Kissaten Alphington きっさてん

Found this little gem while visiting a friend in the eastern suburbs. The breakfast ramen is to die for and well worth the 30min drive across town for my monthly fix. The coffee and hospitality is equally worth it. Must visit this long weekend.

Charming little cafe on a busy road. Sit in the nice courtyard out back for a pleasant experience.

Coffee was excellent and food was tasty and Japanese inspired. We had the breakfast ramen (great idea) and the okonomiyaki.

Staff were lovely and I would return if if in the area again.

Been meaning to try this place since I saw an article on broadsheet. Had the hojicha latte, breakfast ramen and the okonomiyaki chips. As other reviews here said, if your expecting a balanced flavourful ramen avoid this one, while I was aware it was a vegetable broth I was surprised there was no flavoured oil at all, means the broth has very little body/mouth feel. Could not taste any tare or any kind of broth flavouring. Toppings were good. Noodles were also a disappointment. I sat and wondered if the chef had ever experienced good ramen. Would not order again. Latte was good, does taste like chai. Okonomiyaki chips were good. I thought the cafe had a nice relaxed vibe. I will come back if I'm in the area but wouldn't make a trip specifically.

*Add it* after some pondering I had a thought that a bacon infused oil or a bit of bacon fat would be really nice flavoured oil, the broth is missing a bit of salt or umami in there. This is the trouble with putting "ramen" on the menu it brings out all of the ramen weirdos *me*