The Lokal - A Cool, Classy Cafe Bistro Along Neil Road

The Lokal is another new cafe bistro that has opened up along Neil Road. Helmed by Chef Darren Farr, he used to be at Sydney's Tetsuya.

As for the cafe itself, it is very chic, elegant and also cosy at the same time. There isn't a distinctive theme, other than it looks classy and cool. Situated next to the Goethe Institute, you might just miss it as there is no visible signage at the front door.

Since it opened a month or so back, it has been packing in the crowds and more often than not, you will likely have to spend some time waiting for a table.

Despite that, it is pretty much worth the waiting time as the food here is of a rather high quality and coupled with the selections you will find here, it is not just your standard cafe dishing out just coffees and pastries.

Classy Joint

We came here for brunch on a weekend and I was reliably informed that they have different menus for breakfast and lunch. The service was spot on and the servers were enthusiastic and friendly. For ambiance, there is very little to complain.

Roast Beef on Rye with Caramelized Onions

The roast beef on rye sandwich with caramelized onions was a total winner. The roast beef was perfectly executed and beautifully sliced. Juicy pieces of fragrant roasted beef, and topped with a generous amount of caramelized onions, the flavor combination was faultless and utterly delicious.

Granola with Poached Pear

For the ladies, you might want to opt for this healthy option of granola with poached pear. It was a simple dish, but beautifully presented and another winning combination.

Sarnies Coffee

A cafe will lose a bit of its allure if it serves up lackluster coffee. Thankfully, The Lokal acquits itself with flying colors on this aspect.

Their coffee beans are sourced from Sarnies and the barista on that morning was pretty skilled in the concoction of our caffeine shots. The latte art didn't hurt either, pretty decent and quite refined.

With the exception of a higher price point that the usual hipster cafe joints, The Lokal has pretty much everything going for it now. In fact, I think it is more appropriate to call it a proper cafe bistro than to categorize it with the other hipster cafe outlets out there.

It may look less hip than usual, but it is certainly classier than most.

The Lokal
136 Neil Road