Nana And Da's

Nana and Da’s is an absolute gem of a charming neighbourhood café found tucked away in a residential back street of Kedron.

An old weatherboard shop that was a bakehouse in the 1930s and 40s has been opened up to the street with bi-fold windows, the hoop pine floors polished, and Huon pine walls recycled into café tables by owner Jackie’s dad.

Not only is Nana and Da’s a kind of home away from home for locals, thanks to Jackie’s warm welcoming nature, it is also a mecca for great value café fare, prepared by chef Kellie whose past gigs have included Brisbane faves Sassafras and Simpatico.

Food-wise the emphasis here is on fresh, with produces sourced twice weekly from local markets and the menu is seasonal, including the fresh made juices which are a house specialty. Breakfast is served all day every day and options include the likes of raspberry panna cotta with cocoa and coconut granola; thyme, garlic and buttered mushrooms on rye; mozzarella stuffed hash cakes with eggplant and goats cheese dip and spicy beetroot relish; or parmesan grilled brioche with tomato salsa, poached eggs, salsa verde and bacon.

For lunch expect delicious dishes like Indonesian nasi goreng; 3 cheese souffle served with apple, rocket and walnut salad; pulled pork pancakes with hoisin dipping sauce, as well as gourmet sandwiches and burgers or salad of the week.

Otherwise behind the counter are sweet temptations such as beetroot lamington, upside down caramelized banana cake (gf), berry muffins and triple choc macadamia brownies.

Being in an area that is home to young families and three schools, Jackie has made every effort to keep things affordable and cater for children too, with boxes of toys and books under the counter, room for prams and a tasty but  kids menu that is dirt cheap and includes pancakes and ice-cream, cheesy Turkish toast andavo on Turkish. The healthy carries over into the drinks area too with strawberry milk shakes made on house-macerated fresh strawberries and special fresh fruit and vege juices that children love.

Meanwhile for adults there’s coffee and loose leaf tea.

Four-legged family members are made welcome here too, with a bowl of water out front next to the kangaroo (whose presence or absence indicates whether the café is open).

The menu may have changed since this review

Photos by Hilda Strojil