This cafe at Mindarie Marina forms part of the chain of Dome Cafes, which can be found around the country. From this perspective if you've been to one Dome, you know what to expect in terms of food and beverages.
It can get pretty busy at a weekend, so get there early
If I'm being honest, I don't frequent this Dome due to its gastronomic offerings, instead I enjoy its location, convenience and the fact that it has the benefit of an enclosed play area for children. I would highlight that this play area would only be perceived as a benefit to those with children; to the kid-free demographic, I'm sure you'll be choosing your table far away from this 'haven'.
Kiddie Heaven; Parent's Haven
I have found the food to be of quite varied quality. They offer a great all day breakfast menu which is probably my favourite part of the menu. For just under $18 you can get a big breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, mushroom, hashbrowns, and toast, which is big enough for me to share with my son who loves it.
Aside from this, you'll find all the regular cafe dishes present and accounted for, and my overall summary is that they are fair, edible but lacking any real flare in terms of imagination, presentation and overall flavour. They've not achieved too much in terms of wanting to create a culinary experience that would condition you to want to go back again and again, but the food is pleasant enough, and on the whole acceptable.
I think keep your expectations realistic, and then you won't be disappointed. They do keep a glass counter of well stocked cakes and sweet treats, and these are certainly pleasant enough for an afternoon sugar fix but again lack that extra bit of love and attention to be considered exceptional.
Cake Anyone?
They offer a full complement of hot and cold beverages including a lovely range of iced coffees called Espreskis which are topped with whipped cream and all manner of naughty sweetness, so certainly not for the faint hearted, or those on a diet.
The coffees are pleasant, however I've got used to ordering mine with an additional espresso shot as I find them a little too weak on their own. On the cold beverage side, they offer a range of fruit juices and smoothies, which are tasty but the smoothies could do with a pinch more fresh fruit to really deepen their flavour.
The HighlightsThe location for me is the reason that I return to this cafe. If you sit at the front of the cafe, you overlook the beautiful marina and on a busy weekend this provides you with a great vantage point for people watching. Sit at the back of the cafe, you have access to a bright and cheerful kids play area as well as being able to listen to the music spilling out from the local pub. If you are a dog owner, I've seen many people bring their dogs and sit at the tables on the outside of the restaurant, which is a bonus as a lot of the local cafes often have a no dog policy.
The Lowlights
Food is pleasant but unexceptional. Drinks will quench your thirst but not leave you with any warm fuzzies.
Combine the location, the convenience factor and the general acceptability of the refreshments on offer, for me personality, this makes for a very amenable cafe experience. Sans children, this wouldn't be my 'go to cafe' for a coffee or for a dining treat, but all things considered, I'd recommend this for a weekend brunch, an easy parent coffee play date or for a ladies that lunch experience.
