Don’t be confused by the title of this post. It’s the name of a new cafe I’m showcasing, in a bid to get to know a few more of the local cafes in the inner Sydney area. Reviews aren’t really my thing but I thought I would try something a little different for my blog. Do tell me if you enjoy these posts. (or even if you don’t). Plus it gives me a chance to practice my photography!
I love this place! Robbie, the owner, has spared no expense in making this place look good. In a sea of calming spearmint Bellini chairs and Matt Blatt bar stools, you can sip your latte and enjoy a number of gastronomic goodies from the menu. I ordered three coffees over a two day period and each was made exactly to my specifications (yes ! I’m picky!). The walls are adorned with beautiful artwork and the attention to styling is impeccable. The Country Trader workstation is an art piece in itself!
The menu is packed with dishes such as a “meze” plate, mushroom risotto, salads and an array of organic breakfast items. And if you look on the counter you can spot Greek “melomakarouna” (walnut honey biscuits) and a flourless orange cake made with semolina! I ordered a poached chicken sandwich with mayo, celery and shallots…simple and delicious.
I particularly love the white tulips sitting on the bench top facing the window. Fresh flowers always seem to brighten up people’s moods. I tell you I had a great time photographing this place. If you’re from Sydney or visiting soon, go on down and check it out. You’ll love it!
MONKEY AND LEO
SHOP 1/17 ELIZABETH BAY RD
ELIZABETH BAY
NSW 2011
OPEN 7 DAYS
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{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
I like the review, and the awesome photos! Sounds like a great place to sip a latte!
A nice and refreshing place! I love your shots and, especially, the latte one!
Cheers,
Rosa
I would love to visit Sydney one day, as I have heard so much about its gastronomic treasures. However, I am particularly jealous of such cafes because, believe it or not, we don’t have them in Greece. Of course we have cafes, tons of them, but nice places to have a good breakfast and read your paper on a Sunday morning, with loads of character, are, at least in my neighbourhood, non existent.
the first thing i noticed was the melomakarona
could someone come to crete and tell people that this is the kind of service we like, and the days of the white plastic-lined paper tablecloth need to become obsolete?
The photographs are just amazing, P!! The tulips give great impact on the frame. Love that one. It seems that you really like this cafe
good on you, mate!
It was the title that made me curious to this post in the first place…:) Love your photos of the cafe Peter. It’s not likely that I wil be visiting anytime soon (although Australia is high on our ‘want-to-go-to’ place, but I think you’ve managed to capture the spirit of the place beautifully. I am sure the owner is really pleased with these photos! And those tulips…. still give it a touch of good old Holland!
Nice Rosette on your Latte – looks like you got a nice amount of good dark crema, as well. Making my mouth water actually, lol.
What lens is on your camera here, btw? It’s very good!
You do great reviews Peter. I remember one you did at a hotel you stayed. Next time you go ask him why he named it Monkey and Leo (Elias?). Lovely pictures, as always.
I love these neighborhood cafes where you can meet friends, have brunch, vent, laugh, break bread and waste a Sunday there.
Tell the boys the place is tastefully decorated and I love natural lighting in a place. The review idea is a good one…celebrate Sydney (you can have the title too)! lol
SYDNEY! Darn… I doubt that I will ever make it there. Would love to visit this place. Looks wonderful!
nice work! I can see a theme going on here..
I love small boutique cafe like this, especially those in melbourne. Just wish Sydney can be as chillax as in melb.
Looks wonderful! Great find Peter
Seriously, It would be worth the trip to get that cup of coffee!
I like your review just fine, thankyouverymuch. Those chairs are TO DIE for.
I am picky about my coffee too. I guess great minds think alike!
What a great place! Love your description and your photos and I can definitely use a cup of that latte right about now. New York has tons of warm cafes like this, especially throughout Astoria, Manhattan and Brooklyn. A relaxing Sunday breakfast/brunch in such a cafe is the perfect way to end/start your week!
Your photography needs no ‘practice’. I always admire your photos. Great work here, as usual.
Great photos as always, Peter, and I always enjoy your posts! This cafe looks delicious!
Hola Chico! One more reason to fly over to Sydney (I have a dream
). Beautiful pictures… I’m crazy about pictures and photografy too, however I’m not that good… yet ;D.
My husband was kind enough to buy me a Sigma APO DG 70-300 mm with Macro function and I’m still learning but it’s so much fun!!!!
The tulipes photo is stunning
What a great spot… and I’m TOTALLY digging the name of it.
Should I ever… be IN the neighborhood, I’d definitely stop by
I love the coffee shot!
Great photos, great place, great food, great coffee. I had the pleasure of sampling the fine wares provided by this establishment last Saturday. Am really proud of the owner Robbie who just happens to be my little bro. Love you bro, upwards and onwards from here. Lxxooxx
The hottest place to be if you want to relax…excellent food, exceptional coffee…great customer service.,.!!!.
I love these reviews, Peter, and I love your photography. I might not get on the next plane to visit the cafe, but at least I get to know more about Sidney and it’s people and food. Keep them coming, I say
Amazing photos. Love the vase with flowers, and the fuzzy green chairs.
LL
Thanks for the review – I used to live around the corner, and that shop used to be the local Greek deli. I will definitely come back and revisit the place. And your photos are always so lovely…
Fantastic addition for all of the locals living on the liz bay loop. Also, there is a very friendly, slim chap who runs the place? Will certainly be back soon.
Had a great lunch here with my wife. Simple, elegant and sophisticated would be words I’d use to describe this cafe. The staff are understated but attentive and the coffees are to die for. The owner told me the reason for the name Monkey & Leo but you will have to visit to learn the secret. Definitely worth a second visit, and a third and a fourth……….
your photos are truly impressive. i like your style.
thanks!…i’ll check it out!…
i love fresh flowers in a cafe…..
hey, the shots were just beautiful the same as the cafe..so every one around that area is nice and friendly, i enjoy every bit of it and i would be waiting every friday to come so i can jump behind the machine and start my day with a short black before the rush hour that i enjoy making coffee for our friendly lovely customers, the barista boy in moneky and leo. (luai)