The popular Gemelli team brings you yet another way to love them: through an all-day everyday breakfast spot in Bryanston. Pantry at Gemelli is actually a functions venue that offers Gemelli’s panache in a private setting. But, with the private functions only making use of the space in the evenings, they’re putting the space to great use with breakfast spins on Gemelli favourites.

Food type: All-day breakfast
Parking: Secure parking
Cost: R90 average main meal
Star ratings: Food: 4; Service: 4; Ambience: 3

Food

The menu is divided into four sections: the ‘baker’s dozen’ (croissant and Benedict breakfasts), ‘conscious’ (vegan options and gluten-free bowls), ‘O.T.T’ (indulgent and piled high) and ‘all-day’ (upscale classics). Plating is simple but pretty, ingredients are top-notch (eggs are free range) and flavours are well-balanced.

 

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A post shared by P A N T R Y (@pantry_kitchen) on Apr 7, 2018 at 10:15pm PDT

Start with the breakfast quarter pounder: a seeded milk bun with a beef-and-lamb patty, aged cheddar, fried egg, smoky bacon and sweet tomato confiture. It’s fantastic. The addition of lamb to the patty gives it a welcomed boost of fat and flavour and the deliciously smoky bacon and cheese add to the appeal, but it doesn’t come accompanied by fries or any sides, for that matter – nothing here does. The avocado toast is a great option if you’re looking for something light: smashed avocado on your choice of toast or potato rosti with chili, lemon ricotta and a poached egg.

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Let’s just say you don’t have a sweet-tooth, know that we have your back. New to our menu as well. Pantry’s Flapjack Stack, The Savoury One Buttermilk Flapjacks. Streaky Bacon. Poached Egg. Summer Berry Compote. Mascarpone. Whiskey Syrup. #pantrybreakfast #pantryalldaybreakfast #alldaybreakfast

A post shared by P A N T R Y (@pantry_kitchen) on Mar 6, 2019 at 1:20am PST

Another seriously healthy option is the quinoa breakfast bowl: quinoa, seeds, kale, avo, a poached egg and tahini. Shying just a little from satisfying, this dish might be just a little too healthy, unless that’s exactly what you’re after. There’s also a non-traditional shakshuka with chilli con carne, jalapeños, parmesan and poached eggs, and the halloumi bomb – a tower of ciabatta, halloumi, bacon, spinach and mushrooms, topped with a poached egg ticks all the boxes. And, when in doubt, you can’t go wrong with either of the Benedicts, both of which are served with decadent porcini hollandaise.

Drinks

You’ll find a lovely selection of high-end teas and great coffee, plus a selection of freshly squeezed juices. The wine list and cocktail menus come courtesy of Gemelli so they’re pretty all-encompassing. You’ll find signature cocktails as well as great wines by the glass, but what’s missing is a good list of brunch cocktails like a classic Bloody Mary or mimosa. These all-day breakfasts need to be teamed with some all-day brunching tipples.

Service

Service is casual, friendly and informed.

Ambience

The tables are set between the open kitchen and the coffee station/bar. The setting is styled without being pretentious. Opt for tables away from the bar if you’re noise-sensitive, as the coffee machine has quite a motor.

Best for…

Business breakfasts and weekend brunches.

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Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.