It’s our favourite weekend meal and Melbourne’s cafes have stepped up to their plates to deliver brunches of distinction.
Higher Ground
[650 Little Bourke Street]
Nothing says Melbourne like brunch in a repurposed heritage-listed powerhouse.
Higher Ground is an institution offering all-day dining in the heart of the city. The unique layout is set out across six connected levels that wrap around the original brick building with every nook offering a different view from the tiered platforms. The menu is curated to offer guests the very best of Melbourne; it’s evocative and inventive – if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Spanner Crab Benedict or Nduja on Toast.
The Hardware Société
[10 Katherine Place]
A rustic, chic breakfast café with a warm vibe is what you’ll find a The Hardware Société. If good old fashioned service and quality food tickles your appetite, this is the place to visit.
Redefining the traditional brunch experience with a Parisian inspiration, it’s important to note the neon on the wall upon arrival stating “no eggs on toast’. Sure enough, you’ll find French toast and baked eggs but no eggs on toast here. If you ask us, you can’t go past the Deux Baked Eggs —baked eggs with chorizo, potato, piquillo peppers, queso manchego, toasted almonds, aioli.
Henry and The Fox
[525 Little Collins Street]
With strong Nordic influences found throughout the bright eye catching venue, Henry and The Fox is a hidden gem with a relaxed yet eclectic offering not to skip. Despite having a very European driven menu across lunch and dinner, the café offers the perfect brunching menu for those looking for the classic Smashed Avo or Breakfast Burger with hash browns. Settle yourself inside or outside on the garden terrace while the friendly attentive staff see to your coffee needs upon arrival.
Operator25
[25 Wills Street]
Located in a heritage-listed original telephone exchange building, the bright playful space of Operator25 is led by a passionate team who take brunch very seriously. The chefs combine international flourishes with modern cooking techniques to bring forward a menu curated with Asian flavours packaged in Australian brunch favourites. The passion continues for their love of coffee. The specialty coffee menu available features Code Black Coffee and includes classic espresso-based drinks as well as alternative brews, such as filter coffee and cold brew. Coffee lovers will be spoilt for choice with the different blends and single origin coffee on offer.
Manchester Press
[8 Rankins Lane]
The humble bagel, along with top-notch coffee, is the focus of this popular laneway café. The building was formerly home to a printing press and retains a lot of its historic charm. The eatery perfectly complements this with a carefree yet modern vibe. Choose from its selection of sweet and savoury bagels. Our top pick: Mixed Berry — a blueberry bagel, berry mascarpone, fresh strawberries and pistachio dust.
The best part of each of these brunching hotspots in Melbourne?
They're in walking distance from Crowne Plaza Melbourne so there's no need to travel far for some of the best morning dining Melbourne has to offer.
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