The Best Meal of the Day
I love food, eating and yapping with friends over a delicious cup of coffee. And although all meals are great, one definitely has my heart – and that’s brunch. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up cute, meet friends and potentially even cure a hangover.
I try to explore Brunch spots wherever I go, and since I have been living in Melbourne for a while, it’s about time to rank my favourite places so far. Here are my 9 favourite spots in Melbourne for a cute brunch.
1. Kombu – CBD
This brunch spot has a special place in my heart. I haven’t tried many Japanese brunch spots before I moved to Australia, but now it’s one of my favourite ways to have brunch. And Kombu, located close to the Queen Victoria Market, does this incredibly well. Their most popular dish is the Ichiju Gosai, which is a meal consisting of 1 choice of protein and five side dishes (plus rice and a soup).
Besides food, they also do a variety of matchas and iced coffees.
2. My Oh My – Richmond
If you are looking for an avocado toast (or avo toast as the Aussies say), this is one of my favourite spots to go to. Everyone knows that brunch food doesn’t just have to taste great but should also be visually pleasing, and My Oh My in Richmond is nailing both. It can get quite busy on the weekends, but if the weather is good, I definitely recommend sitting outside and people watching while you enjoy your brunch and sip your coffee.
3. Mokosz Cafe – Elwood
Elwood is usually an area I’m not really visiting often, so discovering this place was rather random. But I’m so excited I did because not only is the food fabulous, the staff super friendly, but also the cafe is so cosy and decorated with a lot of love. Although I’m a carnivore through and through, I went with a vegetarian dish when I went there and was pleasantly surprised (and that was not only because of the massive portion sizes).
And even though I do love a basic flat white on oat, I am obsessed with specialty coffee drinks and love to try new things. Let me tell you, Mokosz Cafe’s Mont Blanc is delicious.
4. Beach House – Brighton
If you’re looking for a brunch with a view, then this is the spot. The Beach House is located right next to the famous Brighton Beach, Beach Houses (lol it’s a mouthful). The cafe itself has a fantastic view of the beach, and if it’s not too windy or cold (which let’s be hones,t this is Melbourne), you might even wanna sit outside.
Since moving to Australia I have discovered the joy of chili scrambled eggs and the Beach House does a version with fried crab, which was just yum (although their real star is the zuccini fritters imo).
5. Old Man Drew – Ascot Vale
This place is not only a brunch, but it’s also an experience. Old Man Drew is a huge brunch spot that makes you feel like a little garden fairy. They have an indoor and outdoor area, both decorated whimsically with trinkets, mirrors and heaps of plants.
They not only offer the standard english breakfast but also a greek breakfast or fancy poached egg variations.
6. Pony White Cafe – Fitzroy
Look if you have been to Melbourne you probably know that Fitzroy is the place to go for anything cool. So it’s not surprise that this cafe is located there. I loved this cafe, not only because it is serving aesthetically pleasing dishes, but also because they had so many drink options and the vibes were just so fun. The staff was also super accommodating and even gave us a free sweet treat (I do love a sweet treat, especially when it’s free).
7. Dua Bakehouse – Collingwood
This one was actually a tad bit hard to find when we first arrived. The cafe is located in an inner courtyard but once you know where it is, it’s super easy to find. One lovely thing about this place is that there’s heaps of seats outdoors, fantastic for sunny weather. They do a daily foccacccia bread with different flavours (also a vegetarian option). The bread is warm and hearty.
And if you haven’t noticed until now, I do love a little speciality coffee drink – something this place also offers.
8. Lunar by Hikari – Brunswick
As mentioned during my first brunch recommendation, I haven’t really had many Japanese brunches before coming to Australia (why is this not a think else where?). Lunar by Hikari was actually my first time trying this type of brunch and I was a fan immediately. I do love a savoury brunch and there’s just soemthing about a warm curry when it’s rainy and cold outside (which it is often in Melbs unfortunately).
9. Two Birds One Stone – South Yarra
Last but not least let’s talk about Two Birds One Stone. I feel often that South Yarra gets a little dismissed when it comes to recommendations (except maybe for nightlife recs because of Chapel St I guess). But this place is adorable, has cute outdoor seating and offers a few different dishes that are worth a try.
