The beloved merger of breakfast and lunch, brunch is truly an institution in Melbourne. After all, who doesn’t crave a classic eggs benedict, a decadent French toast, or a healthy smoothie bowl? Making the most of Melbourne’s world-renowned cafe scene, the city has plenty of exceptional brunch cafe options waiting to be explored. From trendy laneways to leafy suburbs, Melbourne’s brunch scene continues to be just as vibrant and diverse as its people.
Whether you round up a few friends or decide to go solo, if you love pancakes for a pick-me-up or slicing into oozing poached eggs on sourdough, or if you need coffee or something boozy, our list of the best brunch spots in Melbourne of 2024 will have something for everyone!
If you’re looking for a delicious way to start the weekend or a lazy weekday feed, then spend some time at one of these brilliant brunch cafes!
Photographed by Julien Lallo. Image supplied.
Bellboy
Located in East Brunswick Village, Bellboy offers a range of traditional brunch fare, drinks and a dedicated bagel section – all inside a light-filled space with soft spoken elegance. Enjoy coffee roasted in house by golden bean award recipient Mark Leo, or a brunch menu designed by head chef Michael Martin whose extensive resume includes some of the most popular eateries from New Zealand to Melbourne. Bellboy is the lovingly crafted consolidation of over 10 years of experience in cafes combined with an additional decade of service expertise.
Photographed by Milkbar Digital. Image via Visit Victoria.
Brighton Soul
Found on Church Street Brighton, this cafe is anything but ordinary; serving some of Melbourne’s most photo-worthy and delicious culinary creations. Here, you can forget about bacon and eggs on sourdough or diving into a plate of candied prosciutto and poached eggs on roast pumpkin. Brighton Soul’s modest, exposed brick interior houses some of the most colourful brunch food in Melbourne. With an internationally inspired menu, you’ll find dumplings, ramen and even tacos, alongside more recognisable brunch flavours like apple pie filled buttermilk waffles. Everything from the food to the drinks is vibrantly coloured with creative, natural, methods.
Photographed by The Budapest Café. Image supplied.
The Budapest Café
With an interior designed to emulate the cinematic nuance of a Wes Anderson film, The Budapest Cafe is possibly one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Melbourne. Also regarded as one of the best brunch spots in Melbourne, here your eyes will be intrigued by the mesmerising space as you sip on your coffee or peach iced tea. Located on Swanston Street in Carlton, their menu is just as charming as the venue. With specialised beverages and Japanese inspired dishes, this quirky and unconventional eatery is a great addition to your weekend plans.
Image supplied.
Friction
Friction is an unpretentious urban retreat nestled into Essendon Fields’ business and community hub. The freshness and simplicity of their menu has propelled this down-to-earth eatery into a position alongside Melbourne’s best breakfast and brunch spots in the CBD. The bright interior with green accents is a crisp breath of fresh air against its industrial backdrop. Opened by the founders of both The East Pantry and Parkstone Cafe, it comes as no surprise that Friction’s food is renowned locally thanks to their wealth of experience in hospitality. A must try in 2024!
Photographed by Simon Shiff. Image supplied.
Norman South Yarra
Rain or shine you can find a comforting meal at Norman – be it coffee from the takeaway window, or something a little harder from their signature bar cart. Located in the heart of South Yarra, it is one of our favourite brunch options in Melbourne to meet up with friends and relax. The multi-level venue is spacious yet warmly welcoming you inside. The menu compliments the atmosphere deliciously; feast on crumpets alongside your typical brunch and breakfast fare. With an adorable childrens menu, Norman South Yarra is the brunch spot with a little something to make everyone smile.
Photographed by Nathan Dumlao. Image via Unsplash.
Operator 25
Housed inside a retro-fitted, heritage-listed, telephone exchange on Wills Street, Operator 25 is one of the best brunch spots in Melbourne to visit for a historical twist. Offering all-day breakfast and lunch dishes, chow down on delicious Asian-inspired cooking with a flavourful twist, including the Balinese pork burger or Thai marinated duck leg. With fast and friendly service and a bright atmosphere, call up Operator 25 for a great brunch time in Melbourne.
Image supplied.
Riché
Found off Bridge Road in Richmond, Riché is an eatery that brings a welcome pop of colour and a fresh attitude to the once booming, now, underrated strip. Committed to breathing new life into the brunch experience, Riché offers a unique Asian-inspired menu within a vibrant space defined by its signature orange and navy blue colour scheme. Famed for creatively tackling COVID-19 restrictions with home-delivered do-it-yourself breakfast kits, today we recommend enjoying your delicious meal in-house or as takeaway (Citizens Park is only 10 minutes away).
Photographed by Josie Withers. Image via Visit Victoria.
ST ALi
Tucked away in one of South Melbourne’s converted warehouses, this cafe doubles as a coffee roastery and general store; so you can always take a bag of beans, and a bit of the whimsy home with you. Open from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday, brunch consists of anything from oysters by the half-dozen, to an open face steak sandwich. For something more gastronomic, pizza is available after 12pm on weekends, and you can also rely on a boozy brunch experience thanks to their wine and cocktail list. With non-alcoholic options and enough food to keep the whole crew satisfied, ST ALi is perfectly aligned with the cosy, rustic interior that draws you in from the street.
Nestled in the vibrant Collingwood, Terror Twilight is serving up good vibes and sensational coffee in a laid-back diner-style cafe perfect for a weekend catch-up with friends. Coffee isn’t just a beverage at Terror Twilight, it’s an art form. Their espresso blends and single-origin offerings are a sensory delight, stimulating your taste buds and energising your day. And their all-day breakfast featuring delicious treats including sweet potato pancakes or eggs kurosawa, Terror Twilight is the perfect morning pick-me-up spot to unwind and enjoy the weekend with friends!
Image via Visit Victoria.Terror Twilight
Looking for the best breakfast in Melbourne? Or just a killer coffee? You can’t go wrong with our list of The 10 Coolest and Most Unique Cafes in Melbourne. Alternatively, enjoy breakfast on the go with these 10 Best Patisseries in Melbourne.
From breakfast to boozy bottomless brunches in Melbourne, explore our guide to all of the best spots of 2024!