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Descanso

$$

Descanso is a relaxed Filipino cafe on Alice Street in Newtown, set back from the King Street crowds. Tables with white cloths and hanging plants suit a long brunch with friends or a solo meal, and the menu mixes Filipino dishes with familiar Australian cafe food. Matt Hogan Reserve is a one-minute walk away.

Filipino breakfastWeekend brunchGroup catch-upsFamilies

About Descanso

Food at Descanso

The menu runs Filipino breakfast and lunch alongside Aussie options. Reviewers keep naming the silogs, such as tocilog with sweet tocino, garlic rice and fried eggs, which also come as a shared barkada board. Other picks are pancit palabok, Cebu lechon, the El Cubano sandwich, cheesy pandesal and biko with caramelised coconut and ice cream. Egg on toast uses freshly baked gluten-free bread. Some dishes are weekend only.

What to order: Tocilog · Pancit palabok · Biko dessert

Coffee and drinks

Reviewers call the coffee great and the service friendly. Fresh bottled juices are served as well, and the cheesy pandesal goes well with a flat white or long black.

Facilities at Descanso

🍳Breakfast
🥪Lunch
🌾Gluten-free
🌤️Outdoor seating✗
🚻Toilets
🅿️Parking

What visitors say about Descanso?Summarised from recent Google reviews.

  • 💬Reviewers praise authentic Filipino comfort food, especially the silogs and biko
  • 💬Service is described as friendly and fast
  • 💬The room is clean, calm and comfortable for groups or solo diners

Near Descanso

Visitor tips for Descanso

  • ✓Some menu items are weekend only, so check before a weekday visit
  • ✓Matt Hogan Reserve is next door for a walk after eating
  • ✓The cafe is closed on Mondays

Getting to Descanso

Shop 4, 32-72 Alice Street, Newtown NSW 2042. One reviewer found free street parking nearby with 1 or 2 hour limits.

FAQ

Does Descanso serve Filipino food?

Yes. It serves Filipino breakfast and lunch dishes such as tocilog, pancit palabok and biko, plus Aussie cafe options.

Does Descanso have gluten-free options?

Reviewers mention egg on toast made with freshly baked gluten-free bread.

Is Descanso open on Mondays?

No. It is closed Mondays and open the rest of the week.