The Little Eastern

389 Magill Road, St Morris

(08) 8431 9061

I (Amanda) recently visited The Little Eastern (TLE) for a brunch catch-up with a friend eager to try the Lebanese inspired all day breakfast menu. The accents of bright yellow used throughout the intimate cafe, exposed brick feature wall and homely wooden furniture provided a bright, cheery and comfortable setting. Within minutes of arriving we were greeted, seated by the front window, provided with menus and table water filled our glasses.

I decided to start with an ‘Immunity Booster’ fresh juice comprising of beetroot, carrot, apple and ginger. The beetroot and carrot were the predominant flavours but the hint of the crisp fresh apple helped make this healthy choice enjoyable. My friend selected the ‘Breakfast Smoothie’ with muesli, banana, yoghurt, honey and milk which she said was delicious and not overly filling as she expected it would be.

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To follow I chose the smashed avocado with Danish feta on toasted organic sourdough rye bread. I added a poached egg to this meal as I love an egg and avocado combination. The poached egg was cooked perfectly with a soft oozing centre, the avocado and feta smash was deliciously creamy and aptly garnished with the right amount of lemon dressing, fresh mint and zaatar to bring amazing zest, freshness and spice to this dish. TLE use local and organic produce throughout their menu and it is definitely obvious in this dish. My friend devoured the poached eggs with sautéed spinach and mushrooms on organic sourdough bread which she thoroughly enjoyed.

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I couldn’t visit TLE without trying one of their Lebanese specialities named Manoushi, which they describe as a Lebanese style pizza which is simply a 9 inch pizza folded in half with a variety of different fillings to choose from. We selected a traditional filling of zaatar (a Middle Eastern herb mix), labne (strained yoghurt), fresh cucumber, tomato, olives and mint. One word…wow! This soft pocket of goodness filled with moreish and fresh ingredients was the highlight of the brunch. The light, tender cooked dough with the warm complexity of the zaatar, richness of the labne and refreshing flavours of the tomato, cucumber and mint was a match made in heaven!

I definitely recommend a visit to this little neighbourhood gem with its delightful food, friendly service and value for money prices. I can’t wait to return to try something from their equally delicious sounding lunch menu and of course another Manoushi!