so much potential.... i don't like writing a negative review based on a single experience, but after dining atcafecoast for the fourth time i believe it is time for some feedback.
the location is beautiful, perfectly situated on the waterfront. the atmosphere is casual and understated elegance. and the staff is forthcoming, polite and attentive, creating a perfect setting for a nice dining experience.
in contrast, the food is a let down. whether it was the vegetarian breakfast wrap (a lot of cheese and little else), the muesli (served in a soup bowl, muesli and yogurt lying side by side) or eggs on toast (that i had with a side of under-seasoned spinach and mushrooms drowned in butter), i was disappointed every time.
to be fair, my husband's eggs benedict were beautifully cooked and the coffee is always delicious.
when we went out for lunch a couple of days ago, we had the antipasti platter for two and i were both completely underwhelmed by what we were given.
the pork belly was swimming in honey and the fat had not been sufficiently rendered, making for a sickening combination. the squid was nice, but nothing special. the marinated mediterranean vegetables were no stand-out either. the bread had been toasted off in a sandwich maker and was soft and chewy at the same time (my two year-old had one bite and decided he would have no more). i am no big fan of arancini balls in general, so there really wasn't much on the plate that either of us enjoyed. however, the most confusing thing on the plate were the two bowls of dips (cocktail and tartar sauce). why anyone need two bowls of different types of mayonnaise for six pieces of squid is beyond me.
all in all, i can recommendcafecoast for coffee, a nice cold beer or a glass of wine, but the food has been uninspiring and boring and we won't be dining here again.