What do you get when you mix myself, my partner in crime Katie (@_squeakyclean) and Melbourne? A whoooole lotta brunch! And eggs. So many eggs.
A few months ago after getting fed up with the drool worthy food posts of Melbourne cafe's, we decided to take matters into our own hands and book a spontaneous flight to Australia's food capital (in our opinion). Now now, this is not to say Sydney isn't good, cause it is. The last couple of years have definitely seen Sydney's cafe scene improve by a mile, but Melbourne is just in a league of its own.
Knowing we were only going to have limited time (just three days to eat our way through Melbourne), we dedicated a day to shamelessly stalking Instagram and menus, and shortlisting the best of the best.
We stayed at The Larwill Studio in Parkville, owned by the well-known Art Series Hotel Group, which truly surpassed all expectations - it was amazing. The hotel has a focus on wellness, with each room having their own yoga mats, access to yoga videos and coconut water, T2 tea and protein bars in the mini-bar! It was heaven. There is a tram stop directly outside the hotel, so getting around was super easy especially as we were just 5 minutes outside Melbourne CBD. There is really nothing better then coming back to a beautiful hotel, comfy beds and big mugs of tea after a long day venturing around Melbourne!
A few months ago after getting fed up with the drool worthy food posts of Melbourne cafe's, we decided to take matters into our own hands and book a spontaneous flight to Australia's food capital (in our opinion). Now now, this is not to say Sydney isn't good, cause it is. The last couple of years have definitely seen Sydney's cafe scene improve by a mile, but Melbourne is just in a league of its own.
Knowing we were only going to have limited time (just three days to eat our way through Melbourne), we dedicated a day to shamelessly stalking Instagram and menus, and shortlisting the best of the best.
We stayed at The Larwill Studio in Parkville, owned by the well-known Art Series Hotel Group, which truly surpassed all expectations - it was amazing. The hotel has a focus on wellness, with each room having their own yoga mats, access to yoga videos and coconut water, T2 tea and protein bars in the mini-bar! It was heaven. There is a tram stop directly outside the hotel, so getting around was super easy especially as we were just 5 minutes outside Melbourne CBD. There is really nothing better then coming back to a beautiful hotel, comfy beds and big mugs of tea after a long day venturing around Melbourne!
I will soon be doing full blog posts covering some of my favourite cafe's that we dined at, but in the meantime here is an overview of where we ate:
Top Paddock, Richmond
Top Paddock was a must visit and features an all-day menu to die for. There is something for everyone and the food is as beautiful as it is delicious. The famous blueberry and ricotta hotcake is honestly to die for. Top Paddock's popularity usually comes with a hefty wait, but we were lucky to get seated right away, probably because we avoided the weekend rush and went for Friday brunch. By the time we left, there was a massive queue! Be assured, the food is totally worth the wait.
Little Big Sugar Salt, Abbotsford
I was taken to LBSS on a previous visit to Melbourne, and fell so in love with the place that it was a must for my return trip. LBSS is a little treasure hidden amongst a street filled with Vietnamese cuisine. Not only is the interior of the cafe stunning, but the food is bursting with flavour. One of my favourite dishes of the trip came from LBSS, called 'This One' on the menu, featuring sticky kumera, cashew cream, kimchi salad and poached eggs. Sounds like a weird combination but trust me, it is epic.
Top Paddock, Richmond
Top Paddock was a must visit and features an all-day menu to die for. There is something for everyone and the food is as beautiful as it is delicious. The famous blueberry and ricotta hotcake is honestly to die for. Top Paddock's popularity usually comes with a hefty wait, but we were lucky to get seated right away, probably because we avoided the weekend rush and went for Friday brunch. By the time we left, there was a massive queue! Be assured, the food is totally worth the wait.
Little Big Sugar Salt, Abbotsford
I was taken to LBSS on a previous visit to Melbourne, and fell so in love with the place that it was a must for my return trip. LBSS is a little treasure hidden amongst a street filled with Vietnamese cuisine. Not only is the interior of the cafe stunning, but the food is bursting with flavour. One of my favourite dishes of the trip came from LBSS, called 'This One' on the menu, featuring sticky kumera, cashew cream, kimchi salad and poached eggs. Sounds like a weird combination but trust me, it is epic.
Feast of Merit, Richmond
After looking at the dinner menu at FOM, we instantly knew it was a must! Middle Eastern is my absolute favourite dinner cuisine, and their focus on sustainability, social responsibility and seasonal produce made it even more attractive. We had a third friend join us, and between us shared a few veggie dishes and a slow cooked lamb joint with harissa. The vegetable dishes included fried cauliflower, blackened onions, hung yogurt, sour cherries; heirloom carrots, honeyed tahini, soft egg, dukkah spices; and roasted eggplant, smoked yogurt, harissa oil, pinenuts, parsley. Absolutely delicious! So much flavour.
Industry Beans, Fitzroy
This is not your standard Melbourne brunch fare. Industry Beans are renown for their unique dishes and we were certainly intrigued. Tucked away in a side street off the busy Brunswick St in Fitzroy, the cafe was buzzing and as the morning progressed attracted a large queue waiting for a table. I was blown away by the extensive coffee menu - these guys really know good coffee. A highlight was the green papaya salad with peanut crusted egg, as well as the shanklish cheese omelette. Whilst we didn't order it, the coconut crusted brioche looked phenomenal too! I don't think you can go too wrong here - food is outstanding.
After looking at the dinner menu at FOM, we instantly knew it was a must! Middle Eastern is my absolute favourite dinner cuisine, and their focus on sustainability, social responsibility and seasonal produce made it even more attractive. We had a third friend join us, and between us shared a few veggie dishes and a slow cooked lamb joint with harissa. The vegetable dishes included fried cauliflower, blackened onions, hung yogurt, sour cherries; heirloom carrots, honeyed tahini, soft egg, dukkah spices; and roasted eggplant, smoked yogurt, harissa oil, pinenuts, parsley. Absolutely delicious! So much flavour.
Industry Beans, Fitzroy
This is not your standard Melbourne brunch fare. Industry Beans are renown for their unique dishes and we were certainly intrigued. Tucked away in a side street off the busy Brunswick St in Fitzroy, the cafe was buzzing and as the morning progressed attracted a large queue waiting for a table. I was blown away by the extensive coffee menu - these guys really know good coffee. A highlight was the green papaya salad with peanut crusted egg, as well as the shanklish cheese omelette. Whilst we didn't order it, the coconut crusted brioche looked phenomenal too! I don't think you can go too wrong here - food is outstanding.
BARRY Coffee and Food, Northcote
Another highlight of the trip (actually lets be honest, everything was exceptional). BARRY is a busy, vibrant cafe with a menu to die for. They have a good variety, and a definite focus on fresh, healthy options. Now, one of the main reasons we headed to BARRY was for a dish we had seen floating around social media, which was incredibly intriguing. Being huge peanut butter lovers, we couldn't refuse an opportunity to try a combination of PB and tomatoes on toast. Yes, it sounds strange. And yes, it was delicious. Something I am going to try at home FOR SURE! All our dishes were delicious. I loved the DIY smashed avo and cottage cheese - so flavoursome and not to mention fun to make. BARRY is a must visit!
Another highlight of the trip (actually lets be honest, everything was exceptional). BARRY is a busy, vibrant cafe with a menu to die for. They have a good variety, and a definite focus on fresh, healthy options. Now, one of the main reasons we headed to BARRY was for a dish we had seen floating around social media, which was incredibly intriguing. Being huge peanut butter lovers, we couldn't refuse an opportunity to try a combination of PB and tomatoes on toast. Yes, it sounds strange. And yes, it was delicious. Something I am going to try at home FOR SURE! All our dishes were delicious. I loved the DIY smashed avo and cottage cheese - so flavoursome and not to mention fun to make. BARRY is a must visit!
Tall Timber, Prahran
I'm not quite sure where to begin. My experience at Tall Timber pretty much blew my mind. The chef was kind enough to put on a spread (read: FEAST) for myself, Katie and a few other fellow Melbourne food bloggers. Our Tall Timber brunch deserves a post of its own, so stay tuned. In the meantime you can get a sneak peak by having a little Instagram stalk ;)
Three Bags Full, Abbotsford
Three Bags Full has been on my radar for many years. It has a solid reputation in the Melbourne cafe scene and I was stoked to finally check it out. Ordering was a struggle given the huge selection of delicious sounding dishes on the menu, but in the end we were extremely chuffed with our decisions. The dishes had so many bold flavours and were presented beautifully. A favourite for me was the pulled lamb flatbread served with pumpkin hummus, feta, carrot, pomegranate and sesame. An individual review of Three Bags Full to come soon too.
I'm not quite sure where to begin. My experience at Tall Timber pretty much blew my mind. The chef was kind enough to put on a spread (read: FEAST) for myself, Katie and a few other fellow Melbourne food bloggers. Our Tall Timber brunch deserves a post of its own, so stay tuned. In the meantime you can get a sneak peak by having a little Instagram stalk ;)
Three Bags Full, Abbotsford
Three Bags Full has been on my radar for many years. It has a solid reputation in the Melbourne cafe scene and I was stoked to finally check it out. Ordering was a struggle given the huge selection of delicious sounding dishes on the menu, but in the end we were extremely chuffed with our decisions. The dishes had so many bold flavours and were presented beautifully. A favourite for me was the pulled lamb flatbread served with pumpkin hummus, feta, carrot, pomegranate and sesame. An individual review of Three Bags Full to come soon too.
And that, in brief, was my foodie three day trip to Melbourne. Overall, the food was faultless. I loved each and every place we visited and wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending them all.
Melbourne, it is not over. I will be back for you again soon.
Melbourne, it is not over. I will be back for you again soon.