This ideally located cafe and restaurant has to be one of the best riverside cafes in Brisbane. Situated right on the riverside, on the other side of Kangaroo Point, it can be difficult to find especially as you can't really drive past it but you certainly can walk or ride right past it.
Riverside cafe
We found it whilst walking around the river from South Bank along the riverside walkway and stopped here to have a leisurely brunch.
Relaxed and Friendly atmosphere
Medley cafe is located on the iconic ground of Yungaba, which served as an immigration centre in the early 1900s. The cafe is snuggled next to the original building, Yungaba, which was built in 1887. It was a shelter to many immigrants who had to decide to make Queensland their new home. So Medley Cafe and restaurant continued with that theme in their diversity of flavours and cuisines from a variety of cultures from around the world. So apt for their logo "World Inspired Food".
The cafe has a large deck with outdoor seating and an indoor area, which is quite open, as all doors are open which leads to the view of the river from most seats in the cafe.
Waterfront dining with fantastic views
We started with a strong coffee, which was served by friendly staff and we enjoyed the view and company whilst waiting for our food.
But first...coffee
My dining companions were good friends and it was our weekend to catch up without husbands or kids.
Breakfast menu
The menu was quite diverse and it was a little difficult to decide but old habits die hard with me, so my choice ended up being a tasty and colourful Avocado Bliss (smashed avocado on toasted ciabatta, slow roasted tomatoes, marinated feta, basil oil and balsamic vinegar with poached eggs for $21).
Avocado Bliss
Another breakfast choice was the Marco Polo, which was hot smoked salmon with Indian spices, crispy kale, poached egg served on hash brown for $20.
Marco Polo
And even the eggs and toast with a hash brown hit the spot for another of my friends.
Eggs and greens with hash browns
Medley Cafe is open every day from 7am for breakfast and lunch with dinner on Tuesday to Saturday. It is fully licenced and advertises BYO wine on Tuesday to Thursday for dinner. It is open to sunset on Sunday with live music.
And if you were out walking with your furry friend, they are also welcome.
Getting there to the cafe can be a little tricky. Easy for the walkers as it is along the riverside walkway. An easy 500m from the Holman Ferry terminal, near Captain Cook Park in Victoria Point. You can drive but parking at the cafe/restaurant is limited along Wharf street. There is a council car park under the Story Bridge close by which is free after 5pm on weekdays and free on weekends.
Outdoor relaxed atmosphere
Having a peek at the lunch and dinner menu, which also has dishes offering a diversity of cuisines and flavours, makes it an easy choice for a return visit with my husband. I can just imagine enjoying the lights in the evenings as the sun goes down reflecting off the river.
A definite return visit is on the cards.
