Restaurant
Ciao Thyme
212 Darling St, Balmain NSW 2041, Australia
Find Ciao Thyme
212 Darling St, Balmain NSW 2041, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Ciao Thyme
Part rustic Italian deli and part scratch kitchen, this Darling Street staple ditches boilerplate brunch for bold, unapologetic cooking. Regulars happily pay top dollar for a stacked Reuben sandwich or a thirty-dollar Philly cheesesteak stuffed into fluffy, crunchy bread. The glass counter overflows with rotating seasonal salads, house-baked tarts, and comforting takeaway dinners like individual fish pies packed in ramekins. For drinks, skip standard sodas—the house ferments its own kombuchas and botanical tinctures, including probiotic honey brewed with turmeric, ginger, and cardamom.
- Cult-favorite sandwiches: Heavyweight, scratch-made lunch staples like the Philly cheesesteak and grilled Reuben command high price points backed by generous portions.
- Deli display and takeaway dinners: A rotating front counter packed with seasonal salads, fresh quiches, and heat-at-home dinners like fish pie and osso buco.
- House ferments and tinctures: In-house brewed kombuchas and herbal honey tinctures blended with turmeric, ginger, and citrus offer unique restorative drinks.
What's On at Ciao Thyme
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
The Ciao Thyme Difference
Why Balmain locals rely on Ciao Thyme for standout cafe fare and artisan dinners.
Masterfully Crafted Sandwiches
Craft sandwiches like the oversized Reuben and tender Philly cheesesteak break away from standard cafe staples with distinctive, generous execution.
The best Philly cheesesteak this side of Hoboken and the grandest Reuben sandwich in the southern hemisphere.
Dr Joseph Ierano Scratch-Made Savory Specialities
The scratch-made kitchen crafts complex daily items like Gorgonzola fig bone ham quiches and snapper fish pies in individual ramekins.
Intelligent cooking, carefully considered and attention to detail.
Tim R Justified Premium Value
Premium prices reflect meticulous technique and uncompromised ingredients, leaving guests feeling their spend was thoroughly justified.
On the expensive side but the quality of the food makes it worth it.
Susie Piiper Refreshing Alternative to Same-Same Cafes
Guests leave invigorated by escaping cookie-cutter menus in favor of a rustic deli counter loaded with fresh, ever-changing dishes.
In a time where so many brunch spots are over complicated and feel very same-same, it was so refreshing to go somewhere so simple yet delicious.
Emily Carroll Gourmet Heat-at-Home Dinners
A vibrant, Italian deli-style display lets patrons pick up hearty osso bucco or freshly prepared fish pies to heat up effortlessly at home.
I go for lunch and buy for dinner and walk away with four of their desserts.
Jacalyn Ashley Abundant Prepared Deli Counter
Patrons can browse an abundant visual counter showcasing savory slices, vibrant grain salads, and rotating sweet bakes ready for quick takeaway.
offers a large range of high quality eat in and take out meals from breakfast, lunch to heat at home dinners.
Denise Kirkpatrick
Most popular items
Signature high-craft sandwiches and artisan deli specialties
Reuben Sandwich
The Ruben is easily the best I’ve ever had.
Tanya Dzhula Philly Cheesesteak
The best Philly cheesesteak this side of Hoboken and the grandest Reuben sandwich in the southern hemisphere.
Dr Joseph Ierano Individual Fish Pie
The best fish pie I have ever tasted, full of big chunks of fresh snapper, other fish and a sublime veloute.
Julie Baker Gorgonzola Fig Bone Ham Quiche
We enjoyed the Gorgonzola Fig Bone Ham Quiche and their home brew Kombuchas (not for the faint of heart!) and a wonderful pomegranate salad.
Tim R
Other favorites
House-fermented tonics, botanical cold drips, and sweet finishes
Jezuz Gold Tincture
On our last visit it was a humid morning so I started with their Jezuz Gold Tincture (un-drenched fermented probiotic honey infused with Turmeric, chilli, fresh ginger, cardamom, black pepper and orange!).
Ian Frew Homemade Kombucha
Their homemade kombucha is on another level, and the pies are all delicious.
Tanya Dzhula Plum Pie with Lemon Ginger Crème
I especially loved the plum pie with lemon ginger crème—the flavor combination is perfect.
Tanya Dzhula Cardamom Orange Cold Drip
Also their cardamom orange cold drip was fab too.
Tim R
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful artisan hospitality and custom culinary touches that go beyond standard cafe counter service.
Bespoke Counter Guidance
Staff actively walk guests through kitchen plates, providing a detailed breakdown of dishes and offering to assemble bespoke combinations directly from the deli display when diners are undecided.
House Fermented Wellness Tinctures
House-crafted botanical tinctures like the Jezuz Gold probiotic fermented honey blend turmeric, chilli, fresh ginger, cardamom, black pepper, and orange for a tailored morning boost.
Botanical Cold Drip Infusions
Cold drip coffee is elevated with deliberate pairings such as fresh mint and lemon, alongside aromatic infusions like cardamom and orange.
Take-Home Heat-at-Home Dinners with Reheating Instructions
Savory take-home dinner specials like individual fish pies are packaged in metal ramekins accompanied by tailored cooking instructions for seamless home reheating.
Before you head over
Practical tips on pricing, takeaway dinner items, and on-site facilities to make the most of your visit.
Expect Premium Price Points
Menu staples carry unapologetic top-shelf prices—such as sandwiches topping $30 or specialty muesli around $25. Diners consistently report the premium spend is vindicated by generous portions, scratch execution, and elite ingredients.
Order Ahead for Dinner & Ask for Tips
The visual deli counter rotates fresh scratch-made goods daily. Ask the team for personalized recommendations or bespoke combinations, and make sure to request take-home cooking instructions if you are grabbing artisan pies or heat-at-home dinners.
Plan Around On-Site Amenities
The venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating with street parking nearby, making it an easy stop before a stroll around the foreshore. Be aware that the cafe does not have a customer toilet on site.
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