we've been to this cafe a couple of times but have never been fast enough to take pictures because the food always looks so good and it is devoured before i can get my phone out.
things that you need to know about this place is that on weekends and holidays, it is very popular and very busy during lunchtime. as they have a small playground and an assortment of toys, as well as the raeward fresh grocery store on-site, it is also really busy. as in freakishly busy on some days and with lots of children around as well. if you plan to visit, a booking is advised, although we have never planned well enough in advance each time we have visited and they have still managed to seat us somewhere - you may just end up on couches though (but they are comfortable).
this is a service cafe, where they will seat you, give you water and name your service person - as well as coming to take your order whereby you pay at the end. all great components of good service that you wouldn't necessarily expect from a cafe - but highly appreciated. staff are attentive, polite and friendly and very skilled at dodging children scattered about the floor playing with toys.
the outdoor fenced playground is semi-sheltered but on a cold or rainy day, you and your children will still get cold or wet. there is a table where you can sit outside and supervise your children, however this isn't covered at all. from the warmth inside however there are a few seats where you can see your children playing outside if you were inclined to leave your kids to it, but be warned there are signs that indicate supervision of children is required.
the food arrived quickly on our last visit - there is a breakfastmenuup to 11.30 followed by a brunch menu. i ordered eggs benedict with bacon off the brunch menu. priced at $21 it isn't the cheapest around, however the portion size is fairly impressive and you get a reasonable amount of bacon on crispy toasted bread. eggs were poached well and the hollandaise was delicious.
i've noticed that themenuon this page is outdated, because the prices are different and there are somemenuvariations, but only a few on first look. so be prepared for variance if you are keen on a particular item on the attached menu.
overall, a fantastic experience, as all our others have been. the reason why i haven't given a 5 is largely because cafe raeward is the victim of it's own success ... i don't particularly enjoy really busy and noisy places, but the food is generally worth the angst of it ... and our wee boy does enjoy having a run around while we eat, so happy to return any time :)