88 Forty Eight

88 Forty Eight, a chic little white-tiled cabin which is cafe by day, wine bar and diner by night, makes an inviting retreat at the Wickham St end of the Valley’s Brunswick Street Mall.

Patrons can take a seat in the 88 Forty Eight’s enclosed patio (which by night is enchantingly lit with fairy lights) and tuck into a delicious chef-prepared  breakfast, lunch, tapas or dinner as well as a coffee, affordable glass of wine, beer or spirits or a house cocktail.

On the breakfast menu are the likes of Bircher Muesli, French Toast, Classic Eggs Benedict, the 88 Forty Eight Special Omelette and the Lifestyle Breakfast (free range poached eggs, spinach, avo, salmon and toast).

For lunch it’s hard to go past the 88 Forty Eight Signature Burgers such as the Lean Lamb Patty with Swiss cheese, beetroot, crispy onion rings, spinach and chipotle or the highly recommended BBQ Pulled Pork with creamy coleslaw and onion rings, served with chips and salad.

The Starters, which also make for great tapas, include Bruschetta, Trio of Dips, Buffalo Wings, Pan-seared Haloumi and the must try house specialty Momo – Nepalese style steamed chicken dumplings on a spicy dipping sauce.

On the Mains menu are Beer Battered Barramundi, Lamb Shank with potato chive mash, Vegetarian Risotto and Asian Atlantic Salmon with Asian Greens as well as a choice of Steak from the Grill with a variety of toppings such as grilled balsamic mushrooms and creamy garlic prawns.

For something light there’s also a Favourites selection which included a Greek or Caesar Salad, Vegetarian or Chicken Salad and chips or wedges.

And children are catered for too, with a small kids menu of under $10* dishes like ham and Napoli pizza and steak, chicken nuggets or battered fish with chips.

To drink you’ll find some of the best value in the Valley, with quality wines by the glass from *$4.50-$6 and spirits from $8-$10.

A selection of Australian and international beers include Coopers, James Boag, VB, Kirin, Heinekin, Peroni Leggera, Stella, Kirin and Guinness and for cocktail drinkers there’s a small choice that includes Espresso Martini or Martini Classic, Long Island Iced Tea and the house signature Everest (vanilla vodka, pineapple and club soda).

Non-alcoholic options, as well as coffee and tea, include fresh fruity mocktails, smoothies, milkshakes, juices – both fresh and bottled – and soft drinks such as Coconut Water, Peach or Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea and Ginger Beer.

Nice to know – Behind the creative venture that is 88 Forty Eight (the height of Mt Everest) is Nepalese born owner and executive chef Hom Pyashi, hence the little taste of Nepal that makes its way onto the menu.

*Correct at time of visiting in July 2016.