Hungry Grasshopper

Affectionately referred to by locals as the «Crunchy Cockroach» — and let me emphasise that’s NOT indicative of anything unpleasant *at all,* merely a witty play on words — the Hungry Grasshopper is a welcome addition to a sleepy section of Italian-​dominated Haberfield. (Can be found on the corner of Waratah and Boomerang Streets.)
Established in 2012, this chic, intimate and breezy café does a handful of things exceptionally well. A fantastic Scrambled Eggs ($ 11.00); Eggs Benedict with Ham, Salmon or Bacon ($ 16 – 17.00) is draped with a perfectly delectable and balanced Hollandaise sauce, while the poached eggs are perfectly runny; Smashed Avocado on toast — with or without feta — with thinly sliced tomato and a side of balsamic — it’s all pure heaven! The baked goods are excellent — especially the large and tender muffins (my personal fave is the berry type). They have teeny little cupcakes smothered with fairy sprinkles (aka «hundreds and thousands») for the little ones to enjoy.
Of note — their single origin or house blend coffee /​espresso comes from ALLPRESS. A double-​shot (extra strong) latte kicks the day off beautifully. On Sundays you might get the chance to try a superb special such as Cold Pressed Juice of ginger, pineapple, pear and a hint of mint. This concoction is a must-​try ($ 6.50)
It’s true that at certain times the joint becomes «kid-​central» and suddenly you find yourself beleaguered on all fronts by infants and antsy toddlers. Yeah, your ears might bleed a bit if some yummy mummy is too busy selecting her coffee to attend to her precious poppet, but that soon will pass. Pick your visit times, if you can, or just tough it out if you have a bit of work to do on your laptop. The kick-​arse coffee more than compensates.
Yeah, it’s a little on the pricey side, but I don’t mind paying for such high quality and super-​fast service. I love this place.
Easy street parking is available nearby. Open every day, which is great. (They close at 3PM.) Free wifi is a bonus — ask for the password.

I like this little place and it happens to be a stone’s throw away from my Mum’s house. They have a nice little selection of quality food they do quite well. (One of the food preppers is better than the other, in my humble opinion). The owner can be a little casual with his manner, but his staff are spot on. Sometimes I have questioned [to myself] how a serve of scrambled eggs on toast with a side of mushroom and fetta and one coffee can cost $ 21, but as it was tasty, I didn’t quibble. I am used to these sorts of prices in Perth anyway. I award a solid 3.5 stars to this little local.

We’ve been here a couple of times, first for a full breakfast and most lately for a simple coffee and muffin. Service is OK, relatively quick and friendly. Food is OK, but its pretty much a standard café fare with nothing about it that stands out. Coffee is OK, but it’s simply not a memorable place. Maybe head further up the road towards Leichhardt and Annandale for some other options.