From the extensive menu to the perfectly playful interiors, a visit to the newly opened Urth Caffé proved a revelation for Liz O’Reilly and friends.

Walking towards the outlet through Al Liwan, we were surrounded by pretty glass orbs, greenery and mini, infinity-style fountains, all setting the scene for the sensory experience to come. And what an experience the interior of Urth Caffé is!

From diamond-tiled floors to various plush seating, some of which features a gorgeous jungle print fabric, to amazing high glass ceilings hung with Mediaeval-style chandeliers and floating heart balloons, there is something interesting and fun literally everywhere you look. The centrepiece, a large and very realistic looking tree decked out with paper hearts and, my favourite spot, the counter displaying the many artisanal coffees, for which the brand is known, and a huge range of desserts, each looking more impressive than the next.

Despite arriving well before midday, the place was packed with a huddle of people waiting to be seated, so, since it was a breezy day, we chose to take a table outside and even here, signs of the brand’s design aesthetic were on display, with pattern-punched metal tables and chairs bearing the Urth Caffé legend across the backs.

Our lovely server, Vince, quickly arrived at the table with two of the signature salads to start. Caravan Kale featured Tuscan kale and red quinoa, both organic and giving a satisfying earthy flavour, alongside cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, roast yams and red onion. A liberal topping of crunchy pita chips and mild, creamy ricotta all doused in a sweet pomegranate vinaigrette, made for a satisfying mix of textures and tastes to whet our appetites.

I loved The Urth Salad with its abundance of super-fresh, crispy mixed greens and a surprisingly mellow and richly creamy feta that lingered gently on the taste buds. Delicate, nutty heart of palm brought the surprise element, alongside a delicious crunch from toasted pine nuts, all coated in Urth’s signature vinaigrette.

I am a big fan of sourdough bread, so when the Panini El Diablo arrived at the table, my taste buds stood to attention. A huge sandwich (we split it between three comfortably) stuffed with tender marinated chicken and Monterey Jack cheese, it looked very impressive but I worried this combo might be a little tame for my slightly fiery palette. However, barely-there shards of grilled coriander and a generous helping of three chilli sauce gave bursts of flavour and a satisfying, lingering heat. This was definitely a favourite at our table.

More of that amazing bread arrived with the Eggs Salmone dish – a twist on the classic eggs Benedict. The toast was slathered in rich lemon mascarpone, providing added interest to the flavour profile and the perfect base for sliced avocado, smoked salmon and poached eggs topped with tasty, tangy salsa. Served with seasonal melon, the plate looked like a wide, sunny smile and I was certainly grinning as I adore the combination of smoked salmon and rich egg yolk with the subtle background hint of dill. Crushed avocado toast came topped with more poached eggs. But this time a generous sprinkling of za’atar, chilli flakes and basil oil brought the heat, bursting on the tongue and greatly elevating the mildness of the silky-smooth avocado.

Though already pretty full (not surprisingly), we chose two main courses to share. The Rigatoni Bolognese was superbly flavourful and comforting. The sauce, rich with butter, cream, onion and aged parmesan alongside the high-quality minced beef, gently wrapped the al dente pasta for a deeply satisfying bite, to which I kept returning.

And last, but definitely not least, for the savouries, the Margarita Pizza. A simple but deceivingly sophisticated combination of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil. The herb and tomatoes were actually baked into the cheese, which sat atop a base of oven-fresh, lightly blistered, crispy, thin dough. The rich cheese, cooked perfectly to the point of releasing its oils and juices, soaked the dough in tangy flavour and goodness – everything you want from a pizza, and more.

Finally, it was time to sample the delights of that impressive dessert counter and I truly could not wait, absolutely everything looked amazing! We were served the Hazelnut Chocolate Cake – layers of chocolate sponge filled with chocolate mousse and Nutella filling, glazed with Gianduja ganache. What an absolute triumph, rich and deeply chocolatey without being overpowering, each layer blended perfectly to create the ultimate indulgence of both taste and texture.

And then came my personal favourite, Tre Latti Cake. Inspired by the famed tres leches, the vanilla sponge is soaked in four different sweet milks but there, the similarity ends. The Urth version takes extravagance to a whole new and delicious level with a thick layer of Chantilly cream and a topping of sweet, fluffy caramelised meringue. Light but satisfying, it brought to mind a subtle mix of childhood memories and very adult opulence. The result? Pure, unadulterated joy.

Urth is rightly famed for its teas and coffees, which are artisanal and mostly organic – we actually sampled those alongside interesting matcha fruit drinks during our visit – but to think this place is your everyday café would be very remiss. From the friendly and knowledgeable staff to the fun, engaging interior and the majorly impressive menu, Urth is anything but average. Pay it a visit and find out for yourself. ✤

GO: CALL 1666 6636 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.