Melbourne - food and coffee capital of the world, they say. I say, this reputation is definitely well deserved! By the end of our 7 day vacation to the Australian city, our tummies could hardly be happier.
While we tried to squeeze in as many cafes and restaurants as our stomachs and wallets could allow, here's a review of 5 of my favourite joints, to guide your itinerary the next time you visit Melbourne:
1. The Glass Den
15 Urquhart St, Coburg VIC 3058
This cafe, in a residential district just slightly north of the city centre, wins the award for having the most photogenic food, ever. This was the first proper meal we had in Melbourne and it definitely blew our minds away.
Pictured below are the Pulled Pork Brioche, Tasty Tropics Smoothie & the Peach & Avocado toast respectively, and they were all fantastic. Beware the long queues though, despite us reaching at 2.30PM on a weekday there was still a queue to get in... Definitely worth it though - would have gone back in a heartbeat if it weren't so far out of the way!
2. OPERATOR 25
25 Wills Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
One of Melbourne's top brunch restaurants, much has already been said about this CBD establishment. And I'm here to vouch for its great vibe, great coffee and great food - definitely not overrated! Nestled in an old 1900s building, the place was already bustling by 8.30am in the morning - Melbournians sure love their breakfast! We ordered their Matcha Waffles and Teriyaki Benedict. Verdict: 11/10 for the waffles for sure, sooooo delish!
3. Higher Ground
650 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Located right across Southern Cross station, this was our last hangout before we bid Melbourne a sad goodbye. Located in a double story 19th century powerhouse, its beautiful industrial interiors were an absolute feast for the eyes. Food wise, we had the Ricotta Hotcakes and Kale & Cauliflower bowl, both of which were fantastic but the portions were just way too big for us two little Asian girls to finish haha. Not complaining though! As per all Melbourne brekkie locations, reach before 9am (or even 8.30am!) to be guaranteed a seat!
4. N2 Extreme Gelato Fitzroy
329 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
So Melbourne is not all about cafes. Walking around Fitzroy on a ridiculously hot summer afternoon, we had a sudden craving for ice cream and lo and behold, found this super cute gelato store just around the corner. You can order a variety of made-to-order liquid nitrogen gelatos here, and add toppings that come in a syringe, full science-lab style, if you wish! Think the flavours change regularly, but I had the red velvet cupcake, which was an absolute delight on a warm balmy day. They have another outlet in the CBD too I believe, though hipster neighbourhood Fitzroy is worth checking out for at least half a day!
5. Eau de Vie
1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Of course, who can forget the drinks? Eau de Vie is a secret little hideout, tucked away from the main street behind a signage free door. Nevertheless, once you've found your way in, a bustling and dimly-lit speakeasy bar awaits. We had some great cocktails and cheeses off their menu, and were very entertained by their (very cute) bartenders as well - great night for sure! The Espresso Martini, featured below, is topped with mousse foam that was frozen with liquid nitrogen right before your eyes - very yums and very cool (no pun intended). Do remember to make a reservation though, this place is seriously crowded, but for good reason!
There we have it! A sleek list of 5 establishments to visit the next time you visit this lovely Australian city. I for one cannot wait to go back. No brunch in Singapore compares, and I'm not exaggerating!
While we tried to squeeze in as many cafes and restaurants as our stomachs and wallets could allow, here's a review of 5 of my favourite joints, to guide your itinerary the next time you visit Melbourne:
1. The Glass Den
15 Urquhart St, Coburg VIC 3058
This cafe, in a residential district just slightly north of the city centre, wins the award for having the most photogenic food, ever. This was the first proper meal we had in Melbourne and it definitely blew our minds away.
Pictured below are the Pulled Pork Brioche, Tasty Tropics Smoothie & the Peach & Avocado toast respectively, and they were all fantastic. Beware the long queues though, despite us reaching at 2.30PM on a weekday there was still a queue to get in... Definitely worth it though - would have gone back in a heartbeat if it weren't so far out of the way!
2. OPERATOR 25
25 Wills Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
One of Melbourne's top brunch restaurants, much has already been said about this CBD establishment. And I'm here to vouch for its great vibe, great coffee and great food - definitely not overrated! Nestled in an old 1900s building, the place was already bustling by 8.30am in the morning - Melbournians sure love their breakfast! We ordered their Matcha Waffles and Teriyaki Benedict. Verdict: 11/10 for the waffles for sure, sooooo delish!
3. Higher Ground
650 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Located right across Southern Cross station, this was our last hangout before we bid Melbourne a sad goodbye. Located in a double story 19th century powerhouse, its beautiful industrial interiors were an absolute feast for the eyes. Food wise, we had the Ricotta Hotcakes and Kale & Cauliflower bowl, both of which were fantastic but the portions were just way too big for us two little Asian girls to finish haha. Not complaining though! As per all Melbourne brekkie locations, reach before 9am (or even 8.30am!) to be guaranteed a seat!
4. N2 Extreme Gelato Fitzroy
329 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
So Melbourne is not all about cafes. Walking around Fitzroy on a ridiculously hot summer afternoon, we had a sudden craving for ice cream and lo and behold, found this super cute gelato store just around the corner. You can order a variety of made-to-order liquid nitrogen gelatos here, and add toppings that come in a syringe, full science-lab style, if you wish! Think the flavours change regularly, but I had the red velvet cupcake, which was an absolute delight on a warm balmy day. They have another outlet in the CBD too I believe, though hipster neighbourhood Fitzroy is worth checking out for at least half a day!
5. Eau de Vie
1 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Of course, who can forget the drinks? Eau de Vie is a secret little hideout, tucked away from the main street behind a signage free door. Nevertheless, once you've found your way in, a bustling and dimly-lit speakeasy bar awaits. We had some great cocktails and cheeses off their menu, and were very entertained by their (very cute) bartenders as well - great night for sure! The Espresso Martini, featured below, is topped with mousse foam that was frozen with liquid nitrogen right before your eyes - very yums and very cool (no pun intended). Do remember to make a reservation though, this place is seriously crowded, but for good reason!
There we have it! A sleek list of 5 establishments to visit the next time you visit this lovely Australian city. I for one cannot wait to go back. No brunch in Singapore compares, and I'm not exaggerating!
