Melbourne is one of the world’s great cafe cities, with laneway brunch rooms, serious coffee roasters, low-carb dessert cafes, New York-style sandwich spots, warehouse-style dining rooms and neighbourhood cafes that have become local favourites in their own right. The best cafes in Melbourne are not all built around the same kind of meal. Some are perfect for specialty coffee, others for brunch, sandwiches, cakes, low-carb treats, long lunches or a quiet escape outside the CBD.
This guide focuses on seven Melbourne cafes worth knowing: Regretless – Low Carb Pleasure, Bowery to Williamsburg, The Hardware Société, ST. ALi Coffee Roasters, Krimper, Secret Grounds Cafe Doncaster and Francis Winifred. Together, they show the range of Melbourne cafe culture, from health-conscious sweets and American-style lunches to French-inspired brunch, South Melbourne coffee culture, hidden laneway dining and suburban cafes with loyal local followings.
1. Regretless – Low Carb Pleasure
Regretless – Low Carb Pleasure is one of Melbourne CBD’s most distinctive cafes because it is built around low-carb, gluten-free and diabetes-friendly food. Tucked inside Mid City Centre on Bourke Street, it gives the city a cafe option for people who want sweets, savoury snacks and drinks without the usual sugar-heavy cafe experience.
The appeal of Regretless is that it does not treat dietary needs as an afterthought. The cafe is designed for people looking for keto-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free or refined-sugar-free options, which makes it especially useful for diners who often struggle to find suitable desserts and cafe treats in the CBD.
It works well for quick city snacks, dessert stops, casual catch-ups, takeaway treats and anyone who wants something sweet without feeling like they have to ignore their usual eating preferences. Instead of being a standard brunch cafe, Regretless has a more specialised role in Melbourne’s cafe scene.
Regretless is best for low-carb desserts, gluten-free treats, keto-friendly snacks, diabetes-friendly options, coffee, quick CBD visits and anyone looking for a cafe that makes dietary-conscious eating easier.
Address: Shop 13–14, Mid City Centre, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Menu: View the Regretless – Low Carb Pleasure menu on Happy Menu
Regretless - Low Carb Pleasure Menu
Pre-Order and Catering Menu
Low Carb. Gluten Free. No Refined Sugar.
I'M Real Fruit Jam
Swiss Roll 7"
Blueberry / Strawberry. Double Choco / Miss Rosy Lime / Hojicha Berries / Strawberry Vanilla.
Tiramisu Cake 6"
Original / Matcha. Decafe Coffee Optional +$8.
Tiramisu Cake 8"
Burnt Basque Cheesecake 8"
Original / Passionfruit / Strawberry / Berries Rose / Matcha / Purple Yam (Ube) / Hojicha / Coffee / Chocolate / Yuzu Sea Salt / Mango / Almond Biscotti / Peanut Butter / Black Sesame / Pandan Coconut / Ginger Goji
Burnt Basque Cheesecake 6"
Original / Passionfruit / Strawberry / Berries Rose / Matcha / Purple Yam (Ube) / Hojicha / Coffee / Chocolate / Yuzu Sea Salt / Mango / Almond Biscotti / Peanut Butter / Black Sesame / Pandan Coconut / Ginger Goji
House Made Low Carb Protein Bread
Orange Flourless Cake 7"
Peanut Butter Brownie 7"
Vegan Chocolate Mousse Cake 6"
Ready To Eat Sweet Chaffle Breakfast Bundle
Included: 5 x 60g ready-to-eat sweet chaffles; 1 x Lakanto Golden Malt Syrup. Double Choco / Purple Yam (Ube) / Thai Tea / Pandan Coconut / Strawberry.
Mille Crepe 8"
Catering - Bites & Cups
FRITTATA (*DFO)
MINI CHAFFLE BENEDICT
ZUCCHINI CAULI FRITTER (*DF *VEG)
SCRAMBLE BOLOGNESE (*NF)
PRAWN ARRABIATA (*DFO)
CAPRESE SKEWERS W/ BALSAMIC DRESSING (*NF *VEG)
Catering - Low Carb Sandwiches
Made with our housemade low carb high protein bread (*DFO).
HAM, CHEESE, TOMATO
CHICKEN, CHEESE, TOMATO
CHICKEN, CHEESE, AVO, AIOLI
GRILL CAPSICUM, AVO, CHEESE, TOMATO, SPINACH (*VEG)
Catering - Pasta Tray
Prepared with Low Carb Slendier Soybean Fettuccine. Deliciously pasta alternative cooked to perfection. Only 2.5g carbs per serving! Serve 10-12.
PASTA BOLOGNESE (*DFO)
CHICKEN ALFREDO
FETTUCINE ALLA BOSCAIOLA
GORGONZOLA TRUFFLE PASTA
ROASTED VEG PASTA WITH NAPOLI (*DF *VEGAN )
Catering - Salad Tray
Serve 10 - 12.
GRILLED CHICKEN CEASAR SALAD
SMOKED SALMON CEASAR SALAD
PASSIONFRUIT KING PRAWN SALAD (*DF)
THAI ROASTED BEEF ZOODLE SALAD (*DF)
ROASTED ZUCCHINI VEGGIE SALAD (*DF *VEGAN)
Catering - Sweet Option
All our sweet are housemade to ensure it’s gluten-free and coeliac-friendly, low carb and keto-friendly.
CARROT CAKE YO YO (*VEGAN)
ORANGE FLOURLESS CAKE (*DF)
PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIE (*DF)
TIRAMISU (*NF)
Flavours: MATCHA / ORIGINAL.
CREME BRULEE (*NF)
PANNA COTTA (*NF)
Flavours: MATCHA / STRAWBERRIES / BLUE BERRIES / PASSION FRUIT. Minimum quantity for each flavour - 6 cups.
Light Eat and Bowls
Smoothie Bowl (GF)
Available in five delicious flavours. Each bowl is topped with our homemade granola for a satisfying crunch.
Nourish Bowl (GF,NF,DFO)
All come with a perfectly poached egg, house made zucchini pickles, cucumber, capsicum, radishes, avocado, tasty cheese cube, parmesan, mixed salad and balsamic vinaigrette.
High Protein Low Carb Sandwich (GF, DF Optional)
Dairy free optional, please remark. Ham Cheese Tomato - 3.6g carbs / 532 cal. Chicken Cheese Tomato - 3.6 carbs / 516 cal. Veggie - 4.8 carbs / 571 cal. You can't imagine how fluffy it can be! Absolute high protein no nasty ingredients using our house-made high protein bread.
Stuffed Chaffle (GF)
Free range egg, mozzarella cheese, almond meal and pinch of garlic turn into a stacked waffle. Kimchi Chicken - 3.3g carbs / 618 cal. Beef Sauerkraut - 3.1g carbs / 628 cal. The Veg - 4.3g carbs / 675 cal.
Hemp Seed Chia Basil Seed Porridge (GF, Vegan,Nut Free Optional)
Low carb can have porridge too! Indulge in a coconut cream base infused with the warm flavours of cinnamon and vanilla, complemented by our house-made blueberry coulis and crunchy keto granola. Nut free optional.
Egg Crepe Wraps (GF)
Please select if you would like that warm up or not.
Apricot, Fig Walnut Loaf (GF, Paleo, Dairy Free Optional )
Moist loaf filled with sweet apricots, figs, and crunchy walnuts.
Date, Raisin,Walnut Loaf (GF, Paleo, Dairy Free Optional )
Dense fruit loaf studded with dates and raisins, with crunchy walnut pieces. Gluten-free, Paleo; dairy-free option available.
Paleo Flat Wrap (GF)
Grain-free flatbread wrap, paleo-friendly and gluten-free, ideal for a light brunch.
Granola Yogurt Cup (GF)
Greek yogurt topped with crunchy granola.
All Day Brunch
Zucchini Cauliflower Fritter (V,DF,GF)
Oven bake fritters served with vibrant beetroot puree, baby carrot, fresh avocado, and a perfectly poached egg.
Bolognese Omelette (GF)
Cheese quartet bolognese omelette, avocado, cherry tomato medley salsa with green.
Chaffle Benedict (GF)
Enjoy our famous chaffle base with cauliflower mash, pulled pork, yuzu hollandaise, rainbow slaw, candy bacon bits topped with a perfectly poached egg and mandarin segments.
Chorizo Baked Egg (GF)
Slow cooked ground beef, shredded smoked cheese, jalapeños, scallion, sour cream, mix green slaw with cheesy chaffle.
Low Carb Beef Casserole (GF)
Made with slow cooked ground beef, shredded smoked cheese, jalapeños, scallion, sour cream, avocado and mixed green slaw with cheesy chaffle.
Bliss Burger (GF)
Slow-cooked beef short ribs in lettuce bun, tomato, house made gherkins, pepper jack cheese, halloumi chips with truffle mayo.
King Prawn Arrabbiata (GF)
Low carb white wine, Napoli sauce, cherry tomato, parsley, garlic bread.
The Carnivore Me (GF)
Grass fed Mb4 stripon, slow cooked beef cheek, grill king prawns, grilled salmon, 2 eggs of your choice.
Low Carb Pasta
Bolognese Pasta (GF)
Ground grass-fed beef mince cooked in a rich Napoli sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta (GF)
Chicken, mushroom, avocado, parmesan, herbs. ONLY 2.5g carbs for the pasta base!!!
Cake & Sweet
Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Peanut Butter Brownies (Dairy Free)
Jumbo Dark Choco Lava Cake (Dairy Free)
Tiramisu
Sweet Chaffle
Stuffed Chaffle (GF)
New invention: fluffy cream cheese chaffle topped with no sugar maple syrup and your choice of topping. Kimchi Chicken - 3.3g carbs / 618 cal. Beef Sauerkraut - 3.1g carbs / 628 cal. The Veg - 4.3g carbs / 675 cal.
2. Bowery to Williamsburg
Bowery to Williamsburg brings a New York-style cafe mood to Oliver Lane in Melbourne CBD. It is one of the city’s best options when you want breakfast or lunch to feel a little more American: bagels, sandwiches, coffee, pickles, deli-style flavours and a menu built for daytime eating.
The cafe is especially useful for city workers and visitors because it sits in a central laneway location while still feeling tucked away from the busiest streets. It works for quick lunches, coffee meetings, solo meals, casual brunches and group catch-ups where the food needs to be satisfying but not overly formal.
Bowery to Williamsburg’s strength is its clear identity. It does not feel like a generic Melbourne brunch spot. The New York influence gives it a point of difference, especially for diners who want a proper sandwich, a bagel-style meal or something more substantial than smashed avocado and eggs.
Bowery to Williamsburg is best for bagels, sandwiches, coffee, American-style cafe food, CBD lunches, casual brunches, quick workday meals and anyone looking for a New York-inspired cafe in Melbourne.
Address: 16 Oliver Lane, Melbourne
Bowery to Williamsburg Menu
All Day Brunch
LOX PLATE
Smoked salmon, dill schmear, caperberries, herb salad, house pickles and rye toast
BODEGA BREKKY ROLL
Folded american cheese omelette and salsa roja in a brioche roll
FRIED CHICKEN WAFFLE
Buttermilk waffle, southern fried chicken, chipotle dressing, pure maple syrup and radicchio
BRISKET & EGGS
14 hour slow roasted beef brisket, salsa roja, creme fraiche, toasted cornbread and fried eggs
NEW ORLEANS CORNBREAD
Skillet cornbread, avocado, tahini cream, poached eggs, herb & tomato salsa and Old Bay salted pepitas
APPLE PIE WAFFLE
Buttermilk waffle, vanilla spiced apples, chantilly cream, pure maple syrup and cookie crumbs
SHAKSHUKA BAKED EGGS
Pulled pork, provolone, basil, preserved lemon, creme fraiche
WEDGE SALAD
Crispy cos lettuce, avocado, roasted red peppers, walnuts, herbs, croutons and ranch dressing with maple smoked bacon (swap in falafels and tahini cream to make this vegan)
TENNESSEE CHICKEN BURGER
Southern fried chicken, chipotle dressing, lettuce, dill pickles and lemon aioli in a brioche roll
BBQ BRISKET & BACON BURGER
Beef brisket, maple smoked bacon, bbq sauce, american cheese, house slaw, onions, dill pickles and lemon aioli in a brioche roll
EGGS ON TOAST
Poached or Fried with toasted sourdough, rye, challah or bagel
Sandwiches
THE REUBEN
Pastrami beef brisket, swiss cheese, sauerkraut and russian dressing on rye served with a pickle
PASTRAMI ON RYE
Pastrami beef brisket, german mustard and house slaw on rye served with a pickle
ROAST TURKEY CLUB
Maple smoked bacon, roast turkey, swiss cheese, tomato, lettuce and lemon aioli on toasted challah
PHILLY CHEESE STEAK
14 hour slow roasted beef brisket, green and red peppers, onions and provolone cheese on a toasted long roll
BACON & EGG SANDWICH
maple smoked bacon, fried egg, american cheese, house ketchup and lettuce on toasted sourduogh
GOOD MORNING CUBANO
Cuban braised pork, smoked ham, swiss cheese, mustard, pickles and a fried egg on toasted challah
Bagels
CLASSIC LOX
Dill schmear, smoked salmon, fresh tomato, red onion and capers
THE BRONX
Maple smoked bacon, avocado, roasted red peppers and lemon aioli
B.E.C. (brisket, egg & cheese)
14 hour slow roasted beef brisket, fried egg, american cheese, mustard and pickles
GRAMERCY PARK
Roasted garlic and chive schmear, mushrooms, grilled haloumi, lettuce and herb oil
THE JUNIOR
lemon and vanilla schmear, berry jam and cookie crumbs
Hot Drinks
Espresso Coffee ~ white or black
Filter Coffee (bottomless)
Mocha
Hot Chocolate
Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate
Monk’s Chai
Peppermint / Lemongrass Ginger / Forest Berry
Pot of Tea
English Breakfast / Earl Grey / Green Sencha
Hot Spiced Apple Cider
Cold Drinks
Iced Latte
Iced Coffee / Chocolate / Mocha
Cold Brew
Milkshakes
House Made Mint Lemonade or Iced Tea
Orange or Apple Juice
Cold Pressed Juice Blends
sublime pine / daily greens / watermelon
Sparkling Mineral Water
Ginger Beer
Soda
• Coca-Cola • Coke Zero • Dr Pepper
Cocktails
Texas Bloody Mary
tomato, vodka, cajun spices, lemon
Mimosa
sparkling wine and fresh orange
Tommy’s Margarita
tequila, lime, agave, orange bitters, spicy salt
Mini Martini
four pillars dry gin, dolin vermouth, olive
Dr. Pepper Long Island Iced Tea
tequila, gin, vodka, rum, lime, dr. pepper
Pimms no.1 Cup
pimms, lemonade, ginger ale, fruit
Summer Storm
coconut spiced rum, ginger beer, lime
Beer & Cider
3 Ravens l'il juicy pale ale
Kaiju Krush pale ale
Moondog lager
Pulp Friction apple & pear cider
DoorDash Extras
Chocolate Brownie
Pastrami Melt Bagel
Southern Fried Chicken (2)
Mac & Cheese (V 2.0) with Pretzel & Pickle
3. The Hardware Société
The Hardware Société is one of Melbourne’s most famous cafe names, known for bringing a French-inspired approach to the city’s brunch culture. Now operating from Katherine Place, it remains a strong choice for diners who want a polished breakfast, brunch or lunch that feels more considered than a basic cafe meal.
The food style leans into rich, comforting cafe dishes with a European influence: eggs, seafood, pastries, baked dishes, coffee, sweets and brunch plates that feel generous without being careless. It is a good example of why Melbourne brunch became internationally recognised: quality ingredients, strong coffee, a lively room and food that feels restaurant-level without losing its cafe identity.
The Hardware Société works especially well for visitors to Melbourne, weekend brunches, weekday lunches, date brunches and people who want a cafe that feels like part of the city’s food story. It has enough reputation to attract tourists, but it still works as a practical city cafe.
The Hardware Société is best for French-inspired brunch, coffee, eggs, pastries, polished cafe dishes, visitor-friendly meals, weekend brunch and a classic Melbourne cafe experience.
Address: 10 Katherine Place, Melbourne
The Hardware Societe Menu
Brunch
Salmon Grebiche
Hot smoked salmon, grebiche, herbed potato cake, salmon roe, crispy kale, poached eggs
Confit Duck
Pork cassolet, gremolata migas
It's a Dog's Breakfast!!
This meal is designed for your dog! It is totally safe and delicious for you as well. House made dog biscuits, beef, vegetable & bean stew
Burrata
Roasted tomato sauce, burrata, crispy kale, basil, tomato tartare This dish contains gluten dairy, onion, garlic & nuts
Fried Brioche
Raspberry jam, diplomat cream, fresh strawberries, raspberry compote, cinnamon sugar
Porridge
Chocolate, ginger, quince, macadamia & ginger crumble
Bircher
Citrus poached rhubarb, citrus segments, orange blossom gel, macadamia nuts
Pork Belly and Fried Eggs
Manchego & chorizo croquettas, quince aioli, five spice chutney
Lobster Benedict
Lobster, citrus hollandaise, soft herbs, brioche bun & poached eggs
Tuna & Scallop Millefeuille
Seared tuna, scallop & tuna ceviche, gold beet gel, avocado puree, yuzu aioli, pickled cucumber, poached eggs
Roasted Mushrooms
Herbed wild mushrooms, crispy enoki & shallot, creamy truffled polenta, mojo verde, poached eggs
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon slab, potato hash, piquillo pimento & avocado salsa, chipotle aioli
Croque Madame
Chicken rillette, tarragon bechamel, apple & walnut slaw
Drinks
Flat White
Rich and velvety coffee drink.
Hot Chocolate
Rich and creamy beverage to warm your day.
Iced Drinks
Iced selection with chocolate swirl blends, cocoa-dusted sips & a matcha option.
Cappuccino
Rich and smooth coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
Smoothie
Thick and smooth fruit blend, served chilled with a fruit garnish.
Mocha
Rich and decadent coffee drink with a chocolatey twist.
Green Tea Latte
A soothing and refreshing beverage infused with green tea flavour.
4. ST. ALi Coffee Roasters
ST. ALi Coffee Roasters is one of Melbourne’s most important specialty coffee cafes. Located on Yarra Place in South Melbourne, it has helped shape the city’s coffee culture and remains a destination for people who care about espresso, filter coffee, brunch and the full Melbourne cafe experience.
The cafe works because coffee is not just an add-on. ST. ALi is built around roasting, sourcing and serving coffee with real intent, while still offering the kind of food that makes it useful for breakfast, brunch, lunch and longer catch-ups. It suits both serious coffee drinkers and people who simply want a good cafe meal.
The South Melbourne location gives it a different rhythm from a CBD laneway cafe. It feels more like a destination: somewhere to meet friends, sit with a proper coffee, have brunch and experience one of the venues that helped define Melbourne’s reputation for specialty coffee.
ST. ALi Coffee Roasters is best for specialty coffee, brunch, breakfast, South Melbourne catch-ups, coffee lovers, casual lunches and anyone wanting one of Melbourne’s most recognisable cafe experiences.
Address: 12–18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne
St Ali Coffee Roasters Menu
Breakfast
ST. ALi GRANOLA
TEXTURES OF MELON, HONEY YOGHURT, MICRO SHISO
AVOCADO ON CRUMPET
SOFT BOILED EGG, SESAME MAYO, MISO BUTTER, KIMCHI SALT.
USA PANCAKE
FLUFFY PANCAKE, CANADIAN MAPLE BUTTER, STREAKY BACON
STEAMED CHILLI EGGS
NDUJA CRUMB, CRÈME FRAÎCHE, CHIVES, SOURDOUGH
SPANNER CRAB WHITE OMELETTE
XO SAUCE, PRAWN CRACKERS
BREAKFAST PLATE
HERB LEAF SALAD, ADELAIDE HAM, POACHED EGG, COTTAGE CHEESE, POTATO ROSTI, DIJON MUSTARD
CHILLI SCRAMBLED EGGS
CRÈME FRAÎCHE, NDUJA, SOURDOUGH
TURKISH EGGS
HOUSE-MADE NAAN, POACHED EGGS, HERB LABNEH, PEPITA & SUNFLOWER SEEDS, ST. ALi CHILLI OIL
MY MEXICAN COUSIN
CORN FRITTERS, POACHED EGGS, HALLOUMI CRUMB, SWEETCORN SALSA, KASUNDI, LEAVES
FROM CHICKENS WITH LOVE
TWO EGGS YOUR WAY ON SOURDOUGH
Lunch
SUMMER PASTA
CARAMELISED ONION, MUSTARD BUTTER, TARRAGON, CHERVIL
GNOCCHI
PAN FRIED GNOCCHI, SEASONAL MUSHROOMS, BROWN BUTTER, RICOTTA, CRISPY SAGE
WATERCRESS & MUSSEL RISOTTO
SPICY PICKLED MUSSELS, PARMESAN
CABBAGE SALAD
CHAT POTATO, MIXED HERBS, SPRING ONION, JALAPEÑO MAYO DRESSING, BREAD CRUMBS, SOFT-BOILED EGGS
CHICKPEA HUMMUS
CRISPY CHICKPEA, CURRY LEAVES, PARSLEY PESTO, ST.ALi CHILLI OIL, FOCACCIA
THE BOURDAIN
“ANTHONY BOURDAIN WORLD FAMOUS SANDWICH” FRIED MORTADELLA, PROVOLONE, DIJON MUSTARD, KEWPIE MAYO, BAGUETTE
PAN CON TOMATE
VINE TOMATOES, SOURDOUGH, CHIVE, GARLIC, EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
CHICKEN CAESAR SCHNITZEL
SALAD LEAVES, PARMESAN, HOUSE CAESAR DRESSING, PANGRATTATO
STEAK TARTARE
ROASTED BONE MARROW, EGG YOLK, CHIMICHURRI SAUCE, TABASCO, FOCACCIA
STEAK FRITES
EYE FILLET 250G, POTATO CRISPS, CHARCUTERIE SAUCE
FILLET OF FISH
TAPIOCA CRUSTED BLUE GRENADIER, LETTUCE, TARTARE SAUCE, EMMENTAL CHEESE, BRIOCHE BUN, FRIES
BURGER ROYALE
BEEF PATTY, HOUSE SAUCE, DILL PICKLES, AMERICAN CHEESE, ICEBERG LETTUCE, FRIES
KIDS $5 MENU
COCO POPS / WEET BIX, BOILED EGGS & SOLDIERS, SCRAMBLED EGGS, FOCACCIA
Decaf
ASK OUR CREW FOR OUR CURRENT OFFERING
DECAF ESPRESSO
DECAF FILTER
ASK OUR CREW FOR OUR CURRENT OFFERING
Espresso Coffee
HOUSE ESPRESSO
FOR MILK COFFEE. ORTHODOX: OUR GO-TO SIGNATURE BLEND FOR ALL MILK BASED COFFEES. FLAVOURS: APPLE JAM. FUDGE. MILK CHOC.
SEASONAL ESPRESSO
FOR BLACK COFFEE. OUR DAILY BLACK COFFEE PICK. MAYBE A BLEND OR A SINGLE? EITHER WAY, IT’LL HIT THE SPOT. ASK OUR CREW FOR OUR CURRENT OFFERING
SINGLE ESPRESSO
DOUBLE ESPRESSO
Barista’s Choice
ESPRESSO FLIGHT
THREE ESPRESSOS FEATURING OUR SINGLE ORIGIN SELECTION AND OUR FEELS GOOD BLEND.
BARISTA BREAKFAST
ALL COFFEES ARE ST. ALi APPROVED AND SELECTED BY OUR HEAD BARISTA
Single Origin Espresso & Filter
PLEASE REFER TO TODAY’S SINGLE ORIGIN COFFEE MENU
BATCH BREW
COLD BREW
POUROVER V60
ICED FILTER
ESPRESSO
SERVED BLACK OR WITH YOUR CHOICE OF MILK
Signature Drinks
BISCOFF FREDDO
BISCOFF SYRUP, ORTHODOX DOUBLE SHOT, MILK, COLD MILK FOAM, CRUSHED BISCOFF, CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS
STRAWBERRY CLOUD
ST. ALi MATCHA, STRAWBERRY PUREE, COLD MILK FOAM, CRUSHED DEHYDRATED STRAWBERRIES
LIGHTS OUT!
UNOFFICIALLY THE DRINK OF THE AUSTRALIAN GRAND-PRIX 2025, OFFICIALLY DELICIOUS. CHOCOLATE ORTHODOX ESPRESSO CREAM, ORANGE JUICE
NOT GUINNESS
FIG SYRUP, THICKENED CREAM, COLD BREW, HONEY
ST. ALi Drinks
MATCHA COCONUT WATERMELON
ST. ALi MATCHA, COCONUT CREAM, WATERMELON JUICE
PEEK & SIP
POPCORN SYRUP, SALTED CARAMEL, BANANA SYRUP, DOUBLE ESPRESSO, YOUR MILK OF CHOICE
SUNSET EXPRESS MILK PUNCH
MILK WASHED COLD BREW, POMEGRANATE SYRUP
Cold Drinks
MILO SHAKE
MILO, JOCK’S DOUBLE CHOC ICE CREAM & MILK
ESPRESSO SHAKE
ST. ALi ESPRESSO, JOCK’S VANILLA ICE CREAM & MILK
ST. ALi ICED TEA
EARL GREY & ENGLISH BREAKFAST, HIBISCUS & POMEGRANATE
Soft Drinks
KARMA ORGANIC DRINKS
RASPBERRY LEMONADE / LEMON / COLA
SOMETHING & NOTHING PREMIUM SODAS
YUZU / CUCUMBER / HIBISCUS & ROSE / GINGER & LIME / PINEAPPLE & PINK GRAPEFRUIT
FREKL GINGER BEER
CLASSIC, FINGER LIME
LYONVIL SPARKLING MINERAL WATER
300ML / 750ML
Cold Pressed
ORANGE JUICE
REFRESHER JUICE
WATERMELON, PINEAPPLE, MINT
GREEN JUICE
KALE, CAPSICUM, CUCUMBER, CELERY, COS, APPLE, LEMON
DETOX JUICE
BEETROOT, CARROT, ORANGE, APPLE
Tea / Hot Drinks
HOT CHOCOLATE
CHAI LATTE
MATCHA LATTE
LOOSE LEAF TEAS
LEMONGRASS & GINGER, GREEN KOREAN SENCHA, PEPPERMINT, ENGLISH BREAKFAST, EARL GREY, CHAI
Classic Cocktails
MIMOSA
APEROL SPRITZ
LIMONCELLO SPRITZ
BREAKFAST G&T
COFFEE GIN, TONIC, ORANGE MARMALADE
BLOODY MARY
THE TRADITIONAL WAY, WITH GRAINSHAKER RYE VODKA
DRY MARTINI
COFFEE GIN, DRY VERMOUTH, ORANGE BITTERS
ESPRESSO MARTINI
COFFEE LIQUEUR, RYE VODKA, ORTHODOX ESPRESSO
WIDE AWAKE NEGRONI
ST. ALi COFFEE GIN, VERMOUTH, CAMPARI, ST. ALi COFFEE LIQUEUR
Wine
YUGEN ‘TROPICAL SUNRISE’ ROSE VIC
S.C PANNELL ARIDO ROSE SA
‘23 DEEP WOODS CHARDONNAY WA
‘23 SHUT THE GATE RIESLING SA
‘23 CORIMBIA CHENIN BLANC WA
‘22 BARRATT CHARDONNAY SA
‘23 MULLINE PINOT NOIR VIC
‘22 ROCKY GULLY CABERNET WA
‘22 CHALMERS NERO D’AVOLA VIC
Beer / Non-Alc
MOONDOG OLD MATE PALE ALE
MOONDOG LAGER
PERONI RED LAGER
STONE & WOOD PACIFIC ALE
YOUNG HENRYS IPA
THE HILLS APPLE CIDER
HEAPS NORMAL HALF DAY HAZY
LESS THAN 0.5% ALC.
SIDEKICK MIXERS
CHEEKY TONIC / LIVELY TONIC
WEDNESDAY’S DOMAINE 15 NON-ALC WINES
ELAN / ECLAT
Champagne
NV CHALMERS ‘DOTT’ PROSECCO VIC
NV AIRLIE BANK SPARKLING VIC
‘22 RUINART BRUT FRA
‘15 VEUVE CLICQUOT BRUT FRA
‘15 RUINART ROSE BRUT FRA
‘16 MOET & CHANDON GRAN VINTAGE FRA
‘13 DOM PÉRIGNON CHAMPAGNE FRA
Coffee Cocktails
CIGARETTES DAYDREAM
MEZCAL, SHERRY, ST. ALi COFFEE LIQUEUR, WHITE CRÈME DE CACAO, TURKISH TOBACCO BITTERS, ORANGE BITTERS
EVENING BREEZE
HAYMAN’S SLOE GIN, SINGLE ORIGIN COLD BREW, CRÈME DE CASSIS, LIME JUICE
CREAM SPRITZ
GRAINSHAKER VODKA, APEROL, LIME JUICE, CREAM SODA, COFFEE LIQUEUR
5. Krimper
Krimper is a hidden CBD laneway cafe on Guildford Lane, set inside a character-filled warehouse-style space. It is one of those Melbourne cafes that feels very connected to the city’s laneway identity: tucked away, atmospheric, a little industrial and built for people who like their brunch with a sense of place.
The cafe suits breakfast, brunch, coffee, lunch and relaxed city catch-ups. Its appeal is not just the menu, but the room itself. The warehouse feel gives Krimper a warmer, more textured personality than many modern minimalist cafes, making it a strong choice when you want a cafe that feels memorable without being too formal.
Krimper works especially well for visitors exploring Melbourne’s laneways, CBD workers looking for a proper lunch, friends meeting for brunch and anyone who wants a cafe that feels hidden but still central. It is casual enough for an easy coffee, but distinctive enough for a longer meal.
Krimper is best for brunch, coffee, warehouse-style dining, casual CBD lunches, laneway exploring, relaxed catch-ups and anyone looking for a hidden cafe in Melbourne’s city centre.
Address: 20 Guildford Lane, Melbourne
Krimper Menu
EAT
Granola
Pink coconut yoghurt, seasonal fruits, mixed nuts & seeds, compote berries, pistachio
Almond French Toast
Almond spread brioche, saffron & spice poached pear, pistachio, seasonal fruits, cranberry mascarpone + bacon 6
Bacon & Waffles
Belgian waffle, bacon, fried eggs, berries compote, pistachio, maple syrup + chicken karaage 6
Eggs Benny
Choose from: Beef Bulgogi / Soy Braised Mushroom / Smoked Salmon served w/ poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, spinach, shichimi, fried shallots on English muffins + hash brown 4 / halloumi 5
Avo Affair
Smashed avo, crispy kale, poached egg, radish, cherry tomatoes, fetta, pickled cabbage, dukkah, mixed nuts w/multigrain toast + hash brown 4 / bacon 6 / halloumi 5
Prawn Scramble
Prawn scramble egg, pineapple & lemon puree, salsa, parmesan w/ ciabatta + hash brown 4 / bacon 6 / cauliflower popcorn 5
Big Brekkie Platter
Fried eggs, Spanish chorizo, hash brown, roasted tomato, spinach, mushroom w/ sourdough toast + bacon 6 / halloumi 5
Zucchini & Corn Fritters
Guacamole, salsa, pickle onion, feta & poached egg + cauliflower popcorn 5 / bacon 6 / halloumi 5
Pan Fried Barramundi
Green gazpacho, barley, salsa & kale chips
Krimper Burger
Choose from: Wagyu Beef / Chicken Karaage / Vegan Patty truffle aioli, caramelised onion, American cheese, pickles, cos lettuce, beetroot relish w/ fries + bacon 6
Kimchi Soba Salad
Edamame, roasted seaweed, yellow & red pickle, mushroom, roquette w/ sesame dressing + cauliflower popcorn 5 / grilled chicken 6 / tempura prawn 7
Gochujang Pork Belly
Gochujang butter, seasonal veggies, celleriac puree, pineapple dressing
Barley Salad
Miso glazed eggplant, beetroot, cherry tomatoes, salad leaves w/ honey mustard dressing + cauliflower popcorn 5 / halloumi 5 / grilled chicken 6
JUST TOAST - by Noisette
Just Toast
Sourdough, multigrain, or fruit toast w/ your choice of preserves GF +1
Eggs on Toast
Poached, scrambled or fried eggs on sourdough toast
Loaded Fries
Parmesan, guacamole & salsa
Bowl of Fries
SIDES
Egg your way
Scrambled eggs
Tomato Relish
Vegan Mayonnaise
Mushrooms
Spinach
Hash brown
Roasted tomatoes
Avocado
Cauliflower popcorn
Housemade Hollandaise
Soy braised mushroom
Halloumi
Fetta
Bacon
Smoked salmon
Bulgogi beef
Chorizo
Grilled chicken
COFFEE
Coffee by Maker; BonSoy +0.5, Almond / Oat / Lactose Free Milk +1, Extra Shot +0.5, Decaf +0.5, Vanilla / Hazelnut / Caramel Syrup +2
Coffee by Maker
Black / White
Hot Chocolate by Mork
Mocha
Home Brew Chai Latte
Matcha Latte
Hojicha Latte
Batch Brew
Cold Brew
Citrus Cold Brew
Iced Latte / Iced Chai Latte / Iced Matcha
Iced Chocolate by Mork
With a scoop of Ice Cream +2.5
Affogato
Yuzu Spritz
Lemonade, yuzu & honey + a shot of Cold Brew +2
TEA
Organic Tea by Tea Drop
Hot 6 / Cold 7 English Breakfast / Earl Grey / Green Tea / Peppermint / Lemongrass & Ginger
JUICES
OJ
Only Apple
Healthy Glow
Carrot, Celery, Apple, Lemon& Ginger
Green
Kale, Spinach, Apple & Celery
Red
Beetroot, Orange, Lemon & Carrot
Big Apple
Pear, Apple, Lemon, Ginger
SMOOTHIES
Chocnana
Banana, Chocolate w/ Almond Milk + a shot Double Espresso +2
Barry
Mixed Berries, Apple Juice & Honey
Yellow
Mango, Cinnamon, Honey w/ Oat Milk + a shot of Matcha +3
Pink
Strawberry, Apple Juice w/ Coconut Yoghurt
COLD DRINKS
House-made Iced Tea
Earl Grey infused with lemon grass, peppermint, apple juice & honey
Bottled Drinks
Lemon Squash/ Mandarin / Ginger Beer / Lemon, Lime & Bitter / Blood Orange / Passion Fruit & Orange
Kombucha
Canned Drinks
Coke / Coke No Sugar
Sparkling Mineral Water
5 / 8.5>18
WINE
Sparkling / Pinot Grigio / Chardonnay / Pinot Noir / Shiraz
by the glass 12 / by the bottle 42
BEER & CIDER
James Squire Pale Ale / Fat Yak / White Rabbit Dark Ale / Peroni / Little Creatures Pale Ale / Coopers Original Pale Ale / Apple Cider
10
COCKTAILS
GeeTee
Gin & Tonic
Mimosa
Bubbles & OJ
Espresso Martini
Frangelico Affogato
Pimm’s Cup
Aperol Spritz
Limoncello Spritz
6. Secret Grounds Cafe Doncaster
Secret Grounds Cafe Doncaster brings the Melbourne brunch experience into the eastern suburbs, giving Doncaster a warm neighbourhood cafe for breakfast, lunch, coffee and weekend catch-ups. Located on High Street, it has the kind of local-cafe energy that works for regulars, families, friends and anyone who wants a good brunch without heading into the city.
The menu direction is built around familiar Melbourne cafe favourites: hotcakes, smashed pumpkin, eggs, brunch plates, coffee, juices and drinks that suit both sweet and savoury cravings. It is the kind of cafe where the food feels generous, colourful and made for the middle of a relaxed day rather than a rushed takeaway stop.
Secret Grounds works especially well for weekend brunch, family breakfasts, casual lunches, coffee catch-ups and small events. It also gives this list an important suburban angle. Melbourne cafe culture is not only about CBD laneways and South Melbourne roasters; some of the city’s strongest cafe habits live in neighbourhoods where locals return week after week.
Secret Grounds Cafe Doncaster is best for brunch, breakfast, coffee, hotcakes, casual lunches, family meals, weekend catch-ups and anyone looking for a friendly neighbourhood cafe in Doncaster.
Address: 87 High Street, Doncaster
Secret Grounds Cafe Doncaster Menu
All Day Brunch Menu
Toast (V)
white sourdough, seeded sourdough| gluten free| fruit loaf +2
Eggs Your Way
scrambled, poached or fried served on a choice of sourdough, seeded sourdough| gluten free +2
Acai Bowl (VG, V)
house made granola with a scoop of acai, topped with coconut yoghurt, seasonal fruits and smooth peanut butter
Bircher Muesli (V)
overnight soaked bircher in orange juice with creamy yoghurt served with mango coulis & seasonal fruit
Avocado (V)
chunky diced avocado mixed with pomegranate molasses, fresh pomegranate, herbs, pistachio nuts & burrata cheese on top of a pretzel
Prawn Chilli Scramble (V)
brioche crumbed with sesame seeds served with pan fried prawns with homemade asian sauce on top of scrambled eggs with pickled chilli, fresh chilli & wasabi cream cheese
Miso Mushrooms (V)
braised button mushrooms with miso & butter served on top of rye, bread, harrisa cream cheese, charred broccoli, pickled shiitake mushrooms & crumbed egg
Passion & Lemon Hotcake (V)
double stack hot cake served with passionfruit lemon curd, macadamia crumb, seasonal fruit, lime marscapone and caramelised pineapple
Salmon Benedict (GF)
potato croquette with smoked applewood, snow peas, tendril orange salad, caper berries, fennel, beet, cured salmon, finished with hollandaise citrus and a poached egg
Pumpkin Smash (V)
maple roasted pumpkin with sliced beetroot, sumac, avocado, blistered halloumi and kale chips topped with a poached egg served on seeded sourdough
+ add falafel $5
Falafel Bowl (V)
tabouli salad, fresh tomato, pickled chilli, blistered halloumi, labneh, pumpkin hummus, falafel, spicy tahini and fried mountain bread
Corn Fritter (V)
corn fritters with turmeric labneh, cucumber, onion, tomato & avocado salsa served with italian salad mix, poached eggs & manchego cheese
Mediterranian Brekkie
folded eggs served with beef bacon, blistered halloumi, tomato & cucumber salad, olives, avocado, potato croquette & labneh
Beef Cheeks
12 hr slow cooked braised beef cheek, spiced slaw mix, served on potato croquette topped with 2 poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise sauce & char grilled corn
Turkish Eggs
2 poached eggs & sliced sujuk served on a bed of mixed herbs & minted labneh, aleppo chilli butter, pickled onion, focaccia bread & zaatar
Harrisa Chicken
served with tahini, celery, cucumber, mixed grapes, fennel & onion with honey mustard dressing finished with toasted sesame & chilli
Soba Noodle Salad (VG, V, GF)
cold soba noodles with avocado, edatnome, julienne carrot, shredded beetroot, ribbon cucumber, seaweed salad with cured salmon & homemade sesame dressing
Barramundi
fresh pan fried barramundi fish served with pea puree, spiced herb kilfer potatoes & lemon sauce
Seafood Risotto (GF)
mixed seafood, risotto rice cooked with creamy lobster bisque served with sesame rice crackers
Tacos
3 soft shell tortillas topped with fried chicken, apple red cabbage slaw, charred corn, mango chilli sauce, sour cream & manchego cheese
Beef Burger
two 100g wagyu beef patties with tomato, coral green lettuce, caramelised onion, house made pickles & double aged chedder cheese served on a brioche bun with a side of chips
Sirloin Steak
250g sirloin steak, marinated with rosemary, served with batata harra, two fried eggs and chimichuri sauce
+ replace fried eggs for tabouli salad
Calamari Salad
japanese style crumbed squid tentacles served with rocket, fennel, olive, tomato, cucumber & orange salad finished with balsamic glaze & taragon sauce
Sides
Extra Egg/Hollandaise/Extra Slice of Toast/ Fresh Chillis
Roasted Tomato/Spinach/Potato Croquette/Falafel/ Feta cheese
Mushroom/Avocado/Halloumi/Bacon/Sujuk
Chicken/ Smoked Salmon/ Cured Salmon
Bowl of Chips
Coffee
Prodly serving up Industry Beans House Blend: all times, alternative light blend: seasonal
Espresso
black; milk; + alternative milks + $0.7; + large + $1; + strong + $0.5; + decaf + $0.5; + syrups (Hazelnut, Vanilla, Caramel) + $0.50; + Seasonal Single Origin + $1
Filter
batch brew; cold brew +0.5
Chilled Drinks
iced coffee
iced mocha
iced chocolate
iced latte
iced Mango Matcha
iced Strawberry Matcha
Iced Pomegranate & Mint
Hot
prana chai
+ $1.5
hot chocolate
matcha latte
tumeric latte
Tea
english breakfast
french earl grey
chamomile blossoms
peppermint
lemongrass and ginger
green lemon myrtle
Fresh Juice
kale, celery, cucumber, apple, mint
watermelon, pear, lime, strawberry
orange, pineapple, ginger, carrot
straight orange, apple, or watermelon
Smoothies
(choice of milk, juice or coconut water)
BAHAMAS
- mango, passionfruit, pineapple and banana
POWER BREAKFAST
- banana, apple, peach and dates
BERRY CRUSH
- mixed berries, coconut, mint and passionfruit
AMAZONIA
- banana, blueberry, raspberry, pomegranate & acai
Shakes
chocolate
strawberry
caramel
vanilla
Soda
(simple organic sodas)
lemonade
ginger beer
blood orange
lemon lime bitters
coke
coke zero
SPRIO SPRITZ
Blood Orange
Sicilian Lemon
Chinotto
Prio 1860 Volcanic Spring Minirel Water (high PH833 for health, hydration & balanced minerality.)
Sprio 1860 Still Water 500ml
Sprio 1860 Sparkling Water 500ml
7. Francis Winifred
Francis Winifred is a much-loved Oak Park cafe with a strong local following. Sitting on Winifred Street, it gives the northern suburbs a relaxed cafe option for breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee and casual catch-ups. It is the kind of place that works because it feels connected to its neighbourhood rather than designed only for tourists or city workers.
The cafe style is seasonal, fresh and approachable, with the kind of breakfast and lunch dishes people return to regularly. It suits brunch plates, coffee, smoothies, takeaway, small groups and casual meals where comfort and consistency matter as much as presentation.
Francis Winifred is especially useful for locals around Oak Park and nearby suburbs who want a dependable cafe without needing to travel into Brunswick, Carlton or the CBD. It has the rhythm of a proper neighbourhood spot: weekday coffees, weekend brunches, relaxed lunches and familiar service.
Francis Winifred is best for brunch, breakfast, coffee, fresh cafe food, smoothies, casual lunches, Oak Park catch-ups and anyone looking for a local northern-suburbs cafe with a loyal following.
Address: 94 Winifred Street, Oak Park
Francis Winifred Menu
ALL DAY MENU
Breakfast Burger
Cheese & spinach Pork sausage patty, bacon, fried egg, bbq sauce, american cheddar in a brioche bun with a hash brown
Chicken Tortillas (2 pieces)
Soft tortillas filled with crispy chicken tenders, avocado, slaw, corn, salsa, and aioli.
Plate of sides
A plate of sides of your choice
CRÈME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST
French toast filled w/ chocolate ganache, freeze deie raspberries, custard cream, blackberry coulis, micro lemon balm & served w/ icecream
Big Brekkie
Bacon, thyme roasted tomato, roasted mushrooms, spinach, relish, hash brown , chorizo with your choice of eggs served on sourdough toast
Super Salad
kale, cherry tomatoes, charred corn, quinoa, edamame beans, french radish, smoked almonds, grana padano cheese, cashew cream & citrus cider dressing
Açai Bowl
Açai, crunchy buckwheat granola, seasonal fruits, chia seeds, peanut butter, lemon balm and mango coulis.
Hot Honey Chicken Sando
Crispy chicken tenders dipped in hot honey sauce w/ lettuce, pickles & ranch dressing served in Japanese Shokupan bread
Turkish Eggs
lemon & garlic labneh, coconut chilli oil, poached eggs, fried leek, ezme & soft herbs served w/ buttered turkish bread *spicy*
Florentine Benedict
Sautéed spinach, thyme roasted mushrooms, crispy kale, asparagus, poached eggs & hollandaise served on a poppyseed bagel
Summer Burrata
Heirloom tomatoes, burrata cheese, basil pesto, pickled red onion, dehydrated olives & vincotto served on sourdough toast
PRAWN TOAST BENEDICT
Prawn toast served in Shokupan bread w/ avocado & yuzu mousse, kewpie mayo, candied beetroot, poached eggs & in house hollandaise sauce
Shakshuka
baked eggs served in a hotplate w/ bell peppers, tomato, onion, spices & smoked mozzarella cheese served with buttered turkish bread
SMASHED AVO
Smashed avocado, corn relish, marinated feta, charred corn, cherry tomatoes,candy beetroot & a poached egg served on sourdough
FW CHICKEN ROLL
Crispy fried chicken tenders, pickles, slaw & FW special sauce served on a long potato bun
Fries
Crispy, golden sticks of potato.
Eggs on Toast
sourdough or seeded toast w/ your choice of poached, fried or scrambled eggs
Fruit Toast
w/ citrus curd or butter
Toast with Spread
sourdough or seeded toast w/ butter, jam honey, peanut butter or vegemite
Fries
Crispy, golden sticks of potato.
Final word
The best cafes in Melbourne cover far more than coffee and eggs. Regretless – Low Carb Pleasure is the CBD choice for low-carb, gluten-free and diabetes-friendly treats. Bowery to Williamsburg is the Oliver Lane option for New York-style sandwiches, bagels and coffee. The Hardware Société is the polished Melbourne brunch favourite with a French-inspired edge. ST. ALi Coffee Roasters is the South Melbourne destination for specialty coffee and cafe culture. Krimper is the Guildford Lane pick for warehouse-style brunch and hidden CBD atmosphere. Secret Grounds Cafe Doncaster brings strong brunch, coffee and local-cafe energy to Doncaster. Francis Winifred is the Oak Park favourite for fresh cafe food, coffee and neighbourhood catch-ups.
Together, they show why Melbourne’s cafe scene is so strong: it can be health-conscious, coffee-focused, laneway-driven, brunch-heavy, sandwich-led, neighbourhood-based or shaped around a room with real character. Whether you want a quick coffee, a serious brunch, a low-carb dessert, a suburban cafe favourite or a cafe that feels uniquely Melbourne, the city has plenty of strong options.