It set in a lovely atmosphere, trees, wooden deck etc. But the food and drink really is average. Breakfast would have to be the best on their menu i think. But generally grabbing a coffe and browsing is your best option.

Approximate cost: $15

It really depends when you go to Riverbend as to how run off their feet the staff are, but I would generally say Riverbend is great for a weekend brunch. It's true that the overall clientele is family based, with the older ladies and pram pushers high on the attendance list, but that doesn't stop everyone else from enjoying the deck and bookshop. It's pretty hard to find a great space to kick back and read your book with a nice hot drink (if home just doesn't cut it) - and I think that Riverbend has a nice balance of the most important elements: attentive service, but no harassment, a reasonably priced menu for the goods provided, and a quiet corner away from the hustle & bustle. I know that my MIL won't go near a place if it's not worth it's weight in gold .. Therefore, I'd think a large amount of older women is a pretty darn good endorsement! I love Riverbend for a breakfast, for a brunch, and for a really good book - their bookshop is impeccable and the food (although not huge in variety) is good.

Approximate cost: $15-$30

First and foremost, I really like this bookshop. It has a good variety of things, a nice layout and friendly, helpful staff who are prepared to order in things if you need them. Definitely a big plus to me, as someone who loves books.
Out front they have a nice deck with tables etc that you can sit at and order from their menu. Not a hugely comprehensive menu, but generally nice food and nice staff. They provide assistance when signalled, but don't bug you - this is a good thing I think, because part of their whole vibe is that you can buy a novel and then sit on the deck with a coffee and read it for a long as you like without getting death stares from the staff.

It's becoming a huge cliche to visit here. The main attraction is the deck. The demographic is usually the same (older ladies or mum's and prams), the music is ubiquitous Norah Jones or alike, the menu gives not much variety for vegetarian and gluten free. Service isn't really that attentive, once its a drink only, there's no danger in anyone approaching you for extras for ages. I only come here for a cuppa and a change of scene to enjoy the deck - though my coffee is burnt and below average. Not enticing at all.

I just went here after hearing so many positive reviews but was really disappointed. I spent $17 on the potato galette breakfast and it was just a small cake of room temperature mashed potato (it tasted like leftovers!) with a couple of poached eggs thrown on top. The eggs were poached really well but what's the good of runny egg yolks when you haven't got anything to mop them up with? Nothing was actually hot (not even the eggs) so I'm not sure if it had been sitting around for a while? Looking around, all of the portion sizes were tiny for the price- which is fine if it's high quality ingredients and cooking but it definitely wasn't when I went there today.
I won't be going back and I don't recommend it to other people!

This is such a cute cafe, the food is amazing. It gets really busy on the weekends in the morning so make sure you are there early...it has a bookshop attached to it which is great, however don't expect it to be like Borders where you can browse the books whilst you have a coffee, and dont expect the staff to be polite when you ask them if you are allowed to do so! Overall though, the chef was amazing and the surroundings are great.

Approximate cost: $20

A great book store which has a cafe on the verandah. They have a loyalty program which you can join on their website. They have a book of the month offer which is a new release book at a reduced price. Great selection of books and they can order in for you if they don't have a book you want in stock.

This shop is a real find. They have a fantastic range of books to suit every taste. It is in a wonderful setting on Oxford St, and you can sit out the front on the little verandah and have a drink and something to eat while you read a good book. They often have signings, or guest speakers in as a special function and these are well worth going along to. Love this place.