Niche on Bridge

571 Bridge Road
Richmond, VIC 3121

http://www.nicheonbridge.com.au/

CAUTION: This blog post contains NSFW photos. Foodgasms WILL ensue.

Contrary to its name, Niche on Bridge actually occupies an entire street corner on Bridge Road. Mind you, not the fashionable end filled with cafes and shops jostling for attention, but if you walk just a little bit further down towards the residential end, your persistence will be rewarded with a lovely cafe that’s good for a bite any time of the day.

Ignoring the cool kids around Melbourne, Niche on Bridge has been fitted out to be a bright and airy space, where seating is not a rare commodity, and the furnishings don’t look like they’ve been dragged in from the curb. The modern dining room would make an easy transition from breakfast to dinner, then to drinks next door in the plush lounge.

Spicy Chai Latte ($4)

I started off with a mug of Spicy Chai Latte ($4), which came in a huggable mug, topped with thick and creamy foamed milk. The chai is mild and comforting, but became a little bland once the chai powder at the top was gone.

Ricotta Dutch Pancakes with Pistachio Caramel and Pomegranate ($13.5)

When we ordered the Ricotta Dutch Pancakes with Pistachio Caramel and Pomegranate ($13.5), I was expecting pancakes with ricotta beaten into the mixture, arranged in a predictable stack on the plate. What we actually received was met with coos of adoration; not only from us, but from the people at the next table too!

Ricotta Dutch Pancakes with Pistachio Caramel and Pomegranate ($13.5)

 

A tower of fluffy silver dollar pancakes stood in the middle of a field of ricotta drizzled with honey-coloured pistachio caramel, and red droplets of pomegranate. I had a nibble of this, and found it to be sweet and decadent, yet still light and wholesome. It was however a little bit dry, and a drizzle of maple syrup would have solved the problem neatly and deliciously.

House Made Hash Brown, Ocean Trout Gravlax, Poached Eggs topped with Apple Hollandaise ($18.5)

The reason I only had a nibble of the pancakes was because of the House Made Hash Brown, Ocean Trout Gravlax, Poached Eggs Topped with Apple Hollandaise ($18.5). It may look diminutive surrounded by a puddle of olive oil on the large plate, but pretty soon I was soon struggling to finish everything. Yet despite that, I downright refused to share because I was enjoying it so much.

House Made Hash Brown, Ocean Trout Gravlax, Poached Eggs topped with Apple Hollandaise ($18.5)

 

The eggs bled beautifully when cut into, releasing a golden stream over the stack of spinach, trout, and hash brown. I was mighty impressed with the hash brown, which actually wasn’t a hash brown at all, but a perfect square of thinly sliced potatoes, layered, baked, and lifted straight out of the pan. The result was soft, buttery layers that melted in the mouth. Unfortunately the promised apple hollandaise only had a faint sweetness, not enough to add any intrigue to the dish. Overall this was a very elegant interpretation of a classic brunch dish that avoided the common pitfall of being over-salted.

Dessert options looked absolutely tantalising, both on the menu and in the large glass cabinet, but we simply couldn’t fit any more food in. Instead we sat around for another half hour, relaxing and chatting as I nursed the dregs of my chai. It’s a really nice change to go to a cafe that leaves some room to stretch out, without a line at the door making us feel obliged to leave as soon as the last morsel passes our lips. The honest, creative food belies its sleek and modern surroundings, and it’s a very inviting place to just unwind and let the friendly floor staff take care of you. 

Rating: 14/20 - niche in my heart