Footscray CBD has a new retail and shopping precinct across from the former Little Saigon market. One of the new tenants is Small Graces, a bright and cosy cafe by chef/owner and Footscray local Diego.
Small Graces‘s menu focuses on seasonal and wholesome food, with a few Colombian flourishes harking to Diego’s heritage. The kitchen uses ingredients that are ethically sourced with minimal processing. Vegetables feature heavily and dishes can be adjusted for vegan diets or food allergies.
Sweet options with minimal sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of the ingredients. Case in point is the sweet potato waffles ($16) which are accompanied by caramelised banana and not the traditional syrup. The sweet potato flavour is not evident at all – instead the root vegetable gives a solidity and crispness to the waffles. I love the addition of black sesame ice cream too (my favourite ice cream flavour).
Another sweet option from the all day menu is the porridge made with quinoa, tapioca, coconut milk, puffed wild rice, rhubarb and mint ($14).
It’s warming and filling and very pretty to boot.
The glass cabinet contains daily salads and fresh sandwiches that you can take away. Grill or pan fry some chicken or fish, add the salad and voila – easy lunch or dinner!
The bread is by Seddon’s Sourdough Kitchen, eggs come from happy Burd Eggs and coffee is by Kensington’s Rumble Coffee. Not being a coffee drinker I recommend the Raja chai latte made from real brewed tea and spices ($4.50) and served in custom-made cups by Asaka Ceramics.
Also the first babycino is free and comes with a little cookie (subsequent babycinos are $2).
For families there are also several high chairs, a few books and some pavement chalk is in the works. The outdoor seating area is in a plaza-style setting and there’s a slow-moving one-way street bordering it, so kids are reasonably safe to hang out there. There’s no kids menu but there is an extensive ‘sides’ list that you can use to build-your-own meal.
Small Graces is a welcome addition to Footscray CBD, which is filled to the brim with restaurants but not very many good quality cafes (as yet).
For other Footscray CBD cafes try Rudimentary.
HOT Tips:
- pram access (mostly outdoors);
- high chairs;
- books;
- standard menu suitable for kids;
- limited free street parking;
- close to Footscray railway station.
Small Graces, 57 Byron St, Footscray
M-F 7am–4pm
Saturday 7.30am-4pm
Sunday 8am-4pm
