Eastwood has welcomed a new café with a familiar Adelaide following, as Ray’s by Out in the Paddock settles into its second permanent home inside Eastwood Private Hospital.
You may recognise the name, and for very good reason.
Already known for its stylish space, seriously good sandos and rotating floral displays at Burnside Village, Ray’s by Out in the Paddock has brought its signature touch to a new community east of the city.
The new venue is the latest venture from Ray Dahdah and Ally Aoukar, the duo behind Out in the Paddock’s luxury events, catering and styling business.
For Ray, bringing the café to Eastwood was about creating a place that could become part of the daily rhythm of the area.
“We want to become one of the locals there,” Ray told Glam Adelaide.
“There are a lot of residences behind us in that Eastwood and Parkside area, but there are also a lot of offices that we want to target… as we want to offer catering options for them as well.”
Located on the ground floor of Eastwood Private Hospital, the café has been designed to welcome both hospital visitors and the wider community, with its own entrance from Greenhill Road and views towards the parklands.
The light-filled spaces owes credit to the large glass windows which has panels that open up, creating an indoor-outdoor feel.
“It’s a stunning spot,” Ray said.
While the café is located within the $90 million orthopaedic hospital, which opened late last year, Ray’s vision has always been to create something that extends beyond the walls of the facility.
“It’s state-of-the-art and really high-tech, and it’s a beautiful hospital. The fit-out is not your typical hospital vibe.”
The menu includes many of the favourites that helped Ray’s earn its following at Burnside, with a focus on fresh South Australian produce and relaxed, everyday dining.
Of course you can expect their exceptional sandos and paninis, alongside salads, poke bowls, granola, grab-and-go options and Rio Coffee.
“We’ll be offering more of a casual approach, but with delicious local produce,” Ray said.
The café has also become a convenient new stop for nearby workers, with Ray hoping it becomes a place people can rely on throughout the day. Whether that’s grabbing breakfast with a friend, picking up lunch on the work break or stopping in for a solo coffee.
The cafe isn’t only for those who work at the hospital, it’s for everyone. The aim was to create a café that felt less like a hospital kiosk and more like a neighbourhood meeting spot.
“We’ve got SA Ambulance next door and Cancer Council on the other side, plus some big buildings, so we want to approach them as well and get them to come in.”
Staying true to the Out in the Paddock roots, food isn’t the only thing making an impression.
Flowers remain a major part of the Ray’s experience, with the Eastwood venue featuring floral displays, market bunches and gifting options including candles and small take-home treats. And with around 50 seats inside and 30 outdoor seats, it’s the perfect spot to stick around.
If their much-loved Burnside café is anything to go by, the new venue is bringing the same sense of care, style and great food to a new corner of Adelaide.
Ray’s at Eastwood
Where: Eastwood Private Hospital, 204 Greenhill Road
When: Mon-Fri 7am – 3pm and Saturday 8am-2pm, sunday closed
For more info, click here.
