Bowl.r

Poke eateries have flourished across Sydney, but Bowl.r (pronounced “bowler”) stands out. In addition to the usual fish bowls, it offers a range of vegan mylk drinks. Try the vegan “vice cream” soft serve, or espresso served in a coconut.

Owner Melissa Taylor says eating a smoothie bowl at Bowl.r is life-changing. It’s a big claim for a breakfast dish, but if healthy food promotes longevity, perhaps it’s true. The bowls have ingredients such as coconut flesh and milk;, raw cacao;, espresso; and fruit. Topped with caramel made from dates, they have the flavour of a dessert without the processed sugar and fat.

Each poke bowl features house-made dressings;, fresh, roasted or pickled vegetables; and liberal sprinklings of spice mixtures such as za’atar and sumac. There’s no red meat on the menu, but fish and chicken options are available alongside vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Bowl.r vies for attention amid a crowd of other eateries on Balmain’s high main street. With its weathered brick wall, pendant lighting, neon signs and narrow wood tables, the space has the feel of a small bar.