Cafe Noma

I’m ready to admit that I didn’t think you’d be able to find a café this worth a visit in Wavell Heights. Yep, my café snobbery was well and truly in action but here, in this Unilocal review, I’m reminding myself one should never judge a book by it’s cover.
Café Noma is another in a series of suburban gems gracing Brisbane’s outer ‘hoods and making a name for itself among locals. I’ve been a few times now and there’s sure to be a few more — if only to try the kefir soaked oats.
They’re pouring Merlo coffee and have a menu chockers with standard café eats and many with a (on trend) healthy twist. The long blacks I’ve ordered have always been on-​point (or fleek as the kids are saying these days) and it’s been a space to sit and enjoy the moment rather than rush.

I’ve been saying for YEARS that this little line of shops needed a café. It’s got a lot of essential services (post office, newsagent, chemist, bakery, fruit & veg, bottle shop) but no reason for people to hang around. So Café Noma has come to save the day.
It’s a small space but they’ve packed in a lot of seating. With 4 tables outside and 6 inside.
There’s no eftpos minimum and an ATM just outside. A water bowl for the dogs and clipboards for colouring for the kids. The staff are lovely and attentive, perfect service.
I first stopped by and realised it was open when they participated in CafeSmart a fundraising event for the homeless.
The coffee is generous and well made with merlo beans. On my first visit I tried the amazing toasted pork belly sandwich that ticked all the delicious boxes.
On another visit I had the Pea and Corn fritters and added avocado & bacon when it already came with some. Don’t do that, but do try them, delicious
So happy that we have a café here now AND that I also love it.

Noma has proven to be a welcome addition to the Northside café scene since its opening in early August. Bringing a little individuality to the Hamilton Road local shops, the friendly team (including a moose named Cecil) serve up Merlo coffee daily to the caffeine-​starved masses, of which I am one.
A limited menu is available, with a more extensive list on its way in the near future. The cabinet boasts some yummy-​looking cakes for the sweet toothed among us. So far I’ve only tried one of the bagels (these are pre-​made, with a few meat options, but as I’m a vego they were happy to make me a different option) but am looking forward to testing out the new offerings when they arrive.
If you come during the morning you may experience a little delay as this place attracts those on their way to work and mums with small children. It’s never been enough to cause annoyance, and there are usually a couple of dogs seated with their owners outside so you can use this time to give them a pat. Just me? Okay then.
I haven’t taken any photos as yet, but as it’s the perfect walking distance from my house not to feel bad about having a treat, I’m here a fair bit. I’ll be sure to snap a couple next time!

I’ll admit I get a little thrill when a new café opens in my area and Café Noma is a new addition to Wavell Heights. Situated in a little shopping village area along Hamilton Road, Café Noma is a small but nice little place to grab a coffee and a quick breakky. I was hankering for some lunch so I thought it would be a great place to check out even though they don’t have a full menu just yet (it’s coming late August says their website!).
The lovely man behind the counter suggested the pork belly sandwich and so I went for that and I was going to be good and try a smoothie but an old classic, iced latte, sounding too good to pass up. The sandwich was warm and tasty, featuring pork belly pieces plus a slaw type filling with red cabbage and apple. Like a Sunday roast but in a sanga!
To be honest. and try to refrain from gasping, but I don’t like crackling. I hate really crunchy foods, but the pork was really yum and I slowed munched through the crackling.
The iced latte was huge and yet still really delicious and strong with espresso.
It was a lovely, quiet spot for some lunch and once a fuller menu hits I will definitely head back to try a coffee (or maybe I’ll be good and try a smoothie?) and something breakfasty.
I forgot to take a photo of outside but there are a few bigger tables outside, but inside is perfect for a couple of people to hide away with some delicious treats.
(Oops:
The staff were so friendly and I made a mess with my sandwich so sorry guys!!)