Ferry commuters are lucky enough to travel on Sydney's most scenic mode of public transport, but those that alight at Kirribilli wharf are extra-spoiled with this beautiful cafe. As ferries roll in and out, glassy green waves lap up against the weatherworn wooden wharf – turn left to catch a ferry or veer right in to Anvil and Co. The setup is like a boat-driver’s-quarters-turned-café – inside there are scavenged wooden benches, navy and white tiled walls, worn-in concrete floors and a little rope-and-shell wreath crafted from ocean bric-a-brac.
But the furnishings pale in comparison to the natural décor this little outlier café is blessed with. Through rusted iron window frames you’ll find uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour of Shark Island, Neutral Bay’s shoreline, Fort Denison and, of course, ferries full of happy tourists.
When you’ve finished sea-gazing, order up a coffee – they're tapping out a Pacemaker Blend from Sample Coffee Roasters. Over in the kitchen they're running a tight ship – while the menu isn’t extensive, the few dishes they do have tick all the right boxes. Something sweet? Try the house-toasted muesli, packed out with flaky nuts and topped with soft, braised rhubarb, which also makes an appearance in a vanilla milkshake (just like a freshly baked pie, only frothy).
Savouries run to pulled pork, with tomato and cannellini beans. It’s topped with a sunny-side-up fried egg and plenty of bread to mop up the juicy tomato base. But the breakfast star is a little dish they’ve dubbed the 'buttered Arabian eggs'. Sweet onion relish is softened by licks of sour yoghurt and creamy butter, combining to make a neat hollandaise substitute. Chilli flakes and mint are scattered on top for a kick of heat and freshness. Add in two soft poached eggs and malty sourdough, and then pull it all together for a veggo breakfast that doesn’t even give us a second of bacon-FOMO. After a breakfast-dessert snack? They’ve also got sweet treats from Black Star Pastry.
Whether you’re a commuter in need of a quick coffee, or you just want to get outside of the typical inner-city café box, Anvil Coffee Co are offering up top-notch meals that are only super seceded by the beauty of the harbour they are served next to.