Named after Lola Flores, a legendary Spanish singer, dancer, and actress known as ‘La Faraona’ (The Pharaoh), Lola Café is a much-loved brunch spot in Seddon, located at the intersection of Victoria and Charles Streets; celebrated for their delicious meals, laid-back vibes and excellent service.
Service is prompt. The staff readily greet you upon arrival, and you are swiftly seated or directed to the counter for take-away coffees.
This café radiates character all around. As you enter, you are welcomed by colourful chairs mounted on the wall, each holding a potted plan. Prominently displayed right under these chairs is a sign that reads ‘Stress Reduction, Bang Head Here’ and if you are tempted, do resist, it just means you really need coffee!
Then there’s a prominent brick wall adorned with a large, circular black clock, and further to the right, to the back of the room, is a distinctive mural of (I suspect) Lola, painted on a white wall. There is a kids’ play area with books and a chalk board. The floor is polished concrete with a slightly uneven, distressed finish, adding to the cafe’s industrial-chic aesthetics.
They also offer an outdoor dining experience on the street and are pet friendly. It is a place to eat, connect and catch-up with friends; a meeting place, be it planned or coincidental.
Their modern Mediterranean menu, inspired by Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, features a variety of dishes that showcase culinary traditions. The menu is a vibrant tapestry of tastes with dishes that are both authentic to their roots and some, moreinventive.
Stand-out options include the mushroom and blue cheese croquettes, pan con jamon (bread with Manchego cheese, Spanish ham), Spanish corn and zucchini fritters, and Barcelona eggs benedict. They also have a selection for the little ones including scrambled eggs and bacon on toast, chicken nuggets with chips and pancake with berries, vanilla ice-cream and maple syrup.
One of my favourite dishes is their traditional Spanish paella; cooked in a shallow pan with chicken, seafood, green peas, grilled babe piquillo (small, sweet, and slightly smoky red peppers), sofrito and saffron rice. This dish is visually impressive and is a heart-warming creation that beautifully combines savoury, aromatic, and subtly smoky flavours.
For anyone seeking a scrumptious treat in Seddon, Lola Café stands out as a must-visit destination, or pop by for a coffee and maybe even a creamy custard and flaky Portuguese tart.
Lola Café
77 Charles Street, Seddon 3011
