it’s been more than a year since my last visit to auction rooms– and as with the last time i was there, the popular north melbourne café did not disappoint. after a short wait we were seated in the lovely covered courtyard out the back and had small batch coffees quickly on the way.

i love that kombucha is popping up on café menus more and more in melbourne, and this remedy kombucha really hit the spot with its ginger + lemon flavour which added a refreshing zing to my meal.

chilaquiles: toasted corn tortillas, shredded pork shoulder, salsa roja, cheese curd, black beans and a fried egg

the shredded pork was juicy and delicious, the sharpness of the cheese curd added a point of difference from the usual sour-cream and the crunch of the radishes married well with the tortilla chips. add the lovely and gooey touch of runny egg yolk and this was a messier and more brunch-like nachos and an absolute winner for me!

‘cubano’: cuban pulled pork sandwich with leg ham, swiss cheese, dill pickle + beer mustard with plantain crisps

my husband went for this option – a generously sized roll packed full of meaty goodness! the pickles (which i stole) were tangy and crunchy; and it was a nice touch to have a bowl of crisps served on the side –very Americano!

persian lentil tagine with mediterranean veg, dukkah-rolled feta, smoked hummus, pita + a poached egg

this lentil tagine is a perfect vego option (my friend also went sans-poached egg in this instance). a perfect grazing dish and wonderful flavour combination with the dukkah-rolle feta and hummus.

brûlée french toast with passionfruit labné, poached mandarin + white chocolate genache

you would’ve no doubt seen countless photos of this one online – probably one of auction rooms biggest sellers – and i’m so glad i finally got a try. as far as fresh toasts go, this is pretty good! soft and eggy brioche, paired with the wonderfully citrus elements and that creamy genache. i could’ve done one of these all on my own!

food wise, the menu does change seasonally with a focus on local and seasonal produce – always prepared to the highest quality and with some pretty innovative flavour combinations and dishes to choose from. overall, service was excellent throughout our meal – attentive and friendly. and the gorgeous interior – exposed beams, wood panelling and large airy space – provides a relaxing but vibrant atmosphere. perfect for a catch-up with friends, such as in our case. it’s not often i’ll repeat a visit to a café that’s not in my local area, but auction rooms is worth it!

verdict: brilliant atmosphere and delicious food – worthy of a second visit
find: http://www.auctionroomscafe.com.au/