Brightening days with homestyle Greek Cypriot fare made with heart

Words and photos: Laura Nierengarten

We're sad to say that as of December 14 Cantina Kafe is no longer. Owner Nina Kourea has sold the business and moved onto greener pastures. Cantina Kafe is now known as Flick Cafe. 

Looking for a Mediterranean escape on your morning coffee run or lunch break?

Look no further than Newcastle West’s Cantina Kafe, where Australian cafe staples meet Greek and Middle Eastern influences, inspired by Chef Nina Kourea and her family’s love for Greek Cypriot cooking. 

Serving up delicious food runs in Nina’s blood. Having learned the ropes from her mumma Maria, she’s turned her family's passion for food into a lifelong career.

With more than 35 years of experience, Nina has discovered that when it comes to food, less is more. Simple dishes made with heart are what she loves most.

Chef Nina

Step inside Cantina Kafe and you’ll instantly feel at home, welcomed by the inviting atmosphere and Nina’s warmth. Her customers are the heart of her business; it’s no wonder Cantina’s 5-star reviews speak for themselves.

From tradies to travellers, everyone loves Cantina Kafe’s wholesome food and genuine hospitality. Nina’s secret ingredient? Intentional cooking made with love.

Serving expertly crafted coffees brewed with beans from Suspension Coffee, classic bacon and egg rolls, refined toasties and the indulgent Big Cypriot Breakfast for heartier appetites, Cantina Kafe knows how to start your day off right. 

For lunch, enjoy a fresh, healthy and flavour-packed Mediterranean spread that transports you straight to a sun-soaked Greek taverna. Fresh ingredients, bold flavours and homemade Mediterranean staples that will make your lunch break brighter and tastier.

Our must-tries from the lunch menu

Greek Wraps & Bowls (GF & V options)

Daily-rotating Mediterranean-inspired wraps and bowls keep customers coming back to see what’s new. Choose from kofta, chicken, or the irresistible haloumi, served with stuffed dolmades, tangy tzatziki, spiced harissa, and pickled onions, all lovingly homemade by the chef. 

Baklava (V)

Whether you stop by for brekkie or lunch, you’ll want to grab a slice of this flaky homemade baklava. With its perfect balance of sweet syrup and savoury nut filling, this golden pastry is pure perfection.

Greek Frappe 

You’ve had frappe, but have you ever tried a frothy Greek frappe? This no-frills Greek favourite is the ultimate summer pick-me-up. A light, foamy, chilled coffee served black or with your choice of milk.

With weekly rotating specials, there’s always something new and delicious coming out of Chef Nina’s kitchen! Feeding a crowd? Check out Cantina Kafe’s mouthwatering catering menu, now taking Christmas orders, fully customisable for your group.

The rundown

→  Your go-to cafe run
→  Generous portion sizes
→  Everyday essential $
→  Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options
→  The Greek Goddess Bowl with halloumi was definitely a highlight, if I lived around the corner, that would be my go-to lunch grab!

The DisHh features are booked anonymously and paid independently by HUNTERhunter. A restaurant cannot pay to be featured in The DisHh.