I've been coming here for over 25 years and love it. The location has great ambiance: the inside is a converted house and you dine in a number of different rooms. The outdoor patio is also very nice and calming, as well as comfortably shaded (which is great on a hot day). The food is great, and I think they are especially good on sweet breakfast items. The beignets are wonderful: crispy in the outside and soft on the inside. They aren't hollow like other beignets I've had, but I actually prefer this version. It's kinda like a light cake consistency. The sauce with them is also superb. My niece got the breakfast sandwich and I was quite envious. The combo of bacon, egg, cheese and brioche is solid, and if I could do it over again I'd order that with the hash brown (to be inserted in the sandwich). I got the chili verde and it was good, but I'd say other breakfast items I've had (the pancakes, the Benedict) are more uniquely stand out good. read more

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Cafe Nouveau is a great brunch spot in Ventura County, if you're in the area. I suggest checking in via the Yelp app, to the virtual "waitlist" on the weekends. My family and I waited only 5 minutes to get seated, as we kept track of our virtual place in line. Service was attentive, efficient and friendly. I was very impressed. For a busy, busy bustling restaurant ...as service did not ever lack or get cranky. I ordered the maple bacon beignets and strawberry matcha pancakes (see my pics) for the table and we devoured it all. So good and definitely would order them again. I tried the ahi avocado roll, which came with grilled veggies and at least the ahi wasn't canned (see my pic). I'd be back to try other items on the menu. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cozy interior. Outside covered patio seating here too[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. We parked in a free lot, across the street and behind other businesses. read more

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They're understaffed, I waited a long time for water, given it was a week day but still.... Anyways with that out the way I wanna tell you how great this place was, accommodated all requests whole being mindful of my pockets! The manager or owner stepped in to help to speed things along, and my patience was rewarded, the food was good not great but really really good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe was eccentric and peaceful but there was a very loud group that kind of killed the quiet.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There was a lot of opportunity for privacy in their sections of seating made with greenery and some decor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]If the review was based on that it would be a 6/5, it's a bit overwhelming but in a great way reminds me of a cute labyrinth.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Would come back and bring friends read more

Such a delightful place! The place itself is so cute and the food was delicious! I was driving up to the bay and am so glad we pulled over to enjoy lunch there. Our waitress was so friendly and kind. I plan to come back! read more

Cafe Nouveau - Such a cute place! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

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Café Nouveau is where breakfast first seduces, then decorates the crime scene. The service is fast, sharp, stylish, and attentive without clinging like a needy ex at a bus stop. Coffee is smooth, civilized, and blessedly not one of those scorched brews that punches you in the thyroid. The maple bacon beignets arrive dusted like they've just escaped a blizzard in New Orleans after being assaulted by a pork wagon. Ridiculous? Yes. Delicious too. The Eggs Benevilla is the true headliner: a deep-fried tamale replacing the usual English muffin, topped with eggs, lighter jalapeño-kissed hollandaise, avocado fanfare, and sautéed potatoes that actually deserve your loyalty. Both side sauces slap--one vinegary and bossy, the other sweeter and salsa-like. Then the room begins its strange little opera: jewel-toned mosaic tables, sunflower glasses ordering you to "Enjoy!," old wood floors, star lanterns, fake rose-garden windows, and enough burnt-orange, storybook charm to make you suspect Édith Piaf retired here and got into brunch. Even the water arrives like a supporting actress with perfect timing. Outside, Ventura still looks marinaded in sea salt, civic fatigue, hungover hippie optimism, and those pleading little signs begging everyone to keep it clean, as if the whole town were a lovable delinquent. In the hidden front entrance area where a bouncer/busboy like greeter is sits quasi-porch seating as an odd little outdoor opera loge seating area, where the special and crowned drama damsels and foo-foo puppies hold court beneath a vaguely bellhop-bouncer aura. At least two of those dogs absolutely have therapists, and one may be working through trust issues with its tax accountant. Café Nouveau is weird, warm, theatrical, and very, very good. The crosswalk parking looks lethal, yet traffic miraculously yields. read more

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Beautiful ambiance, exquisite service, and one of the most popular spots for a weekend brunch! They have a small parking lot across the street, but be prepared to hunt for a spot to park and wait for a table during peak brunch time. Amazing decor with art nouveau touches and plenty of plants. Menu is very extensive with something for everyone, including children and vegetarians. Portions are huge and their famous potatoes live up to their reputation. My only reason for deducting a star is because of their extensive menu, everything is done very plainly, the dishes are technically good, but there is no chef creativity or personal touch. I'm sure most patrons find the copious servings and beautiful service and surroundings perfect. I just wish it was less of a brunch factory. read more

Cafe Nouveau - Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

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I've attempted this place twice now. I'll start with the good: the service is always fantastic. Everyone is great. And the restaurant itself is very cute, with a woodsy, outdoor feel amongst the trees. The bad: the food is very mid. And ridiculously expensive for what it actually is. I got a wrap both times and both times they came out like a bowl of soup wrapped up in a tortilla that made me feel yucky after the meal. My egg white wrap didn't look like it had egg whites in it at all. Nor did the chicken one I had a few weeks ago. Paying $27 for a breakfast wrap that looks like this (and more importantly did not taste well) just doesn't make sense to me when I can make 4 of them at home for the same price that are better. read more

Cafe Nouveau - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

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I can not say enough wonderful things about this place. My husband and I stumbled upon this cafe while on a road trip and it is now on our road trip "must stop" list. We had our little dog with us which was great as the patio is dog friendly (and the workers were actually very friendly to our dog, unlike places that just "allow" dogs). Each table outside felt like it's own little oasis, tucked into a corner here or there. It made it easy with the dog as we weren't sitting right on top of other people. The menu is huge and there were SO MANY things we wanted to try. The maple bacon beignets? OMG. Heaven. My hubby also LOVED the Korean inspired loco moco type thing he ordered (can't remember what it was called). My chicken frisco sandwich was good - but not the highlight of the meal. Portions were generous, which was good because this was NOT a cheap meal. Probably the most I've ever spent on breakfast. But...worth it. The staff was SO SO friendly and the place is a hidden gem. I can't wait to come back. read more

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Came on a Saturday. Joined the waitlist on the way for a total wait of 30 min. Eggs Florentine- the hollandaise was bland and needed salt unfortunately. I did however love my au gratin! Loco moco- the meat was good but the gravy wasn't a regular brown gravy. It definitely had wine in it which completely threw me off, as that's not how loco moco as are made Gouda frittata - this was meh unfortunately Maple Bacon beignets - our favorite. Perfectly delicious! Blueberry muffin - loved it! Not too sweet and perfect texture Our server was very nice. I enjoyed sitting outside as inside was very loud and crowded. Happy I went but probably won't return read more

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So delightful I had friends from out of town and I wanted to take them to one of my favorite Ventura breakfast places Our waiter was so fun and they were so impressed with the menu Man, that was a good breakfast read more

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Where do I begin...the service the ambiance the food - wish I could give them ten stars. I was so impressed with the staff, everyone was polite and good natured, our waiter threw in hot coffee in a to go cup when we were done without us saying anything, the beignets were perfection...the tres leches pancake was the best mistake we made. I knew I couldn't finish it but we had to order it. I'm so happy we came out to eat here! read more

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Loved our server Moses a LOT. Maybe the most welcoming, charming, kind efficient server ever. We felt like we were his guest at his home. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is ethereal. Outside you can hear the birds singing. it feels like you're a guest in a special home[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. My eggs and fruit were wonderful and the dish of poached eggs was served on a banana leaf. Just every detail considered. Heaven, and I'm high maintenance I'm told. read more

Cafe Nouveau - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

Third time here. Each visit has been excellent. Food is superb! Staff is friendly and helpful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambience in the outside seating is wonderfully relaxing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The only downside is the wait time. They do not take reservations for weekends and holidays. read more

Wow- Cafe Nouveau is a hidden gem! New to the area we decided to ride our bikes over for a late brunch. When we arrived we asked where would the best place be to keep our bikes and we were ushered to a secure area. We dined outdoors and the service was incredibly attentive an friendly. The menu is eclectic and it took us some time to first decide between breakfast or lunch and then what to order. From the fresh juice in the mimosas to the flavorful Korean bowl and chorizo scramble, everything was delicious and the portions are large. Due to the variety of menu items, this is a great restaurant for a large group as there is something for EVERYONE- vegan, gluten free, pescatarian, health conscious, and for those who want to channel their inner Elvis or just be a little naughty, please try the peanut butter bacon banana French toast sandwich. We will be back! read more

OMG is all I can say about this place. The food is amazing. First time here. Someone had recommended this place and, with a Sunday up for a drive., we drove from Woodlands Hills to Ventura specifically to try this restaurant. Our wait was not long. The menu is extensive. I ordered the chicken sausage omelet with hash browns and a sweet potato biscuit. The food is excellent. To start off our meal we ordered the chocolate turtle brownie waffle. There is nothing in this world like it. If you love chocolate, this is an absolute must. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The service was great, the ambience nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would definitely do the drive to have breakfast here again. This place will not disappoint. Our waiter was Taylor and he couldn't have been more helpful. read more

Cafe Nouveau - Chicken sausage omelet with side of hash brown. Not pictured is the sweet potato biscuit - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

Came here for brunch around 11. There was a little wait but thankfully the weather was nice as we did have to wait outside. There wasn't really a waiting area but that didn't bother me too much. The service as soon as we got there was great! The staff were really kind no matter how busy it was! The restaurant itself is also really cute! It looked like it was a house so the space is smaller but it was cute and more of a cozy vibe. And the food.. delicious! Literally everything was good! The savory options, the pancakes, even the coffee, delicious! Also love that they had beignets because I feel it's rare to find here in California if it's not at Disneyland. So we will definitely be back! 5 stars for sure! read more

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Very nice ambiance. Very clean. Nice menu. Fresh French bakery in the restaurant with too many wonderful choices. Kind and attentive staff and manager. Also has a full bar. A definite must. read more

This place was such a gem! It was easy to find parking, we were seated immediately around 7am on Saturday, and the service was so quick and efficient. The place was very cutely decorated, too. We came here because of how close it was to the ferry we were taking that morning, and it was the perfect place to come! I got the Nouveau Scramble and my boyfriend got the Breakfast Sandwich. We really enjoyed both of them, and it was a generous amount of food. Everything was delicious. For a little story time: My boyfriend describes himself as "not very food-motivated," but he turned to me randomly about 10 hours after eating here and said, "That was a really good breakfast sandwich." He honestly has never done that before, so this speaks volumes! read more

Cafe Nouveau - Nouveau scramble - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

Great brunch spot in Ventura with lovely indoor and garden seating. Outdoor seating is dog friendly, and our pup always enjoys being here with us. They do have a few (delicious) vegan options, and the food is consistently good. This is a favorite spot for my (now college aged) daughter and I to brunch, and a bit nostalgic as we used to live in Ventura for a number of years. read more

Cafe Nouveau - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

Cute place. We got a little weirded out at first walking in, thinking we were walking into someone's house. It has a very unique but really cute ambiance, and the customer service was so friendly. The food was hands down delicious. The place is on the smaller side, so if you're looking for a lot of space this probably isn't it. However, it's super good and definitely worth a try. read more

We went to Cafe Nouveau on Easter Sunday morning and honestly had a really nice experience. They don't take reservations, but they do have a waitlst you can join ahead of time or when you get there. Even on a busy holiday, we only waited about 15-ish minutes to get seated, which wasn't bad at all. Parking is street parking - you might have to drive aroudn a bit, but it was not too bad. Google Map takes you right there without any issues. The ambiance is super cute with a laid back vibe - loved the funky decor. Service was friendly, and our server checked in on us a few times and kept our water refilled, which we appreciated because it was a hot day. For food, I got scrambled eggs and added my own veggies and cheese - the portions (especially with the sides) are pretty big, so definitely come hungry. We also got a sweet dish and I was a little worried it might be too sweet, but the French Toast was actually really good and well balanced. And don't skip on the beignets - so good! They honestly reminded us of when we visted New Orleans. read more

What can I say hospitality at its finest. From the moment we walked up to Cafe Nouveau, we were greeted warmly and made to feel genuinely welcome. Since it was my first time visiting, my girlfriend mentioned it to the staff, and they immediately went above and beyond. They asked if we preferred inside or patio seating, then even gave us a quick tour before seating us outside. Our server, Victor, told us, "I have the perfect spot for you," and tucked us into this beautiful little nook on the patio that honestly made us feel like VIP guests. Victor gave us great recommendations. I ordered the country fried chicken, and my girlfriend had the garden omelette. Everything came out beautifully presented, fresh, and full of flavor. You can tell they truly care about quality here. What really stood out to me was the service. Victor and the rest of the team constantly checked in to make sure we had everything we needed. My coffee cup was never empty and trust me, I drink a lot of coffee in the morning. At most restaurants, you're trying to flag someone down for a refill. Not here. The attention to detail and hospitality were next level. At the end of our meal, Carlos came by to thank us personally. He told me he's the dishwasher, manager, owner, and cook all in one. He shared that they've been in business for over 24 years, and after this experience, I completely understand why. If you're a restaurant owner or manager and want to see what true hospitality looks like, this place should honestly be studied as a model for how it's done. The entire team was friendly, professional, and welcoming from start to finish. Huge thank you to Victor, Carlos, and the whole crew for such an amazing experience. This is officially my #1 café recommendation in Ventura. - Ian Lantz read more

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Great food with a great menu. Service is top notch. Hard to pick what to eat. So So good read more

Cafe Nouveau is one of my favorite breakfast spots. I absolutely love the outdoor seating area; each table feels private, which I really appreciate and makes the experience even more relaxing. I was there last weekend for my sister-in-law's birthday breakfast, and everything was perfect. We started with pomegranate mimosas, and I ordered the churros French toast, which was absolutely delicious. My family had the beignets, and they loved them as well. The staff is always so friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. They were great with recommendations and made us feel very taken care of. They even came out to sing happy birthday to my sister-in-law and brought her a treat, which made the celebration extra special. Any time my sister-in-law and her husband are visiting from out of town, this is always their first stop. read more

Cafe Nouveau - Pomegranate Mimosa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

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Very cute inside very the food is over the top so good. Split the bacon beignets end of the breakfast taco. Incredible. It's worth it to come here just for the beignets. Wait staff perfect. Just come here. Splitting those two things were perfect. So tasty and different. So good. read more

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Ventura: Peruse the menu first so you don't wait in line then whine about the prices. Get over it. You're paying for a very unique restaurant loaded with charming ambiance, amazing meals and great service. Been there several times and was lucky enough to be seated in the private outdoor area with our own little glass fire pit in the middle of the table. Kept our coffee warm! Immediate and impeccable service every time. I suggest you order out of your comfort zone for something unique & delicious. Like I said, peruse the menu. I wouldn't want to come here for bacon and eggs. We've ordered the Poblano Del Mar three times. It is better each time. The White Chili Scramble is good, too. The excellent Bacon, Gorgonzola, Carmelized Onion Fritata a plus plus. Also have had the Chile Relleno omelette. Loved it. However, Poblano Del Mar is a such outstanding dish that I have not seen on any other menu in Southern California, so it's must for me. And it's shareable. Beignets are very good. They're not my thing, but my three sisters gobbled them up. I took delight in the blueberry corn muffin. Wait your turn and enjoy the scenery in this wonderful restaurant. Coffee while you wait. read more

Cafe Nouveau - Blueberry Corn Muffin. Cute smile but ate it anyway. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

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Worth the wait. The bloody mary is the best I've ever had. They make their own bloody mary mix read more

Cafe Nouveau - The Bloody Mary here is spectacular. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

Where to start... hmmm... I come here for the patio seating in a classic ventura atmosphere. I resisted the maple bacon beignets for years and tried them lat week. Amazing. Now I will have to go back to resisting them or gain ten pounds. The Gorgonzola, bacon arugula frittata could only be improved upon with more arugula. The sweet potato biscuit and blueberry corn muffins are unique. Potatoes au gratin are amazing and definitely go to your thighs. Had the vegan Buddha bowl last week. It was good but I prefer breakfast there. The Mediterranean omelette is a sauce with all the ingredients in it, so if you ask for no tomatoes or no "something else" then you get feta cheese only. I had to order it a couple times to realize that. Breakfast Sammie is great. Oh, and they have good coffee and their mimosa and bloody Mary's are great too! Pics are just from my last visit. read more

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This restaurant is now one of my favorites - [[HIGHLIGHT]]the ambience and decor are unique, with cozy tables indoors and out[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], and the food is delicious! Service is fantastic too. Save room for dessert - if you don't have room, you will still get a yummy bite-sized brownie with your check. Nice touch. read more

Cafe Nouveau - Key lime pie and peanut butter pie - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

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The wait time to get seated was long, the wait to get more menu and order our food was long too but the food and the service was really good. The servers were really kind and had a sense of humor. My food was delicious and I would def go back again. We went on Memorial Day so that might've contributed to the wait time. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Is a really pretty restaurant inside and out.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Cafe Nouveau - Egg Nouveau - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

The poblano shrimp fish was excellent The waiter visited our group quite often to answer any questions and meet our dietary needs [[HIGHLIGHT]]We very much enjoyed sitting at a private table as we were able to listen to our conversations[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Love this place! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Tie dye shirts, coffee, mermaid statute, yummy food![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Staff is friendly and attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The patio feels like a secret magical garden.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Cafe Nouveau - Patio plants. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

Oh I was SO excited to go to here. The yelp reviews were RAVING. But man was I let down. This place is not worth the hype. The food is basic and really not worth the price. The service was great but I'm surprised that my biscuits and gravy even made it to my table. Unless they like serving burned food... it was so burnt that the sauce tased like charcoal pieces. But they simply added some more cream to mask the color. The drinks were $11 but served in tiny glasses. What a sad place. read more

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Quick service wonderful food [[HIGHLIGHT]]great atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] would recommend this place to anybody coming to Ventura

My daughter absolutely loves the breakfast burrito and the sweet potato biscuit here, so we came in this past Sunday for breakfast. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing. My daughter was almost halfway through her sweet potato biscuit when we discovered a hair baked inside of it. We informed our waiter, and while he did replace it, the response felt very casual and dismissive. Later, I ordered pancakes, and while spreading the butter, I found another hair on the plate. Again, I let the waiter know, and his response was basically, "Well, I don't see it, but I'll get you another." At that point, the experience was already ruined for us. We ate a little of the replacement food but honestly did not enjoy it after finding hair in two separate dishes. What surprised me most was that nothing was taken off the bill--not even the pancakes. I truly expected at least some acknowledgment of the inconvenience, especially after two incidents during the same meal. Even a sincere apology or having a manager come speak with us would have gone a long way. Instead, the situation felt brushed off. I want to be clear that I was not trying to get free food--I still tipped well because I understand work is work. But as customers, we expected better handling of a situation involving hygiene concerns. My husband has even worked at this restaurant before as an electrician, so we were especially disappointed by the lack of courtesy and concern shown. read more

Came here at 8:15am on a Wednesday and it was wide open. I had my choice of eating inside or outside at the patio. I chose inside and ordered the Eggs Benedict with a choice of hash brown. The server mentioned the sautéed potato was popular so maybe next time. Got my meal by 8:30pm so here's to efficiency! The service was immaculate. The server was very sincere and came to check in on me a few times despite it being a quick meal for me. My take on the meal - lots of food. Hash brown was delicious and plentiful. Egg's Benedict was weird. Canadian bacon takes over a lot of the flavor due to the strong flavor of ham covering the taste of the egg as well as makes it really chewy so not too pleasant of an eating experience. I probably would've went with the Florentine instead had I known. The server surprised me with a small brownie treat at the end of the meal which was delicious! It was soft but still had a small portion of nice crunchy texture when biting into it. Good quantity but the price for the meal was questionable for me. I would have to try their other items next time to solidify the rating. read more

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This spot isn't just brunch... it's a full-on celebration on a plate. From the moment you walk in, the energy feels special. The staff is genuinely amazing, welcoming, attentive, and they make you feel like you belong there, not just like you're another table to turn. Now the food... wow. Every dish comes out looking like edible art, but it's not just for show. It actually delivers. Fun, creative, and seriously delicious. You can tell there's intention behind every bite. My personal favorites? The s'mores pancakes, Oreo pancakes, and the churro French toast. All of them are next-level indulgent, especially with their homemade "secret" syrup that honestly deserves its own spotlight. It ties everything together in the best way. This has become my go-to place for birthdays and celebrations, and it never misses. You can feel the care in every detail, especially since the owner is hands-on and involved, which makes the whole experience even more special. If you're looking for a brunch spot that's not just good but memorable, this is it. read more

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We took the kiddos to Santa Barbera Museum and stopped at cafe Nouveau along the way, liked it so much we came twice during our stay. Their matcha pancakes were my favorite especially with their homemade whipped cream added on top! My favorite dish was chile verde and eggs and their gratin potatoes! My husband really enjoyed their eggs benevilla which is a jalapeño and cheese tamale covered in their hollandaise sauce both really good! Service was amazing both times, servers were so kind and accommodating since we have 5 kiddos, our 5 year old being the oldest so we come with a lot and patience is needed lol will definitely be back when in the area and highly recommend! read more

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This place is always consistent. We try to stop in a couple times a year when passing through. Great service, Dog friendly and the food never disappoints. Carlos the owner is always visible and genial. read more

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We've come for brunch on a couple of occasions. Definitely worth to get on 'waitlist' prior to showing up as the weekends are Always packed up. It's nice when sat outside as tables are separated and it's like your own lil private rooms. Staff are very courteous and the place runs seamlessly while drinks and HUGE portions of delicious food promptly arrive. read more

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