Cafe Lifestyle

If you’re out and about at house inspections and auctions on the weekends, you’re probably eager to get to know cafes in the area. Our reviewers explore Melbourne’s outer suburbs and inner city laneways in their search for the top cafes.

The Premises

By Jessica Hoadley on 20 Dec 2013 No Comments yet, your thoughts are very welcome

In the strip of cafes on leafy Bellair Street opposite Kensington Station, The Premises stands out due to the crowd of hungry locals spilling out the door. It’s not the cheapest option, but a glance at the menu reveals it has by far the most interesting breakfast choices on the street. You won’t find a stack of pancakes or an eggs benedict here ...

Crowded House Cafe

By Jessica Hoadley on 13 Dec 2013 No Comments yet, your thoughts are very welcome

Hipster has arrived in Williamstown, and it's brought smashed avocado with it. Actually, the cafe has been open since 2011 and it’s quite the establishment: often as busy as its name suggests. Luckily on this sunny Sunday morning it’s not too packed, as I’ve dragged a friend recovering from a buck’s party all the way to Williamstown ...

Off the Pier Fish & Chippery

By Jessica Hoadley on 6 Dec 2013 No Comments yet, your thoughts are very welcome

With its dazzling harbour views, bellowing ships’ horns and the smell of saltwater on the breeze, Williamstown is the perfect place to enjoy a box of fish and chips. The ferry tourists know it, the local businesses know it, and the seagulls certainly know it. The answer? Self-proclaimed “best in town” fish and chippery Off the Pier ...

Alfa Bakehouse

By Peter Sarmas on 29 Nov 2013 No Comments yet, your thoughts are very welcome

If I was a Yarraville local – and I’m starting to wish I was – there is no doubt Alfa Bakehouse would be my favourite spot for coffee. Unlike many of the suburb’s cafés, Alfa never seems to be filled to the brim with people. It’s busy, yes, but there’s a lot of space, and always room for one more customer ...

Seddon Deadly Sins

By Jessica Hoadley on 22 Nov 2013 No Comments yet, your thoughts are very welcome

Have you sinned lately? Opposite the Macedonian Orthodox Church on Victoria Street, Seddon, Seddon Deadly Sins is where locals of all faiths congregate every morning of the week. My friend and I arrive at 10am on a grey Saturday morning. We're shown through the busy front and back rooms to the sheltered rear courtyard ...

Sugar Puff Cupcakes

By Peter Sarmas on 15 Nov 2013 No Comments yet, your thoughts are very welcome

There’s no denying Yarraville is one of Melbourne’s café hotspots. Venture out to the chic little suburb and you’ll never go without a hit of caffeine or somewhere to relax on a lazy Sunday afternoon. However, there’s a coffee shop hidden away in an old Victorian-style building that you might not even notice at first glance – Sugar Puff Cupcakes ...