Momo Wholefood — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

Momo opened for a session of 'Momo Nights' last Friday evening. We had snagged a table & the whole experience (food, service, atmosphere) was exceptional. As a table of carnivores, presenting for a plant-based degustation, we were totally delighted & satisfied with every course. We particularly loved the timing of the staggered courses. It was perfect, giving us time to relax (& digest) between each beautiful presentation. Stand-outs were the Spiced Eggplant Dip & locally sourced Olives Starters (both of such excellent quality) then the share plates of Mushrooms (beautiful texture & taste) which we all loved very much. The Tofu/Walnut Balls, with caper & tomato sauce (so fresh & tasty) were excellent. A member of our party couldn't believe there was no 'meat' in the tofu & walnut balls. It was hard to convince him. We felt very full towards the end of the courses & found it difficult to pay justice to the last course, the glorious Charred Cabbage & Lentils (amazing presentation of that course!). We'd do well to pace ourselves, next time. In saying that, full & happy, we couldn't resist dessert so did order two warmed pear & nut crumble plates with coconut ice cream to share. Yum. The wine list is interesting, varied & reasonably priced.We enjoyed both a bottle of white & red over dinner. We were delighted with the beer selection (including a fav stout beer from Method...v nice!). I noticed an innovative Cocktail List & diners around us were commenting on how lovely their chosen cocktails were. Again, next time! At $60 a head, the price of the fare was very good (excellent quality & quantity). We all enjoyed wines & beers, before & during, dinner. Momo service is well recognised as outstanding ( gracious & respectful) so with such a welcoming service atmosphere, this Momo Night appeared to be full of loyal locals who had booked ahead. It was a sell out event. It was easy to see why....

This is a place where you'll feel as comfortable as a cat on a lap. And it delivers in that sense. A great welcome is created by the fit out and the people. It's a top combo. The menu itself had us salivating like Pavlov's best friend. However, we were let down gradually but ubiquitously. The white bean toast is good enough, though unspectacular for the price. The hummus bowl promises "roasted and spiced seasonal vegetables". Oily and limp (fried?) Cauliflower (only) isn't that. And the cabbage and pickles were scant. The $9 toast may well be homemade, but it's mediocre...worse still, it's brushed with some form of odorous oil, not on the menu, and quite a deterrent. Certainly not a good combo with pepe's butter. The baked goods look the part, but again, fail to thrill. The great looking friand has excess baking powder overtly waving its wafty wand. The chocolate cookie is a busicuit in the old arnotts style of stiff and crunchy...if that's your thing. The banana bread just doesn't work untoasted...so, don't sell it untoasted? The coffee missed the mark...the milk work is good, but the beans themselves are quite monochromatic and not great for our tastes. This is all sounding harsh, but they are not deal breakers per se. It's definitely worth...

A wonderful selection of vegetarian and mostly vegan options. My young female server was environmentally conscientious and both present and pleasant. Excellent customer service.

On special October 2 2024. That French Toast again, but with lemon curd and oh so fantastic. Linda the owner and the team especially Steph run an immaculate operation.

On special Wednesday July 19th 2023 Uprising sourdough French toast.... I mean holy f* * * wow

Vegan banana bread and butter was savoury enough to be comforting and sweet enough to be a pleasure.

Coconut rice porridge was awesome and really well presented

My black cold brew coffee was exceptional. I'm always impressed with unison coffee, a local roaster.

Special July 29th Spelt Flour pancakes. Again wow, spiced blueberry compote , quinoa almond crumble, fresh banana. Add vegan coconut icecream. Our plates were demolished.

Always awesome...