You might think Surry Hills and Marrickville are the go to spots for a good cafe, but we also recommend checking out their neighbours in Redfern because there’s plenty of quality spots hidden amongst the backstreets. Calico is one of these. They also don’t have a prolifically posted Instagram which is a bit of a shame since their amazing food warrants more publicity. It’s good that we’d heard about this via word of mouth.
Located on Abercrombie Street in Redfern/Darlington occupying the spot that once was Rabbit Hole tea. It is a large venue with plenty of seating and some tables in the front and outdoor area. Style wise, I love the exposed brick walls, hanging greenery and vintage items paired with some on trend flower arrangements. I also appreciate the juxtaposition of materials and design like the geometric tiles on the floor and circular wooden wall frame.
Staff are friendly and eager to please, sorting us out with menus and water. They were very accommodating with our little niece’s requests and also they thankfully they let us have our puppy in the front section of seating.
The menu is quite extensive and hosts a range of items that in addition to the expected brunch items are a range of what seems to be Middle Eastern / Mediterranean influences. Not your run of the mill menu and I like this.
Inside they have also have some pre made sandwiches if you’re on the go as well as some amazing cakes and sausage rolls and pies. Our niece ordered their bolognaise pie – well cooked pastry and a light and nicely spiced mince inside, which she ate by pulling off the top and eating it first, as kids apparently do.
The pea cracker piqued my interest. A really good option for those with dietary requirements, for it is vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free. The Gluten free cracker was topped with a smooth puréed mix of broadbean, edamame and mint and then topped with some of these beans and pomegranates. It looked so beautiful and tasted light and delicious. I would definitely re order this.
We also tried their flavoursome stuffed eggplant, filled with pearl barley, Napoletana sauce and sitting atop a spread of hummus and feta.
Our dining party also tried a really interesting menu option; their Falafel scotch egg and coleslaw. Like a normal scotch egg in its preparation, but the egg sits inside a falafel rather than meat. So cool!
We also had their halloumi wrap and a few coffees; brought to us by Cleanskin.
A full bodied smooth coffee with notes of berries, cocoa and caramel. If you’re not a coffee drinker, there’s a huge drink list with smoothies, kombucha, vegan protein shakes and milkshakes as well as organic tea.
Overall this is a great cafe all round.
Corner of Abercrombie and Hudson St
Redfern NSW 2016
Hours
7am -4pm Mon-Fri
and til 10pm Thurs-Sat