Looking for breakfast or lunch in Menlo Park? Head to Carlton Café Delicious for cleverly updated retro classics, says Eat Out critic, Alida Ryder.

The exterior at Carlton Café Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Food

The food at Carlton Café is absolutely inspired. It is clear that chef and owner Rachel Botes lets her creativity fly when she designs a new dish. Carlton classics like anchovy toast (anchovies blended with rosemary, served with thick slices of toasted bread) and spicy chicken mayo have been on the menu since the very beginning and have loyal patrons coming back for more. The Marmite tart is what she calls “Menlo Park nostalgia” and is simply perfection. The sweet and salty tart is topped with caramelised onions, a perfectly poached egg and a Parmesan crisp. For something more substantial, Conny’s Southern fried chicken should not be missed. Alternatively, their aubergine “sandwich” – layers of aubergine sandwiched with honey-infused ricotta and feta cheese and served with asparagus – is light yet indulgent.

A dish at Carlton Cafe Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Drinks

Carlton Café is not licensed to sell alcohol but they offer BYO as long as you eat from the menu. However, the lack of alcohol won’t even be noticed when you try one of their innovative drinks. If you’re after something refreshing, their Anglo-Turkish iced tea with rose water and citrus will go down a treat. For something warmer, try their “Taai Koffie” which is coffee with a layer of condensed milk at the bottom of the glass or their decadent, thick hot chocolate with chilli.

A sandwich at Carlton Cafe Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Ambience

Relaxed, modern and unpretentious. Walking into this inspired space, you know you are about to experience something special. The rows of cookbooks, home-made products and friendly faces of the staff will leave you feeling relaxed and ready to dig into chef/owner Rachel’s unique and creative dishes.

Cheesecake and coffee for dessert at Carlton Cafe Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

Staff members are very well trained; service is friendly and efficient. There is always someone on hand when you need something but they don’t hover and give you space to peruse the menu at your own time.

And…

Delicious, the café’s delicatessen, offers a whole range of treats that can be pre-ordered to take home for general enjoyment or special events.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read the editorial policy here.

Have you tried the Marmite tart at Carlton Café Delicious in Menlo Park? Write a review to tell us about it and we will pledge a meal for a hungry child through Stop Hunger Now SA.

Inside Carlton Café Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.