Best cafes Melbourne: Top brunch places in the east, outer east, north, south and west
With some of the best cafes in the world, Melburnians are very discerning brunch eaters. We asked readers to tell us their favourites — here’s the verdict.
East
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Whether it’s the best cup of coffee, the eggs benne or bottomless brunch, here are Melbourne’s top cafes as voted by you — our readers.
Brunch has become an institution for Melburnians and when we asked you to tell us whose was the best it cooked up plenty of debate.
And our Melbourne’s favourite cafes can be found on every corner of our city.
We received hundreds of nominations and thousands of votes — with strong contenders pouring in — as part of our Best of Melbourne series.
We partnered up with Matt Preston and Delicious Local to help drive support to food business hit by the economic effects of COVID.
“It’s clear from the vast number of nominations and votes we saw come in that local communities are rallying around their favourite eateries … supporting those food businesses who have done it tough over the past 12 months,” Preston said.
“That is exactly what we set out to achieve.”
“And this is just the beginning.”
So if you’re wondering where you should visit for a lovely breakfast bite, scroll our list.
And if you think we’ve forgotten your favourite, make sure you tell us about them in the comments below.
BAYSIDE
Limoncello Sandringham
54 Station St, Sandringham
You won’t find any five minute fads at Limoncello Sandringham.
And that’s just how the locals like it.
The cafe has been serving the same crowd for 20 years.
“Consistency is our thing,” manager Chloe Vassella said.
“We don’t jump on board the latest trends or fads, we stick with what people know and love.”
The formula works.
Many customers have been visiting up to three times a day for years.
“We know everyone and they know us,” Ms Vassella said.
“It’s a really homey atmosphere.”
The Limoncello BLT and pasta specials were always a hit with the regulars, she said.
CASEY
Deoro & Co
66 Deoro Parade, Clyde North
A trendy Clyde North cafe known for its delicious coffee and all-day breakfast menu has been crowned the best in Casey.
Deoro & Co, with its popular staple dishes and friendly service — has become a brunch institution in the area.
Nestled in the heart of the Delaray estate, owners Steve and Elisha Danielsen opened the cafe in 2018 with the purpose of bringing inner-city vibes to the suburbs.
“From the get-go we wanted to bring Melbourne, Cremorne, South Yarra city vibes out to the burbs,” Mr Danielsen said.
“It’s been pretty challenging in the past couple of years based on our location but we’ve tried to focus on an awesome menu and really giving something to the locals.”
The couple are passionate about delivering delicious breakfasts.
“My wife and I love breakfast cafes and so we really try and chat to everyone and our returning customers to find out exactly what it is they want and be able to deliver it.
“We provide an awesome Instagramable menu that tastes amazing.”
Mr Danielsen said menu item favourites included the The Benny and Co (eggs benedict) and the southern style fried chicken burger.
“We’re open on Friday nights with live music and we have a whole dinner menu too, which has been super popular.”
CAULFIELD GLEN EIRA AND PORT PHILLIP
Carter Lovett
329 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick
Carter Lovett is the latest venture from the team behind popular south side cafes St Martin’s and Tommy Tucker.
The Elsternwick venue offers contemporary-classic food and drinks inspired by the Victorian era.
Dishes include corned beef, barley risotto and ham hock terrine.
There’s also fuss-free breakfast and brunch options like chilli fried eggs, wild mushroom omelette and eggs Benedict.
The charming Glen Huntly Rd espresso bar and cafe doubles as a wine bar and bistro on weekends, making it an ideal place to while away an entire day – from that first sip of coffee in the morning to wine or cocktails in the evening.
Las Chicas
203 Carlisle St, Balaclava
Las Chicas has been part of the Carlisle St shopping strip for so long it’s hard to remember a time when it wasn’t there.
And the popular Bikini Blowout Benedict — crushed avocado, bacon, two poached eggs and hollandaise on a bagel — has been curing hangovers for more than a decade.
Moroccan baked eggs, buttermilk pancakes and seared yellowfin tuna salad are also winners.
Located right next to Balaclava Train Station, Las Chicas’ spray-painted exterior and retro collectibles adorned interior give it the perfect grunge-hipster vibe.
BEST OF MELBOURNE: CAULFIELD GLEN EIRA
FRANKSTON
One Pear Tree
372 Nepean Hwy, Frankston
One Pear Tree is Frankston’s very own slice of paradise.
Coffee lovers are invited to unwind and sip while surrounded by beautiful greenery in the cafe’s gorgeous private garden sanctuary.
And located just metres from the shore, a visit to the hidden Nepean Hwy gem makes for a perfect time to relax.
The hugely popular spot has been around for less than two years but it has made its mark in the up and coming suburb with a selection of to-die-for treats including pancakes and breakfast burritos.
The prime location and setting also makes for the ultimate catch up spot, with al fresco dining perfect for summer and seats by the crackling fire ready for the wintry months.
KNOX
The Hatter and the Hare
1/21 Scoresby Rd, Bayswater
The Hatter and the Hare is a standout favourite for anyone living in or near Bayswater.
Opening in March 2017, the Scoresby Rd venue is a cafe, patisserie and event venue all rolled into one.
With an Alice-in-Wonderland-inspired theme the seasonal menu definitely has something for everyone, whether you have a sweet or savoury tooth.
From the impressive breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes to the sweet treats with more than 100 varieties whipped up by a team of skilled patisserie chefs you will be in heaven.
MAROONDAH
Milk & Wine Co
196-198 Canterbury Rd, Heathmont
Heathmont’s Milk & Wine Co showed how popular they have become in the community as they triumphed in Maroondah’s poll, less than 12 months after they opened.
The cafe, at the old home of the former Barclays Café at Heathmont Village shopping centre, opened for takeaway service just as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in April.
It has since built up goodwill with its ‘Pay It Forward’ initiative, offering free meals, drinks and treats to less fortunate members of the community, and groups such as frontline health workers and Year 12 students.
Co-owner Samantha Hitt and husband Derek were “very humbled” by the support they’d received from readers and regular customers.
“We’ve given as much to the community as they have to us, and we feel we’ve built up a rapport with all the locals,” she said.
“We built some real respect with how we’ve handled everything through COVID and the customers know what they’re going to get when they come, and that’s good food, good coffee and good service.”
Ms Hitt said the cafe was now enjoying seeing people “eating off its plates” as part of its dine-in offering, which includes a wine bar and grazing plates on selected nights of the week.
MONASH AND DANDENONG
Kafe Mument
2 Duerdin St, Clayton
A cafe in the heart of Clayton’s thriving corporate precinct has been crowned the best in Monash.
Kafe Mument, which has been opened since 2008, is known for its delicious breakfast and lunch options.
Owner John Erpisimidis said he was thrilled his cafe was named the best in Monash.
“We’ve got a pretty broad range of breakfast and lunch items including egg and bacon and omelettes to a variety of sandwiches, focaccias, wraps, pastas and different chicken dishes with rice, Spanish paellas and our signature chicken schnitzel,” Mr Erpisimidis said.
“We also have different frittatas, lasagnes and spanakopita. We make 90 per cent of the items on the premises using fresh ingredients.”
He said the business prided itself on providing excellent service.
“We pride ourselves on service, it’s almost like a community in a way. We’re a first-name basis with our customers – I know everyone’s coffee.
“Thank you so much for your support over the years and we look forward to serving you in the future again.”
MOORABBIN, MORDIALLOC & CHELSEA
Cucina Dolce
426 Nepean Hwy, Chelsea
Community spirit is what fires the heart of Cucina Dolce Chelsea owner Fred Kerbage.
The southeast hospitality king opened the popular cafe and restaurant on Nepean Hwy seven years ago, along with wife Inas and sons Maurice and Zane.
The family lives just a stone’s throw away from the buzzing Italian eatery.
The Kerbages serve award-winning coffees in the morning followed by award-winning pizza, pasta and risottos at night.
Now the family has been voted as the reader’s choice for best cafe of the Mordialloc Chelsea region.
It comes just months after the business, which sponsors a number of local community groups, spent the COVID-19 lockdown providing fresh food hampers and dinner vouchers to those doing it tough.
“We concentrate on customer service and our repeat customers … we treat everyone as if they are our family,” Mr Kerbage said.
“We’ve put Chelsea on the map in reference to top quality food.
“It’s all about providing top quality food and really giving value to our customers … we always look forward to seeing our regulars come back again and again.”
MORELAND
Poppy’s Cafe & Pantry
169 Derby St, Pascoe Vale
Moreland’s reader’s choice — Poppy’s Cafe & Pantry — brings a “touch of the Mediterranean to Pascoe Wale,” from good coffee and sweets to fresh fruit, herbs and spices.
The coffee is a creamy blendy of Brazilian, Honduran and New Guinea beans which gives each cup a sweet, spicy finish with hints of creme caramel.
Customers keep coming back not just for a cuppa but to try fresh produce from Nonno’s garden, and if you’re lucky, meet Nonno himself and pick vegetables with him.
The pantry is filled with nuts, seeds, grains, dried fruit, sweets, smoked salt, ready made meals and sourdough bread.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Commonfolk
16 Progress St, Mornington
Bean hunters know they are getting more than a hit of caffeine at Commonfolk Coffee.
The Mornington Peninsula reader’s choice cafe is part of a campaign to use coffee to change the world.
“Brewing great coffee and serving tasty food is just the start for us,” general manager Sam Keck said.
“We’ve created a real community of people who want to make a difference.”
“Having that support from our customers means everything,” Mr Keck said.
“We couldn’t achieve anything without it.”
The Mornington cafe gives 20 cents from every coffee sold to The Cup That Counts initiative, designed to support a sustainable specialty coffee industry.
Funds from the scheme were used to help establish Zukuka Bora Coffee Company – a collective that works directly alongside small scale coffee farmers on Mt Elgon, Uganda.
The company was started in 2014 and is now in the running to win a prestigious Pearl of Africa coffee award.
The Cup That Counts also helped fund a youth training cafe in partnership with Tanti Park Social Enterprises.
As well as helping some of the region’s most vulnerable find work, HomeGround provides healthy and affordable coffee and food and a community hub.
BEST OF MELBOURNE: MORNINGTON PENINSULA
STONNINGTON
The Pound Cafe
Shop 5/566 Chapel St, South Yarra
The friendly service at Chapel St haunt, The Pound Café, proved a hit with customers, who voted it the best in the Stonnington.
Brothers Albert and Marino Farancazio have been managing the cafe for 14 years, which stocks Gravity espresso coffee and is also known for its build-your-own breakfast pides and salads.
The cafe is also a favourite of Australian tennis superstar Ash Barty, and Albert Farancazio revealed the Australian Open player dropped in for a coffee last week.
“Every time she’s in town, she’ll stick her head in,” he said.
“I know we have a loyal following … but it (the award) has blown me away, you don’t expect this.”
“We’re rapt and humbled we’ve been chosen by the readers, it shows the customers appreciate us, and that was evident in lockdown when we got some great support.”
Mr Farancazio said the cafe planned to continue its recipe of “good old fashioned service, good food and good coffee” as Chapel St continued its post-COVID recovery.
WHITEHORSE
Project Black Specialty
3a/26b Enterprise Way, Mitcham
Quality means everything to Project Black Specialty Coffee owner Angus Shen.
Mr Shen said he had invested a lot of money to ensure the Mitcham cafe served up top notch brews.
After previously working for well-known roasters St Ali, he has built up a lot of knowledge about the coffee industry.
“I know a lot of friends in the industry and we share information and I have learnt a lot about coffee,” he said.
Mr Shen said he believed he was the only cafe in the area using a non-steam milk frother to make coffee.
“When other cafes want to steam milk they have to use a steam wand and by doing that it dilutes the milk as well,” he said.
“I have spent lots of money on quality.
“Even the milk, we choose one of the top in the range.
“I don’t really like to cut corners.
“I’d rather bring customers in and engage them, talk to them, be their friends and that’s what we’re doing now.”
The cafe also serves up a number of quick food options, including toasties.
Mr Shen said he was focused on providing fast service.
WHITTLESEA
Olivia’s Cafe
2/66 Church St, Whittlesea
If you don’t know the person sitting next to you at Olivia’s Cafe in Whittlesea, chances are you soon will.
Owner Kellie Tomarchio said the cafe had a real community atmosphere.
“I think people love our coffee which we are pretty passionate about and people also love the atmosphere of the cafe,” she said.
“We get a lot of people who will come in and end up chatting to the person next to them and everyone seems to make these connections in the space and I think it’s because the staff are very much the same way.
“Staff go above and beyond for customers.”
“It’s a little bit country meets city, the cafe; it’s got the country hospitality but a bit more of a modern vibe.”
Ms Tomarchio said the bulk of the cafe’s hot food was made on-site.
Popular dishes include chill scrambled eggs and smashed avo.
WYNDHAM AND MARIBYRNONG
Chatterbox Cafe
63 Watton St, Werribee
If you’re looking for a good cup of brew in Melbourne’s west, there’s a place the locals recommend.
Chatterbox Cafe has been serving up delicious food and pouring great coffee for years and owner Sal El-Hassan, a barista who’s worked in the hospitality industry since the tender age of 14, said there was nothing else he’d rather do.
“It’s a 24 hour thing, it’s always on your mind,” Mr El-Hassan said.
“(But) I wouldn’t be in it for 15 years if I didn’t like it.”
The ever-changing menu highlights fresh produce and seasonal fruits.
And aside from keeping foodies on their toes with impressive dishes, Mr El-Hassan said he got a kick out of seeing his customers back in store.
Seeing the names of his regulars listed on UberEats dockets during lockdown just wasn’t the same, he said, and he said he missed the face-to-face interaction.
“It’s awesome seeing your customers sit down, it was hard when you didn’t see them,” Mr El-Hassan said.
YARRA RANGES
Harrow and Harvest
42-44 Castella St, Lilydale
When Frazer Wyley opened Harrow and Harvest, he didn’t realise only six days later Stage 3 COVID restrictions would force him to innovate.
But Mr Wyley and his team of three rose to the challenge, preparing takeaway coffees and meals.
The staff at Harrow and Harvest has grown to be a team of 13, with a loyal customer base that loves Mr Wyley’s Italian Amati coffee and delicious home-style cooking.
Set up in one of Lilydale’s oldest churches, the cafe includes a small market with items sourced from around the Yarra Valley.
“It’s a flowerchild aesthetic and supports local artists and creators,” he said.
There is also a mum’s and bubs area with a vintage children’s playroom.
Favourite menu items include inspiration from Mr Wyley’s own childhood – Mum’s Boston Beans.
He said the dish was a favourite Sunday brunch for many customers and included three types of beans cooked in a sweet, rich sauce and topped with a poached egg and bacon.
The French toast options are also to die for.
Locavore Studio
148 Main St, Lilydale
Locals love Locavore Studio for its superb food, amazing coffee and vibrant atmosphere, owner Jessie Crossley believes.
While COVID trumped some, the Lilydale Locavore team were quick to flip their business around, providing takeaway coffee and homemade takeaway meals.
And the cafe came out from restrictions stronger than ever with Ms Crossely reporting a solid 40 regulars through the reopened doors daily.
The cafe serves Proximal coffee – a Lilydale roaster – and one of the reasons locals have made it their must have brew venue.
“We support local suppliers,” she said.
“We also use Carter Bros and it’s the same with all our produce.”
Ms Crossley said the cafe is always fun and keeps up with the food trends.
“We have lots of colour and flavour,” she said.
Locavore will soon be opening on Friday nights for some live music, tapas, drinks and cocktails.
The venue will also be joining in bottomless brunch Sundays.
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