Reuben Hills: the early bird catches the worm

Morning rays of sun heating up the frigid air, sleepy smiles and empty hallways (which would possibly be cramped and overcrowded in a few hours) and that lingering smell of freshly drawn coffee. What's not to like? 

Located near the foothills of the Surry Region, Reuben Hills has remained a mainstay on many of Sydney's Best Cafes List. With a comforting hodge-podge of brunch favourites spiced up with a few more unconventional choices, it isn't hard to see why.

Coffee here hails from coffee beans roasted on site and harvested from various farms in Central and South America that are handpicked and tasted by the owners who have an ethical practice of ensuring a direct relationship with the farmers themselves. Interestingly, the menu takes from these cross cultural influences and showcases a range of techniques and cuisine from those exotic lands. 

Below are some items that were ordered within the group which I didn't partake in.

Broken omelette roll w fried shrimp and bacon jam ($14) and the Soft Baked Eggs with Jamon, spinach, ranchero and rye ($18).  These were all wiped out.

My order of The NOT Reuben ($18) was a pleasant surprise, its clear punctuating declaration helping to establish a familiar relationship yet burn the bridges if a comparison is to be made. clever. Wagyu salt brisket, smoked and tender; the horseradish cream, sweet with a bit of a kick, melty manchego and that sweet-sour crunch of the pickled slaw are sandwiched between two gorgeously browned pieces of rye bread. It was 7am in the morning and I busted my diet already. enough said.

Does Reuben Hills live up to it's hype as a hipster haven of a Surry Hill cafe? I would say, pretty much. But with more than a year of service under its belt and still impressive queues at the front doors during weekends; the verdict is out that Reuben Hills is more than just a pretty face.

Reuben Hills

61 Albion Street,

Surry Hills 2010

02 9211 5556

Website: http://www.reubenhills.com.au/