Riverland
Vaults 1-9 Federation Wharf
I’m not a huge fan of Christmas crowds. If you want to escape the mayhem of thousands of people trying to vie for the latest gadget a week out from the big day then head down to the calm surrounds of Riverland.
Riverland sits on the banks of the Yarra, across the road from Flinders St Station, almost under the Princes St Bridge and just off Federation Square. Just follow those very clear instructions and you should have no problem finding it. With such a great location the atmosphere takes care of itself, and as long as you’ve got good company or a good book you can have a relaxing breakfast away from the Christmas rush. Unfortunately Riverland’s menu isn’t quite as good as it’s scenery.
The small menu primarily comprises rolls and jaffles – for those who don’t know jaffles are essentially a closed toasted sandwich, it’s a bit of menu trickery but a toasted sandwich by any other name still remains a toasted sandwich.
The breakfast highlight was the Moroccan Baked Eggs enjoyed by Rhymenocerous. The Baked Eggs are complimented by the tomato, onion, spinach, basil and Moroccan spices. He felt it was the best breakfast he’d had in quite a while and highly recommended it. Just quietly, I have also heard this from other Riverland frequenters who can’t get enough of these delicious eggs.
In contrast to the Baked Eggs, NSW Girl had the ciabbata breakfast roll with eggs, wilted spinach and pecorino. It was just that – a roll. It looked a little sad on the big white plate, and she also felt the pecorino was overwhelming and needed to be sliced thinner.
I had the mushrooms with thyme and feta on brioche, I was very disappointed. The mushrooms were thickly sliced, placed on an overly dry brioche and sprinkled with herbs. The taste was okay but the slabs of mushrooms overrode any flavour of the herbs after one bite. What’s disappointing is it could have been so much better if the mushrooms had been chopped and mixed with the herbs to allow the flavours to intermingle.
Riverland’s focus isn’t on creating Melbourne’s best breakfast venue, however they are using their great location to provide a casual coffee and breakfast for hungry joggers and those looking for a quiet morning.
And, do we want to stay for breakfast? I wouldn’t rush back for breakfast, but would definitely head there for a quiet coffee by the river or after work drinks.
Ratings (out 0f 10):
- Overall 7
- Atmosphere 9
- Service 7
- Food 5
- Coffee 7
