“Eighty Twenty’s philosophy espouses how life should be 80 per cent mindfulness and 20 per cent indulgence (my friends and I might have to reality check our dining habits against this equation),” writes dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON. 

EIGHTY Twenty has opened its eighth location at the corner of Giles and Tench streets in Kingston. 

The café is spacious inside and has a large outdoor dining area, surrounded by greenery and with umbrellas for days when the sun is intense.

It was brunch time and three of us headed to Eighty Twenty to give it a go. 

Healthy food is at the core of Eighty Twenty’s philosophy, which espouses how life should be 80 per cent mindfulness and 20 per cent indulgence (my friends and I might have to reality check our dining habits against this equation).

Coffee was good and the all-day menu covers breakfast options, pasta, burgers, bite-sized meals and salads. Smoothies, cold-pressed and fresh juices, hot and cold drinks, and acacia bowls also feature.

While ordering at the cash register (take a number and your food is served at the table), I was asked if I wanted a side of smoked salmon with my Green Nourish bowl ($20). Why not? 

This breakfast bowl deserves the “nourish” label. It was absolutely packed with colourful ingredients and a combo of textures – grilled zucchini, crunchy cauliflower, bright broad beans, crispy kale, asparagus and peppy pepitas. The semi-dried capsicum pesto added zing and the poached egg was cooked “just so” (not hard, not too runny). I loved the chilli salt. The smoked salmon was such a generous serve, I shared it with a friend (I hate food wastage).

From the bite-sized section of the meal came the smashed avo and Danish feta dish, on Three Mills sourdough ($15). Topping matters off was a poached egg and lemon wedge.

The avo with twist dish ($17) was well presented and loaded with goodness. Mounded on top of a thick slice of sourdough were chunks of fresh avo, lime salsa, diced bacon, tomatoes, slices of red onion and crumbled Danish feta. The free-range egg was an additional $5. 

Those wanting something small and sweet can check the cabinets at the front of the café (prices vary). Oodles of options here, including choc-chip brownie, pistachio slice, banana bread and muffins. Pre-prepared wraps and sandwiches are available for something quick. 

Eighty Twenty had only been open a short time on our visit and may have to work at its efficiency levels. We waited more than 10 minutes at a table loaded with dirty dishes from previous customers before heading inside to ask if someone could clear matters. It’s not that the staff weren’t outside often serving others… it’s just they hadn’t picked up on the smart idea that they could bring something coming out and take something in going back.