I reckon you’re weird if you don’t love an overpriced sweet treat on a sunny weekend morning in Sydney. And there’s no better place to find one from one of Sydney’s most famous names in the industry.
Equal parts neighbourhood bakery and wine bar, A.P. Bread and Wine sits in that increasingly popular space between casual and considered. We went in for brunch. Here’s our review of A.P. Bread and Wine.
Key Takeaways
- A.P. Bread and Wine is incredibly solid for a feed for when you’re looking for brunch that has a bit of flair and excitement beyond your typical brunch offerings.
- The menu is exciting, packed with an extensive list of baked goodies both sweet and savoury.
- Be prepared to spend a little bit extra for the luxury. This is not the place to go when looking for value
- There were no standout dishes for me, and while everything was objectively yummy, it was forgettable and I’m not in an awful rush to come back.
Vibe & Atmosphere
We went on a sunny Autumn Saturday morning for brunch. A very no-frills and homely exterior. And it was great soaking in the neighbourhoodly feel surrounded by locals and trees. Service was warm and laid back, which mirrors our overall experience.
The Food
Pastries
Vanilla, Cinnamon and Blood Plum Flan
Price: $15.50
Rating: 3/5
The flan arrives looking the part, and that first bite delivers. The blood plum is generous and brings a sharp hit of acidity that does exactly what it needs to by cutting through the dense fattiness of the pastry, while keeping the balance of all the textures in check. The flavour combination works well, and the custard itself is thick and creamy without compromising on the texture.
Where it loses a point or two is in the pastry. It’s robust, dense, and heavy in thickness and mouthfeel. Not necessarily a flaw, but it pushes past the line of what I’d hope for in a flan. For me, I want something a little bit lighter – that shatters a little, that gives without resistance. This one holds its ground a little too firmly. A fine line, and one that’s mostly walked well but noticeable enough to mention.
For $15.50 I was hoping for something with a bit more finesse and intention.
Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Pie
Price: $14
Rating: 3.5/5
I actually wasn’t too sure how to eat this pie – was this a knife and fork situation or double hander? I thought I’d do this pie justice and dig in where I was most comfortable.
The exterior of this pie makes an impression before you’ve even taken a bite. Blanketed in crunchy sesame seeds, it’s visually fun and gives the whole thing an extra layer of crunch in addition to the many layers of pastry. The pastry itself is definitely more flaky than your average Four and Twenty. It’s crispy and buttery, which is exactly what you want.
You’ll eventually want to lift it from it’s foil and you’ll find the base is noticeably softer, which does raise a question or two about structural integrity. As for the filling, the Sri Lankan spicing is balanced rather than punchy. It hits the spot without demanding your full attention, which depending on your preference could be a feature or a flaw.
I really enjoyed it, but it didn’t leave a strong impression when the pie was finished. For $14 I was expecting something more remarkable but still a solid pie nonetheless.
Mains
Drowned Eggs
Price: $22
Rating: 3.5/5
The Drowned Eggs had the best first bite impression of the day. It’s intensely savoury yet light, however it was a bit too heavy to enjoy up until the final bite. For $22, it’s great value and nothing you can complain about.
The eggs were the dish we came for, and it mostly delivers on the premise. Soft scrambled eggs enriched with chicken broth and chicken fat, the result is something deeply savoury and quietly sweet in a way that leans distinctly Chinese in its flavour profile. Think egg drop soup energy, finished with a scattering of coriander. We would have loved a spot of acidity like a lemon somewhere.
For me, it’s decidedly soul food, rounded and warming without trying to be anything it’s not. What really stole the show though was garlic buttered baguette served alongside. Aggressively toasted, properly crunchy, and absolutely loaded with butter and savouriness. The kind of toast that you honestly don’t mind cutting the insides of your mouth a bit, just because it’s so tasty.
Drinks & Coffee
Mont Blanc
Price: $9
Rating: 2/5
This Mont Blanc was solid, straightforward, but ultimately forgettable. The citrus and orange are present, the cold brew is smooth, and the brew was smooth. The cream in particular felt a little light, and a richer, heavier hand there would have tied the citrus and cold brew together far more convincingly.
Nothing wrong with it. For the price, there’s nothing that makes you want to come back for either.
Is A.P. Bread and Wine Worth It?
It’s a fantastic place for a breakfast where you’re looking for an experience, and certainly worth consideration if this is your goal. The menu items have a bit of a twist, the service is fantastic, and the setting is warm and approachable. Great if you want to impress, or want something memorable
For value, breakfast classics, or an occasion that demands familiarity, A.P. Bread and Wine is not worth it. The prices are on the higher side, and you might be better off visiting your local for a classic flat white and bacon and egg roll.