The idea of a book shop and cafe appeals to me enormously. I love the idea of reading while waiting for food to arrive. Not that I have anything against conversation – a book can often be something to start a conversation. The thing about reading a newspaper while waiting for your brunch is that I cannot stand the newsprint on my hands. Yes, it’s another sign of my OCD but I just cannot abide getting my fingers blackened. That’s why I read all of my news on the internet. Awful I know.
So when we walked past Sappho books and saw their picture of a leafy courtyard cafe out back we thought we’d stop here for brunch. We walked in through the shop, past the bookshop into the cafe section and order and pay at the counter. As I am not very hungry we order a grilled chicken panini and an apple and cinnamon bread with ricotta to share. We take our number out to the deceptively large courtyard. There are plenty of seats, the most prized one among the science fiction books looking out towards the leafy courtyard but unfortunately that table is taken so we walk to the back and take a seat where there are many plants but no books.
After watching many episodes of Kitchen Nightmares and The Chopping Block we were just the other week discussing that we’ve been relatively lucky in never having to wait very long for our meals. Our run came to an end here. The paninis, although pre-made (I didn’t realise this until after I ordered them) just need a light toasting along with the apple and cinnamon bread. But its 20 minutes later and we’re still waiting. My husband enquired and we were assured that they wouldn’t be long. 5 minutes later they arrive, I assume after being forgotten they were then toasted when reminded by his enquiry.
Chicken panini $9
The panini is delicious with chicken breast, sun dried tomatoes, olives (scant), lemon mayo, rocket and cheese with the panini soft and chewy on the inside and toasted on the outside. Its thick in filling which I like although I confess that when I finished my half, I didn’t think I could eat a whole one as it gets a touch dry.
Apple and Cinnamon bread $4 with ricotta and lemon side $1 extra
The apple and cinnamon bread with a side of cinnamon dusted ricotta and lemon is beckoning me with its enticing cinnamon aroma. Its thick and studded with apple pieces and cinnamon and although the ricotta at first seems not sweet enough, after a few bites it’s definitely the one to order again or at least try to make at home.
Sappho Books Courtyard Cafe
51 Glebe Point Road, Glebe
Sydney NSW Australia
Tel: +61 (02) 9552 4498
Open 7 days including pbluc holidays 8:30am-6.30pm
http://www.sapphobooks.com.au
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7 Comments | Add your own
Looks like a great spot to sit in the sun with a book and food!
Will have to drop by and see if they’ve got any books that interest me
Hi Popeye-It is! If only they were quicker with the food
The best seat in the house is near the Science Fiction books so if that takes your fancy you’re in luck!
I love an online menu, but even better, I love a current online menu. They list their panini’s as being $7 – so their menu online doesn’t sound up to date and the toast here in your listing wasn’t there either (instead there was toasted banana bread). No biggy.. just making the observation (as anal as it might sound)!
All of the prices on the menu seem cheap for Sydney.. though mentally I should adjust them upwards of about a dollar or two 
I’ve had that “forgotten” experience at eateries before..where you just know they start making up your order when you enquire about your food. Hate that!!
I’ve always been curious though about food and bookstores. Do the establishments actually allow you to read through brand new publications while eating? I know when I eat and read.. I leave evidence! On the pages! Some mayo or relish stains.. greasy fingerprints.. that sort of thing? My hubby is so anti-reading.. I don’t know who I’d share the reading/eating experience with. I have an almost 13 year old daughter.. (say no more).. And when catching up with friends I’d probably be more inclined to not read. I think it’d have to be someone you’re really comfortable with..and whose news you are already up to date with! I’m thinking the next time my sister from Brisbane visits.. a bookshop morning tea or lunch could be a good thing?… A totally new experience for me.
Whenever I go anywhere.. I usually avoid chicken because I cook with it so often at home. My husband is the one who always seem to order chicken as a filling or topping.
Thanks for sharing your little outing!!
I had to laugh reading this.. we had the exact same experience at Sappho recently.. we waited and waited, and basically had to ask for every item we’d ordered, and it was not packed. it is a cute spot though, and a nice bookstore, I guess you just have to go with plenty of time on hand and a laid back attitude. definitely not the place to visit when caffeine deprived or a running out parking meter!
Hi Maria-I know, it’s really annoying when menus are out of date. I understand that perhaps they don’t think of updating every season but when you raise the prices is definitely when you should update them!
That’s an interesting point you make. Indeed, when we went to the Book Kitchen, one of my favourite meals, we went with my husband’s family. We had already done our catching up so it didn’t feel as antisocial reading books and because they are family it’s a bit more relaxed. Also if one person doesn’t have a book perhaps they might feel a bit left out.
With Sappho cafe, we didn’t actually get any books to read outside but with the Book Kitchen we did and they didn’t seem to mind. We put them away once the food had arrived (can’t read=busy eating
) and we washed our hands so there wasn’t any food stains.
Funny you say that about the chicken, I usually order a piece of fish or seafood or a good piece of beef if we go out to a nice restaurant. Things that I don’t often cook at home myself.
Hi Zoe-Haha well I am glad it wasn’t just us! We were trying to get to a movie so we were a little anxious. I think you’re right, save it for when you aren’t in a hurry
Nice review of Sappho. I have to admit I’ve only been there at night for the monthly poetry evening when the food available is limited, but from the sounds of it I should go try it during the day, sounds lovely!
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[...] think to really sample the food at Sappho you should visit during normal hours (or see NQN’s review). The cakes aren’t special but the tea is beautiful. The combination of a bookshop and a cafe [...]
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