes it bloody well – it is smooth and strong without being overpowering and it seems to have developed a loyal following – the locals flood in for their caffeine fix and Jina seems to know everyone that wanders in.

Lilliputien is just like Bondi – it’s a bit odd and scruffy but with touches of class and cool. What a find!

Café Lilliputien

Address: 112a O’Brien Street, Bondi
Web: www.lilliputien.com.au
Open: 7 days, 7am-3pm
Seats: 25
Prices: $5.50-16.50
Cards: Eftpos, Mastercard, Visa ($10 min.)
BYO/Licensed: Neither