The food at Carlton Café Delicious is absolutely inspired. It’s clear that chef and owner Rachel Botes lets her creativity fly when she designs a new dish.

The coffee counter at Carlton Café Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Food

Carlton classics like anchovy toast (anchovies blended with rosemary and served with thick slices of toasted bread) and spicy chicken mayo have been on the menu since the very beginning and keep loyal patrons coming back for more.

Anchovy and toast at Carlton Café Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The Marmite tart is what she calls ‘Menlo Park nostalgia’ and is simple perfection. Sweet and salty, it’s topped with caramelised onions, a perfectly poached egg and a parmesan crisp. For something more substantial, Conny’s southern fried chicken should not be missed and their aubergine ‘sandwich’ – layers of aubergine layered with honey-infused ricotta and feta cheese and served with asparagus – is light yet indulgent.

End on the signature ice cream sandwich. You can assemble your own, or eat it as it comes: two homemade chocolate biscuits with a homemade vanilla-bean ice cream and caramel sauce.

A chicken and mayo sandwich at Carlton Café Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Drinks

Carlton Café is not licensed to sell alcohol, and due to a legislative issue, can’t allow patrons to bring their own. However, the lack of alcohol won’t even be noticed when you try one of their innovative drinks. If you’re after something refreshing, their Anglo-Turkish iced tea with rose water and citrus will go down a treat. For something warmer, try their taai koffie (coffee with a layer of condensed milk at the bottom of the glass) or their decadent, thick hot chocolate with chilli.

Ambience

The feel is relaxed, modern and unpretentious. Walking into this inspired space, you know you’re about to experience something special. The rows of cookbooks, home-made products and friendly faces of the staff will leave you feeling relaxed and ready to dig into chef/owner Rachel’s unique and creative dishes.

Inside Carlton café Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Service

Staff members are very well trained; service is friendly and efficient. There is always someone on hand when you need something, but they don’t hover and give you space to peruse the menu in your own time.

And…

The café’s delicatessen offers a whole range of treats that can be pre-ordered to take home for general enjoyment or special events.

An interior view from outside at Carlton Café Delicious. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

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