Open: Daily 8am-4pm
Phone: (09) 307 0091
We spent: $45 for two
Set up & site: Tucked away from the main hubbub of Devonport is Karavan Delicatessen, an inviting, modern cafe with seating both inside and out. The outside area, bordered by a low white-picket fence, has tables and chairs set on a mat of fake grass. This will save customers getting their shoes muddy. There is an area for children to entertain themselves — though on our visit it was child-free.
Sustenance & swill: As the name suggests, there is a Middle Eastern feel to the menu. I ordered the green shakshuka of two poached free-range eggs with spicy greens, slow-roasted tomatoes, capsicum, salsa, grilled halloumi and toasted Turkish-style bread ($18) while my companion opted for the other version of shakshuka ($20), which swaps the halloumi and salsa for L'Authentique merguez sausages, house-made labneh and lemon oil. Both arrived in perfect-sized ceramic dishes on wooden bread boards and the eggs were deemed poached to perfection. The coffee was made with Peoples organic and fair-trade beans and hit the spot. To see us on our way we followed these up with a slice of Moroccan honey and almond cake from the array of tempting cakes (and savouries) in the cabinet. It was fresh and tasty. The cafe also stocks a range of produce, including cheeses and cured meats, as befits a delicatessen.
Service & other stuff: Our waitperson was friendly and efficient, happily replacing the first bottle of water, which had an unusual taste. Karavan is a fine location for a breakfast, brunch or lunch — or anything in between — and close to the fabulous village of interesting galleries and boutiques.
