#auracafe

Sensing a positive aura when first choosing the corner location underneath the local medical and health clinic, co-owners Paul and Nicole knew exactly what to call their humble Templestowe cafe back in 2010. Fast forward to 2018, and Aura Cafe, Restaurant and Bar remains a relaxing destination for locals seeking a quick coffee and cake, or cooked-to-order lunch.

Walking up to this seemingly cosy cafe, its small number of front-facing tables fools you into thinking that their supply wouldn’t meet the weekend peak brunch hour demand. Venture inside, however, and discover another dining area towards the back, making this cafe’s layout ideal for peak hour dining, as well as for group functions and events. Admiring the bar shelves lined with branded liquors and spirits further instils confidence in their ability to get the party started with alcoholic crowd favourites.

Dining here during a Monday lunchtime, the relatively quiet ambience is made more lively by the vibrant and friendly staff wandering through the cafe, attending to customers in a timely manner. Taking care of the coffee orders inside, co-owner Paul earns his keep on the floor, in between friendly chats with customers and familiar faces. His hands-on approach extends to the cafe’s menu, with his Lebanese background finding its way into some of the lunch dishes, whilst maintaining the local ingredient and flavour combinations that are popular amongst locals.

Spiced Chai Latte ($4.80)

Perusing through the menu, menu items will sound familiar to anyone who has frequented a Melbourne brunch-style cafe, with Aura Cafe’s point of difference being the love and care that goes into the creation of each dish. Their food comes out in a no-frills sort of way, but still presents beautifully clean and generously portioned. Take the Corn Fritters, for example. One of their most popular dishes, three stacks are layered with a corn fritter, smashed avocado with feta, bacon rashers and a poached egg. Well seasoned and perfectly cooked, each component of this dish has purpose, combining to form a cohesive dish that puts a smile on your face whilst eating it. Oh, and the corn fritters are potentially the best you will have… thin-textured and not too doughy, its unified shape is bursting with more corn kernels than you could count.

Corn Fritters ($18.90)

Always a photogenically simple dish, the Lemon Pepper Calamari here is so good, that some customers rate it incomparable to anywhere else in the world. I wouldn’t say they were the best I’ve had, but they were, indeed, of a very high quality. The thinly-battered semolina consistently coats the tender strips of calamari, before being lightly fried and seasoned in enough salt and pepper to keep you going back for more. Served with chips, salad and tartare sauce as a main dish, or just rocket and tartare sauce as a lunch special, the sheer simplicity of this dish lets the quality of the ingredients (and of their cooking) shine through.

Lemon Pepper Calamari ($14.90 for weekday lunch special, $22.90 for main size with chips and salad)

Mildly inspired by Paul’s heritage, the Haloumi and Lentil Salad is a surprise contender for dish of the day, with a fusion of fresh tomato, cucumber, red onion, torn zaatar pita, spinach, fried haloumi cubes and house made hummus dressing. Its combination of salty, fresh and nutty flavours make this a delicious light lunch or take away meal. My only suggestion would be to add the torn zaatar pita after tossing the dressing through, to keep its textural crunch and thus avoid soggy pita pieces.

Haloumi & Lentil Salad ($18.90)

As a side dish, the Nachos are suitably topped with guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos and salsa. The crunch of the corn chips arrive untainted, however a saltier type of corn chip is needed to add more seasoning, along with the addition of the nacho toppings dispersed throughout the bowl rather than just added on the top.

Nachos ($12.50)

Its 8 years in the industry easily makes it a veteran, though Aura Cafe is anything but dated. It’s fresh-faced staff and exciting menu satisfies customers seeking a reliable local cafe that takes pride in offering value for money, all within a laid back ambience. Positive about their future, Paul considers other newer cafes moving into the area a bonus for them, as it not only attracts new customers to the area, but it also reminds locals of Aura Cafe’s location, reigniting their desire to frequent this modest daytime venue. Worth a visit if you’re in the area and seeking a nice cafe in which to relax.

Note: I dined as a guest of Aura Cafe, Restaurant & Bar. Thank you to Paul and their friendly staff for their generous hospitality throughout our experience.

Aura Cafe 200 High Street Lower Templestowe, VIC 3107 Ph: (03) 9850 4007 Email: [email protected] Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.