Herald rating:
The menu is the sort that makes you want to return again and again, just so that you can try everything - from the potato cheddar waffle and the shakshuka (eggs baked in a Turkish tomato sauce) to the hot smoked salmon omelette and the bacon hash with fried duck egg.
The look is what turns this from being a lovely cafe to a bit of a sanctuary. Yes, it's busy and can feel a bit overrun at times but the bright floral displays and the blond wood furniture and European feel of the fitout make it a most pleasurable place.
We ordered bacon, rocket, eggs, avocado and tomato ragout on sourdough ($19.50) and the sweet waffle with poached pear, chocolate, hazelnut and whiskey maple syrup ($19). The bacon dish was great - the bacon crispy and the ragout with good punchy flavour - but the waffle was the standout; great flavour combination and such a refreshing offering. Warning: the servings aren't huge.
The coffee was great. Our latte and flat white, were both rich, hot and creamy.
The service was good, however, it was a very busy morning and the waitstaff had a lot of tables to tend to so they were very quick with their pleasantries.
Overall, we'd happily spend the day here among the bright, scented floral displays, which make you feel happy as soon as you walk in. The food is great and City Works is becoming a hub of great foodie offerings from The Food Truck Garage, Odettes, Best Ugly Bagel and Weirdough and Tuck.