Why Darling St Espresso is the best brunch cafe in Moonee Ponds

Tucked away off the main drag is an old milk bar turned into a cafe. And the hidden gem brunch spot has been crowned the area’s best.

Darling St Espresso has been voted the best brunch spot in Moonee Valley and Moreland. Picture: Darling St Espresso website

An old milk bar-turned-cafe in Moonee Ponds has amassed a loyal following, despite being “off the beaten track”.

This hidden gem could easily go unnoticed by those not in the know — but it seems anyone with a finely honed nose for freshly roasted coffee and delicious brunch has sniffed it out.

And now it’s been voted the best brunch spot in Moonee Valley and Moreland by Leader readers, as part of the Delicious Local campaign championed by Matt Preston.

Darling St Espresso is tucked away behind Maribyrnong Rd, near Moonee Ponds West Primary School.

The cafe was once a corner shop and owner Duncan McKenzie says it’s the “casual milk bar vibe” that makes it “everything friendly”.

“We have a big private courtyard out the back where you can bring your dog or prams,” he said.

“We’re dog-friendly, kid-friendly — everything friendly.”

Darling St Espresso, on the corner of Athol and Darling streets, opened about six years ago and Mr McKenzie said the locals instantly flocked there.

“We have a very loyal following and regular clientele coming in daily,” he said.

He put the cafe’s success down to its quality menu, which boasts dishes made from fresh seasonal ingredients sourced locally.

“Everything is made on site and we have deliveries coming in daily so everything is always as fresh as can be,” he said.

Popular brunch dishes include the potato rosti (served with cauliflower puree, istra bacon, pickled beetroot, roasted cauliflower, salsa verde, chilli oil and a poached egg) and the zucchini, sweet potato and corn fitters (served with chilli labneh, pickled daikon, zucchini ribbons, poached eggs and a chilli pour over).

Darling St Espresso is at 146 Athol St, Moonee Ponds.