Element 6 West Ryde NSW

South West Ryder Big Breakky.

Within walking distance from West Ryde rail station and the Ryde Eastwood RSL, is  a gem of a cafe.  It is laid out in a contemporary style at street level, stereotyped small at the front  -  and I like the further option of more seating tucked away behind, over looking bush and providing some kind of a  private hideaway.   The Element 6 is located in suburbia, but has an ambiance like in a more hipster corner of Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong.   I understand that it has been running for around four years - and is the talk amongst my mates living in that north west corner of greater Sydney.


I quickly thought about Kin By US near Macquarie Centre and Big Tree House Cafe  at Calder Avenue in Rydalmere.   Perhaps I am comparing apples with oranges.  The menu offered at each of these three brunch and breakfast places are different, each offers a separate atmosphere but all do revolve around more than just coffee - it is the inter-weaving of ideas and ingredients, it is the philosophy of the owners and the diverse inspiration behind the food.   


The two of us tried iconic test dishes - a Big Breakky called South-west Ryder and a pulled pork presentation, garnished with tumeric potatoes, pickled carrot and apple fennel slaw.   I was impressed with both, in the careful and devoted manner in which Element 6 delivered contrasting and yet harmonious in texture, colours and utilisation of ingredients.  Pulled pork can be tricky though, it takes hours to prepare but can come out a bit saturated on the palate at times.    The servings of either dish eaten were generous. Some friends said it was even better when they first opened.   The menu is not overly extensive but I reckon we do not need too many listings.  There is a wooden adornment feel around the place but the cafe does stand out amongst its retail neighbours.

Toby greeted us that Sunday lunchtime and had a pleasant demeanour with him.  There were many lunching the afternoon we were there, but Toby carried on his work with a natural pleasant and fast manner.   Haha, there was perhaps more customer engagement from Toby than from the barista outside, who seemed over whelmed with his orders.


Element 6 also opens early each day, perhaps to catch the train commuter and fitness crowd.  At certain times, there can be a wait for tables, so be forewarned.   Still I understand that there is a regular crowd.   There are tables on the pavement but also a stream of takeaway orders.  The Stateside Iced Coffee is just nice for summery weather - and for tea lovers, do try the Sticky Iced Tea with Bon Soy.

Pulled Pork.

The Element 6 Cafe  is located at  65 Ryedale Street, West Ryde, NSW, near the Rail Station.
Contact +61 2 8021 2838
Opening hours are from 630am to 3pm every day.

An independent review by Kevin Yong

My dish recommendations at the Element6, West Ryde are as follows:

Element 6 Chicken Burger, with fresh herbs, Pepperonata, Element 6 Aioli and tumeric potatoes surrounding a marinated breast fillet.

French Toast with blackened vanilla bean creme, praline and seasonal fruit, with options for additions in ice cream and bacon.

Honeybee Smoothie, with cinnamon, banana, yoghurt, honey and ice cream.

Chubby Bacon and Sunny Egg Roll with Element 6 Aioli, House pumpkin chutney and onion jam.