3 Monkeys Fine Foods

This cafe in Willunga has recently changed hands and has gotten a bit of facelift, thanks to new owners Mandy and Dan de Rose. They opened their doors in the beginning of January, and as soon as I heard that they were taking over I was OH SO EXCITED to check the place out.

Housed in a 1800’s cottage, this white walled beauty oozes historic charm but with plenty of modern details. There’s loads of places to park your bum- by the fire in the winter, outside in the sunny courtyard in the summer, under the porch anytime (hello people watching) or on the large table by the entryway- made by Dan, the very handy man!

The cafe has two sides to it- a beautiful dine in cafe experience and deli-of-sorts. There’s dedicated shelves that are lined with loads of delicious condiments, drinks and local products- think anything from Handmade Salted Caramel Sauce, pasta made on the Fleurieu Peninsula and some of the most tastiest sourdough getting around. There’s also a refrigerated cabinet with salads, cheeses and everything you could need for a platter, so there’s no need to hit the shops.

If the walls of the store are filled with local and predominantly South Australian produce, you can guarantee that the menu reflects the same. Mandy has worked in the Willunga Farmers Market for years selling her own tea, Dandy Tea Co, she is ALL about supporting small businesses and local farmers.

The menu isn’t boring and has a strong focus on seasonal food, but they still have your traditional’s on their too- one epic Big Breakfast and Smashed Avo with poachies.

As always a menu with so many choices pulls at the heartstrings. I was swaying towards the Smashed Avo with Crispy Pancetta, but the Matcha Pancakes had me swooning. And what a fabulous choice it was. The serving size was massive, they were coated with the most moreish salted Carmel sauce and were topped with local summer fruits and coconut ice cream. It absolutely defeated me so the other half got my left overs (lucky for him!).

He ate the Harris Smoked Salmon bagel, topped with Onkaparinga Creamery Chevre, smashed avo, red onion and capers. He is a bit of a bagel lover and this one from Bagel Boys got the big tick of approval. He loved the flavour combo, said it tasted delicious and there was silence at the table. Always a sign of a good meal.

We washed our drinks down with chai lattes and coffee’s which were made to perfection. While we were eating we were caught up perusing the all day lunch menu- baked brie, pickled octopus, huge platters served with wines from their neighbours at Hither & Yon- I know where I’m going next time the girls are in town.

We absolutely loved our brunch at the new 3 Monkeys– I’ve already planned my trip back for next week. Do yourself a favour and pay Mandy a visit- she makes a mean latte if you’re not peckish.

You can find 3 Monkeys Fine Foods at 17a High Street, Willunga.