Red Mandolin Cafe

Shop 3/34 Allonby Ave, Forest Hill NSW 2651, Australia
+61 2 6922 7255
$$$ Cafe
(93 Reviews)
Price Range $1–20

If you're venturing through Forest Hill, NSW, don't miss out on the Red Mandolin Cafe, a delightful haven for food lovers looking to indulge in some truly scrumptious treats. Nestled conveniently at Shop 3/34 Allonby Ave, this quaint cafe boasts a menu that beautifully marries flavors and traditions, making it a standout spot on the Sturt Hwy.

The ambiance at Red Mandolin Cafe is casual and inviting, making it the perfect locale for a relaxed dining experience whether you're with friends or family. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the warm enthusiasm of the staff, including the owner, Mark, whose friendly demeanor makes you feel right at home.

What to try, you ask? The Seafood offerings are simply a must. Imagine crispy Fish and Chips, golden and freshly fried, paired seamlessly with a side of their signature tartar sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. For those craving a medley of ocean delights, the Seafood Basket is a generous feast featuring calamari rings, prawn cutlets, and salt and pepper squid, each bite bursting with flavor.

If you're in the mood for something hearty, the Kebabs come highly recommended. With options like the savory Chicken or the perfectly spiced Falafel, there's something to satisfy every palate. The kebab plate, highlighted in customer reviews, offers juicy, tender meat with flavorful sides and fluffy rice—truly a culinary hug on a plate!

But the experience doesn't stop at just the food. Reviewers rave about the cleanliness of the cafe and the attentive service, with phrases like "lovely, friendly staff" and "outstanding service" echoing throughout their experiences. It's not just about filling your stomach; it's about being cared for and welcomed during every visit.

Don’t just take our word for it—David Palmer shares his nostalgic joy of the cafe’s burgers reminiscent of 80s burger joints, while Sannia Kabir beams about her kebab plate experience. Each review reinforces the cafe's reputation as a gem in the heart of Forest Hill.

So whether you’re passing through or looking for a cozy spot to savor great food and service, make your way to Red Mandolin Cafe. Remember to bring some cash—Mark might just have to guide you to his ATM when you’re ready to pay!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

93 Reviews
David Palmer

21 Sep 2025

With building signage outside to identify its name, this place is a great finf on the Sturt Hwy. I gotta agree with everyone on the burgers. I had the hamburger with the lot and it was excellent. Took me back to what true hamburgers were like in the eighties burger joints. The proprietor, Mark, is friendly and will direct you to his ATM when you try to pay by card so make sure you have cash.

Brian Metcalfe

18 Sep 2025

Great food. Lovely, friendly staff. Owner is a great guy. Internal rest rooms are spotless. I gave 5 stars.

sannia kabir

29 Jul 2025

“I had an amazing experience with the kebab plate here! The meat was perfectly seasoned, juicy, and tender, complemented by fresh sides and fluffy rice. The portion size was generous, and every bite was packed with flavor. On top of the delicious food, the service was outstanding—friendly, welcoming, and attentive. They truly made me feel at home. Highly recommend this spot for anyone craving great food and warm hospitality!”

Nouman Azad

13 Jul 2025

The steak sandwich was an absolute delight! The perfectly cooked steak nestled between toasted bread, complemented by flavorful toppings, created a culinary masterpiece. Each bite was a symphony of taste and texture that left me longing for more. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a delicious, satisfying meal!

Justin O'Reilly

14 Jun 2025

Recommend trying their kababs. Super fresh, reasonably priced, very friendly staff.

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