Devon on Danks

Throughout extensive the extensive insta-​research that I did prior to coming to Sydney most recently, Devon on Danks frequently popped up on the olé’ gram, and what puzzled me was that there didn’t seem to be a single stand-​out dish or even cuisine type that was commonly depicted. There were cronuts here, sandwiches there and pasta dishes elsewhere with foodie photographers singing the praises of each. It wasn’t until I actually stepped into Devon on Danks that I understood the true uniqueness and breadth of the menu. I liked it.
Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere?
Devon on Danks has a wonderful brunchy vibe that mixes individual tables with sunbathed communal high tops and barstools. Service is fast and friendly, and the partially open kitchen tempts you with the sweeter side of the menu constantly. I ordered what I imagine was the most complex dish on the menu (more on that later) and I had my food within maybe 10 to 15 minutes even though the place was pretty packed. That’s reasonable and appreciated. Star Granted.
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
I should point out that most entrees on the Devon on Danks menu range between maybe $ 12.00 and $ 20.00 for what are in some cases huge desserts and sandwiches alike. I, however, was more inspired by the seasonal specialty «truffle» menu, and naturally ordered the truffle pasta, which came in at $ 35.00. Much more expensive yes, but also more complex and with more expensive ingredients. All in all the prices at Devon on Danks are more than reasonable and cater to more or less any budget for good portions of food. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
I’ll be clear — my pappardelle pasta with shredded porcini mushrooms in a cheese and cream sauce with abundant shaved truffles was good. The pasta? clearly homemade if not freshly brought in. The mushrooms? flavorful. The truffle? present.
My one criticism here was that the cheese and cream sauce, while reasonably portioned, very much took over the dish, and at times I wasn’t sure whether or not I was eating mushroom or pasta. That matter aside, this was a good dish. Single Star Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
With a valuable menu that seasonally shifts ranging from sandwich to pasta to dessert? Of course I would! Star Granted.

I was a fan with the first Devon at Surry Hills & their second place has been living up to their high standards.& more. We had a small group of 6 for a birthday breakfast. Coffee was smooth & creamy… some of us ordered a second round of coffees! When you look at the menu, there are fancy descriptions & quirky names for each item & a bit in the pricier side. But when the food comes… it all makes sense, it’s a visual & tasting feast. I ordered the «no Spain, no gain» & it was big! Others had the Venus, the French toast & Yogi bowl. They change their menu regularly, make the best Nutella & banana muffins, crunchy cronuts. Maybe I’m a bit of a food snob, but I’m willing to pay for good food. Staff are always friendly & attentive. I’m a regular, so the owner recognize me & my family, she also gives our kids little treats when they go there. That gets a tick in my books.

Menu that is to out there for even me… I was craving fresh fruit, instead I get ‘dehydrated’ fruit — pass!
Asian staff are more interested in hugging one another and talking in the open kitchen area rather then actually serving their customers.
Waiter looked like he just got in from an all nighter and was more keen to eat his red pen then smile, let alone take an order from a table.
Bruschetta — where do I start… Cold with what resembled canned tomatoes!
Oh a positive: they didn’t screw up the coffee.
This place was much better before it was taken over. I applaud creativity but this place has lost the plot. Plenty of other options around town. Save this place for the Sunday Hillsong church folk across the street!

This is a great little place! The décor is very hip and modern and the food is awesome! I had the pork bun and bc it is triple cooked, it was so tender and tasty. The Lobster spring roll was equally great as the aioli has a nice flavor to it.
The Ayam Percik chicken was delightful with a slight hint of heat. The side was sweet and flavorful. Dessert was a nice smörgåsbord of different desserts. I highly recommend this place for dinner.

*** Not sure why the listing for Devon on Danks was removed and a new one added in and then my reviews migrated to Devon in Surry Hills?
Review: 17÷3÷2015
Decided to come back here to try their dinner menu and I have to say I vastly prefer their dinner menu to their breakfast/​lunch menu.
Why?
At least I can justify the prices you pay for dinner with the food you get… you might actually spend less money for dinner here than you would on lunch.
The place doesn’t get too packed at night, at least on a Wednesday and we got seated pretty easily. We ordered the Pork Buns Hakka Style, KJI (Kim Jong Il, no relation) Fried Chicken Wings, steamed veggies and the Wagyu Striploin.
The Pork Buns were AWESOME… definitely could down 4 of these and not eat anything else.
The KJI wings weren’t anything special, they just reminded me of Wicked Wings from KFC with gochujang and 3x the price.
The Wagyu Striploin was tender and delicious… highly recommend.
Service was just OK, not bad but not amazing.
Their soft serve machine broke down which was a shame.
All in all, Dinner is better than Lunch here for me.
Review: 14/​12/​2014
This is more of a 3.5 than a 3.
I was pretty harsh on Devon when I went (haven’t been back) and again I’ve heard good things about Devon on Danks so I figure I’d give it a shot. The interior is great, lots of space and a relaxed vibe. I noticed they sold donuts and cronuts too so that’s a plus, though I didn’t get a chance to try them.
I ordered a flat white ($ 3.40,) soft shell crab roll ($ 18,) and the special soft serve ($ 7.)
My flat white was pretty good, no complaints there. I can appreciate what they’re doing, I just can’t say that it’s for me. I still can’t stomach paying $ 18 for a soft shell crab roll that skimps on the crab that tastes more interesting than delicious, and the salted caramel soft serve with chips was alright, but it just reminded me of being back in the U.S. with Wendy’s soft serve and fries for $ 2. Again, that’s just me.
My friend got the crab pasta ($ 27) and said it was OK but not $ 27 OK, he would have preferred to go to a proper Italian restaurant. Decent place to go if you want a modern twist on brunch/​lunch where there’s some experimental stuff being done. Just prepare to pay for it.

I was in Waterloo to check out a wall paper shop so I know I would need to have later lunch in this area. I heard of this place but as usual I check out Unilocal for reviews and validation ;) not many reviews on Unilocal though. When I travel overseas, I use Unilocal a lot and none of any single time I got it wrong! I know I work long hours and have lots of other responsibilities. I do appreciate genuine reviews which are so important! I want to enjoy each meal. I try to squeeze time out of my busy schedule to write good reviews. Also it increases industrial standard as providers (such as restaurants) compete to improve both food & services! Otherwise consumers would leave negative reviews.
The entrance is understated. I like the buzz feeling! A very busy café!!! I ordered the salmon which was in deed sensational. Afterwards I ordered Cronnie, I know it’s bad for my body but couldn’t refrain it and ate the whole thing. It’s really sweet, so it’s addictive — that’s why I couldn’t stop until I finished the whole.
I only give 3 starts not because the salmon was not good enough! I think the food is tasty, interesting and different. Services are ok — not brilliant but not bad! I also see why the café is popular — lots of deserts and sweets look sensational! Although I appreciate the taste, I advocate healthy life style. I think good food is the combination being nutritional & tasty… Large portion of the menu looks fabulous but not good for my waistline ;)
After all, I will go back to try other a couple of dishes which are not as bad calories wise.
By the way I suffered stomach ache after the Cronnie … It’s just not healthy

Finally made it here after seeing everyone else go!
Arrived about 10.30am on a Tuesday and there were lots of tables to choose from — I guess the weekend wold be packed!
Got a piccolo and the Little lost bread and my companion Nick got the Truffle soft serve and matcha latte.
The brioche french toast was all i had hoped for, the centre was warm, texture was soft and everything blended well together. Only thing i would say is that after a while it can get a bit full on but hey i was prepared! I believe this dish would be great to share as it’s quite a large serving.
Nick’s Truffle soft serve comes at $ 15 a pop, i’m not a huge truffle fan nor expert but i believe that is reasonable? Considering it was Milk & truffle soft serve with truffle honey and truffle salt! Truffle everything except the cone: D
Overall, the experience was delightful, coffee great and friendly staff. I know hope to come by again to try their famous scotch egg!

So excited to be the first to Unilocal about this awesome Café in Waterloo. Sister to Devon Café in Surry Hills, Devon on Danks has been open since 2014. The head Chef is Zachary Tan and he has helped create a unique menu which fuses Eastern and Western flavours with a contemporary fun twist.
Have I mentioned I’m excited about this place?!
There was a short queue of people at the door but we were quickly acknowledged and led to a table for two. We were seated near the kitchen and it was a bit noisy but we enjoyed watching the flurry of activity around us.
I was lured by the vulnerability of the naked bruschetta with goats curd on walnut bread, roasted & pickled beetroot, avocado, kale and a soft boiled egg nearly placed on GOP. This dish was delicious. The balance of pickled Asian flavours inspired by a Western bruschetta dish was great.
What was greater was seeing my hubby’s eyes light up when he tasted his breakfast. Beef cheek so tender it was melt-​in-​your-​mouth. The waiter poured the onion broth over the beef at the table. Nice little touch. Hubby personally thanked the cooks afterwards for creating the most delicious breakfast. Defiantly something we would never have at home for our first meal of the day. Isn’t that what dining out is all about? Experiencing different flavours and having something a little bit special.
The special-​ness and excitement grew when we ventured to the front of the Café. Filled with fresh donuts and cronuts and other baked goodies the choice was overwhelming. Definitely coming back here for a sugar fix!