Zarbo

Zarbo’s is a little on the expensive side, as far as cafes I frequent go — but that said, I think it’s worth it. The pieces of cake are around $ 7.50, but they are HUGE, and come with a generous helping of cream. Plus, the staff there are always happy to deal with my little requests, like iced coffee with just coffee and milk, or no potatoes in my omelette. Even when it’s busy, the service is still excellent, and on a warm day when they have the windows open, it’s very pleasant to sit and have a coffee and people-​watch.

Now, this is going to be hard.
Zarbo is my regular stop over the years, I almost want to defend it like defending Aunt May’s cooking. And I think reviewing this place is a bit like reviewing my mum’s cooking skills, rationally I know it’s becoming average but it’s too close to my heart for me to say anything negative.
I first started coming here just before it got hyped up, as a little school girl discovering this place was like having a glimpse of the fancy grown up world. Food was great, almond croissants were the bomb and I always wanted to save up and buy some interesting looking European tea just because they looked fancy.
Over the years with growing up and trying out different places, Zarbo’s glory faded. And by reading a few reviews I realised it wasn’t just my perceptions changing, the food did too. Nowadays it’s a good 3 stars café with nothing too fancy but you won’t be disappointed either. It’s usually the place I’d pick when I’m too lazy to come up with somewhere nice but needs a place for some familiar food.
Oh btw, somewhere in my memory I remember their red velvet cake for some reason. So if they happen to have that when you’re there, try it out! Along with the almond croissants I think deserves a special place.

Zarbo has earned it’s place in the Newmarket shopping district, I couldn’t imagine Newmarket without it! I know that sound a little extreme but they offer so much here it’s not just a great place to come for lunch. While there are similar places in the area e.g. delis and larder cafes Zarbo offers a unique range of gifts and bakery items that really set it apart. Their gift baskets are something special, all you have to do is let the deli staff know what you are looking to achieve and they make up an amazing gift basket for you according to what you need, for example gluten free of vegan or any of those things. Ps the croissants here are so tasty and really cheap too! If you feel like a little treat to go with your coffee.

Zarbo is a great place to meet for lunch in Newmarket — big enough that there’s always room with free parking upstairs (which is at a premium in these parts) so big bonus.
Another big bonus is the delicious salads; I just love it when you can order your food straight from the cabinet and take it with you to the table with no waiting. You can of course order a’la carte but I’ve never been able to get past the convenience and fabulosity of the cabinet food.
The deli and shop are a whole other thing and if you are in need of yet another place to buy gourmet kitchen supplies, here is as good as anywhere. I can never go past a macaroon with my post-​lunch coffee either; dammit they are right there on the counter and a just a wee light fluffy treat right?

You know what? I feel like Zarbo used to be off the chain good, but now it’s just kind of good. The café/​deli has been around for as long as I can remember. The food is mainly cabinet — the salads are actually pretty nice — but there’s also a menu. I had a bagel once, it was average. I had a soldiers and eggs thing off the kid’s menu, that was really awesome. It’s kind of hit and miss, but the misses aren’t terrible. There’s a deli attached to the café which is nice, the bread is very good, as are the cheeses. The stuff doesn’t come cheap, though.
I think my main beef with Zarbo is the seating. I don’t feel comfortable in there and I don’t know why. All in all, the service is generally pretty good, the coffee is too and they’ve got free wifi so it’s worth visiting.

Zarbo is always a worthy destination, whether for lunch, just a coffee or a peruse of their fine range of products for sale.
Whether you order from the cabinet or place an order with the kitchen, the service is served with a smile and the food is a delight. My favourite chermoula sauce comes from Zarbo — I love it on toasted Vogels with sliced tomatoes, a dreamy homemade brunch. And actually, on just about anything.
I find the café selection in central Newmarket pretty dire at best, so Zarbo is a rose amongst thorns. Get out of that 277 food court asap, and make your way across the road to Zarbo.

Zarbo is one of my favourite cafes in Newmarket and here is why. Firstly the coffee. Zarbo switched from Burtons to Grinders coffee beans several months back and it was a good move because every time I get a robust yet smooth espresso. I also have to mention one of the guys that works the coffee machine on the weekends, his coffees are amazing.
Secondly, the café is huge so there are loads of seating options. If you want some space head down to the back and grab a table because you’ll be away from all the people mulling about the cabinets deciding what to eat and where to eat it.
Thirdly you get great service. All the staff are very friendly and you don’t have to wait long for anything.
Forth reason, the food. Zarbo have both a kitchen menu and cabinet food so plenty of options and the delicatessen store side has a small selection of gourmet foods. The breads that baker Dean Brettschneider lends his name to which are baked daily on site are pretty good too. Zarbo even have a tasting table with oils and dressings on the delicatessen side so you can try before you buy.
Fifth and final is the free wifi, no code required so no time limit which is good if you spend ages there like I do some days. Overall I reckon it is worthy of the 5 stars I gave it. One point for each star.