Herald rating:
The menu is on the small side, but the options are tempting - you can have eggs done many ways, from baked to benedict, or atop an artichoke fritter. There are also pikelets, granola and three types of burger (after midday). There are good vegetarian options, too, such as halloumi bruschetta or balsamic mushrooms on toast.
The look is modern and spacious, with semi-industrial decor and walls liberally adorned with the Shaky Isles cartoon branding.
The food came in big, hearty portions and it was good and tasty. We ordered the artichoke, lentil and pumpkin fritter with chargrilled corn salsa and a poached egg ($17.50) and poached eggs with cavolo nero on Danish rye, with a side of mushrooms ($18.50). The dishes were delicious, but the servings were so generous neither of us could finish our plate.
The service is friendly and fairly efficient, although not overly attentive - food and drinks are ordered at the counter.
The coffee is Shaky Isles' own and it was great - both the flat white and long black were spot on. They also offer cold-drip, aeropress and single origin filter options.
Overall Shaky Isles does feel like part of a cafe chain and it does get a bit noisy, but the food and coffee are good and it's very child-friendly - there's a play area right outside, making it a great option for families. It's incredibly popular, so best to get there early.