John Montagu, Woolloomooloo

I really like sandwiches that are not complicated but full of ingredients from quality produce and made with love. The kind of sandwich that just pleases the taste buds to its core with each bite. At the new John Montagu, the sandwiches are made fresh to order and with love.

Chef Raymond Lim with his house-cured salmon fillets

Not long ago, Chocolatesuze and I caught up for lunch at this lovely new cafe. It located on Cathedral St in Woolloomooloo and was named after John Montagu, the fourth earl of Sandwich (who also claims to have invented the sandwich). The space has been nicely utilised so that it captures a lot of natural light into this homey cafe. The passionate co-owner and chef Raymond (Ray) Lim took the time to take us through the ingredients and process that went into each of his creation.

Before we got down to the food side, we explored some of the beverages:

Cold drip coffee

Elderflower and mint soda

The elderflower and mint soda ($6) was very refreshing indeed. It had floral notes and subtle mint flavour that goes well with the sweet soda.

Piccolo latte

The piccolo latte ($3.50) had a medium body and the textured milk had a nice temperature. It also had notes of cocoa. Beans are sources from Di Gabriel.

Beef cheeks sandwich

The beef cheeks sandwich ($16) was nothing short of amazing. It had super tender beef cheeks that were braised for 12 hours, melted cheddar cheese, Spanish onion, sauerkraut, and house glaze barbecue glaze in St Honore's white sourdough bread. It all went well together but it was the tangy barbecue house glaze that stood out.

Salmon sandwich

There was also the salmon sandwich ($14), which has a house-cured salmon, avocado, dill cream cheese, salmon roe on rye bread also won our hearts (and stomachs). Rather than using smoked salmon, Ray decided to use a salmon cured with a citrus and herb marinade. This gave more emphasis on the salmon’s and the creamy avocado’s freshness and outstanding quality. 

Petite chorizo board

The petite breakfast board ($12) was all about giving comfort to whoever orders it. It has chorizo cassoulet, truffle coddled egg, quinoa and amaranth. The chorizo cassoulet has a sauce or glaze that is sweet, tangy and lightly spiced.

Mushroom sandwich

The mushroom sandwich ($13) was my absolute favourite. It was an open sandwich that had pieces of field mushroom, truffled Parmesan, garlic créme fraiche and rocket on multigrain bread. It had and awesome combination of flavours. The truffle Parmesan and garlic créme fraiche complimented the field mushrooms perfectly. The additional truffled coddled egg took (extra $2, limited and is only available on weekends) took this dish to another world of wonders. It was bliss whilst I dug into the silky egg whites and glorious runny yolk followed by a delicious truffle flavour.

Cheesecake from Leclair Pastry

Chef Ray also treated us to a complimentary cheesecake from Leclair Pastry. I totally agree with Chocolatesuze when she said that the cheesecake is mind blowing! It also had a smooth and creamy texture that was vey pleasing to the mouth.

I’m so glad that this place is quite close to work. The breakfast/lunch items are of good value and are served by friendly staff. For tasty sandwiches, good coffee and refreshing drinks, John Montagu won’t disappoint.

John Montagu

144-146 Cathedral St

Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011

Opening hours:

Weekdays 7am to 4pm

Weekends 8am to 4pm