Playing Fields Cafe - Canberra

My wife chose the tofu salad, which was mildly spicy and absolutely delightful, while I opted for the vegetarian breakfast, which was nearly perfect (see photos... read more My wife chose the tofu salad, which was mildly spicy and absolutely delightful, while I opted for the vegetarian breakfast, which was nearly perfect (see photos). However, I did have a small issue: the hollandaise sauce I requested as an extra (not normally included in the standard breakfast) arrived as a pale white sauce that, according to the cook, contained no egg yolks. Although it was probably pleasant, it was not hollandaise; it tasted like cheap mayonnaise and did not pair well with breakfast eggs. If I had ordered eggs benedict and received that insipid sauce, it would have been quite disappointing, so be cautious. When I tried to explain to the cook what traditional hollandaise sauce is made of, she politely but firmly refused to acknowledge any mistake. Thankfully, the sauce was served on the side, so I could easily avoid it. Outside of that minor annoyance and the slow service (which might have been a fluke), as well as the lack of air conditioning on a warm day, I truly enjoyed the meal. The food was fresh and delicious overall. I would mostly recommend Cafe Essen.

The food was delicious, and I always appreciate a restaurant that offers a vegan menu. The coffee I ordered was just right—smooth, yet with enough of a kick to... read more The food was delicious, and I always appreciate a restaurant that offers a vegan menu. The coffee I ordered was just right—smooth, yet with enough of a kick to wake me up. My partner enjoyed the fresh orange juice, which was also fantastic. I had the bean tofu scramble, which was packed with flavor and quite filling, while my partner opted for the eggs benedict with salmon, and he really seemed to enjoy it. Overall, we had a wonderful breakfast, and I can’t wait to return!

Enjoying tea at Essen can be one of life's pleasures. It's delightful to sit and watch the world pass by, especially when you're in great company. The food is e... read more Enjoying tea at Essen can be one of life's pleasures. It's delightful to sit and watch the world pass by, especially when you're in great company. The food is excellent, particularly after a night out. I've visited late in the evening for coffee and cake, as well as early in the morning for breakfast, and I've never been disappointed.

Open late, usually quiet enough to have a chat. Perfectly adequate coffee with a few food options. I'm not saying it's the best place in Civic. But it's a relia... read more Open late, usually quiet enough to have a chat. Perfectly adequate coffee with a few food options. I'm not saying it's the best place in Civic. But it's a reliable spot to meet someone or hang out.

This is my favorite café in the city, conveniently located near my workplace. I especially appreciate how consistently excellent the coffee is—flavorful, textur... read more This is my favorite café in the city, conveniently located near my workplace. I especially appreciate how consistently excellent the coffee is—flavorful, textured, well-balanced, and (to my preference) not scalding hot. I also enjoy their veggie burger; instead of the typical chickpea or beetroot patty, they use a hash brown, and it’s truly delicious.