Tiny Bites: Kiddo and Pet Friendly, the Artisan Garden Café

Sumptuous Aussie inspired brunches, kiddo and pet friendly, located in the up and coming Sai Ying Pun is none other than the Artisan Garden Café

I embarrassedly admit I am a total creature of habit, and this is especially the case when it comes to dining out. My family and I tend to stick to our usual spots. You know, those places that are tried and tested, offer tasty eats and are always on point when it comes to friendly service?

Last weekend we were invited to try out the newly opened Artisan Garden Café, nestled between Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town. In our attempt to venture out of our comfort zone, we strolled slightly off the beaten path. Just a hop, skip and a jump from our flat, we found ourselves in the most charming and inviting café. Artisan Garden Café flaunts a cozy outdoor terrace, out of this world coffee (really!) and the most amazing collection of vintage Fire-King glassware. The owner’s personal collection of Fire-King glassware is actually what is on display, and it is also used in service adding a quirky twist to each individual order.

Now on to the important stuff, because despite the fact a restaurant nails the ambience what really, really matters is the food! Can we all agree?

The mastermind behind this delicious menu hails from Melbourne, a destination on the map for foodies; after all, Aussies take pride in their remarkable café culture. The menu is relatively small, but bursting with flavour. The chef experiments with heaps of flavour combinations, from rich and savoury to fresh and sprightly. I would argue the menu rivals some of my long time foodie favourites, and with the past seven years spent between New York, London and Hong Kong it is fair to say my expectations might be set moderately high.

Inspired by it’s catchy name lettered on an oversized chalkboard menu posted on the wall, the Superfood Salad ($98) immediately caught my eye – yes I am a BIG fan of anything packed full of healthy, nutritional ingredient. We start with that…

The mixed greens were lightly dressed and topped with toasted pine nuts, balsamic marinated beets – delicious – and savoury feta. For a finishing touch a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and a crispy sprig of fresh asparagus. The ingredients are clearly well sourced and prepped with care, as each bite is filled with delectable freshness.

I probably could have stopped there, scarfing down every bite for myself, but given how I adore a good avocado toast it comes as no surprise I opted for the Chunky Avocado ($118) for my main. And per the chef’s recommendation, my husband ordered the Cheese Burger ($98). Who know you could infuse such creativity into a dish!

The avocado toast was divine – think chunky avocado, poached egg, sun-dried tomato, feta cheese and micro herbs all deliciously adorned with a few surprise flavours – thinly sliced red chilies, mint leaves and black and white sesame seeds. This dish took a basic avocado toast to a whole new level, packed full of flavour-forward ingredients working in perfect harmony. Well-played chef, the dish needs to be diet staple for me.

Now, the burger was an oversized, juicy mess in all the right ways. My only criticism would be the addition of the caramelised onions. They were caramelised to perfection, but a teeny-tiny bit over powering in terms of flavour, as the beef was so tasty on its own.

Finding ourselves completely satisfied, we were offered a decadent taste of sweetness we simply could not resist, and I do not even have a sweet tooth!

Let me introduce you to the Sea Salt Caramel Waffle Sandwich ($88). Layers upon layers of goodness, including fresh off the griddle waffles, decadent homemade caramel sauce, juicy strawberries and a sea salt ice cream that will make your mouth dance!

Next weekend venture to 23 Po Tuck Street and check out the delectable Artisan Garden Café. Bring your littles and your pets as this café is definitely family friendly. If you’re only passing through the neighbourhood be sure to at least pop in for a takeaway coffee. I promise, this spot will not disappoint. Happy Eating!

Artisan Garden Café, Po Tuck Street 23, 23 Po Tuck St, Sai Wan, Hong Kong; 2548 3261

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