KEY POINTS:
Herald rating: * * * *
We came here because we'd seen this heritage building from the outside and wondered what the cafe inside was like.
Parking was pretty scarce but one trip around the block should find you a spot, even on a Saturday.
We walked in and immediately thought, this place is big. There's the dining hall off to the right, high ceilings, chandeliers and tall windows with a glimpse of the harbour. A cosy reading lounge off to the left offers quieter dining in a book-lined "library" room. All you see when you first walk in is a cabinet of yummy food.
The most unusual thing on the menu was unusual only because we didn't know what "low-nitrate bacon" was - french toast with caramelised banana, maple syrup and vanilla mascarpone with low-nitrate bacon ($16.50). The Library is strong on organics and sustainable living, so if you worry about nitrate, this is a good cafe for you. We ordered french toast without bacon ($13.50) and blueberry and cinnamon pancakes with honey and yoghurt ($14). Both were delicious, but sweet. If you want to start the day with something that isn't covered in syrup, there are plenty of healthier options, including eggs, a vege pie and some very good mussel fritters.
The service was friendly and professional.
The coffee was as it should be.
We recommend if you come here you bring the kids or at least a child-friendly attitude. If you prefer to brunch sprog-free, sit at the tables out front or in the more adult-oriented library room.
Overall, we thought good food in a lovely old building.
