Zenja - North Strathfield

It was before 10am as we rocked up to this busy cafe at the Bakehouse Quarter. We seated ourselves - as there appeared to be no available waitress. We waited patiently... and patiently... and patiently... but no waiter or waitress seemed to want to acknowledge our existence or our wanting of the menu. Eventually, I got up and grabbed the menu from the counter myself. It was an easy choice as by now, I was hungry. We waited... and waited... and waited... told several people that we wanted to order... and waited... and waited some more. Eventually, I got up and went to the counter, wanting to order there, only to be shut down and told that she'll send a waiter to our table. And hence we waited and waited and waited some more.

Zenja

It was like 10.30am by the time our order was taken. Waited some more for our food to arrive. If only we weren't in a hurry, the experience would probably have been much better because the food and the coffee was... really really quite awesome~ My partner's cappuccino and my mocha were both delicious. Smooth, rich and a delicious pick-me-up.

Cappuccino - $3.50 Mocha - $3.50

My partner's Big Breakfast ($17) came with fried eggs (x3!!!), cevapi, grilled tomato, bacon and mushrooms. Crunchy, extremely well toasted sourdough sat on the side. Baked beans ($3) were also ordered. My partner seemed very happy with how everything tasted. The cevapi (grilled minced meat) particularly, was rather awesome!

big breakfast - $17 (+$3 for baked beans)

I decided on my usual - Eggs benedict ($16). Choice of smoked salmon, double smoked ham, or bacon and mushrooms with poached eggs (not 2 but 3!!!), hollandaise sauce and toasted turkish bread. I have to say - it was simply awesomeness! Sooooo delicious! Eggs were cooked perfectly, good amount of smoked salmon, and super tastey hollandaise. The turkish bread was lightly toasted, crunchy yet soft, nicely warmed... just everything was delicious.

eggs benedict - $16

So - food-wise, it's amazing! Service-wise, it's atrocious~ Getting the waiter's attention to request for anything was almost impossible. Similar service went to the table next to us, who, with baby, pretty much had to scoff down their breakfast (probably got half way) and quickly dash in order to feed their newborn (who needs to be fed every 2 hours).

Ratings:
Food - 9/10
Service - 3.5/10
Ambiance - 7/10
Value for money - 8/10
Overall - 27.5/40

Zenja
5 George St
North Strathfield
NSW 2137
tel: (02) 9746 9334