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Food

Best Melbourne Cafes 2023

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Best cafes in Melbourne is a mix of new and emerging cafes together with icons that are well established cafes.  We celebrate Melbourne's best cafes in the search for perfection. This article is similar to our Best Breakfasts in Melbourne and Best Cafes in Melbourne's East. Melbourne is best known for it's thriving cafe scene, often to be found in laneways. 

Black Star Pastry - Chadstone Shopping Centre - Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Black Star Pastry has firmly established itself in Melbourne as a crowd favourite, having expanded here as the darling of Sydney. You can perch yourself on a high chair/stool and watch the world go by in Chadstone Shopping Centre while indulging in their famous Watermelon Cake or one of their other fabulous cake hits such as Mango Yuzu and Black Sesame Cake. With a premium St Ali coffee of course.

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World's most Grammable cake.

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Rock star cakes at every turn in the heart of Chadstone Shopping Centre.

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Impressive modern kiosk design, with merch to match.


Inked Cup - Doncaster East - Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Cafe gem in the Eastern suburbs with its high class coffee offerings and innovative rewarding dishes including top notch jaffles, all day breakfast, its popular sandwiches, waffles and various mains. They bring the party to the people with a host of signature dishes and they are also aiming for conversation and community, encouraging local craft and artists in their cafe, selling their wares. A popular oasis on Doncaster Road, the locals flock here and love it. Extended trading hours over weekends. One of the best.

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Jaffle heaven but also check out the sandwiches, waffles and ever evolving mains.

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Industry Beans Chadstone - Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Brunch with a touch of class, truly some of these dishes belong in the NGV. Cold Brews and Bubble Coffees are the name of the game, and Porcini and Barramundi mains take cafe offerings to the next level. This is a destination of elevation when it comes to the Melbourne brunch scene. Of course the coffee is amazing as they roast their own. Vibrant innovative dishes in a bright and stylish setting it sets some benchmarks. 

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Lankan Tucker - Brunswick West - Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Not all brunch offerings are the same. We like to mix it up and break out of the smashed avo bubble. Lankan Tucker brings Sri Lankan deliciousness to the brunch scene with its famous Hip Hopper dish and Sri Lankan classics. Not to mention a strong coffee game. Curry for breakfast? Why not.

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Nerudas - Brunswick West - Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Neruda's brings the South American joy to the brunch scene, with a cafe run by a musician owner (often live music) that has built up a community vibe. Check out the fresh made chorizo with scrambled eggs, and the sensational empanada's.

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Babajan - Carlton North - Food 9.5, Coffee 9, Ambience 9 

Babajan is a cafe sensation with a menu full of attractive rewarding dishes with Middle Eastern flavours a feature. With a powerful claim to fame Babajan became a feature in none less than the New York Times. We rank this cafe as up there with the best in Melbourne. Sometimes Melbourne cafe options can be similar across Melbourne, and we find Babajan refreshing and offering dishes of interest and substance, with big flavours.

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Menemen Turkish Baked Eggs, Spiced Tomato, Spinach, Pistachio Dukkah with lamb shoulder is a chart topper. A hearty brunch dish with standout Middle Eastern flavours and perfect spice. A welcome alternative to smashed avocado.babajanweb 26

Crab and Halloumi Omelette with Cucumber, Avocado, Radicchio and Kefalograviera dressing was a sensation. Silky generous omelette with the most delicate yet rich crab filling.babajanweb 12

Grab some baked goods on the way out! The baked goods here hit the high notes. Kudos to Kirsty Chiaplias a reluctant rock star chef, who has worked with Gordon Ramsay, Jarrod Hudson and Andrew Blake.


Lenny 3206 - Albert ParkFood 8.5, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Lenny 3206 is a cafe that ticks all of the boxes. One of the first things you notice is the grand building and the modern fit out, conducted by design firm Golden.The World Loves Melbourne enjoys bright airy cafes and Lenny 3206 delivers with large windows, white and blue (beachy vibe) colours and a pink marble bench top, compelling artwork and charming wicker chairs inside. Or sit outside and take in the street vibes of Albert Park. There's a festive and convivial atmosphere at this cafe, reinforced by the colourful umbrellas on the sidewalk.

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Not something we expected to find on a cafe menu but welcome.

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Duck & Waffles is a hit dish featuring Slow cooked duck leg (with crispy skin), herb and cheese waffle, apple salad, juniper infused maple and a fried egg. A delicious and sophisticated innovative dish at a reasonable price. Duck was cooked perfectly and waffles a perfect complement with zesty salad and the joy of an oozy fried egg. 

We also went for a lunch special of Wagyu Cheeseburger Spring Roll with Iceberg lettuce, sesame prawn crackers with sriracha mayo. A decent amount of wagyu cheeseburger filling and crispy spring roll casing. Prawn crackers and lettuce for extra crispiness. And don't underestimate the significance of that delightful sriracha mayo to dip into. Eating with your fingers is the way to go. A crowd pleaser cafe in every way.


Tamper Trap - BrightonFood 8.5, Coffee 8.5, Ambience 9

Tamper Trap is a revelation in Brighton with smart dishes that are innovative and satisfy. Located on iconic bay St Brighton in a leafy up market part of the city, they are hitting the high notes. If you take the well known adage "give the customers more than they expect" then Tamper Trap excels.

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Okonomiyaki Japanese Pancake was a smash hit, served with crispy ginger chicken and edamame slaw.

Food is inspired by Melbourne favourites with a twist and you’ll also find Salmon Two Ways and the sweetest Hotcake Sandwich with home made Peanut Butter ice cream. Or try their variety of other brunch favourites such as Fruity Crunchy Bircher, Trapped Chilli Scramble, Honey Hotcakes and the Sweet Potato and Zucchini Fritters Breakfast Tacos, salads, healthy burgers and super food bowls for lunch. Also a delightful range of sandwiches in the display cabinet for those "on the go".

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So rewarding is the Cheesy Croquette Benny with poached egg, bacon, chorizo, hollandaise sauce, with added smashed avocado. All my favourites in one brunch dish. Croquettes were satisfying in themselves with cheesy comfort, and the combination of chorizo and crispy bacon with benny eggs on top was a winner. I recommend the smashed avocado addition to lighten the dish as it's quite intense (but wonderfully so).


Stovetop - CarltonFood 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 10 (currently closed at time of publishing in COVID times)

Stovetop is an iconic cafe in Carlton frequented by students and is always buzzing, and has hit the high notes since relocating to the premises next door. Stovetop is a great example of a Melbourne cafe with strong coffee game (including its own blends), a range of signature dishes to suit all tastes and a light airy modern vibe with attentive engaging staff. George one of the owners tells us the cafe began as an extension of the family kitchen serving up favourite dishes with family hospitality and they have kept this value. 

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Packed out on a weekday lunchtime in the heart of a student hub.

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Parma was a great example of a classic dish done well.

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Nasi Goreng a non traditional cafe dish was tasty.

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Nutella and Banana Pancake was a joyful sweet dish.


Shanklin- Hawthorn Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Shanklin is a great example of a modern Melbourne cafe and delivers in terms of vibe, quality food and excellent coffee. Walk into a converted 19th century terrace property with a charming frontage featuring large tables for groups. Inside discover a  industrial look, with awesome vibe and classy fit out. If you were wanting to show a friend from outside Melbourne a great example of a Melbourne style cafe you may take them to Shanklin.

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A highlight at Shanklin Cafe is the Sweet Corn Fritters - excellent crunch on the outside and a delicious hearty dish that looks pretty as a picture. Add salmon or bacon as an option (I can recommend the salmon).

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Baked Egg Shakshuka with red peppers, cherry tomato, mushrooms and goats cheese with sourdough is a Middle Eastern style hit. With added side of salmon.


The Espressonist - Docklands Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

The Espressonist is a savvy chic cafe in Docklands with stunning views across the water. Dine inside or as we did, outside taking in the South Wharf vibe and large boats. Service here is top notch and the brunch options first class. The Espressonist also opens for dinner, part of a growing trend of cafes open for lunch and dinner. We felt the Smashed avocado, feta, dukkha on sourdough with poached eggs was one of the best we've had in Melbourne, coming with some chilli kick (how we like it). Short rib with masterstock, potato, kimchi, and fried egg was another highly rewarding dish, and the Naughty fries with kimchi slaw, chilli and coriander are a must order. A surprise was the Dark chocolate mousse with peanut and raspberry dessert - amazing presentation and excellent dessert.

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Rustica - Hawthorn & various Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Rustica is a great example of a modern Melbourne cafe. Rustica Sourdough which began in Brunswick several years ago has been expanding, as one of the most successful bakery cafes in Melbourne. I find this place cheerful and a hub of conviviality. 

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This is a light and airy cafe with a touch of style. Love the colour scheme and use of textures with plants abounding. There's always a sense of occasion and even community when you visit Rustica.

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Whole roasted mushrooms, mixed greens, reggiano cheese, poached eggs, white truffle oil, and kale and walnut pesto with olive and basil sourdough is all you want in a brunch dish. 

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Down the Rabbit Hole - Templestowe Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

The eastern suburbs of Melbourne are rejoicing since the advent of Down the Rabbit Hole cafe. I find this cafe a breath of fresh air, not the cafe cliche you sometimes see. The name suggests a touch of Alice and Wonderland and this cafe is sure to fire the imagination with hits such as the Breakfast Bagel, a surprisingly filling dish with Istra bacon, fried egg, aioli, tomato, leaf and haloumi on a New York Bagel. New York comes to Templestowe. My friend raved about the Shrooms dish, a collection of sauteed wild mushrooms in season and other delights. Coffee here is excellent and staff engaging. Check out the TFC, Templestowe fried Chicken.

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Simple brunch dishes done well.

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Riddik - TemplestoweFood 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

RIDDIK is a revelation in the eastern suburbs bursting with flair and style. RIDDIK is an all-day café (licensed from morning to night) and game changer bringing inner city excellence to Lower Templestowe.

RIDDIK is serving up Code Black espresso brews all day and Code Black espresso martinis all night. The menu provides a top notch foodie experience; offering up breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options, including six ways to indulge in the classic eggs Benny! 

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Riddik smashed Avo is a top notch dish with poached eggs, house made sumac and thyme shanklish hazelnut dukkah, figs, mint and finished with pomegranate molasses on sourdough - then I added extras such as rosti and thick bacon to make it the complete dish! Healthy bowls abound - in fact there's pretty much something excellent for everyone.

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Breakfast Tacos are outstanding with a little heat.

Come here at a weekday lunchtime and the place is packed. The menu shows imagination and is brilliantly executed.

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Franks Cafe - Cheltenham Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Franks is a highly impressive cafe in Melbourne, reinforcing the belief that cafes in the burbs have come a long way in recent years. This is one for the punters with a distinct lack of pretension and a menu that ticks all the boxes in terms of modern cafe food.

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Signature dishes still include the beyond-your-average cinnamon donuts, a rewarding burger and tangy and crunchy ramen fried chicken bao. New menu items include a selection of build-your-own style dishes, letting you take control over the most important meal of the day. 

A better than expected fit out showing excellent style and design quality greets the diner. Great use of timber, art and lighting is impressive, including the neon Franks sign on the wall. The kitchen is a hive of activity with a larger than normal number of staff for a cafe.

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In a city of burgers the dish simply named "Burger" belies the impressiveness of this juicy Burger delight of grass fed Wagyu, American cheddar (actually the cheese from In n Out burgers - not sure how they do it), tomato, lettuce, BBQ sauce, Big Mac Sauce (chef's take on it), milk bun, pickle. 

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What you want in a modern cafe. The highly impressive design is by Ewart Leaf Design, with a mix of functional attractive dining spaces.Franks 51


Sir Charles - Fitzroy Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Sir Charles is a surprising cafe as its facade on Johnston St belies the depth of the modern cafe inside.

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Check out the seriously good menu with an Asian influence. This Korean Fried Chicken Burger with a side of kimchi fries was a highlight, the food beautifully presented. Or grab a Super South healthy dish or the Sir Charles Benedict with panko crumbed eggs, or indeed the Eton Mess Waffles.

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We enjoy the semi-industrial pipes and copper piping, the lighting, the decent chairs and tables and the light and airy food. Not to mention the engaging service and excellent coffee

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Middle South East- South Yarra - Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Middle South East is part of the new breed of Melbourne cafes bringing Middle Eastern flavours. A popular cafe with creatives on Chapel St with a wide ranging menu that delivers.

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Corn fritters are a must order, with poached eggs, smashed avocado, goat's cheese and smoked salmon.

A popular dish is the Middle South Eggs with Middle Eastern sauce, Persian feta, fresh chilli, sujok sausage, zataar bread and poached eggs. The sauce is compelling and you can mop up the oozy goodness with the bread. Sausage is also tasty and the dish has some "kick" with the chilli. A warm and embracing Middle Eastern style brunch dish.

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AU 79 Cafe - Abbotsford Food 9, Coffee 9.5, Ambience 9.5

AU 79 is a cafe sensation in Abbotsford. This may be one of the most impressive cafes you ever visit. Having worked in corporate banking in the mining section I know that Au and 79 stand for the atomic number of gold. And it's a gold class experience you will receive, as well as a golden sign emblazed on the brick building. 

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The interior is super impressive with large light filled spaces and a attractive plants. Curves and straight lines. the vibe is exotic.

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With their own roastery coffee is a serious thing here. With house blends and single origins we settled on a V60, a great choice.

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Modern menu includes Smashed avocado, Okonomiyaki Japanese pancake, Roasted Cauliflower Smash and Smoked Bonito Croquettes, not to mention the advent of Bao Burgers.

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Higher Ground - CBD - Food 9, Coffee 9.5, Ambience 9.5

Stevie Wonder had the soul/funk going with his 70s hit Higher Ground, and Higher Ground cafe in the Melbourne CBD also has plenty of soul. Like Stevie, Higher Ground Cafe has hit their groove with a winning combination of attractive food with finesse, excellent service and a large warehouse converted structure that is breathtaking. Yes this cafe, recently awarded best in Melbourne by Good Food is next level. And it's a must visit in Melbourne.

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One gets the feeling this is the ultimate in the Melbourne cafe evolution to date. The name is apt as the cafe ticks all the boxes in terms of food, coffee, service and ambience. The space is massive yet you feel a sense of warmth and engagement. High ceilings, plants, amazing decor, large bar; Higher Ground has it all. Natural light abounds during the day; it's almost like a large cathedral. And the mood changes at night.

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Higher Ground doesn't just serve up the usual suspects. The menu is interesting and flavoursome; including Steamed market fish with Japanese broth, Charred brussel sprouts, Charcuterie, and Seasonal soft polenta.

Casual dishes such as the Overnight Lamb Ribs and the Berkshire Bacon Sandwich are a delight; modern relaxed dining. The ribs are melt in the mouth and the bacon is thick cut.

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Service here is first class and the venue is designed to be an all day affair. The fact we had to wait 20 min to get in during a middle of the day in the middle of the week timeslot is a testament to this cafe. Nathan Toleman and his team have done it again.


Mammoth - Armadale Food 9.5, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Arguably one of the best in Melbourne. For those who may be bored with the same old same old food options of many Melbourne cafes, Mammoth brings a point of difference. When we scan cafe menus it's often a case of wanting 2 or 3 picks out of the menu then deciding. Call us snobs but that's the way it is. In this case it was about what not to order. Interesting and compelling menu options.

 

As for the menu options we chose The Benedict - duck sausage, orange and corn blini, pickled onion, fried egg, smoked maple hollandaise. Simply sensational, the duck sausage was the hero and a surprisingly generous portion to boot. Duck and orange are a  killer combination and the orange and corn blini was a perfect taste, as well as texture match. The impression was instant; how good is this dish!

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It's art on a plate, although no sense of pretension. It's an Instagrammers dream, but with foodie substance behind it.


The Kettle Black - South Melbourne - Food 9.5, Coffee 9, Ambience 9.5

The Kettle Black has become an archetype of the modern Melbourne cafe. Stylish and chic fit out, and the food a treat to the eyes as well as the mouth. 

Food here at The Kettle Black is as good as anywhere; from the healthy Coconut set dish to the Tataki Ocean trout dish, to the Chilli Scrambled eggs dish and the Fresh Kingfish with potato crisps. Serious cafe cuisine.

Notably the Crayfish Roll has been replaced by the Port Phillip Snapper in a brioche roll with green papaya salad, lime and chilli jam. 

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Generous fillets of Snapper (2) cooked perfectly with caramelisation of the skin, and the combination of the chilli jam and zesty green papaya salad is stunning. The soft brioche bun is perfect, albeit slightly rich, providing hint of sweetness and lovely texture around the fish and salad. One must squeeze the lime over the fish for extra zest. Presentation is sensational; art on a plate. After eating this dish there was a feeling of being pleasantly satiated and sufficiently full.

We think it's all part of a trend of seeing restaurant quality food in cafes; something you don't always see around the world. The Kettle Black raises the bar on Melbourne cafes and is world class. If you were looking to meet with someone and impress them you might come here. 


Top PaddockRichmond - Food 9.5, Coffee 9, Ambience 9.5

Top Paddock is one of Melbourne's standout cafes with its spacious modern fit out and extensive imaginative menu. Meeting here in a trendy part of Richmond with my salubrious brother (Melbourne businessman and food critic extraordinaire) we commented that "these people know what they're doing". And they surely do being of the stable of Three Bags Full, APTE and Two Birds One Stone - some of the best cafes in Melbourne. Chatting with one of the owners Nathan Toleman at the restaurant, the team have pulled their experience from the other cafes and have even progressed the cafe concept.

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The Blueberry & ricotta hotcake with berries, organic maple, seeds and double cream is a stunning brunch dish that belongs in the arts centre as a colourful masterpiece. It is the Rembrandt and Monet of brunch dishes.

Several years on and Top Paddock is as strong as ever; with strong numbers during the week and a weekend overflow and line up. Kudos!


Darling Street Espresso - Moonee Ponds - 146 Athol St St Moonee Ponds - Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 9

Darling Street Espresso is a top notch relaxed cafe in Moonee Ponds with a certain sophistication in its offerings. The owner is from a fine dining background and so this is cafe food taken to the next level. A modern fit out and large courtyard inspires. Food is fresh and seasonal and the menu has imagination. Bring on the tube and the Miso cured salmon, okonomiyaki pancake, tempura poached egg, ponzo dressing. This is a dream on a plate. The fritters (image Darling St Espresso Insta) are some of the best in Melbourne.

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Leroys Cafe - Newport - 5 Mason St - Food 9, Coffee 9, Ambience 8.5

Leroys prides itself on the menu's modern flavours, great coffee (Campos Roasters) and strong beliefs that local produce and seasonality are the stepping stones to great cooking.

With options for both sweet and savoury palettes, their all-day breakfast menu includes local favourites like their cacao porridge (cacao nibs, berries, smashed freeze dried fruit, blood orange powder, maple syrup, chia super seeds and viola) or their Newport Hollan Daze (hash browns, smashed avocado, bacon, poached eggs, hollandaise, rocket and parmesan). 
Classic comfort food with modern flavours is the essence of their lunch menu. You can't go past their Soft Shell Crab Burger (pictured below) - tempura fried soft shell crab, saffron aioli, tomato and lettuce in a black bun.  

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Magic Mushrooms also excite with Mushroom fricassee of mushrooms, roasted escalopes, Bulgarian feta and 60 degree egg.

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Operator 25 - CBD 25 Wills St CBD - Food 9.5, Coffee 9, Ambience 9.5

Operator 25 is a revelation cafe set in a former telephone exchange located in the legal district in the Melbourne CBD. The place is pumping with interesting dining spaces full of patrons, featuring an intergenerational crowd. The World Loves Melbourne decided to visit this cafe in a heritage building having heard rave reviews. We were not disappointed.  Operator 25 has made an effort with its fit out with exposed brick walls, quality furniture, funky blackboard and top class artwork throughout...

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Yes we are raving but this dish was a highlight in terms of brunch for the year. The menu also offers compelling dishes such as Breakfast Tortilla filled with Scrambled Egg  Mixed Mushrooms, Aged Cheddar and Green Harissa, or the House Benedict ‒ Potato Rosti, Grandmother Lamb Ham, Poached Eggs,  Mustard and Tarragon Hollandaise.

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Operator 25 is an exceptional cafe in the Melbourne CBD, with strong points across the board and prices affordable. Fun and finesse. Highly recommended. 


Cumulus Inc - Flinders Lane CBD Flinders Lane CBD -  Food 9.5, Coffee 9.5, Ambience 9.5  -  

Cumulus exudes passion for a food culture and brings a sense of fun and an air of sophistication to the Melbourne dining scene. This is where the foodies go. And it stays at the leading edge of culinary Melbourne after several years. Cumulus has a warehouse/studio type vibe - with studio type lighting, high ceilings, and large windows fronting  Flinders Lane. There are 3 positions for viewing – either sit at the kitchen bar on a stool watching the expert chefs art work; or sit at the bar overlooking Flinders Lane on a stool watching the baristas at work; or sit in the middle and observe the hip collective in the room.

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Staff are professional and engaging. You are warmly greeted for breakfast by friendly staff who show you to a table or stool, decked out with tulips on the tables and 3 different newspapers. Service is consistently great. Tested by moi when ducking in to Cumulus one summer’s day just to have a glass of water and a coffee – staff obliged but I wouldn’t do this often. For lunch and dinner the lamb is to die for - shared for two (but find someone who is not hungry). As good as lamb gets.

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Often queues out the door due to no booking policy. I can't believe I was there at the crack of dawn and the place was packed and pumping with jazz on a weekday! Enjoying music from the five Bose speakers mounted around the room! Friendly barista explained to me that the bank vault door to the side of the current modern door is a heritage piece – and it adds to the vibe. Cumulus is a continual culinary joy.  

St Ali , 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne – Asian/Middle Eastern - Food 9 Coffee 9.5 Ambience 9

St Ali is a hip cool fun uber café with amazing ambience, stunning coffee and excellent creative menu choices - hidden down a laneway in South Melbourne. This is one of my “go to” places in Melbourne and have loved each of my many visits.

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St Ali is named after Ali ibn Umar al-Shadili, a fourteenth century mystic andsomeone who apparently birthed coffee passion. One of the cool mystiques surrounding St Ali is that it can be hard to find. You wander down some nondescript laneway off charming Clarendon Street in the quest for serious coffee. You then wonder if it’s the right laneway. You see a group of people emerge from a non descript entrance. And you realise this must be St Ali (no signage).
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My Mexican Cousin is an iconic dish.

Proud Mary , 172 Oxford St Collingwood - Food 9 Coffee 9.5 Ambience 9  

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Proud Mary has been crowned Best Cafe in The Age Good Cafe Guide awards on previous occasion. Nestled in a warehouse like premises in Collingwood, Proud Mary with its uber fit out, is the coffee summit. Inspired by owner Nolan Hirte, it exudes rarefied air of coffee excellence. Hirte's stamp of excellence is on every aspect in terms of ambience, passion, coffee sophistication and the notable cuisine. Proud Mary is a benchmark for roasters and coffee lovers in Melbourne and along with its sophistication has the charm of a river boat queen.

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A great option is to have breakfast here and then go on into the city for work. Love the breakfast menu! Great breakfast with the Crispy Hash a standout for me – large crispy not too greasy hash brown with stringy fibres of potato with crispy bacon, buttery spinach, a poached egg and bagna cauda. Too good! Especially with a great coffee.


Bossy Boots Cafe - 106 Bay Street Brighton - Food 9 Coffee 8.5 Ambience 9

Bossy Boots café lays claim to the best take home food in Melbourne. Locals are flocking to the café each day to grab dinner or a meal to take home. We were amazed at how many locals visited in the couple of hours we were there on a weekday lunchtime.  This is a unique foodie experience in Melbourne with few if any cafes as successful at providing such quality take home food options. Each day the kitchen team prepare 3-4 tasty curries, salads, pastas, Tuna and Sweetcorn patties, filled crepes, and a killer Eggplant parmigiana.

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For time poor professionals Bossy Boots is the perfect destination to get an impressive dinner, desserts and gourmet treats. The display cabinet is spectacular with take home treats on display.

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You will find it hard to resist the choices.In recent years Nonna Thomasina (known as Nellie) has graced the kitchen at Bossy Boots and delivers some of the best lasagne and cannelloni you’ll taste in Melbourne. Salads here are super popular including a Tuna Nicoise and Moroccan cous cous salad. Bossy Boots is an iconic café with its own style, creating a convivial hub that is unique to Brighton and Melbourne.  


One Plus Piece - 266 Whitehorse Road, BalwynFood 9 Coffee 9 Ambience 9.5

Eastern suburbs cafes are on the rise! A great example is One Plus Piece Cafe, located in a premium pocket of Whitehorse Road in Balwyn, with banks, eateries and high end shops surrounding. This is the only Japanese anime cafe in Melbourne we know of! Playful and fun but serious cafe offerings.

The menu developed by passionate Head Chef Cain caters for a variety of tastes; the cafe serves up compelling burgers, moorish dumplings, imaginative breakfasts, and a series of healthier style dishes.

Burgers? One Plus Piece Cafe is super popular for its burgers, and we highly recommend them. Innovative and playful.

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Check this massive One Plus Double Chilli burger (with extra patty to make it three). This burger scored an imtressive 7.7 on the Burgers of Melbourne index.

These burgers are One Plus Piece Cafe are not greasy affairs; but clean and flavoursome and well presented.

One Plus Piece Cafe in Balwyn is a breath of fresh air on the Whitehorse Road strip with Yvette and Cain bringing their passion and verve with first class cafe options.


Three Bags Full ,  Nicholson Street Abbotsford – Café - Food 8.5 Coffee 9.5 Ambience 9  

 Three Bags Full is a Melbourne darling and one of our more eminent cafes. The vibe on a pumping Saturday brunch time is fabulous. Its another foodie haven and the coffee is seriously excellent. 

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Image: Three Bags Full Facebook. The colour scheme suggested I was in Richmond (bright yellows) but we were in fact in Abbotsford. Great ambience here. Walk in and immediately fall in love with this place.  Three Bags Full boasts a large open space and natural light. Plenty of tables but often they are packed. Wondered whether the name Three Bags Full had anything to do with it always being packed out. Love the long communal table which people seem to gravitate to. 

These guys are passionate about coffee and provide a great selection. They provide pour over, Clover and single origin offerings. I’m happy to come here just for the coffee and even line up for the privilege. Knowing they use Five Senses is comforting. 

This ex warehouse is very cool and features polished floors and exposed brick. This may lend to a noisy room but who cares, I’m into that. Venture outside to enjoy the ambience of the precinct at small tables. 

Three bags Full is also a great option for breakfast on the way to work in the city. Love the friendly service. Busy, busy, busy – but still attentive and personable staff. When paying or just ordering coffee you're invariably standing in line and eying off their gourmet products to take away.

Three Bags Full is a stellar cafe that continues to shine. 


Pellegrini’s Expresso Bar , 66 Bourke St Melbourne – Café - Food 8 Coffee 9 Ambience 9  

 

Pellegrini’s, a Melbourne icon, puts a big smile on my face. It's easy to fall in love with Pellegrini's as it exudes so much charm and nostalgia. Classico! Often misunderstood in a sea of nouveau cafes and restaurants, Pellegrini’s is unique.

It feels like ‘real’ Melbourne with its history and standing. I’ve been there a few times and love it. Where else can you go for such quality banter, home cooking and strong coffee?I tried entering Pellegrini’s very early one morning and couldn’t get in the door. That’s right! The owner (I think it was), came and unlocked the door and showed me in! That was cool. Really sad about the passing of Sisto Malaspina; a beautiful soul.

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First the coffee. I asked for a latte (in one size glass) and was poured something with an extremely dark colour - telling me this one is as strong as steel. I love a strong coffee. I asked Sisto one day whether this was a triple shot? “No” he said, “nothing to do with shots. It’s about the blend and the way it's made. If the shots are no good the coffee is no good – so what’s the point of shots?” You gotta love that philosophy.

Nostalgia everywhere! Love the long bar area with the iconic stools, and the mirrors along the other wall (also with iconic stools). Love the memorabilia on the shelves with celebrities posing with Pellegrini’s.

Pellegrini’s is a classic Italian espresso bar in Melbourne. Sometimes misunderstood you need to appreciate it for what it is rather than what it isn’t! They do pasta and delightful Italian treats well… I still have smile on my face! Ciao! Ciao!  And Pellegrini’s really knows coffee! After the passing of Sisto they are still powering on.


Seven Seeds , 106-114 Berkeley St Carlton – Café - Food 8.5 Coffee 9.5 Ambience 9

Seven Seeds is credited as being a highly influential coffee powerhouse that has shaped the coffee culture of Melbourne over many years. The World Loves Melbourne believes Seven Seeds is better than ever and continues to shine its love and significant influence on the cafe and coffee scene.

 

Seven Seeds is one of those Melbourne institutions we can take for granted. Walk along a nondescript street in Carlton that appears quiet and sleepy. Then stumble upon a packed house of uber coffee lovers at an unspectacular entrance almost devoid of signage (apart from a painted name on the wall).

Seven Seeds is a super passionate roastery and cafe. The lab here indicates the seriousness and passion for all things coffee. Seven Seeds never stands still but moves on ever evolving. The quality of coffee here shows no hint of dropping off, unlike some others that have diminished over the years. The coffee menu features Seven Seeds roasted coffee of course! 

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A converted warehouse, Seven Seeds features large amounts of exposed brick, tiles, concrete floor, mounted bikes, and the large windows allow plenty of natural light. They even led the way in cafe fit outs with many since copying the Seven Seeds look. With universities nearby Seven Seeds attracts its fair share of students. It's an eclectic mix here of the young and fashionable.

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Would you think of Seven Seeds in the hunt for Melbourne's best burgers? Well they should be. Several of us ordered the burger and all raved. Juicy with quality patty, right amount of salad, and curly fries to die for...  Not to mention Eggs benedict on English muffins with prosciutto, hollandaise and rocket...

We note Seven Seeds has been inducted into the Herald Sun Coffee Hall of Fame. Shine on Seven Seeds, keep evolving and leading the way...


Brother Baba Budan , Little Bourke – café - Food 8 Coffee 9.5 Ambience 9

Extremely popular soul brother café to Seven Seeds and de Clieu. For those that know their coffee history, it was infamous revolutionary Brother Baba who in the 17th C smuggled seven seeds of coffee out of Yemen and into India where the plants thrived. This started a global coffee revolution which has culminated in the sensational coffee scene we see here in Melbourne. BBB is passionate about coffee and in particular specialty coffee.

Look inside the window from Little Bourke and invariably see wall to wall people, some at the communal table reading but many lined up for some of the best coffee in town. Single origins, filters and awesome blends. It always looks like a cool party. Took my friend from Dubai here and he had to concede that Melbourne has such an awesome coffee culture.

 

A talking piece is always the curious montage of chairs hanging from the ceiling (spectacular but really hard to photograph). I asked a barista if it was ok to photograph and he said a lot of people photograph the ceiling chairs – so I felt better. Limited room in here for many to enjoy a sit down experience – there are a few tables with stools. Most people gravitate to the communal table by the window or indeed the communal table behind the baristas with a selection of cakes and biscuits above.

The star of the show is the coffee. The default is the Seven Seeds blend which is awesome. A smart drinker will order the Coffee of the Day single origin. It makes sense as it is only slightly more expensive.

Cool having a mounted ipad playing music selections. The barista decided while I was there one morning to change to the sunshine collection (blend). I thought it might be Mow town but it wasn’t. There's also a retail section here where you can pick up your Aeropress. One of the best!  


Manchester Press , 8 Rankins Lane, CBD Food 8.5 Coffee 9.5 Ambience 9

Manchester Press is a spacious funky cafe that you'll want to come back to. This deserves to be a global sensation like Manchester United.

This is a huge spacious cafe - a former gallery and named after the former printing press business. Friends of mine remember it's former life - the renovation has been impressive. The mystery is accentuated by the fact that you need to pull back the sliding door to enter. Coffee here is amazing with highly skilled baristas that have a knack with latte art. 

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The breakfast options including the raisin bagel with jam and ricotta are outstanding – good value and huge dollops of both jam and ricotta. In fact Manchester Press does bagels really well with other options (open sandwich style) and toppings available. I was told by the waitress that all menu options were available at any time – not just divided into breakfast and lunch. And that the menu changes whenever the chef feels like it… But some bagel options are more suitable for breakfast. 

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Sensational service every time with staff friendly and willing to explain stuff (interesting they place the bill in a glass on your table). We have a ritual - I keep going to the counter to pay at the end of my meal without producing the bill in the glass – so they go back and grab my bill from the table again. On leaving I noticed a mirror ball mounted high in Rankins lane casting an interesting light array down the lane. All adds to the coffee and the art experience!  


The League of Honest Coffee 8 Exploration, CBD – Food 8 Coffee 9.5 Ambience 9

One of the best coffee houses in Melbourne with a strong following.  This is the crew from East Brunswick Project and Padre Coffee. 

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The League of Honest Coffee present great Pour Over and Cold Drip Options. I'm prone to a creamy latte which is a bit old school but these guys do it so well. Love the bowls of coffee. In life I reflect that sometimes bowls of latte lose their punch in the compromise of too much milk!  But this is amazing. Here is an important point -The League of Honest Coffee use decent milk in their coffee unlike a lot of cafes. (My barista training taught me that milk quality is a major factor in a great coffee).

Food options are simple but gourmet. Delectable treats allure behind the cabinet.  


Hardware Societe (moving at time of article), CBD – Cafe – Food 9.5 Coffee 9.5 Ambience 9.5

A great place to go for a Sunday morning lazy breakfast in Melbourne. It captivates with French sophistication and charm, and a high quality dining experience.HardwareSociete2 7

 If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s able to offer something more than the usual brunch options, with a certain je ne sais quois, then Hardware Societe is the place for you!

All eyes are on the white uniformed rock star chefs with awesome tattoos who perform wonders in the kitchen for all to see... Each dish has amazing flair and bathed in TLC. There is a French attention to detail!

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Hardware Societe offers some of Melbourne’s favourite dishes such as Baked eggs served in a French pan with chunks of chorizo and cheese. HardwareSociete2 12

After a big night out you may prefer the Banana bread with caramel and crushed nougat. Or Fried brioche with nutella, strawberries and toasted hazelnuts. And there are daily specials.

Even the sourdough fruit toast is sensational, served in a pretty arrangement on a wooden board with an extraordinary amount of butter. And it comes with a cute butter knife…

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The quality of the food is undeniable. Everything is well cooked, great flavour profiles and the freshness (including the bread) stands out.

Service is fantastic with hipster staff wearing aprons to set a French tome. They are both engaging and attentive. Open for breakfast and lunch but not dinner. Popular and a talking point around Melbourne. Rightly so.