Mabel Jones Cafe

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It may sound obsessive but I have now been to Mabel Jones three times in the last week. In the interest of this review, I thought I should be thorough so I have acquainted myself with the afternoon tea, lunch and breakfast. After the first return, I felt like part of the furniture. Olivia, one of the smiling young waitresses, said 'Welcome back, again.'



I'm not underestimating the food or anything else about Mabel Jones, but I think that Olivia and her twin Milly are notable assets. If they weren't serving they could certainly be in charge of PR. Olivia told us that there was nothing on the menu that she did not like. As a Uni student she commented that it's affordable for her and her friends and that they try to cater for all needs. Olivia said if you don't like anything, they will happily redo it at no charge because they want everyone to be happy.

Mabel Jones is only two months old now, but it is literally packed to the rafters. Several times a day you may need to queue because of the popularity. The owners, Damien and Seona Breen, are also the experienced owners of Jerry Joy* in Thornbury. I've been told the name is dedicated to the couple's grandparents.



There are a few predictable favorite cafe dishes such as eggs for breakfast and burgers for lunch, but they have certainly put interesting twists on many of the dishes and present unique items and ingredients. Here's some of them:

House-made crumpets with textures of mandarin, meringue and marshmallow ($14)

Cauliflower Tempura
with Cauliflower skordalia, candied hazelnuts, cauliflower pickles, puffed freekah, pickled grape with beetroot wafers and goats cheese ($15)



Ancient Grain Salad
Goji berries, freekah, puy lentils, coriander and toasted seeds drizzled with a lemon and pomegranate dressing ($14).
Add kangaroo for an extra $7.

Steak Sandwich
Kangaroo fillet, beetroot relish, aioli, tomato, roquette and smoked cheddar served on toasted Turkish bread ($17). Add fries for $3.50.



The cauliflower and chickpea fritters were the consistency and texture of good falafels. These were served with beetroot and tahini puree and zucchini, pickled shallot and daikon salad ($15.50). I nearly chose herb and roquette pesto scramble, folded with broccoli and silverbeet on toasted sourdough topped with ricotta salad... maybe next time.

I'm working my way through the menu, but so far I would say that the oven roasted mushrooms served on Mabel's hashbrown with a poached egg, whipped goats cheese, kohlrabi puree, drizzled with truffle oil would be my favourite. I've now had it twice. It costs a very reasonable $17.

Don't be deceived by the menu item called Bare Essentials. This sounds like it is minimal, but it is an enormous Turkish bread feast filled with what you would normally have in a big breakfast elsewhere. It includes eggs, bacon, tomatoes, rocket and plenty of it.



At Mabel Jones they take their presentation seriously. The dishes are colourful and thoughtfully placed like food art. Additionally, the food was served (on each of my three visits) impossibly fast.

Meals for kids include:
Mabel's Crumpets $6
Slice of Toast with spreads $3.50
Kids Egg on Toast $7 - add bacon $2
Dippy Eggs $8
Cheese Toastie $6
Mini cheeseburger and chips $10

Mabel Jones is tastefully styled, mostly in white. Even the toilets look like they belong in an up-market hotel. They are currently open for breakfast (from 7.30 weekdays and 8am on weekends until 4.30) and lunch, but they plan to extend two evenings and by the popularity, this will do well.



They also have sandwiches, croissants, rolls, wraps, take away salads and their sweets are to die for. I can't be more precise about the Little Bertha cakes because I love them all, but can say without a shadow of doubt that the raspberry and pistachio teacake with ground almond meal ($5.50) and meringue cake with toffee and macadamias are on my top of my favorite cakes list.

128 Mansfield St, Thornbury

Opening Hours
Tue – Fri 7.30am to 4pm
Sat & Sun 8am to 4pm

For other local restaurants in Eltham click here or Montmorency, click here .

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