Melbourne CBD isn't usually the first suburb that springs to mind when you're looking for a great brunch spot, but don't take that lightly. Some of Melbourne's classic brunch spots have sprung up in the cobbled streets of Hoddle Grid.
Whether you're in town to do some shopping or just want to stop in between your 9-to-5 jobs, check out Urban List's picks for the best brunch Melbourne CBD has to offer I will.
vacation
1 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Image Credit: Vacation |Supplied
The wonderfully designed Vacation was originally focused on specialty coffee, but after first seeing the spacious corner on Exhibition Street, the team decided to install a small kitchen. Everything on the menu has gluten-free options, and quite a few dishes are vegan. Photo A: One of the most popular orders, toast with avocado, lemon, seeds, bean sprouts and EVOO dressing. Or try Bircher Muesli with yogurt and seasonal fruit for a sweet and healthy morning treat.
white mojo
115 Hardware Street, Melbourne CBD
Even if you're not familiar with White Mojo, give it a try. White Mojo has a variety of great brunch options, with classics like the classic croissant burger, soft shell crab, and fried egg with chipotle mayonnaise and chorizo crumbs. Or fill your mouth with fairy floss-topped waffles and ice cream (complete with a cone). The team has another outlet in Glen Waverley that serves dinner. Find out more here.
René
Shop 16/161 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Image credit: Lune |Supplied
No real explanation needed here. Everyone knows about the primo pastries that come out of Rene's CBD location daily. The sleek, heavy-duty concrete outpost at the top end of Collins Street is the perfect way to start your city-based day. Grab a coffee and a croissant and enjoy the simple glow.
grain store
517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne CBD
Melburnians looking to find a place to eat lunch should head to The Grain Store. Enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes like blue swimmer crab chilli scrambled eggs on a croissant with chilli caramel and chipotle aioli. Definitely one of the best and most underrated cafes in Melbourne CBD.
Higher Ground
650 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Image Credit: Higher Ground |Supplied
Step into the architectural wonder of Higher Ground and prepare for a brekkie that's as sophisticated and enjoyable as the surrounding cafes. It's very hard to choose the wrong thing here, but our choice is the ricotta pancakes topped with maple syrup, seasonal berries and cream. This is truly sensational. It may have been around for a while, but it still holds its place as one of the best of 2023.
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manchester press
8 Rankins Lane, Melbourne
Manchester Press is a classic Melbourne backstreet gem located on Rankins Line just off Elizabeth Street. There's a reason this store is crowded every morning. The perfect toasted bagel (mixed berry bagel with mascarpone, blueberry bagel with pistachios and nuts) plus saucy salads and a decadent takeout counter. The coffee is from Ona. If you're feeling virtuous, there's also Frosty Liberty Kombucha.
Baba Budan Brothers
359 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Brother Baba is still one of our favorite places in the whole city. It often appears on CBD lists of Melbourne's best cafes, and for good reason. This place just screams Melbourne. Stop by in the morning when the espresso machine is roaring and the line is out the door. If you can sit at a communal table, you've succeeded. It's best to keep things simple here. Strong coffee and one of the best ham and cheese croissants.
operator 25
25 Wills Street, Melbourne CBD
Please stay in contact with Operator 25. It's worth the wait. For an adventurous brunch, the Bubble Waffle is a Hong Kong-style waffle with white chocolate sauce, poached peaches, berries, and matcha sauce. We're proud of our innovative brunch options. On your next outing, ditch the satisfying avo and try one of the best cafes in Melbourne CBD.
rustica
various places
Image credit: Rustica |Supplied
Baking legend and cafe royalty Rustica has everything you could want for breakfast in the morning, even considering the exacting standards of Melburnians in 2023. Two CBD areas, Rialto Towers and Queen Street, have a premium lineup. Enjoy a menu of breads and baked goods, First Love coffee, and aesthetically pleasing dining options. The classic avocado toast is one of the prettiest on the plate, served with Meredith feta and pickle salad.
Bowery to Williamsburg
16 Oliver Lane, Melbourne CBD
A CBD cafe infused with authentic New York energy, Bowery To Williamsburg is the perfect choice for breakfast in the city. The American diner-style menu is filled with delicious American dishes like 14-hour roasted beef brisket and eggs with chile verde on white cheddar cornbread.
hardware association
123 Hardware Street, Melbourne
Located in the new Catherine Place, which has grown from its namesake's previous location on Hardware Lane, the cafe features all the previously loved components in a larger, more comfortable space. Yes, their signature baked eggs are, of course, but they also have a lot of other strong items on the menu, including the lobster benedict, which is just amazing.
tulip coffee
7 Degraves Street, Melbourne CBD
This pink, six-seat cafe on famous Degraves Street is so cozy you'll never want to leave. Take a break from your daily routine with a cup of coffee in the corner and choose a pastry or cake from our delicious display shelves.
So, make the most of your day and visit some of Melbourne's best spots for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Main image credit: Higher Ground |Supplied
Urban List Best Of: A hand-picked list of the best things to eat, do, see, buy and book, handpicked by our editors.
