Cantina 663, Mount Lawley

Flat whites

Renée's breakfast

Ross' breakfast

This morning we walked to our staple breakfast spot - Cantina 663 on Beaufort Street, Mount Lawley. It is a European-inspired café with wine racks up the length of the exposed-brick walls, and seats and tables crammed not just inside but into the galleria entrance and onto the footpath. Tall marble tables are also available. The place is a hit with the Mount Lawley-ites (yay we're in this club!). We chose a table on the footpath. The vibe is instantly bustling and relaxing at the same time!

Like the interior decor, Cantina's food is based on a European premise with emphasis on quality and seasonal food. The menu changes now and again at the chef's whims, but never to the detriment of quality food. A favorite of mine is the granola with almonds and buffalo yoghurt - a menu item that has recently morphed into muesli with fresh figs and again into bircher muesli with apples ($10.90). Likewise their hotcakes frequently change toppings, but always staying fresh, tasty and interesting ($15.90). Today Renée chose the scrambled eggs on joy toast ($12.90) with a side of chipolatas ($4), and I had the Mamma's Breakfast comprising scrambled eggs, ciabatta, chipolatas, bacon, tomato, mushrooms and hash browns ($20.90). Whilst on paper this sounds everyday ho-hum, it was anything but! The eggs are delicately flavoured with chives, the mushrooms cooked to perfection, and even the tomatoes looked like a feast - they looked nothing like standard fare and more resembled semi-sundried tomatoes. I will not touch a raw tomato but these almost looked edible! There was nothing hashed about the hash brown which was more like a baked potato cake - delicious! Renée went with the intention of ordering the hotcakes but ordered her favourite scrambled eggs combo, she reckons their bread is one the tastiest in Perth!

Service is quick, friendly and unobtrusive. Water was brought to us in one of those brown medicine bottles, and our flat whites came shortly after. The only downside to coffee is that the coffees made during the head barista's smoke breaks are not as good, but today we has the good luck of perfect coffees, served in European-style cups. Today we felt like loitering and I ordered an iced mocha. Now in Perth iced drinks are usually served with generous slathers of icecream and cream, usually with loads of ice and the with the colour of a Brownes Iced Coffee. But continuing with the Cantina's theme (yes, European), the iced mocha was served with a strong shot of coffee made perfectly, a dollop of icecream and chocolate sauce served in a hi-ball glass, and it was DELICIOUS!! And the colour, so dark and rich-looking! Never again will I venture to [insert your local café franchise here] for an iced drink fix!

In short, Cantina offers the kind of food, service and vibe sorely lacking in this city; we hope it never ever closes down as we heart you Cantina and your breakfasts are seriously great nosh!

P.S Renee has downloaded a new app on her iphone and is obsessed hence the polaroid pics- I must admit they do look cool!

The Verdict

Coffee 4/5
The Eggs (the meal!) 4/5
Service 4.5/5
Atmosphere 4.5/5

Overall 17/20

Would we go again?
Ummmmmm - YES!

Website: http://www.cantina663.com/