Local dining spots catering to the modern caveman
An increasing following of the paleo way of eating has seen cafes and restaurants popping up around our city left, right and centre. Sydney is now buzzing with paleo-friendly options!
The growing movement is defining the concept of the paleo diet not just as eating the foods our caveman ancestors did, but also encompassing using the freshest, healthiest, seasonal ingredients and embracing sustainable practices, which transfers into the menu of these paleo-inspired eateries.
Here are 8 of FIT’s must-try local haunts that cater to the paleo way of eating:
Paleo Café, Bondi Junction
The name says it all. With a fully paleo breakfast and lunch menu, this spot has become a paleo-lovers institution. Popular no matter if it’s weekday or weekend, breakfast or lunch, the only problem you’ll have is deciding what to order off the delicious and expansive, dedicated paleo menu.
Broth Bar & Larder, Bronte
This is Sydney’s first dedicated broth bar. Opened by Soulla, creator and director of Star Anise Organics, which is known for their organic, artisanal, wholefood products. Soulla conceptualised it as an extension of her own kitchen, serving nourishing, homemade and unprocessed foods.
Earth to Table, Bondi Junction
Here’s one for the paleo vegans (yes this is a thing!) among us – or anyone who loves organic, sugar-free, wholefood meals and desserts. This raw vegan café boasts a gourmet menu that is fresh, light and delicious. Tip: don’t leave here without trying the coconut and berry raw cheesecake. Utterly to die for!
Chiswick, Woollahra
An open, airy space set in the beautiful greenery of it’s surrounding gardens, Chiswick restaurant is the epitome of rustic chic, produce-to-plate dining with a beautiful ambience. The menu changes seasonally and is comprised of sustainable meats and seafood, with an abundance of vegetable inspired dishes and sides based on what is growing in the garden and farm. Yes, the vegetable lots are right out the window, so you can literally see the heirloom tomatoes sitting ripe on their vine before you order them from the menu.
Egg of the Universe, Rozelle
Featuring a wholesome, nourishing menu that caters for a variety of dietary needs and complete with its own quaintly charming courtyard out the back, this Inner West gem in a paleo dining favourite. For true paleo fans, you can’t go past the slow-cooked, pasture-raised pork and crackling with caramelized sweet potato cake, poached organic egg, spring apple slaw, and house-made lacto-fermented pickles and barbeque sauce.
Henley’s Wholefoods, Alexandria & Bondi Junction
Founded on the ethos of producing meals that are ‘food in its most essential form,’ the Henley’s menu changes week-to-week depending on what comes from the farm, with the exception of some steadfast items that are regularly available. Lunch is done on the basis of a selection of mix-and-match seasonal salads, to which you can add ethically and sustainably farmed protein sources.
The paleo bread made from pumpkin and hazelnut meal and the chicken cabbage rolls are hot menu items to try.
The Suveran, Bondi Beach
For hardcore health enthusiasts and paleo devotees, the Suveran is the place to be. All the meals are organic and chemical free, with a variety of exotic meats on the menu, along with paleo pizza, quiche and pancakes that are a favourite with the Merrymaker Sisters.
The Suveran also has a strong emphasis on bone broths and fermented / sprouted foods, many of which you can purchase to take away with you. The turmeric and macadamia nut butter spread on their signature sprouted bread is insane.
Bondi Wholefoods, North Bondi
This bustling café has created a name for itself, as a go-to for the Bondi health squad, whether it’s an anytime breakfast or lunch, weekday meetings or weekend brunch. Aptly named on the menu, paleo diners can’t go past the “BWF Famous Paleo Bread”, which is a delicious , savory dish made with Papanui eggs, organic almond meal, zucchini, red capsicum, olives and sundried tomato. For a sweeter option, the paleo-friendly banana and chia loaf with vanilla cashew cream is also a winner.