You're inundated with choices when it comes to breakfast/brunch spots along Surry Hill's Crown Street. One that's worth the wander is
four.ate.five. No, it's not named after some pun-based number joke (
why was 6 afraid of 7? anyone?), this great little cafe sits at 485 Crown Street, and that's where it gets its name.
Immediately you're inundated wafting coffee beans, and tempted by the fresh pastries that sit in the window. The cafe is narrow, but long, and you can grab a table indoors, or sit under an umbrella outside. It's particularly nice outside on a sunny day, when you can enjoy a bit of sunshine with your brunch while also doing a bit of people watching.
Breakfast at four.ate.five is very egg heavy. There's the flexible option of getting having eggs poached, scrambled, or fried and then adding on things like bacon, salmon, mushrooms, chipolatas, avocado, or even ricotta. But the eggs come in other forms too, like the maroccan baked eggs with almonds, labne, and organic sour dough. Or there's the homemade creamed corn topped with poached eggs and bacon. After this dish you'll never be able to enjoy canned creamed corn again.
Of course there are also plenty of options
sans eggs, four.ate.five boasts a very thorough breakfast menu.
At lunch time you can choose from some impressive salads, as well as the long list of sandwiches and burgers. The sandwiches are easily grabbed take away if you don't have the time to sit down. The pulled pork sandwich is particularly popular.
The atmosphere at four.ate.five is relaxed, but it's still the sort of place you could go for a special birthday or date brunch. The baristas working up the front of the store are friendly and chatty, and a bit like a concerned parent if you announce that you'll be sitting outside on a day with winds and predicted rain. Up the back of the store you can peer into the kitchen, which is entertaining in any restaurant.
There are smooth coffees, as well as a small but excellent juice and smoothie menu.
four.ate.five is open daily, and you can expect a good feed served with a side of friendly service. When you eat inside, just watch out for the
stepasaurus.
You can check out their
menu online, and follow their
Facebook page for more tasty food shots.
