Brunch: Ruben, Parnell

Ruben Cafe in the Geyser Building, Parnell. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Herald Rating: 4/5
Address: Geyser Building, 105 Parnell Rd, Parnell

We came here because we'd heard about this eatery from friends and thought we'd combine an overdue trip to Parnell with a stop here for brunch.

Parking was difficult, this is Parnell after all. We ended up using a parking building in one of the nearby streets.

We walked in and immediately thought what a lovely bright, airy space. And the cabinets looked full of goodies. The courtyard is the place to be - sunny, with terrariums on the tables and a green wall.

The most unusual thing on the menu was the pork and beans hot-pot on toast $10.50).

We ordered the cashew and pumpkin seed granola with poached rhubarb and yoghurt ($11.50), the pork and beans on toast and the toasted coconut bread ($6.50). The granola was a huge, hearty serving and delicious, and the beans on toast were good too. But our favourite was the coconut bread, sweet, light and perfect.

The coffee was Three Beans. The latte and long black were pretty good.

The service was spot-on. Staff are friendly and helpful.

We recommend if you come here you take home some of the Teed St Larder and Little & Friday treats in the cabinet.

Overall we thought this is a very nice little spot with its light-filled courtyard and modern decor. The brunch menu is short but there are plenty of cabinet options to satisfy.