Liz O’Reilly discovered the breakfast of champions and a surprising new favourite on a visit to Twisted Olive.

The menu for this place bills itself as the ‘Best Breakfast in Town’ and having taken a look at what’s on offer, it would be hard to disagree – though, a disclaimer, I haven’t tried every single item.

But, the combination of the bright airy restaurant with its pet-friendly outdoor space – they even have a doggy menu – or the option to sit up the stairs in NAMAA’S Garden, which is gorgeous, means it would certainly get my breakfast vote, if I was allowed to vote, which I’m not.

The GM, Zoi, is one of a kind, a wonderful, gregarious Greek lady. Totally professional but also welcoming and great fun, and you can see this attitude filtering down to the staff who are attentive without getting in your face, friendly and knowledgeable. I also love their patterned aprons, which add a funky touch.

The surroundings are bright and airy and walking down the slope to Burj Doha, where the restaurant sits, you can’t miss the oasis of greenery that’s been created in the heart of the city, giving this a somewhat tropical feel.

The breakfast menu itself is vast and interesting, showcasing the skills of South African Chef Matthew Jansen Van Vuuren. And, with options including Twisted Simits (homemade Turkish bread), stuffed with fillings such as turkey bacon and fried egg; lemon sage chicken breast and white cheddar; or smoked salmon, lox and labneh; or the TO Granola Bowl featuring granola, dried fruits, seeds, nuts, berry compote and pressed honey yoghurt or the Easy Caprese – homemade falafel, Roma and cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, balsamic reduction, poached eggs and pesto Hollandaise, I was truly spoilt for choice.

I decided to go for the Marrakesh Crispy Halloumi – slow roasted aubergine and onions, tomato confit, Moroccan spices, coriander, pomegranate and grilled flat bread – and it was utterly sublime.

I am a big fan of aubergine anyway, so any dish that has this mushy legume is probably going to be high on my list. But the addition of the delicate heat from the spices contrasting with the sweetness of the onions and tomatoes was a huge winner. The aroma as it arrived at the table had my taste buds springing to attention and every mouthful lived up to that initial promise.

I also went for the Hold The Carbs, which appears on the Benedicts section of the menu but, as you might expect, comes without the usual bread. In its place, a revelation. Cheesy cauliflower fritters. Such a great idea and a lovely surprise that I have tried, and failed, to recreate at home. Seared to look like meat patties, these were crumbly, lightly cheesy and very moreish, topped with smoked turkey, avocado and poached eggs liberally drizzled with creamy Hollandaise. I was really pleasantly surprised by this dish and would highly recommend it if, like me, you’re a big fan of all things breakfast but don’t want to tackle the heavier parts of the meal.

Having thoroughly indulged myself on the savoury side of the menu, I decided to give the sweeter options a go – purely in the interests of research, you understand – and before long, a plate of Banoffee French Toast landed at my table.

OK, here the name pretty much says it all – caramelised banana, banana chips, vanilla bean Häagen Dazs ice cream, Valrhona chocolate shavings, digestive biscuit crumb and warm butterscotch sauce. Well, perhaps just the name doesn’t really do it justice after all!

Firstly, let me say that ice cream for breakfast really should be a thing. And, if you’re going to do it, going for one that’s liberally sprinkled with the telltale dark spots of vanilla and actually tastes homemade, makes the indulgence totally worthwhile.

This option was a winner on so many other levels too. Banana chips, OK, yeah, I get it. But caramelised banana on crispy, dry French toast, oh my! That is a winner. The banana is warm and sweet and feels decadent, even though your head knows it’s actually pretty healthy. And, if you’re going to add chocolate. Well, it simply has to be Valrhona darling, nothing else will do.

Amazingly, my second choice from the sweeter section – Health Attack – turned out to be my favourite dish of the day!

I’ll admit it, I only ordered this because I felt I should try one of the less sinful options but I was absolutely blown away by the combination of tastes and textures and kept going back for just one more spoonful.

Twisted Olive’s signature, it consists of spirulina smoothie with homemade granola, chia pudding, crushed nuts, acai, peanut butter, kiwi, banana, strawberry, flax seeds and chia seeds. At least four of those ingredients are things I spend my life actively avoiding – the whole idea of green algae (that’s spirulina for the uninitiated) with chia and acai just seems horribly virtuous. But, I’m ready to admit, I’ve been an idiot.

Sweet but not cloying, crunchy and creamy in equal part – if I’d known that healthy eating could taste this good, I’d have converted long ago!

So, fully replete, perhaps even overly so, I finished with a cup of freshly brewed tea and watched the world go by to the tunes of chilled music and the soft murmur of other satisfied guests enjoying Twisted Olive’s outstanding hospitality. Best breakfast in town? Well, as I said, I don’t get to vote but I would highly recommend it. ✤

GO: CALL 4425 2727 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.