Feed your soul

Whether you’re a proud local or simply visiting the region, we’ve gathered a snapshot of some of the best eateries worth checking out. From perfectly brewed barista coffee to unrivalled baked goods and wholefood cafés that will change the way you think about health food – these are our top picks.

L’AMERICANO, HILLS SUPERCENTRE, NSW

Boasting an artisan menu inspired by the heritage of the Italian Riveria, L’Americano combines the signature American aesthetic of design company Coco Republic with Vittoria Coffee’s rich Italian heritage – and it’s safe to say this café is one you’ll remember. From warm coloured tiles and rich stained timber furnishings to gold and brass accents, L’Americano exudes the old-world charm of Italian espresso bars. Serving up only the best locally sourced produce, the team of experienced chefs curate simple, classic dishes and quality coffee that will have you dreaming of days spent under the Italian sun. Sample handcrafted Italian classics like gnocchi and tiramisu or treat yourself to a tipple from their expansive old and new-world wine list curated by highlytrained sommeliers. Find them next to Coco Republic at Hills SuperCentre.

SCAN THE QR CODE to see the menu

L’AMERICANO, SYDNEY HILLS

GAMBLE & BROWN, KOTARA SUPERCENTRE, NSW HOME BAKERY & CAFÉ, CARINGBAH SUPERCENTRE, NSW

Nestled in the heart of western Newcastle is a coffee and food lovers gem that’s worthy of a visit. Walking into Gamble & Brown Café it’s clear to see that quality, freshly prepared meals are at the heart of everything they do.

With cabinets packed full of delicious chefprepared eats from loaded sandwiches to gluten-free sweet treats, the team at Gamble & Brown Café know the way to our hearts is well and truly through our stomachs. If you’re on the hunt for something healthy, the team craft daily options full of seasonal ingredients, while if it’s a hearty working lunch you’re after, their bacon and egg rolls are the talk of the town.

The team have also crafted a range of take-home options from brekky and brunch packs to long lunches, grazing platters, and family dinners – they’ve got something to please the whole family and save you from another night of cooking.

Take a look at their menu below for the full range of drool-worthy options.

Find them next to Adairs at Kotara SuperCentre.

SCAN THE QR CODE to see the menu

There’s no better combination than freshly baked treats on a cool winter’s morning, and when it comes to the best bakery in New South Wales, we think Home Bakery & Café are in the running – a big claim, we know! Serving up far more than your average bakery, the team at Home Bakery & Café have over 20 years’ experience in the culinary industry, with the menu ranging from acai bowls and falafel wraps to salads, smoothies, and of course, baristamade coffee. After all, nothing smells more like home than freshly baked bread – especially when it’s made by someone else! Find them next to Plush SCAN THE QR CODE to see the menu at Caringbah SuperCentre.

GAMBLE & BROWN, KOTARA

SCAN THE QR CODE to see the menu LUUP, PENINSULA HOME, VIC

Luup is a collection of lovely gifts, wellbeing products, and delicious eats bundled into one impeccably aesthetic emporium. Describing their ethos, Luup say they wanted to create a space full of things to make our homes feel like home only better, where they could sip their lattes and eat decent food, and they’ve created exactly that – a sanctuary that will welcome you like a long-overdue hug.

Opened by Mornington local Kellie Langeliers the space encourages women to slow down and be present. A space for women, by women.

Offering everything from coffee, juice, and smoothies, to athleisure, supplements and silk pillows – Luup is like a general store for all your health and wellbeing needs. Aside from their incredible range of products, the team also offer yoga, Pilates, massages, facials, and onsite wellbeing workshops. If you’re looking for a space with good food, good vibes, and product to revitalise your soul, this is one not to be missed.

Find them next to Sheridan Outlet at Peninsula Home.

LUUP PENINSULA

Brought to you by Recipearce

Moreton Bay bug roll

MAKES 6 ROLLS | PREP TIME + COOKING TIME: 15 MINS

Ingredients

6 green (uncooked) Moreton Bay bug tails 6 mini brioche buns 1L grapeseed oil 200g plain flour (and extra for dusting) 4 tablespoons of kewpie mayonnaise 3 teaspoons of sriracha (optional) 375ml of beer (we used Balter XPA) 1 egg 2 tablespoons of mint leaves 2 tablespoons of coriander leaves 1/2 Lebanese cucumber, peeledintoribbons 1/2 red chilli, finely sliced 1 lime 1/2 teaspoon of palm sugar Butter Salt

Method

1.Heat grapeseed oil in a pot over medium heat

2. Roll bug tails in excess flour until lightly coated 3. Combine mayonnaise and sriracha and set aside

4. Make beer batter by adding beer to flour and whisking together with a fork 5. Separate an egg. Add the white to a bowl and whisk to soft peaks. And the yolk to batter and gently fold through whites until combined. 6. In a separate bowl add coriander, red chilli and cucumber. Add the juice of 1 lime and palm sugar and toss lightly. 7. Split brioche rolls in half (all the way through) 8. Once oil has come up to 200ºC, use a fork dip your bug tail into batter shaking off the excess then lower into the oil carefully. Depending on the size of your pot you can cook 2-3 at a time but do not overcrowd your oil. 9. Cook each tail for three mins, and drain excess oil on a paper towel. NB: if your doing lots of bugs make sure your oil comes back up to temp between frying and maybe turn to a high heat. 10. In a separate pan melt butter and toast rolls cut side down for 30secs or until lightly browned. 11. Salt your bugs with some flakey sea salt. 12. Construct your rolls: add a heaped teaspoon of sriracha mayo to the bottom of each bun, pop a battered bug tail, gently place some salad mixture, add another dollop of sriracha mayo to the lid and close off your Moreton Bay bug rolls.