Everyone loves doing good, right? That’s why PORTAL at No. 1 Martin Place is so amazing. You get to do good, while eating lunch. PORTAL is the new cafe from the same people who brought you FOLONOMO and GRATIA CAFE (now closed) in Surry Hills. The concept is the same, as they say on their website:
We are a social business, which donates 100% of profits to a range of “not for profit” causes. Our customers choose their impact with every purchase…
https://www.portal.org.au/aboutus
Each time you order a coffee, a salad or any items or our menu you can choose what’s important for you.
Lunch at Portal 
Blue Latte
Finding the cafe itself is a bit tricky. Does anyone else find the No. 1 Martin Place building hard to navigate?! I couldn’t find PORTAL on the entry level, but then noticed a (new?) escalator on one end that led up to a mezzanine level. Once up there, I was immediately impressed by the space. Firstly, it’s huge. I love all the different seating options – casual benches if you’re just here for a coffee, proper cafe seating, and they even have booths for you to work with your team! The whole space is airy and beautifully decorated with many plants. It’s a place you immediately feel comfortable in.
Chai Latte 
Vegan Banana Chocolate Cake (GF and DF) 
Blue Latte
PORTAL have a selection of healthy dishes, with many ‘cafe classics’. For example, I went for the Avo Coriander Smash with crushed feta, preserved lemon and dukka (12). Not a bad price for smashed avo! It was really delicious and just what I felt like. Also worth mentioning that the toast didn’t get too soggy, even under all that avo.
Avo Coriander Smash ($12) – with crushed feta, preserved lemon and dukka 
Broccoli Salad ($11) with soy & sesame marinated tofu ($4) and poached chicken ($4)
My friend KS had a much more substantial lunch. There were some Weekly Seasonal Salads on offer in the display cabinet, and she chose the Broccoli Salad ($11) with extra soy & sesame marinated tofu ($4) and poached chicken ($4). I love that you can add extras to your salad! I do feel that I need to mention how salty the tofu was. Neither of us (both from Asian backgrounds) had had tofu like this before. The saltiness was really overpowering. Perhaps it’s worth adjusting that recipe? Other than that though, no complaints about this healthy lunch bowl!
Vegan banana chocolate cake (GF and DF) 
Vegan banana chocolate cake (GF and DF)
We couldn’t have a completely health lunch though, could we! I spotted the Vegan banana chocolate cake at the front counter too and it looked too good not to have a piece. It’s gluten and dairy free! Very tasty end to our meal.
Man, cafes like PORTAL make me wish I still worked in the city! I would definitely be here all the time – in the morning, with a book. Then, a quick lunch with my colleagues! I can just imagine it. If you work in the city, I hope you make use of this lovely space with great food, as well as doing some good for our greater society!
PORTAL
NO 1 MARTIN PLACE
SYDNEY CITY
https://www.portal.org.au
NB: talk&spoon and KS were invited to eat at Portal, with thanks to Melody Brass. All opinions, however, remain our own.
