Apollo Bay - Cafe 153

Apollo Bay at this time of the year is quiet - a seaside surf town in winter isn't quite the place to be. If not for the Scody Great Ocean Road marathon which culminates in Apollo Bay, I wouldn't think it would be a destination of choice. Given the time of year, the restaurants also have limited operating hours. As such, there wasn't much of a culinary scene going on.

But on the eve of the marathon, as people start streaming into town, the buzz seems to have returned. Cafe 153 does a roaring business and when we were there for brunch, the staff definitely had their hands full.

But even with the crowds, the quality was undeniably good. Their claim to fame in using fresh produce from around the region was evident.

My French Toast with fresh blueberries and clotted cream dusted with cinnamon sugar was decadently good but because everything is so fresh, you don't feel icky and heavy after finishing it despite a good-size serving.

The Eggs Benedict was less spectacular but by no means shabby. Free range eggs and a good quality smoked ham on a lightly toasted English muffin, topped with a rich Hollandaise sauce and Alfafa brought out the reason why this dish remains a classic till today, especially when executed well.

Wash down with probably the best coffees served in this town, what a great way to start the day. The menu is certainly large enough for you to visit every day of your stay in Apollo Bay. I did.

153 Great Ocean Road
Apollo Bay

VIC 3233

Australia

Tel: +61-3-5237 1123