While Northcote seems to be very much an up and coming suburb of Melbourne, we had the opportunity to check out recently opened cafe BARRY on our last visit. A beautiful 6-month old cafe from the same folks behind Richmond hot spot Pillar of Salt, serving elevated midday brunch esque fair and excellent coffee to the burgeoning neighbourhood.
With a number of us eating at the table we started with a round of flats whites and pour overs made with 5 Senses coffee on a custom made Synesso and served on branded cork coasters. The menu was edited perfectly yet we all seemed torn on what to choose. I went with an avocado smash, since it’s such a Melbourne centric thing; their version was called a “Char-grilled bruschetta” done perfectly with thin red chilli, seeds, cracked pepper, fresh mint, flax, pumpkin seeds, shaved manchego, and lime balancing on thick sliced bread made in-house.
Other dishes tried at our table was super fluffy scrambled red chilli eggs served with julienne bacon, spring onions, shave parmesan on a round of toast, per most traditional breakfast centric-option of the lot, as well as their cucumber and gin cured ocean trout served on top of freekeh with roasted cauliflower, pomegranate, coriander, shredded kale, soft boiled eggs. Following all our savoury items we decided to share one of their daily muffins which was an almond cake topped with dried apricots and pistachios.
Food aside, the interior of the space is absolutely stunning and modern, without being cold or unapproachable. Designed by Melbourne based architects Techne, the space features french industrial lighting fixtures, and shelves displaying coffee and water vessels lining the walls.
BARRY is the perfect cozy spot for a casual brunch or lunch without skimping on selection and plenty of good coffee. We’re counting down the days till we can make it back over to Northcote to try more items on their menu.
Take a look at our meals below and some photos of the space.
