“I don’t take life too seriously,” says Lou Hunt. That’s why her menu at the Potts Point eatery, Joseph Hyde, is full of wordplay, and why a plastic figurine of Wonder Woman swings from the rafters. “We move her every few days,” says Hunt.

She likes to have fun, but as a Sydney cafe scene alumnus, she’s serious about food and making sure every customer can find something for them on the menu. “The idea wasn’t to have a theme with the food,” says Hunt. “It’s about being able to cater for everyone: vegetarian, vegan, dairy or gluten intolerant.”

This respect for a variety of palates and needs is something she brings from her previous eateries: Orto Trading Co in Surry Hills and before that, Baffi and Mo in Redfern.

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Joseph Hyde’s menu is offered all day with breakfast items crossing over into lunch. A standout is the What’s Up Doc, a carrot-cake waffle drizzled with maple syrup and finished with a dollop of mascarpone cheese. It’s surprising to discover the cinnamon-y, light waffle is gluten-free, and if served without the cheese, vegan. “When we make the waffles, the aroma wafts into the laneway,” says Hunt. “People walking by ask if we’re a doughnut shop.”

The Croque and Jack is a croque madame toasted sandwich made with jalapeno-Monterey Jack cheese, smoked ham and a duck egg on sourdough. There are healthy dishes too, like the Hokey Poké, cured trout served on mixed grains with edamame and vegetables.

Hunt describes the short wine list as accessible but a little challenging. Instead of riesling, Hunt has chosen a crisp chenin blanc from France. In place of chardonnay, the Australian fiano is heavier and a little oily in flavour.

For now Joseph Hyde is open until 3pm, but Hunt has plans to do dinners from Thursday to Saturday. The sharing menu will feature dishes like house-pickled sardines, brussels sprouts and bacon with toasted macadamia nuts or salt-and-pepper soft shell crab.
Joseph Hyde is tucked away in a wide laneway off Darlinghurst Road in Potts Point. It’s a small space with counter seating inside and long communal tables that spill out into the lane. The oddly pleasing clash of red brick, grey and pink tiles on the floor inspired Joseph Hyde’s menu design.

Joseph Hyde
36 Llankelly Place, Potts Point
0481 601 232

Hours
Mon to Fri 7am–3pm
Sat to Sun 8am–3pm

josephhyde.co