We’re always told to never judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to dining, it’s so easy to make assumptions and be drawn to the sleekest, most stylish venues.
All of this went right out the window when I went along to The Italian Kitchen at Kaleen to try their new breakfast menu.
Initially arriving at the Kaleen shops, The Italian Kitchen tends to blend in amongst the other suburban shop exteriors.
Once you step inside, it quickly becomes apparent that looks can be deceiving. Having rushed in to escape the brisk Autumn morning, we were quickly seated and served piping hot coffees. The warm and inviting interior has a real charm, from the wooden bar right down to the chandelier in bathrooms. The new management have injected fresh energy into the venue, and are always on hand to help make your visit more comfortable.
The breakfast menu offers all of the usuals, as well as a few twists on traditional favourites. My dining partner and I chose to try the Big Breakkie and the Pancakes.
The indulgent pancakes were served with ice cream, mixed berry compote and maple syrup, and came piled high and beautifully presented with a toffee sculpture. The pancakes are light and fluffy, and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
For the Big Breakkie, the plate came loaded with bacon, mushrooms, hash brown, spinach, sausage and tomato as well as scrambled eggs on toast. While all of it certainly hit the spot, it was the creamy eggs that were the real standout. They tasted absolutely devine, but were unlike anything I’d ever tasted and I couldn’t quite put my finger on the flavour. I asked the chef who informed me the flavour was the addition of his secret ingredient, grated truffle and a little truffle oil.
No matter what time of day, The Italian Kitchen is open, serving all day breakfast, quick lunches, cakes and slices for in between times, or a delicious Italian dinner menu. The venue also boasts an impressive drinks menu and offers great value for money. It’s also hard to go past the fact that you’re always guaranteed a park.
So if you’re looking for somewhere different, try The Italian Kitchen. As we left, my dining partner summed our meal up perfectly: “Italian Kitchen is out of the way, but worth the trip”.
Photography by Chris Whitfield
