Barmuda, Newtown

Barmuda is (so far) my favourite cafe in Newtown. I have now been there twice, and both visits have seen me consume great food and coffee in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

We wandered to the cafe on a Sunday morning. It was busy and we were seated in a room upstairs that I hadn't noticed before. 

The decor at Barmuda is wonderful, with rustic old floorboards, big blackboard menus and tightly-packed yet cosy furnishings.

I ordered the chargrilled polenta with pan-fried haloumi, spinach, chargrilled zucchini and chilli napoli. The presentation was exquisite, the bold greens, yellows and reds contrasted excellently, making the dish extremely pleasing to the eye. The meal is everything it promises to be on the menu. I do, however, think that the polenta gets a bit boring after a while and could do with more seasoning.

One friend orders the potato stack crispy potato cakes with scrambled eggs, roasted tomatos, (ham), rocket and tomato relish ($15). Her request to replace the eggplant with ham is given the okay, but she is charged extra. I should note that overall our waitress was quite pleasant and very quick to take our orders, unlike my last visit. My friend thoroughly enjoys stack and is in awe of the crispy and damn tasty potato cakes.

The other two diners (boys of course!) opt for the Planet Newtown [free range eggs with bacon, sausage, balsamic and rosemary mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and toast ($16.50)], one of Barmuda's specialities. Both are overly pleased and neither, despite being "growing teenage boys", are able to finish their meal. The sausages and marinated mushrooms get a special mention.

Both times I visited this swanky cafe on Australia Street, a splendid time was had with delicious, creative food and good company - in my fellow diners, but also in the general atmosphere of the restaurant and the waitstaff. The only downer was trying to split the bill - and I should warn you that there is a ten per cent surcharge on Sundays.

Barmuda, 283 Australia Street, Newtown (opposite the police station)