Oak Ca Phe — Restaurant in Sandwell

I have been to Oak Ca Phe multiple times since it opened so I have managed to try a range of their menu. Firstly, their coffee is amazing of which I have tried 3 different flavours including their salted coffee. Their pastries also are really good. I have tried their cinnamon bun, vanilla raspberry bun and their pain suisse. I am yet to try their supreme croissant as well as regular filled croissants.

In terms of their cooked food known as their Oak only dishes I would say they are sub par. Majority of the main dishes lack flavour. They all taste very fresh, are presented beautifully and you can tell effort has been put in but it looks nicer than it tastes and all the effort that has been put in is wasted due to the overall flavour. This includes their Beef Pho dish which had no real kick or flavour that stood out. Their chicken Kari was also very bland and did not taste of coconut or anything in general. I found myself having to add chilli oil to both dishes to give it some character. Their vermicilli dish again had no real flavour. It consisted of plain boiled vermicilli noodles and chicken. The dish came with fish oil which without it I would’ve not been able to eat the dish. I ended up having to get a second fish oil in fact as without it the dish was bad to say the least and would’ve just tasted like boiled pasta. I have also tried their spring rolls which again required sauce to give it flavour. I have to say however their chicken wings are amazing and I have reordered them multiple times and would recommend. Their loaded fries are also nice.

Overall, I would say in general this place isn’t amazing but it does do really good pastries coffee as well as wings. Their Vietnamese dishes though I feel require tweaking in terms of their flavour. A lot of effort has been put into their dishes but they just miss the mark in terms of flavour. I have tried Vietnamese food elsewhere which I have loved and have been more flavourful than what...

Please Note: I am writing this review to reflect the service and not the food or drink because we didn’t actually manage to dine with them (see below).

I saw Oak had newly opened and made plans to come for lunch. We made the trip especially because we don’t live locally but we saw the amazing photos online and wanted some good Vietnamese food.

We arrived approximately at 2:30pm on a Saturday and given that they close at 5pm, this still seemed a reasonable time to arrive. We walked through the door and saw the place had a lot of tables filled. We stood by the doorway for what felt like uncomfortably long. There were 4 staff behind the bar (who definitely saw we were there) and also staff on the floor. Finally after trying to get the attention of the staff behind the bar, they said that they were full and it would take a while before they had space. They asked if we wanted food or drinks and we said Vietnamese food - they said there was no food left. We then glanced over at the counter and there seemed to be a singular slice of chocolate cake. Whilst I appreciate and am happy that they were busy, it’s poor planning on the business’ behalf to run out of all cooked food and pastries with a few hours to go before closure.

However, what prompted this review was the lack of interest we felt the staff showed when we wanted a table. Even if there was no space, this should have been communicated swiftly and in a friendly manner.

After leaving the place, we stood in the street not really knowing where to go next as we had made the trip especially and we are unsure if we will return due to the...

Forget any preconceived notions about Bearwood – Oak Ca Phe is a culinary oasis that transports you straight to the heart of Vietnam. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a charming, inviting atmosphere that's both modern and cozy. The decor is spot-on, with tasteful touches of Vietnamese culture woven throughout.

The pastry and cake display is a work of art, showcasing an impressive variety of colorful and tempting treats. I couldn't resist trying a couple, and each one was absolutely delicious.

Coffee lovers, rejoice! Oak Ca Phe serves up some of the best coffee in the city, rivaling even the most renowned cafes in Sydney. (Just spent three months there, before you ask) The rich, aromatic Coconut coffee is a must-try, but the rest of their coffee range looks equally impressive.

Now, let's talk about the food. Simply put, it's outstanding. The menu features a wide range of authentic Vietnamese dishes, each bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The pho is a standout, with a fragrant broth that's both comforting and complex. And the Spring Rolls are light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.

Despite my initial reservations about the location, Oak Ca Phe has quickly become one of my favorite places in Bearwood. The food, coffee, and atmosphere are all exceptional, and the service is warm and friendly. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a delicious and unique dining experience, I can't recommend Oak Ca Phe...