Java Restaurant, Randwick

Java is a little dynamo of a casual eatery on Avoca Street in Randwick serving up fiery flavoursome Indonesian food. It is no frills, cheap and oh so tasty. The service is smiley and the waiters always make you feel welcome even though they know your toddler is about to make an almighty mess.

We have a bit of history at Java. We ate there when Stella was in utero and overdue. And we ate there when she was in hospital down the road, sneaking her out of the ward for some beef rendang before bedtime. Each time we go, we wonder why we haven't gone back sooner.

It's hard to get past re-ordering our favourite dishes. They are: the trusty beef rendang, silky eggplant belado, and kankung terasi, stir fried water spinach/morning glory with chilli. The lemongrass fried chicken is finger licking good and last night we tried the gado gado; egg, tofu, steamed vegies, and iceberg lettuce topped with a sweet peanut sauce and prawn crackers.

The coconut juice with slithers of slimy young coconut compliments the food beautifully. Desserts are interesting and always worth a try; shaved ice concoctions, ice creams and super sweet black sticky rice.

Java is open from 5pm (perhaps earlier) and has a high chair. Not alot of space for prams but this wouldn't be a problem if you went early. There are no toys/books/crayons but the food is quick and the waiters will bend over backwards to make your meal enjoyable, providing straws, plastic cups and lots of smiles.

It's BYO and there is a bottle shop next door.

Selamat jalan!

Java Restaurant - 151 Avoca StreetRandwick NSW 2031

(02) 9398 6990