Kitchen by Mike

Kitchen by Mike means Queuing and Service by You. Its minimalist approach might elicit a little bitchin' about the kitchen, but this is a shrewd and deservedly popular establishment in a cavernous former jam factory. The Mike is ex-Rockpool chef Mike McEnearney, while floor and counter staff are agreeable and mostly efficient. The menu is a daily lucky-dip of high-quality dishes with many ingredients sourced from the adjacent kitchen garden. Line up and choose from the lavish counter display. Everything is served on prison-style white and blue tin plates - from juicy roast chicken with carrots and aioli or crisp wood-fired pork belly with roasted nectarines to surprising salads such as watermelon, tomato and mint, plus pizza, focaccia, quiche and swoon-worthy desserts. Fall for chocolate cake with a fresh strawberry on top and a delectable swirl of clotted cream. So, who needs table service?