The best and most Instagram-worthy cafes in Melbourne’s outer southeastern suburbs

CRAVING an Instagram-worthy brunch, but don’t want to travel to the inner suburbs? These are the best places to eat in Melbourne’s southeast.

The burgers are better at Left Field. Especially when they’re actually oreo breakfast sliders. 358 Koornang Rd, Carnegie. Picture: Eugene Hyland

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LOOKING for a delicious place to go for breakfast, but can’t be bothered driving all the way to that cool new cafe you read about that just opened in Fitzroy or South Yarra?

We neither.

Let’s be real for a moment. Half an hour is about as much time as anyone with an empty stomach feels like spending in a car on a Saturday morning. Anything further than that is like some kind of extreme brunch sport. You’ll probably have to breakfast-load before you go. Come to think of it, you might even need to pack snacks for the roadtrip because who knows what could happen on the Monash Freeway between Hallam and Hawthorn.

Poking a hungry, caffeine-craving bear is not recommended.

Then there are the queues. So. Many. Queues. It’s almost as though there is some invisible border around Melbourne’s ring of inner suburbs where, as soon as you cross it, a 20-minute wait toll is automatically applied to your table.

Aint nobody got time for that. Not before breakfast.

Our research has found that if you live 20 or more kilometres from the city and travel to the inner suburbs to eat, this is how your leisurely weekend brunch date is likely to pan out:

1. Get up early. Probably before sunrise.
2. Drive for 30-45 minutes to *insert trendy Malvern/Glen Iris/St Kilda, South Yarra cafe here*.
3. Spend 10 minutes searching for a parking spot.
4. Find parking spot and realise it is only a one-hour space.
5. Remind yourself to check car in one hour.
6. Walk to cafe.
7. Find the table seating supervisor. They will most definitely be holding a clipboard, and probably be wearing ripped black jeans and white sneakers.
8.Put your name down on the waiting list.
9. Line up for another 30 minutes, until you hear your name.
10. This feels a lot like roll call in Primary School.
11, Finally your table is ready.
12. Follow girl with the white sneakers to a communal table.
13. Get menus.
14. See that menu offers camel milk as an alternative to regular milk and have no choice but to get up and leave in protest of the hipster revolution.
15. Return to car. There is a parking ticket on the windshield.
16. Say some not very nice words.
17. Regret life choices.
18. Be thankful that you brought snacks.

Jethro Canteen — a cafe in Richmond — is serving crickets for breakfast. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

But it doesn’t have to be like this. Melbourne’s outer suburbs are giving those trendy inner-city eateries a run for their brunch money. So for those of us who aren’t into brunch as a sport, these are the best places in Melbourne’s outer south east to get a good coffee and a delicious, Instagram-worthy feed.

The best brunch spot in Melbourne’s south east:

LEFT FIELD: 358 KOORNANG RD, CARNEGIE

Fine dining, brunch style.

OASIS BAKERY: 9/993 NORTH RD, MURRUMBEENA

A cafe-come-wholefoods merchant offering delicious meals in a relaxed, laid-back environment.

COTE TERRA: 17 STATION STREET, OAKLEIGH

Artisan coffee and a creative brunch menu. What’s not to love?

THE AMBROSIARY: 70 PORTMAN STREET, OAKLEIGH

Wholesome food, friendly service and a stylish interior.

LITTLE COLLINS: 296 FERNTREE GULLY ROAD, NOTTING HILL

This one is for the office workers after their Monday-Friday espresso hit.

SOUTH SOCIETY: 35-437 BLACKBURN ROAD, MT WAVERLEY

A menu that rivals any inner-city cafe, with specialty coffee by St Ali. Open for brunch through dinner — with a pretty epic desserts list.

POACHER AND HOUND: 21-35 RICKETTS ROAD, MOUNT WAVERLEY

Friendly service and specialty coffee for the Monday to Friday crew.

SON OF TUCCI: 5 HAMILTON WALK, MOUNT WAVERLEY

Bustling alley cafe. The waffles are a local fave.

TREI: 232 BLACKBURN ROAD, GLEN WAVERLEY

Health-conscious cafe. Try the low-fructose, gluten and dairy-free pancake stack; so delicious it’s hard to believe it’s actually good for you.

MOCHA JO’S: 87 KINGSWAY, GLEN WAVERLEY

A Glen Waverley institution. This creative cafe has been kicking around for well over a decade. And with delicious food and a friendly service, it’s easy to see why.

BLACK FLAT: 6/39 KINGSWAY, GLEN WAVERLEY

Specialty Coffee. Bagels. Pastries. Need we say more?

PIATELLA: 88 KINGS WAY, GLEN WAVERLEY

Allow room for a two-course feast. You’ll want to have your breakfast and a sweet, Nutella filled crepe, too.

MADELINE’S AT JELLS: JELLS PARK, WAVERLEY RD, WHEELERS HILL

Breakfast with a view, then burn it off with a lovely weekend stroll after.

THE HILLS PANTRY: 190 JELLS RD WHEELERS HILL

Bright and airy cafe dishing up contemporary creations and sweet treats.

THE KEYSTONE: SHOP 1, 5 HARCREST BLVD, WANTIRNA SOUTH

Wholesome, back-to-basics meals with a modern twist. Open breakfast through dinner.

CALIBAR: 3 CARIBBEAN DRIVE, SCORESBY

Another one for the nine-to-five folk. Good food, coffee and lunch options for nearby office workers.

THE LAST PIECE: 7/2 STADIUM CIRCUIT, WAVERLEY PARK, MULGRAVE

Contemporary food. Specialty St Ali coffee. Raw Treats. Smoothies. And the chance of running into a Hawthorn footy player. Yes, please.

EATING HOUSE: WELLINGTON VILLAGE, 1100 WELLINGTON RD, ROWVILLE

A local stalwart that recently underwent a major renovation. The food is as funky as the fitout. Open breakfast through dinner. Or head there for an afternoon wine or cocktail in the courtyard.

GIOS CAFE RESTAURANT: STUD PARK, 1/1091 STUD RD, ROWVILLE

A Rowville newbie that has quickly become a local favourite thanks to its extensive menu and friendly hospitality.

BELETTI: 159/161 LONSDALE ST, DANDENONG

Mediterranean-inspired brunches and modern Italian cuisine.

SUGARBUNS BAKERY CAFÉ: HAMPTON PARK SHOPPING CENTRE, 1A/55 HALLAM RD, HAMPTON PARK

This place has been making waves for it’s deliciously indulgent freak shakes.

OK, so they have some pretty delicious savoury options, too.

CHAPTER 16: OAKVIEW BLVD, NARRE WARREN NORTH

Friendly local cafe dishing up a range of hearty and wholesome breakfast options.

LITTLE BY LITTLE: 2-10 RESERVE ST, BERWICK

Contemporary cafe that has an on-trend menu. Think fairy floss waffles, quinoa porridge, cookie sandwiches and croissant burgers.

FIVE SPARROWS: 13/1 O’SHEA RD, BERWICK

This cool newcomer offers a bit of everything. Clean eating and indulgent treats, with a focus on serious coffee.

MR BLACK JUICERY: 1 BLACKBURNE SQUARE, BERWICK

Treat yourself to a beautiful, fresh feast at this plant-based and gluten-free cafe that offers raw treats, Coco Whip vegan ice cream and a range of refreshing juices and smoothies.

NOMADIC: 74 HIGH ST, BERWICK

A co-op of local chefs, bakers, coffee roasters, growers, brewers and artists.

PRIMARY AT PIONEERS PARK: 1-11 PEEL STREET, BERWICK

Light and bright Berwick institution with great food and a lovely courtyard.

ONE FINE DAY: 16B OLD PRINCESS HIGHWAY, BEACONSFIELD

Drink the rainbow at this Beacy breaky spot. Take your pick of matcha, golden, chai or regular lattes, washed down with some Conscious Cravings Co raw, vega, gluten-free treats.

FOUR FIGS: 1/2 BEACONSFIELD-EMERALD RD, BEACONSFIELD

Cafe and restaurant that offers high-class food in a laid-back atmosphere.

FRANKIE’S CAFE: 5 LAKESIDE BLVD PAKENHAM

Contemporary cafe bringing a touch of minimalist Melbourne style to Pakenham. Their spicy fried chicken burger is a cult fave.

LAKESIDE MILL: 1/38 LAKESIDE BLVD, PAKENHAM

Bustling cafe with contemporary design, delicious coffee and a creative menu.

THE TIMBER MILL CAFÉ: 4 COTSWOLD CRESCENT, OFFICER

Do breakfast right at The Timber Mill. With Allpress Espresso on pour, Mork hot chocolate and a fresh and fabulous menu — it's sure to be your new fave. One diner was overheard saying their brunch was: “Probably the best chicken sandwich I have had a very long time”. It comes highly recommended.

SUBURBAN GRIND: 28/75 LYNBROOK BLVD, LYNBROOK

This loveable Lynbrook local offer yummy meals and fresh coffee in a laid-back, casual setting.

Get your fill At The Well in Lyndhurst. Picture: Supplied

AT THE WELL: 12 JAYCO DRIVE, LYNDHURST

Bringing #sexyfood back to suburbs. What a time to be alive.

MCCLELLAND GALLERY CAFÉ: 390 MCCLELLAND DR, LANGWARRIN

Come for the food, then go for a wander around the gallery.

THE VOLT CAFÉ: SHOP 10 SELANDRA BOULEVARD, CLYDE NORTH

Get your ‘gram on at this gluten-free-friendly breakfast dealer offering health-promoting hot drinks (hello, golden lattes) and food that is as pretty as a picture.