Jones the Grocer

Shop 8 Lvl 3, Emporium Melbourne, 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Date visited: 12th October 2014


MerlinFan and I headed down to Emporium once again, this time to try Jones the Grocer.  Jones is just what it claims to be - a grocer selling gourmet food, only with its own in-store cafe.  We were glancing at the menu at the counter when a friendly waitress offered us menus and then showed us to a table when we were ready.

Near ceiling height shelves of goods

It was pretty quiet on a Sunday post noon, and food didn't take too long to arrive.  I had the Twice cooked pork belly, caramel apple, prune puree, pickle fennel and walnut salad.  The star of the dish, the pork belly was tender and moist and the skin was crispy, although I would have liked it saltier - and by that, I mean insanely salty.  Not the healthiest, but that's just the way I like my crackle.  And let's face it, if you ordered pork belly, chances are you weren't after a healthy meal in the first place.

Pork belly $24

MerlinFan had the Tempura battered barramundi, rustic chips, miso tartare and lemon.  We both agreed the fish was juicy and nicely cooked, with light, crisp tempura batter that just fell away.  Chips were good but we couldn't detect much miso in the tartare.

Tempura fish and chips $19

I had their Bolivian filter coffee, which had a medium acidity and peachy, fruity tones.

Filter coffee $5

Overall, meals were pretty good, although not mind-blowingly so, and slightly on the pricey side for the size.  Service was very friendly and attentive the entire time we were there.  I enjoyed my coffee and would love to return to try their selection of desserts and cakes.




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