Devon, Surry Hills

The Devonshire St side of Surry Hills used to be the stomping grounds for the local creatives. Then there was a sudden influx of non-locals around the same time that Devon opened up. Almost everyone who walks through the door tries to get a table in the courtyard with its small tables, vertical garden and canopy. It's a pretty good date cafe actually.

Yes, the courtyard is cute but I prefer the front of the shop. The whole room is blond wood; even the communal table and simple bar seating by the window. It lets me indulge in my new-found fascination with coffee brewing methods. Hello, custom blue Strada espresso machine. How about that cold-drip set up on the top shelf behind the counter? I spy a gooseneck kettle meaning a pour over contraption is hidden somewhere. All that's needed is a Syphon and I'd be in tears.

The amount of photos of Devon on social media must be in the tens of thousands by now. There's no denying that the plates are pretty. Have you seen the little lost bread ($17)? It's an insane concoction of strawverry, rainbow sprinkles, and white chocolate that is every savvy Instagrammer's dream in the right lighting.

Besides the sweet stuff, the menu is rounded out by some hearty savory dishes like the porky pig ($24) – a sweet pork and maple sausage hidden under a fried egg and thin slices of tart green apple plus a ham hock croquette which is apparently smoked. If it is, it must be extremely subtle. This plate plays jumprope with the line between savory and sweet, which may not be for everyone. If you're looking for something a little less meat-heavy, try the simple bruschetta ($14.50). There's not much that can go wrong with goat's curd, grilled zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes and olive tapenade. The bonus? A soft boiled egg on top.

Devon's food is yummy enough for all food-lovers and photogenic enough for the social set. Lovers of specialty coffee aren't forgotten either. The house blend is roasted by Alchemy and a rotating list of roasters provide the single origin for your black and filter coffee needs. I'd go so far as to say that this shop is a big driver behind the increased popularity of this side of Surry Hills.

Devon
76 Devonshire St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
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