North vs. South
In Melbourne, there is always the debate surrounding whether the South or North is better, while I am trying to stay neutral on this (after all, I am Swiss), I do have to say when it comes to brunch spots, the North does really do a great job. If you are looking for some inspiration and great brunch spots in the north side of Melbourne, check out this list.
Pony White – Fitzroy
This is probably one of my favourite locations overall; their brunch menu is gorgeous, the vibes are good, and it’s not far from the Fitzroy markets, which makes it a great spot to visit on a Saturday morning.
They change their menu quite regularly, so even if you go there multiple times, it will never get boring.
Lunar by Hikari – Brunswick
Since moving to Melbourne, I have been obsessed with asian brunch options. One of the first ones I tried is Lunar by Hikari, and I am still talking about this spot. They have incredible specialty coffee and hearty dishes (I’m a savoury brunch type of girl, so this is my definition of a yummy brunch). The spot is so popular that they even have a wait list – so get there early.
Dua Bakehouse – Collingwood
Another banger place, if you ask me, is Dua Bakehouse in Collingwood. They bake their pastries and cakes in-house. When I went there, I tried their focaccia of the day. Warm, cheesy, topped with corn and super fluffy – the perfect focaccia. They do some funky coffee drinks as well (I got the cherry iced mocha). When the weather is good, you definitely have to sit outside in the courtyard!
Bloom & Ember – Northcote
People often talk about Brunswick or Fitzroy when asked about great areas in Melbourne, but don’t sleep on Northcote because this area is sick. There’s a lot to do and lots to eat. Bloom & Ember is a cute brunch spot that does a lot of fusion Korean brunch (and if you know me, you know I absolutely adore Korean food). They also have a variety of specialty coffee drinks (including a Vietnamese coffee). The staff is super attentive – the barista even came out to check if one of our orders was an allergy or just a preference.
Old Man Drew – Ascot Vale
Another place I just have to keep talking about is Old Man Drew in Ascot Vale. This is such a gorgeous brunch place with so many heartfelt and wonderful decorations and trinkets. It’s a joy sitting here and enjoying your brunch. Especially the outside area of this place makes you feel so whimsical, and we all need some more whimsy in our lives (yes, even you).
They have a large variety of brunch dishes (including a greek brunch dish).
Groove.Coffee.Shop – Richmond
Okay, don’t come for me, I know Richmond is not technically the north. But hey, it’s on the other side of the Yarra River, so technically it’s not south (lol). Anyway, I want to show you this spot because it’s relatively new but such a stunner. Groove Coffee Shop are fantastic at creating stunning coffee drinks and creating such a cool and fun atmosphere (reminds me a lot of cafes in Seoul). So if you haven’t been there yet, go and try this one.
O3 – Brunswick (The Ghibli Cafe)
Brunswick has a ton of exciting spots to discover (not only brunch spots but also op shops, bars and restaurants). But this place in Brunswick is just something else. It’s not only a brunch but also an immersive experience. The O3 in Brunswick is Ghibli Studio themed, and the little details everywhere (or great details if we are talking about the plane hanging from the ceiling) just make this place unforgettable.
