On a bright, sunny Saturday when we had nothing to do we decided to go out to Newtown for a wander and to have lunch. Being the hipster suburb that it is, there’s no shortage of good eateries in the area, lined up side by side along King Street.Twelve is nestled among them, occupying almost two shopfront lengths with its open-air seating and dark, subtle decor. The signage oozes the air of a funky, seaside cafe.

Inside the furnishing and lighting is just as hip, with one wall transformed into a blackboard listing the daily specials and wine selection which can be seen from on the street. Bare lightbulbs hang from the ceiling, strung onto red wire that provides entertainment to the eye, and potted plants hang from posts by the entrance.

We were drawn to the restaurant by the lunch special blackboard outside which detailed an all day breakfast menu and lunch special burgers at $8 each. But upon sitting down, we were presented with an exciting menu that was even more expansive and drool-worthy than we’d originally thought. As well as the all day breakfast, there were burgers, salads, pastas, quesadillas and pizzas. How on earth were we going to choose?

Carrying on with the seafood theme, CK ordered a prawn linguine with bocconcini, spinach and oven-dried tomato. Although it came on the menu with chilli, she asked for it without. The cheese hard melted from the residual heat to make little cheesy clumps, with the tomato juices forming the base of a thin sauce and the pasta itself light and refreshing. It would’ve been better with the chilli, though.

Dad had the seafood risotto which we shared with our pizza. This, unlike many other risottos, was not heavy at all and had a lovely rich tomato flavour. Studded with peas, mussels, calamari, prawns, scallops and just cooked fish, it was a beautiful risotto.

The service was friendly and attentive and walking past taking a peek at other patrons eating their lovely lunches, it looked as if everything on the menu would be delicious. The table next to us were sharing the pancakes with berry compote. Drool. Waiting outside for Dad, we took a look at the list of cakes and homemade goods available from the kitchen and our mouths began to water – we’ll definitely be remembering twelve for a breakfast or afternoon tea one day!

Website:
http://www.twelvenewtown.com.au/