Aromateaco

Stopped by for a quick lunch and was pleasantly surprised. Ordered a prawn and avocado baguette and found it to be very tasty, lovely fresh bread, decent amount of prawns and avocado. Good value and charming staff. Don’t let the front put you off — it looks a bit tired but it’s worth a visit. Nice tub chairs too at the front tables.

A friendly welcome and really fresh food that’s what I discovered when a friend introduced me to Aromateaco just off Eltham High Street. There seem to be many coffee shops and cafes in Eltham, which is maybe why manageress Migena goes that little bit further to beat the competition. I’m a fussy coffee drinker and an enthusiastic cake eater, and was not disappointed as this café obviously uses quality ingredients. My friend’s tea was made with leaves, not a bag and my coffee was delicious. We shared a panini, which was so beautifully presented, I photographed it! Everything was exceptionally fresh and we tried the carrot cake and lemon slice which are home-​made by a local lady.
The menu includes jacket potatoes (I checked and they are cooked daily), all-​day breakfasts, paninis, sandwiches using a variety of breads and several types of cake.
If you want to avoid the chain coffee shops and support local independents, you won’t do better, especially as the prices are lower and the food’s not mass-​produced.