Mulberry Tree, 5 Loaves and Hideout Cafe and Pizza voted Parramatta’s best cafes

The results are in and there is a three-way tie for the best cafe in Parramatta, as voted by you for the Delicious Local cafe competition.

Samantha, Rebecca and Sarah Baysari at Mulberry Tree Cafe, Parramatta.

From a bustling CBD to suburban neighbourhoods, Parramatta is not short on places to fuel its employees and residents with a great cup of coffee.

And that’s why it’s not surprising there is a three-way for the best cafe in Parramatta, as voted by you for the Delicious Local cafe competition.

Delicious’ Matt Preston said the search for the best cafe was just the start of the Delicious Local push to help drive a food-led rebound from the effects of COVID-19.

“It’s clear from the vast number of nominations and votes we saw come in that local communities are rallying around their favourite eateries; supporting those food businesses who have done it tough over the past 12 months,’’ he said.

“That is exactly what we set out to achieve.

“And this is just the beginning. Our local cafe winners are soon to appear in a statewide battle of the postcodes where the cream will rise to the top – as it always does!

“Don’t forget to have your say by checking out your state finalists and voting for your favourite.”

The next search will be for the best pizza, so get thinking!

5 LOAVES CAFE, HARRIS PARK

Lebanese hospitality is always on show at 5 Loaves Cafe at Harris Park, from the freshly-baked bread to the fully functional cafe serving menu favourites.

“With the staff we try to make everybody feel like they’re coming home,’’ manager Rima Georges said.

“Part of the Lebanese culture, whether your coming to someone’s house or taking them somewhere, everyone feels like it’s one big happy family.’’

Our Lady of Lebanon parish runs the Alice St cafe, which serves the school community and churchgoers who relish the scrolls stuffed with olives, ham and cheese to chicken wrapped in aromatic za’atar washed down with 5 Loaves’ most popular coffee, the classic cappuccino.

MULBERRY TREE CAFE

Rebecca Baysari and twin sisters Samantha and Sarah have provided coffee in Parramatta’s CBD since 2015 and have witnessed the cafe and food scene evolve.

“It’s improving,’’ Rebecca said.

“When we get here we were pretty much the only people around. In the last couple of years it’s exploded.’’

She notes that Parramatta’s palate has changed over the past six years, with a preference for more sophistication and wholesome food since the coronavirus outbreak.

“Maybe because of the COVID-19 lockdown we found a shift away from burgers to fish, salad, all that kind of stuff,’’ she said.

Rebecca uses her background in nutrition in the kitchen to whip up smashed avo, wraps and some Middle Eastern meals while Samantha and Sarah, 32, brew the coffee using Roastville Coffee Roasters.

“We try really hard to look after our regulars, we have a lot of attention to detail so make sure every thing’s fresh,’’ Rebecca said.

“We often see people two or three times a day, people stop by and have a chat.’’

HIDEOUT CAFE

Nestled in Bogalara Rd at Old Toongabbie, The Hideout Cafe and Pizza has been a neighbourhood favourite since 2016 when Sam Chalouhi opened the pint-sized cafe for daughters Natalie and Kristina, who run the business.

Natalie combined her corporate background with Kristina’s hospitality experience to elevate the cafe and double its income in 2018.

“Now I’ve taken it from a cafe to a business perspective more than ‘cook a couple of dishes and hope for the best’,” Natalie said.

The Hideout Cafe and Pizza at Old Toongabbie.

Iced coffee and a fruit juice at the Hideout.

Portioli Coffee is imported from Rome to whip up favourites of lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos, while when it comes to tucker, Natalie says the Lebanese pizza is one of the elements that have made the cafe successful.

“The Lebanese pizzas are a massive part of it but also our relationship with our customers,’’ she said.

“It’s a very personal feel we have a chat, we have a bit of banter. It’s a Lebanese family.

“They’re all pretty chilled, they do enjoy it when we come up with new stuff.’’

That includes introducing fish tacos to the previously “generic menu” and rolling out creative dessert specials a la waffles and French toast alongside staples such as Natalie’s carrot cake and cannoli.

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