Cactus review, Kangaroo Island best restaurants | delicious.SA: Regional 50

Kangaroo Island’s favourite cafe/eatery is on the move. But don’t panic – it isn’t going far.

Cold smoked salmon and KI poached free range eggs served with horseradish cream and rocket and pepita salad on sour dough toast. Picture: Tait Schmaal

54 Dauncey St, Kingscote

0473 311 049

facebook.com/cactus.ki.59

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Kangaroo Island’s favourite cafe/eatery is on the move. But don’t panic – it isn’t going far.

By the time you read this, Cactus is likely to have shifted a couple of blocks up the road to a bigger property with more room for dining under cover and purpose-built kitchen facilities including gas and a deep fryer that will allow the styles of food on offer to expand.

That’s good news for co-owner/chef Louis Lark (formerly at Southern Ocean Lodge) and for Cactus’s loyal following who fill the place at breakfast and lunch, attracted by the mix of Mexican, Asian and other dishes that are always full of colour and crunch.

Early on the corn fritters are a favourite, with avocado, salsa, bacon and poached egg.

Later diners might choose a healthy plate of salmon with soba noodles, steamed buns filled with slow-roasted pork and pickled cucumber or a bolder serve of steamed lamb dumplings, in the style of northern China, fragrant with spices such as cumin and coriander and finished with chilli oil.

Coffee is excellent and there is a small list of wine, beer and gin (from Kangaroo Island Spirits of course).

Visitors to the island should also inquire about other services, including hampers and takeaway catering.

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• Hours: B | L Mon-Sun
• Bill: M $18-$24 D $3.50-$10
• Wine: Wine list plus BYO | Corkage $25
• Chef: Louis Lark