Ampersand - Cafe Bookstore

5.0
based on 2 reviews

2 reviews about Ampersand - Cafe Bookstore

verified email - 11 Jan 2013

If I build a house one day, it would unconsciously emulate Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore. Devoid of fluorescent lighting and the corporate feel of crisp paper, Ampersand manages to create the essential atmosphere for a bookworm. Well used and loved books litter the shelves with no perceptible order (save for genre), and the decor is quaintly stylish in an unmatching way.

When I'm at home, I love to eat while I read - I think it makes for a more wholesome experience. Here is a place that invites you to behave like this, and it's difficult to pass up the experience when mouthwatering, delicious smelling foods are being prepared. If you're after lunch, don't be late like I was - they close their kitchens at approximately 2.30-3. They have cold food prepared as well - perhaps for the untimely! - and I chose to have a Mediterranean wrap.

I would like to describe this wholesome food product. The bread is strong yet thin, and not overpowering. The filling is comprised of rocket, roasted zucchini, roasted eggplant, roasted capsicum, sundried tomatoes and fetta cheese. It is wrapped tightly which disallows the wrap from falling apart mid-way. You also get the whole wrap, cut in half. A lot of places will only sell half so this was a nice surprise. Consuming this wonderous, foodgasmic item whilst reading Harry Potter was a delight that my mind reveled over. I would recommend getting it toasted and sprinkling on some salt and pepper from the table as it enhances the taste. It cost $8.90, which I found to be a competitive price. Filling and scrumptious - this is definitely one of the tastier things that I have eaten in a while, and I feel justified in raving about it.

There are so many books to choose from, I excitedly hopped from shelf to shelf. My qualm would be regarding the price. Secondhand books seem to start at approximately $8 in Ampersand and this sort of price (and higher) are not uncommon in the CBD area. I find this to be on the pricier side of things when secondhand books can be bought for cheaper, or brand new books bought from online stores for slightly more. But there's little denying the unique ambience that used books have to offer.

The service at Ampersand is pleasant. I did not have to wait at all before I was asked by a server on what I wanted to order. Even though I took an appallingly long time to decide, I was asked by other servers as well instead of being completely ordered. After being told to go and find a seat, I didn't have to wait long until my wrap was delivered to me. I was also informed that water bottles and cups were available near windowsills for my convenience if I wished so. My only hesitance would be the clientele. I seemed to attract a few glares from a girl whose table I shared (in my defense, it was a large table, I sat on the other end and there was no other available seating). However, this is not really something I can blame Ampersand for. Next time though, I will get there much earlier in the hopes of obtaining my own table.

If you're a food and book junkie, look no further. It's a pleasant 20 minute walk from either Museum or Central Station and feels a home from a dream.

Lailakd 11 Jan 2013

Wow, this is an awesome review and now I am keen to go and see what this place is like. Their price of books doesn't sound that expensive (when you compare it to somewhere like Elizabeth Books), so the fact you can grab a bite to eat and browse makes it that much more appealing. Thanks for taking the time to right this review!

aidanadia 12 Jan 2013

I highly recommend it. I had been putting it off for so long because I didn't feel like walking to Paddington, but it was well worth the trip. No, the prices aren't so bad - I've seen some ghastly suggestions in other places - I think it's just standard for the city. But yeah, this is a beautiful place and I wouldn't miss it if I were you.

verified email - 30 Nov 2009

Gorgeous food every time I visit. Great environment with various choices of where to sit - amongst the homely warmth of books in the basement or upstairs or outside enjoying the breeze. Sell second hand books for good price. Homely feel. A must for those visiting Paddington.

Approximate cost: $0 - $20

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