Saturday breakfast with friends is one of my favourite parts of the weekend. It’s the perfect time to sit back with delicious food and coffee in great company. This past weekend called for a date at the notorious Top Paddock. We are huge lovers of their sister venue The Kettle Black, which is a mere walk from our house, so was expecting a very similar set up today.
ATMOSPHERE & SERVICE
It’s a known fact if you aren’t there before 10am, expect to wait for a table. We arrived shortly before 10am, with a group of 6 (I know, impossible to get a table for a larger group) and was told we would only have to wait 20 minutes. Not bad considering how busy it was. However, 40 minutes later and we were still waiting in the cold! The host did apologise and brought us straight to our table the minute it was ready. I was a bit surprised on how long the wait was since there were a hand full of tables free when we walked inside… maybe they forgot about us?
We took our seats behind the coffee bar and ordered our first round of coffees. We had a little bub with us, and the waiter was helpful with getting the baby seat ready for us before we sat down.
The interior of the space is similar to The Kettle Black, lots of plant life, natural light and a funky fresh industrial feel. I was very surprised at how large the indoor space was, with 3 different areas for seating, plus the coffee bar and outdoor space. High exposed ceilings, retro light fixtures and dark wooden floors filled the bustling space.
Since opening their doors in 2013, Top Paddock has been a Melbourne sensation and the top go to place for the true Melbourne experience. The food is trendy, the coffee is delicious and the atmosphere is pumping.
FOOD
Here you will find all your favourite dishes, with a strong Melbournian touch. The most Instagramed dish seen to date from Top Paddock is the super amazing Ricotta Hotcakes (a MUST try!). The produce is locally sourced and of the highest quality, helping to create top notch dishes.
We were seated right behind one of the two coffee bars, and the smell of fresh coffee was heaven! Collaborating with Five Senses, their coffee list is impressive, offering a range of cold brew, filtered and espresso style coffees.
We all know my love for Bircher Museli, and I LOVE The Black Kettle’s, so though it would be a good chance to compare the two. My ‘Bircher Museli’ was served with lemon curd labna & green tea poached. Presentation was beautiful as were the flavours. The berries were some of the freshest I’ve had all winder, the lemon curd labna was just the right amount sweet and tartness, and the green tea poached pear was stunning. Definitely a winner for me!
MC ordered the ‘Top Paddock’ which was chorizo, pickled onion, peppers, basil, bacon, Adelaide green tomatoes, poached eggs and relish on the side. Although it was tasty, was a bit too hipster for him. He is a huge fan of the standard big breakfast and was hoping that’s what he had ordered. I personally loved the relish, which brought the whole dish together.
Overall, we had a wonderful time at Top Paddock. Although the wait was extensive, the atmosphere, service and food were all amazing. I can definitely see how the place is constantly busy, with a line out the door. I’m quite keen to head back and check out a few more of their dishes in the near future.
So the big question… Does it live up to its baby sister The Kettle Black? I think I’m still stuck on my neighbourhood gem!
