New Brisbane

Cantina

172 Hardgrave Road, West End

Ph: 3846 2211

A word of forewarning to readers - I don’t know if this is so much a review as an article of appreciation!

Cantina is situated on Hargrave Rd in West End, just past Mondo Organics (sigh) and Lefkas Taverna (on my to-do list!).

Cantina has outdoor seating as well as booths and tables inside. If it happens to be a wintry day and every table is full, then a seat outside will win you a smile and a second cappuccino for free (thank you lovely staff).

The restaurant has polished floors, Mexican wrestling posters plastered across its walls and on most weekends a lively atmosphere - this is partly created by people enjoying their food. I always feel welcome when I eat there - I guess because the staff are friendly and I can be quiet among the bustle and rush - if that makes sense?!

I can’t tell you about Cantina’s dinner menu simply because I’ve never been there for dinner (BYO by the way) but I can tell you about their fantastic breakfasts - of which I’ve had way too many, I expect.

Breakfast comes in the form of Spanish Omelettes on Sourdough with Rocket and Salsa Pancakes (actually, this is one huge pancake) with Bacon, Melon and Maple Syrup or Fruit Salad, Yogurt and Honey (Yummy yummy yummy!). For something a little more savoury a Trekker’s Breakfast offers Chicken Omelette with Coriander on a Bed of Rice, or Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs and Toast with Creme Fraiche. Breakfast also includes a tapas menu.

On Sundays there is always some kind of special on, for example Tomato Baked Eggs Cheese Filled Tortilla or Lime Cured Atlantic Salmon or Corn Fritters with Bacon - beautifully tasty bacon - with Guacamole and Rocket and Sour Cream.

I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve eaten at Cantina, whether it be for breakfast or lunch and, while some would say that means I have no taste, I say it’s because of the quality and consistency of the various dishes.

Coffee is always good and, in my opinion, the world’s best cappuccino-maker works there. I think she’s the floor manager too! The lunch menu is pretty memorable with Trinidadian Lamb Curry, Mussels in a Pernod Sauce, gorgeous Beef or Chicken Burgers and various pastas and pies. It’s all simple food but cooked with lots of care and attention.

Meals are relatively inexpensive ranging from $6 to $18 a dish, coffees are $3, and fresh juice combos are $4.50. And, in case you’re not the driving sort, Cantina can be reached by bus, ferry or foot.

I’d recommend Cantina as the ideal place for a second or third date - but not a first date – it’s way too noisy. It’s the kind of place I’d go with a big group of friends or, for that matter, after a big night out.

Opening hours are Wed-Sat-7.30am to 9ish and Sun 7.30am to 2.30pm. Cantina doesn’t take reservations but does have EFTPOS and accepts credit cards, children and pets!

Words by Matthew Bacon.

Piccies by Pipe Dream Graphics.