21 Grams is a family-orientated, neighbourhood cafe and bistro that serves up classic yet playful examples of Balkan food. Named 21 Grams because 21 degrees is the latitude of the Balkan Peninsula, this restaurant channels the Balkans in every aspect of its dining experience. Including a restaurant, a bakery and a coffee shop, this venue is a food and drink triple threat, open throughout the day and even late into the evening on weekends.
As an ode to the Balkans, there is freshly made bread and pastries baked on site every day. The native bakers produce a range of signature bread like bohemian rolls and fluffy pastries with inventive fillings. These go perfect with a cup of coffee - but this isn't any, old coffee; 21 Grams offers fine speciality coffees with complex flavours from around the world.
Wholesome and familiar is the best way to describe the restaurants take on Balkan cuisine. Producing soul food from family recipes handed down over the generations, the menu honours traditiona dn the melting pot culture of the Peninsula.
The menu features a wide range of small plates that are perfect for sharing. All of the dishes feature fine, seasonal produce that is mainly locally-sourced; bringing a sense of sustainablity to the table. Highlights include the hummus of the day, grilled chilli peppers and zucchini fritters. If you're feeling adventurous, why not opt for the pickled sardines with homemade buhtla bread or the pljukanci (hand-rolled pasta with cherry tomato sauce and homemade cheese).
The main event of Balkan soulfood offers up familiar flavours with a Balkan twist. The barley and mushroom risotto has a kashkaval cheese along with an onion ash and truffle oil, while Wagyu beef has had a makeover into the classic Balkan dish, pljeskavica (a wagyu beef patty stuffed with beef bacon and cheese).
Pair this introduction to Balkan cuisine with one of the homemade house sodas or the hibiscus, apple and strawberry ice tea.