Split Cafe & Espresso Bar — Restaurant in Sawtell

I WASN'T EXPECTING THIS.

So I decided to stay in Sawtell as a stopover on my way back to Melbourne. Doing the usual review checks...I decided on Split due to reviews and opening time.

I'm very fussy when it comes to Coffee...being spoilt for choice back home in Lygon Street Carlton. Even despite the many positive reviews...I took this with a grain of salt...as its common in country towns...locals writing positive reviews to help their local businesses...(just my opinion)

How wrong was I...the Coffee here would put alot of cafes at home to shame...absolutely AMAZING. I couldn't fault it (I actually had 2). Just to ramp it up a bit...I thought I'd order scrambled eggs on Sourdough. Not expecting perfection...I still requested my scrambled eggs be cooked on the 'undercooked ' side...where they are not quite set when they're brought out (because they're still cooking). Too often...scrambled eggs are dry due to being overcooked (yes I know I'm fussy). These guys nailed it...absolutely divine...and the serving was huge (I struggled). Coupled with friendly efficient service...I would honestly stay I Sawtell on my next trip...just for the breakfast and coffee here ...although Sawtell is lovely. Thanks for a...

The COVID period was/is a fascinating time. A period like no other in our lifetime. One perhaps relatively minor observation of mine was how businesses reacted.

We had our favourite Sawtell cafe before this and Split was our rarely visited # 2. From the early days, and still to a lesser extent, 12 months on, our prior favourite closed for weeks on end and seemed to only open, randomly, a few times per week. Our take on that was with Jobkeeper, they could pay wages for all staff and the owners too, and so could enjoy what is likely a break after decades in the restaurant scene.

Split however, quickly pivoted to ensure they were being as safe as possible, compliant with all Government health regulations and updates, and amongst the first on the Coffs Coast to be back serving their customers. They did not miss a beat.

12 months on and I sense a significant increase in the loyalty of their patrons. They sure have earned our loyalty, and for us, their food and service is the very best in the area.

Well done Danny, Joe and your whole team. What a sterling...

The service will put a smile on your dial. Obviously gr8 location, modern layout & decor. Kind of reminds me of the most expensive living artist's sculpture, the Stainless Steel rabbit of Jeff Koons; many people see something in it, just not me. Took a lunch takeaway, fried chicky burger 'n' fries. Healthy fries, as there just ain't many calories/kj in 5 chips! Excellent jalapeno sauce, nicey 'n' spicy. Bun collapsed, chicken crunchy (cafe may be owned by a Dentist?), 'slaw was poor, I think the chef coulda done more. Place reminds me of many Aussie beachside cafes in the higher end suburbs.There's a line from a screenplay that really sums it up for me "Ever been on a plane and find yourself looking down at the armrest next to you, looking at the little plug where the ashtray used to go?

I look at that and I say, "What the hell happened to...