The Flying Fig

The best Reuben sandwich I've had outside of New Jersey! And it's gluten-free too! Kosher deli-style food is some of my favorite comfort food but since moving to Australia it's been hard to find. But this place hits the spot and then some! I loved it so much I dragged my coworkers here to try it, and they loved it just as much as I did. If you haven't tried food like this before, you owe it to yourself to. They make so many of their ingredients in house - their pastrami is heavenly and their Russian dressing has the perfect kick. My only minor quibble is that the latkes aren't gluten-free, I'm celiac and I miss latkes. But the sandwiches can be made gluten-free and their Reuben is the perfect nostalgic comfort food. Don't miss out!

This unassuming small corner cafe is a lovely surprise ! When it’s cold and it rains , your thoughts turn to food . It was by chance that my friend and I found this place and went in to try . It was only after we parked nearby that he remembered he’d been here before and had had a lovely experience . The Flying Fig is apparently modeled after a NY Jewish Deli ( not that I’ve ever been to NY) . When we entered , it was warm and cozy , with a lovely aroma of coffee mixing with spices . The server was prompt and all smiles , told us to choose seating and followed us with menus to a small wooden window seat . My friend had already eaten , but ordered a small banana cake , with a side pitcher of cream , just right for a wet Winters afternoon. I ordered an iced almond latte - the coffee was a dark roast with a slight fruity aftertaste. I forgot to ask which blend they used , but it was pleasant. The menu was a little different to ordinary cafe fare , and had lots of dietary options. I ordered the smashed avo with poached eggs, but the difference being that instead of the ordinary toast, it was stacked on a sweet potato latke , which was so warm and crispy on the outside , and soft and sweet inside . The eggs were perfectly cooked , with runny yolks , and the smashed avocado and hazelnut dukkah helped round out the dish . The surprise element was the Manischewitz wine reduction ( which apparently is a non alcoholic Jewish wine , which tastes like a cross between maple syrup and honey , and complimented the hazelnuts)In addition, it was plated beautifully. I really loved this dish . The owner was so happy and friendly; he came to the table and ready to explain any questions that you had about the menu . Definitely need to come back and try the French Toast - which has a gluten free option . I saw it at someone’s table and it looked amazing. If you are getting a little tired of normal cafe fare, give this place a try .