JUST up the road from the bustling Leederville strip, my lunch companion and I relaxed under a lemon scented gum tree at Oxford Yard cafe.

It was a great spot to watch hungry students amble over from the Leederville Tafe next door.

Bowls of chips were a bit hit, followed closely by toasties ($13 for a bacon and egg version, $10 for a vegie one), while a young bloke wolfed down a chicken waffle ($20).

The buttermilk-crumbed chicken must have been great judging by the speed it disappeared, or maybe he was just late for class.

My mate went for the halloumi stack ($18) – two large slices of perfectly grilled Cyprian cheese topped with runny eggs. 

“It’s great,” she said. “The beetroot and walnut pesto adds a real zip.”

My eye had been caught by the special of the day – a vegie patch smash ($18).

Slices of roasted sweet potato were topped with mushrooms, sharp roasted tomatoes and wilted greens.

A liberal shake of smoked paprika and a handful of crunchy chick peas took this delicious dish to another level.

My friend and I finished our meal with a coffee ($4.20) and an earl grey tea ($4.50) – and of course a couple of cakes.

My mates’s caramel slice was moist with just the right amount of sweetness.

“And the coffee is great,” she said.

My chocolate raspberry brownie ($5.50) was fantastic – soft, moist and so rich I almost didn’t finish it, but I made a valiant effort and left the plate clean.

by JENNY D’ANGER

Oxford Yard
196 Oxford Street,
Leederville
open seven days