Cafe DOV
"Top 5 Inner East Cafes for a Decade"
Modern Australian Cuisine, Casual Cafe Dining, Friendly Service
Address: 130 Victoria St Potts Point NSW 2011
Phone: (02) 9368 0600
Hours: Mon 7am - 3pm, Tues-Sat 7am - 11pm, Sun
8am-3pm
www.cafeDOV.com.au
Cafe DOV has for years been one of the best cafes in Sydney's inner east. We first reviewed it in their original Darlinghurst location back in 2002 and declared it one of the Top 5 cafes in the whole of Sydney. Then when they were forced to move to Potts Point in 2006 we figured that was a great excuse for another bout of delicious dining and we were amazed the food was even better than before. Another review one rainy night in 2009 blew us away yet again and when chef Tim Petersen took the reigns (we'd enjoyed his food at Bronte's Swell Restaurant too many times) as anticipated Cafe DOV has risen to occupy rarified Sydney culinary territory - it's a fine-dining experience disguised as a casual cafe.
Atmospherically Absorbing ...
On first-ever arrival at Cafe DOV, whether in daylight or darkness, what you'll notice is the atmosphere - cool yet funkily accepting in sunlight, at night
it's a fetchingly romantic place. There's some metaphysical vibe about
that makes you feel great to be there - DOV's stark and urbane
on the one hand, yet darkly love in action - a little bit Parisian cafe, a little bit New York bistro, a little bit Sydney restaurant, with small village eatery warmth.
At any time of day, the food is about fresh, seasonal and local produce. A large blackboard carries an extensive range of daily specials, and trays of freshly baked muffins and cookies emerge from the kitchen at regular intervals to satisfy sweet cravings.
It's All About The ... Dinner ...
At night, apart from the wonderfully friendly service we enjoyed on a recent visit in a night of fabulous conviviality, Cafe DOV is really all about the stunningly delicious food. I patted myself on the back for selecting their "Confit Duck, Swiss Chard, Braised Pears & Lardons" - it was so good I even dared to exclaim "That's the best duck I've ever had!". People looked at me as though I was drunk (just tipsy!). My dining companion also made a selection that had me salivating just looking at it: "Slow Braised Lamb, Beetroot & Mint Roast Potatoes". And then the lady in our midst chose the "Lemon Dory, Sauteed Wild Mushrooms & Wilted Chard. Chef Dru Woolnough, we loved everything, simple as that! Other mains we've lavished praise on in the past are are the
"Veal and Ricotta Meat Balls on Pappardelle Pasta in Tomato Sauce" and the "Pan-roasted Blue Eyed Cod with Roast Tomato, Kalamata Olives
and picked Basil Salad".
You can hire Cafe DOV for dinner functions, they also have a range of changing Dinner Specials where you can expect to enjoy even more exotic delights, and they're not ashamed to raise the luxury dessert bar with the Pear & Almond Frangipane with Creme Anglaise or their much-adored Dov Passionfruit "Light" Cheesecake - plus a wide range of DOV Cakes and Nice ice-creams & sorbets to round out the joy.
Liquifaction ...
Also one of the great things about Dov-by-night (and day for people unlike me who can sip the vine early) is their fab value quality wine list - it's smallish but the point is you know every wine has been through their impeccable selection process so whatever variety it is, it's the best for its price. Overall it's an eclectic selection featuring handcrafted wines, many from NSW. A small but arousing list of house cocktails and boutique beers and ciders completes the liquifications. Or you can still BYO for a very modest corking fee ... but we haven't even touched on the Breakfast or Lunch menus, think Eggs Benedict for the former and their legendary Dov Chicken Salad as among many highlights on the latter.
It was no surprise to find out DOV was voted a finalist in the category of Best Breakfast in the 2010 Savour Australia Awards for Excellence, and again in 2011.
What other media say about Cafe DOV ...
I have to admit I didn’t think there’d be any more hidden gems in Potts Point, but I don’t mind being proven wrong! Cafe DOV is physically not much more than a hole in the wall on Victoria Street – but in all other respects they are much more! Serving modern Australian, I’d suggest trying the Eggs Benedict at breakfast - Freshmag.com.au
Café DOV’s business no longer revolves around the early hours of the day with new, creative dinners allowing a little experimentation with each visit. The menu has a new drive that is ‘all about the entrée’ serving small plates of flavour-packed creations that can be ordered in selections or in main-meal size. Are you peckish or hungry? Picky or indecisive? These pure dishes needn’t hide behind a guise of flavoured foams or coloured sauces when smoked ham hock terrine is served with rustic, farmhouse charm. However, one dish that should be appreciated in its larger portion is the eight hour slow-braised lamb - the shredded meat served in a shallow bowl of braising liqueur with pickled beetroot and mint roast potatoes. - Citysearch.
I have visited DOV quite a few times for breakfast and lunch and I keep returning because the menu changes regularly based on the season and the food is consistently very good. The specials on the board are unusual yet delicious so let yourselves be tempted! I love all the brioche based brunch dishes and I highly recommend you try these. - A Reader on Eatability.
I really liked this place and would readily go back. Three of us sat outside on a still, grey afternoon, watching the world go by. Really great cafe food, very tasty, attentive friendly service. And where else can you get wine on the menu for less than $30 these days? A favourite place! - Phil Redfern on Urban Spoon.
What Cafe DOV Says about Itself ...
Cafe DOV has for more than twenty years, been one of Sydney's favourite cafes. Originally in Darlinghurst, DOV is now located in Sydney's bustling Potts Point, on leafy Victoria Street.
Still a locals' favourite, DOV was voted a finalist in the category of Best Breakfast in the 2010 Savour Australia Awards for Excellence, and again in 2011. Weekend breakfast at DOV is a must do for visitors to Sydney and locals alike.
It’s not all about breakfast though, with a creative menu for lunch and dinner that offers nearly every dish as a small or big plate – perfect for sharing or experimentation.
DOV is a little bit Parisian cafe, a little bit New York bistro, a little bit Sydney restaurant, with small village eatery warmth.
At any time of day, the food is about fresh, seasonal and local produce. A large blackboard carries an extensive range of daily specials, and trays of freshly baked muffins and cookies emerge from the kitchen at regular intervals to satisfy sweet cravings.
Service is fast, friendly and attentive, delivered by a professional team that welcomes everyone as locals.
Cafe DOV is fully licenced, with value packed wine list – an eclectic selection featuring handcrafted wines, many from NSW. A small but tantalising list of house cocktails and boutique beers and ciders completes the offering.
Cafe DOV is open for breakfast and lunch, 7 days a week. Dinner is served from Tuesday to Saturday nights. functions/events/catering by appointment.
For more click on www.cafedov.com.au
Review by Stewart Dawes.
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