Melbourne loves a late breakfast more than just about anywhere in the world, and considering its stellar reputation for both coffee and food, you can be certain that the best brunch in Melbourne is up there with the best in the world. But what are the best venues to visit?
Let’s get into it.
North/West Brunch Cafes
South Of Johnston
One of the most popular breakfast/brunch spots in Collingwood, South Of Johnston is quickly becoming an institution in the inner north. Run by Stuart McKenzie (who also owns Oxford Larder around the corner), the interior of South Of Johnston is homey and bustling no matter the time of day you arrive, with a comfortable outdoor space to pick if the sun is shining.
On the menu, the shoestring fries and mimosas are the perfect complement to any larger plate, which include corn and zucchini fritters, chorizo eggs, smoked salmon, and more. The coffee is excellent, the service friendly and if you’re bringing a four-legged friend they’re more than welcome too. Easily one of the best brunch spots in Melbourne.
Address: 46 Oxford St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Contact: (03) 9417 2741
Opening Hours: Monday — Sunday (7:30 AM — 4 PM)
Florian
It’s hard to describe, but the stretch of Rathdowne Street where you’ll find Florian has a sense of calm to it that feels European — from the softly swaying trees and dogs on leather leads, to the faces of the bleary-eyed share-housers taking their first sip of morning coffee. This sense of continental peace is something that Florian both assists in developing and capitalises on, serving up a modest, yet high-quality menu of dishes like salmon gravlax, house-baked focaccia and asparagus toast. Go alone, take a book, and enjoy the morning to yourself.
Address: 617 Rathdowne St, Carlton North VIC 3054
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7:30 AM — 3:30 PM); Saturday — Sunday (8 AM — 3:30 PM)
Coracle
If you’re after a brunch that goes beyond the classic brekkie burgers and scrambled eggs, Coracle is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Serving up Japanese flavours with other influences from around Asia, you can expect ogura toast, shoyu ramen, and grilled chicken yakitori with rice, as well as some more familiar classics like ham and cheese french toast.
The broader Asian influences are found in the Vietnamese coffee and Chinese tea on the drinks list, while there are also plenty of excellent Japanese beverage options including matcha, miso citrus chocolate, and yuzu cold brew. There are no wrong orders at Coacle.
Address: 63/65 Anderson St, Yarraville VIC 3013
Contact: (03) 9315 1411
Opening Hours: Monday (7 AM — 3 PM); Wednesday — Sunday (7 AM — 3 PM)
Bentwood, Fitzroy
Melbourne staples like chilli scrambled eggs and acai bowls tend to dominate Bentwood tables most mornings. Australian cafe classics are the bread-and-butter of this kitchen, which is often just as popular for its hot prawn rolls when lunchtime hits.
It’s the sweet spot of brunch that’s most popular here, however. And that’s no surprise. Especially when staples like eggs benny are given such thought that what you end up with is a glorious stack of mojo pork shoulder on a corn and jalapeno waffle with achiote hollandaise, poached eggs, chimichurri and spiced cracklings. This is not your standard Melbourne cafe.
Address: 237 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Contact: (03) 9419 1614
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 3 PM); Saturday — Sunday (7:30 AM — 4 PM)
Napier Quarter, Fitzroy
A hybrid all-day espresso and wine bar with serious style. Napier Quarter is now one of the most popular brunch spots in Fitzroy. And while you’ll find the place just as busy at night, it’s those early morning pastries and midday brunches that represent the venue at its best.
If you want something simple and fresh go for the two boiled eggs with chives. In fact, most of the brunch options here are off the eggs-on-toast variety, and while that doesn’t say much on paper, you’ll be surprised by just how creative the kitchen can get with very few artisan ingredients.
Or you can always go for the continental breakfast which flips the expected anchovies on toast into something more substantial with perfect boiled eggs diced up with salsa verde. The kitchen here practices plenty of restraint when it comes to Victoria’s best produce so this is pretty much a signature that you can have for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Address: 359 Napier St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Contact: (03) 9416 0666
Opening Hours: Monday — Saturday (9 AM — 10 PM); Sunday (12 PM — 6 PM)
Auction Rooms, North Melbourne
I feel like Auction Rooms doesn’t get enough love in the press as it used to. This busy North Melbourne cafe, which opened in 2016 as part of the St Ali empire, is an absolute treat when it comes to weekend brunch and has built up a cult-like following over the past few years. Of course, speciality coffee is a big reason most people come here as well.
There are many cafes and shops nearby that are heaving for brunch. And sure, you could easily grab a quick bagel with salmon and double cream cheese from most nearby places but it’s worth rocking up to Auction Rooms with a group and settling in for a few hours.
You’ll want to shy away from the classics too; go straight for the vegan-friendly eggplant cannelloni, which is filled with kale, basil, cashew bechamel, Israeli couscous, red peppers and zucchini and then served with pumpkin jam and a smokey tomato and chicken pea sauce.
Address: 103-107 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Contact: (03) 9326 7749
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 4 PM); Saturday — Sunday (7:30 AM — 4 PM)
Cibi, Collingwood
CIBI in Collingwood is a stone-cold classic for Melbourne locals. This beloved Japanese concept store places a lot of value on house-made ingredients and the dedication makes a difference. The traditional Japanese breakfast plate is usually the way to go for first-timers, presenting some moreish grilled salmon along with a tamagoyaki egg omelette, seasonal vegetables, miso soup and the store’s own Cibi rice blend.
This store is valuable far beyond brunch, however. There’s a nursery in case you want to take home any plants, as well as shelves stacked with a curated selection of high-quality Japanese grocery ingredients.
Address: 33-39 Keele St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Contact: 0481 398 686
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 6 PM); Saturday — Sunday (8 AM — 6 PM)
Lankan Tucker, Brunswick West
Western-centric flavours dominate the scope when you’re looking for the best brunches in Melbourne. It’s hard to go past another cafe with buttermilk hotcakes and perfectly poached eggs. But the city truly excels when it nods to Australia’s definitive mix of cultures, thus when you see something like a Sri Lankan breakfast being advertised, you can be sure it’s not a half-cocked attempt at imitation.
Lankan Tucker in Brunswick West is the real deal, and the kitchen is very creative when it comes to shaping classic Sri Lankan flavours for unique offerings. I’ve only been once but the Buriyani pie is an easy favourite. Think of it like a Shepard’s Pie with potato mash, chips and chicken curry gravy.
Address: 486 Albion St, Brunswick West VIC 3055
Contact: (03) 9386 8248
Opening Hours: Thursday — Friday (7:30 AM — 2 PM); Saturday — Sunday (7:30 AM — 3 PM)
Wild Life Bakery, Brunswick East
You wouldn’t normally head to a bakery for anything but a quick breakfast pastry. Wild Life Bakery in Brunswick East is a bit of a different story. The fruit toast with cultured butter is legendary here and practically the only reason I’d head on over to Brunswick East if I’m down in Melbourne for a few days.
I’m sure you can go at least one morning without baked eggs, thick-cut bacon or a breakfast salad. Although the fruit toast isn’t sizeable, if you’ve got the appetite, there are plenty of nearby cafes in Brunswick East if you can justify a second breakfast.
Address: 90 Albert St, Brunswick East VIC 3057
Contact: (03) 8060 0547
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7:30 AM — 2 PM); Saturday — Sunday (7:30 AM — 3 PM)
South/East Brunch Cafes
Top Paddock, Richmond
Top Paddock has been a tastemaker for a long time in Melbourne. In fact, I’d say it could be the best brunch in Melbourne if you’re hunting for a tasty and Instagrammable start to your day. While competition has gotten much stronger over the years, this Richmond favourite remains one of the city’s defining spaces for breakfast and brunch.
It’s probably the Melbourne cafe I’ve visited the most over the years. I recently popped by when I was down in Melbourne in September 2022 and can happily say it’s still just as good as it used to be. It’s hard to go past those blueberry and ricotta hotcakes but they also do an incredibly restrained eggs benedict with perfectly poached eggs, potato rosti, saltbush and crispy bacon — the ideal morning meal in Richmond.
Address: 658 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121
Contact: (03) 9429 4332
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 4 PM); Saturday — Sunday (8 AM — 4 PM)
Sloane Ranger, Cremorne
“Sophisticated but not pretentious” is the pitch of this affable cafe in Cremorne. You’ll find it just a shake from Richmond Station, usually wafting with the smell of the kitchen’s hard-hitting chorizo ragu and potato rosti.
The reliable chilli scrambled eggs seem to be the most popular each time I visit. What, with house-made chipotle chilli sauce drizzled over free-range eggs and bacon lardons; it’s a dreamy start to any day.
Address: 13 Cremorne St, Cremorne VIC 3121
Contact: (03) 9804 5165
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 3 PM)
The Kettle Black, South Melbourne
The Melbourne brunch scene wouldn’t be quite the same if it wasn’t for The Kettle Black. The Darling Group opened this one in 2014, fashioned as a homely cafe pumping out quality coffee and excellent food in a heritage 1880s terrace house.
If you’ve been to the group’s other venues, Top Paddock and Higher Ground, then you should know what to expect from The Kettle Black. Yeah, you can get those simple fried eggs on toast and they will hit the spot, but when you’re here it’s best to go for the more stacked options like the pastrami hash with charred cabbage cream, smoked potato, roasted mushrooms and kimchi on sourdough.
Address: 50 Albert Rd, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Contact: (03) 9088 0721
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 4 PM); Saturday — Sunday (8 AM — 4 PM)
Via Porta
Located in Mont Albert, Via Porta celebrates the best of Southern Italian cooking (alongside some broader influences from around the Mediterranean), alongside a bakery putting out pastries that even bring some French influence to the table.
You can expect simple dishes such as toasties, cinnamon and walnut twists, and ham and cheese croissants, while at night the venue transforms into a fully-fledged restaurant serving up everything from house-pickled sardines on toast and Rigatoni Amatriciana, to a 300g sirloin steak on the bone. It’s a slight departure from your typical brunch spot, but one that’s well worth exploring.
Address: 677 Whitehorse Rd, Mont Albert VIC 3127
Contact: (03) 8256 4866
Opening Hours: Monday – Wednesday (7 AM — 3 PM); Thursday (7 AM — 3 PM, 6 PM — 8:30 PM); Friday — Saturday (7 AM — 3 PM, 6 PM — 9 PM); Sunday (8 AM — 4 PM)
Nine Yards
Nestled in South Melbourne, Nine Yards is a bustling 140-seat venue that brings a distinctly Australian sensibility to everything from the expansive open-plan space to the ingredients used in the menu. And we aren’t talking about utes and Southern Cross tattoos. No, this Australian sensibility is translated through a colour palate that reflects the varied landscapes and locally sourced native ingredients peppered throughout the menu.
Dishes to expect include classic avocado on toast (with fetta, salsa verde, and a poached egg), prawn toast chilli scramble, and the NY Classic Double Cheese Burger (with pickles, lettuce, herb mayo, and fries). A true gem in the heart of South Melbourne.
Address: 228-230 Dorcas St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Contact: (03) 8676 7820
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 3 PM); Saturday — Sunday (7:30 AM — 3 PM)
Lenny 3206, Albert Park
I’ve only been out to Lenny 3206 once. I don’t get out to Albert Park often but a friend showed me this attractive cafe that’s very dependable when it comes to the classics. If you can do without a fried egg for your first visit I suggest going for the prawn omelette, served with a zucchini salad, edamame and cherry tomatoes.
Address: 13 Victoria Ave, Albert Park VIC 3206
Contact: (03) 9699 8543
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (6:30 AM — 3 PM); Saturday – Sunday (7:30 AM — 3:30 PM)
Fitzrovia, St Kilda
If you tell someone you’re going to St Kilda for breakfast or brunch, they’ll already know exactly where you’ll be. Fitzrovia is a bit of an institution for the area and this all-day restaurant, which looks over leafy Albert Park, earns its crowd.
Breakfast and brunch here is typically a race to get that carrot cake spiced toast before it sells out. But just about everything here is worth a go, from the breakfast brioche with fried eggs, bacon, avocado, feta and smoked chipotle mayo, to the sweet potato and caramelised onion fritters with poached eggs, thyme roasted mushrooms, snow pea shoots and grilled saganaki.
Address: 2/155 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182
Contact: (03) 9537 0001
Opening Hours: Monday — Sunday (8 AM — 3 PM)
Melbourne CBD Brunch Cafes
Higher Ground
When Higher Ground was opened in June 2016 by Nathan Toleman’s formidable team, the 300-square-metre space quickly became the biggest deal in Melbourne’s food scene for that year. Many still call it the coolest cafe in Melbourne. After all, this was the same team behind Top Paddock and The Kettle Black, the two cafes that defined the Melbourne breakfast scene.
Many years later I’d say Higher Ground is still one of Melbourne’s best brunch spots, refining the city’s most beloved day-starters with an obvious love of the state’s best produce. There’s also a great deal of inventiveness here. And while it seems many dishes have been engineered with social media in mind, aesthetics is just one reason why brunch at Higher Ground just hits different.
Endearing favourites include the chilli scrambled eggs with smoked yoghurt, saltbush and banana pepper, served with herb and garlic flatbread, and the full-flavoured soy and apple glazed wagyu with green papaya, chilli slaw and smoked peanuts. Even the boring old eggs benny is spectacular, served with spanner crab and the perfect poached egg.
Address: 650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact: (03) 8899 6219
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 5 PM); Saturday — Sunday (7:30 AM — 5 PM)
Maverick
I’ve only been to Maverick on Little Collins Street to try the kitchen’s popular brunch once and I remember walking away very impressed.
It’s best to go on weekends to catch the high-energy atmosphere, with locals splashing out to pair mimosas and bloody marys with one of the kitchen’s best signatures, a hangover cure of poached eggs, bacon, potato hash and pickles on sourdough.
Address: 95 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact: (03) 9020 3934
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 4 PM); Saturday — Sunday (7:30 AM — 3 PM)
The Grain Store
Here’s another Flinders Lane special for when you can peel yourself away from nearby Cumulus Inc. The Grain Store is a smart, well-dressed cafe most notable for weekend brunch. Served all day, the brunch menu is stacked with Melbourne cafe classics done well.
I’ve only been there once but the blue swimmer crab chilli scrambled eggs are so tasty that they left a lasting impression. The quintessential Melbourne breakfast dish is spruced up with chilli caramel, yoghurt pita bread and chipotle aioli. Simple. Perfect.
Address: 517 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact: (03) 9972 6993
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 3 PM); Saturday — Sunday (8 AM — 3 PM)
Operator25
It’s hard not to head along to Operator25 and go straight for the soft shell crab omelette, which is served open with Balado chilli relish, multigrain toast and herb oil. It’s a pricey breakfast for sure but, in my opinion, it’s easily the best thing they do.
Located on Wills Street – which is just down from Melbourne Central –you won’t find many Melbourne cafes that are so conveniently located as Operator25. As such, it’s typically hard to find a table here on a weekday when the offices are buzzing so I suggest heading here for your weekly Sunday breakfast or brunch.
Address: 25 Wills St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact: (03) 9670 3278
Opening Hours: Monday — Friday (7 AM — 4 PM); Saturday — Sunday (8 AM — 4 PM)
If you enjoyed this round-up of where to find the best brunch in Melbourne then check out some of our other ‘where to eat in Melbourne’ content:
