South Hobart is abuzz with activity and the newest cafe on the strip has added to it’s growing culinary credentials.

Vivi and Alicia opened Vilicia in 2014 and it quickly became one of the most popular cafes in the CBD and a personal favourite of mine. Four years later and they’ve opened a second business and, while you can still expect a great coffee, the focus is just as much on the food as well.

The building has seen a number of tenants in the past including the legendary Mondo’s Hot Bread Kitchen and more recently Moses Bakery. The interior has been stunningly transformed with natural light used effectively and playing a big part. They’ve fitted a lot of seating into the space and there’s a view into the busy and well equipped kitchen

.

Head Chef Lachlan Fletcher has created a menu that is large and exciting. It covers a lot of ground including eggs every which way, modern brunch dishes, healthier options, and sides. Also on offer is a range of dishes featuring the work of Imago Bakery such as croissants, toast and danishes.

A play on the classic Eggs Benedict is bold and flavourful. The ham hock is the star here but everything works beautifully in harmony from the delightful hollandaise to the potato pave it all rests on.

The breakfast salad is nourishing and vibrant. Lightly dressed with great texture it comes with options to make it vegan, vegetarian (with a poached egg) or pescatarian (with hot smoked salmon). I could not fault either dish.

The business has only been open a week but there appeared a lot less teething issues than you’d expect. Service was very prompt and friendly. The coffee of course outstanding.

Bear With Me is located at 399 Macquarie St, South Hobart

Facebook / Instagram / Vilicia Coffee