Caffe Roma

I love a good weekend brunch.  Great for catching up with friends and for enjoying lovely comfort food.  You can never go wrong with eggs, especially when cooked well!

I have heard good things about Caffe Roma, but have never been myself.  It is situated on Oxford Tce, by the Avon River, upstairs in an old style complex.  There are outside seatings available, but not many.  The inside was warm and inviting.  There were couches surrounding the fireplace, and window seating with special half circle tables fit for 2 with a view of the Avon..  It was important to book, especially on the weekend.  We didn't specify where we wanted to sit, but next time we might ask for a table by the window.

I ordered my compulsory Latte.  This time in a bowl ($4.50) and came with a mini chocolate fish.  The coffee was good, but a bit weak than what I've been used to.  I think I've built up a tolerance recently, and needs really strong coffee!

The breakfast menu was impressive with a huge selection.  In comparison, the lunch menu was quite brief.  The breakfast was available till 3pm and lunch available from 11.30am.  Definitely shows the cafe's focus on breakfast!



Rosemary brioche with extra bacon



I had the rosemary brioche with creamed mushrooms and eggs of your choice ($17.90).  I had scrambled eggs and extra side of bacon ($4.80).  The brioche is a rich French bread, slightly dense and sweet.  It was very nice with a hint of rosemary.  Some people might not like their bread too sweet, but I actually preferred it.  There were plenty of creamed mushrooms, which were seasoned well, and not too rich like what you might get with beef stroganoff.  Perfect for brunch.  The scrambled eggs were also nicely done and well seasoned.  I was impressed with the amount of bacon I got for the side.  They were great with the rest of the dish.  Yum!



Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon


My friend ordered the scrambled eggs with chives and smoked salmon with thick white toast ($17.80).  She has had it once before, and enjoyed it so much, she had to have it again!  This time it also did not disappoint, and she thought the dish was seasoned well so she didn't have to add extra salt.

There were other great options on the menu, including the classic eggs benedict, french toast, pancakes, corn fritters, porridge, fruit salad.  And the not so classic lamb kidneys, savoury waffles, salmon and hash.  The place was very popular with groups, who were all attracted by the wonderful food.  Definitely worth a visit to the CBD.

Update:  Unfortunately Caffe Roma had closed following the Christchurch earthquakes.

Caffe Roma
176 Oxford Tce
Christchurch
(03) 379 3879
http://www.caffe-roma.co.nz/