Strange Servant — Restaurant in Melbourne

Just around the corner in Dingley Village, one might say its a strangely hidden place, in a strange part of Melbourne. But there's nothing strange about the cafe "Strange Servant". Rarely have I experienced an eatery with a commanding presence, vibe, attitude and quality as this. Lets begin with Luke, the owner. He has a wonderful character disposition that emblazons the identity of the cafe as a high-service establishment for others to learn from. His Core Values speak for themselves, shown in a photo I've taken - "Strive for Success", "Appreciative", "Open Minded", "United to Serve" - educating staff and the public on just how a successful business should be run. The staff are a personification of these core values and it's quite refreshing coming from someone who promotes workplace civility. It goes beyond saying that feeling at home, contentment & feeling well looked after are primary emotions when eating here. Next comes the food. As they promote Halal food, there is no pork on the premises - instead they use beef products to great applause and they define the quality that is presented here. My partner and I chose the signature breakfast called "D'Villager" (the common Big Breakfast) - but leaves the average big breakfast to dust. It is a well-balanced meal with beef salami, beef bacon, potato rosti, haloumi cheese, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, eggs on sourdough toast - and a drop of relish. With garnish it looks just as good as it tastes. This also reminds me of what we once called a 'decent' breakfast in the 90's. The coffee. Luke has taken the time to reach a balance in his coffee, not to earthy and not too bland. This means he can serve the public majority with coffee they will immediately love. Again, another wonderful plus in the experience. Next, the menu. A lot of care has been taken to preserve the inspiring nature of the options available yet keeping the number off foods tight and fitting to the cafe's character. As creative as some of the dishes are, the careful curation and balance is evident, leaving you satisfied even on a quick trip in. Finally, the decor. A simple minimalistic approach with signature logos placed in optimal viewing positions signifies a design that makes a bold statement, instilling confidence and respect that all can truly experience a wonderful time here. I must say that right under my nose I have driven past for many years, but not taken the time to eat here - my mistake. If I could give this eatery an 11, I would. Inspiring, thoughtful, great service, excellent values and perfect food. I hope others can learn and grow from such an institution, right here in...

Our usual was closed so came here to try it. The atmosphere was buzzing (likely because the other place was closed) and it was a busy morning. We came for brunch and were disappointed that they do not serve bacon, being a halal restaurant. No big deal, we can roll with that. I had the Moroccan poached eggs and my buddy had scrambled eggs and the beef bacon with sourdough. Also ordered a juice and a cappuccino. Food and juice came, but we had to enquire after the cappuccino after we were half way to finishing eating. Morroccan was okay - not the best. Despite the menu stating there is capsicum, it was non-existent in the tomato sauce (which to be honest, tasted like a canned crushed tomato). The chorizo and feta helped make the dish taste better. Eggs were perfectly poached with a soft centre so that was a bonus! Juice was refreshing - it was the watermelon, apple and strawberry one (forgot what it was called), but the ice blocks were enormous! Scrambled eggs/'bacon' was reported to be good.

Service, despite having staff buzzing around, we had to call them to order and again to enquire as to where the cappuccino was. They were friendly though with smiles and keen to please, no...

I had a fantastic experience at Strange Servant Café recently, where I tried the Asian Crunchy Sesame Salad with grilled chicken. This salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish.

The salad featured a vibrant combination of red cabbage, julienned carrots, bell pepper, snow peas, and creamy avocado, all beautifully arranged. The addition of grilled Brussels sprouts was a lovely surprise, adding a unique twist and a touch of richness to the dish. The chicken was perfectly cooked, providing a satisfying protein boost.

What really tied the dish together was the sesame dressing, which was light yet flavorful, enhancing the freshness of the vegetables without overpowering them. Topped with crushed peanuts and fresh mint, each bite offered a delightful crunch and aromatic freshness that made it even more enjoyable.

The café itself has a cozy, inviting atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and attentive throughout my visit.

Overall, the Asian Crunchy Sesame Salad at Strange Servant Café is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful meal. I left feeling satisfied and eager to return for more of their...