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MELBOURNE | Riddik is a cafe and restaurant located down the back of an unassuming street in suburban Lower Templestow. It’s location belies what’s on offer, which is akin to what you’d expect to find in more of an inner city locale. It’s a family run venue, with owners George Kelzi, Andrew Wagner, Adam Robins and Michelle Wagner bringing many years of hospitality experience to the table. We were recently invited to check it out, and were curious to see what the team had brought to the area.
The first thing you notice about Riddik is the slick yet welcoming interior. Studio Equator have made use of Riddik’s bones to create a space with high ceilings, white marble and light timber bathed in natural light coming in through large windows, accented by natural greenery. The feature wall – a street art mural by European street artist Tarek, draws your eyes to the back of the venue, and acts as a social media ready photo point.
The menu changes throughout the day, and runs from breakfast through dinner. Robins’ menu features a lot that appeals, offering up interesting twists and flavour combinations on the usual Melbourne favourites. Eggs Benedict, for example, is offered six ways – one such option is the “Pastrami” with poached eggs, melted Swiss cheese, caramelised onions, pickles, and American mustard hollandaise on sourdough. Another example of Riddik’s twist on the classics is one of our favourite menu items, the “Riddik smashed Avo” with poached eggs, house made sumac and thyme shanklish hazelnut dukkah, figs and mint, topped with pomegranate molasses on sourdough. It’s a delicious Middle Eastern influenced take on things with the flavours all coming together nicely.
Another highlight is the Minted smashed peas with a house cured green bacon slab, bacon and bourbon jam, Persian feta and pea tendrils with poached eggs on sourdough. For lunch some burgers, sandwiches, salads and other large plates hit the menu, while at dinner it’s more ‘diner appropriate’ fare like lamb ribs, burgers, pasta, steak and other large plates, many offering unique takes on the classics.
Coffee comes from Brunswick’s Code Black and is offered as a choice of three beans, all with unique flavour profiles, brewed any way you want. The cold brew is particularly delightful. There’s also teas, milkshakes, smoothies, juices and the like. As the day progresses and the desire for something a bit boozier takes hold, there’s a selection of Australian and Kiwi wines, some commercial lagers and local craft beers, and a number of cocktails and spirits.
We thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast at Riddik and think it’s a great addition to the area. The place was full of people young and old, couples and families when we visited and has a real casual, friendly atmosphere. Most importantly of all, the food is very good.
Riddik
1/3 The Mall
Lower Templestow
Victoria 3107
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9850 2680
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Sun: 7:00am to 10:30pm