Johnny’s Cafe

1 Reviews on “Johnny’s Cafe”

• Adam

  The grand old farm building of Brookfield in Margate has an intriguing history, brimming with character reminiscent of Tasmania’s agricultural heritage, and I’d like to see this latest incarnation take hold as a popular stop on the way to the Channel, as per its neighbours at the Margate Train (former home of the present business). The setting is beautifully idyllic, overlooking paddocks of yesteryear and bordered by gum trees that line North West Bay River. Inside the main shed is the Dutch/European themed provedore Homeland Delights, and at the side atrium enjoying the afternoon sun is Johnny’s Cafe.The cafe is kept cosy and warm inside while outside is a homely little courtyard that invites a stroll around the property. Decor is charming (if a little quaint) and reminds you how nice it is to find no-fuss, old fashioned Tasmanian service where people still enjoy making small talk with one another. The owners obviously really care about the business and their customers. Our host (I guess this was Johnny) greeted us with a smile, was attentive throughout and clearly proud of his offering.The menu is fairly large and offers a range of options from light breakfasts and snacks ($8-$15) to more substantial evening-type meals (steaks and fish, $25+). The Dutch theme comes through again with bitterballen and the like, and while I’d like to go back and see how they do that speciality, we went for seafood options, Tasmanian produce seemingly another big feature.My seafood chowder was excellent. Hearty and fresh, at $16.90 it’s more than a light meal or entree, but the portion was big and filling, full of chunks of local fish, scallops and veggies, served with crusty sourdough. Mum had the salmon fishcakes which, while containing probably a little more mashed potato (as opposed to salmon) than she’d like, they came with a lovely flavoured crispy batter and tasty salad. Our coffees were good, not amazing, but fine for a cafe where food is the main event.To be honest I feel like the hosts would be happy to accommodate any requests – the menu so large it may as well contain everything. From all the signs and their online profiles, they seem a very inviting family atmosphere, happy to cater for kids and passionate about the experience. The business does a bit of everything, alcohol also on offer and some delicious looking cakes. Options in Kingston are frankly pitiful these days, so I’ll certainly be back to sample the rest and hope it continues to grow in popularity as both a tourist stop and spot for Kingborough regulars.

  November 10, 2015, 9:54 pm

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