The best brunch spots in Melbourne

Catch up over coffee and carbs with bottomless brunch, Filipino breakfast sets, Sunday brunch and more.

Operator Diner

From the team behind Operator 25 comes a cool new American-style diner. Operator Diner features plush booths, oak details, cosy lighting and free-pour maple syrup. Order a classic stack of pancakes with straight black coffee, or opt for egg breakfast muffins and a Code Black latte. Iced tea, milkshakes, specialty sandwiches and more round out the all-day menu.

Ceree

What started as a spot serving occasional Filipino specials has turned into a cult-status cafe for Filo expats. Formally known as The Basement, Ceree has moved to new digs in Spring Street. The cafe is loved most of all for its hearty silog: a breakfast set of garlic rice and fried eggs, served with a side of juicy meat. Other local treats include sweet and sticky karioka rice balls and ube sponge cake.

Budapest Cafe

Have a Wes Anderson moment at Instagram fave The Budapest Cafe. The immaculate space is decorated with pastel pink Mendl's boxes for the full movie treatment. Sweet options include tiramisu croffles, matcha ice cream pancakes and custard puffs. Or try mentaiko udon – that's thick noodles seasoned with kimchi, spicy cod roe and onsen egg.

Workshop Bros Southbank

Sip matcha latte art, feast on beef cheek croissant sandwiches and indulge in sticky date banana bread at Workshop Brothers. This light and airy riverside spot specialises in hearty (but chic!) brunch food, bagels, sweet treats and iced coffee. Catch the morning glow in their sun-drenched slice of Southbank paradise.

Humble Rays

Humble Rays is a little slice of sunshine on Bouverie Street, a rapidly growing area for cute cake shops and cafe spots. But this OG hidden gem in Carlton still serves some of the best pancakes, waffles and French toast in town. Bring your sweet tooth to enjoy the fan-fave skookie – that's a red velvet flavoured skillet cookie, topped with toasted marshmallow and fairy floss.

Vertue Coffee Roasters

In a hidden alley behind a petrol station, Vertue Coffee Roasters is a micro-roaster and cafe that takes its coffee very seriously. Relax with a cup and take your time perusing the brunch menu. What will it be? The spicy lemon myrtle panna cotta? The hot harissa scramble? Or indulgent apple pie waffles?

Griller's Mark

Find Melbourne's most stacked breakfast board at new Lygon Street local, Griller's Mark. It's perfect for those indecisive brunchers who can never decide between sweet or savoury. Start with bacon, halloumi, mushroom, avo and blistered tomato on sourdough. Then finish on a fruit-loaded bowl of coconut chia pudding.

Palette

Korean aesthetics are taking over town, and Palette's got the vibe on lock. The signature street toast (gigeori-toast) starts with buttery brioche, fluffy omelette and hash brown. Where you take it next is up to you – but candied bacon is a must. Pair with the official drink of Seoul (iced americano) or a pleasingly pastel soda.

The Quarter

Fancy a spot of people watching? Experience Degraves Street from the centre of the action, dining in the middle of the iconic lane. Settle in under the sun shades at The Quarter for brunch (or breakfast, lunch and dinner). Try the waffle croque madame or wake up early for mocha hot cakes with Oreos. You'll be dreaming about them for weeks.

Krimper

Named after renowned furniture-maker Schulim Krimper, this cafe is as much a destination for design devotees as foodies. In the past the Krimper space was home to a sawmill, then a cabinetmaking factory, so you know the converted warehouse vibe is on point. Think exposed brick, wooden beams and vintage industrial-style lighting. Menu faves include rustic burgers, fat chips, almond French toast and more.

Brick Lane

Part bakery, part cafe and 100 per cent brunch date wonderland. The Brick Lane menu changes with the seasons, so you can expect a rotating roster of new ideas month-to-month. All the delicious treats are prepared right on site. Rest assured that wholemeal waffle with candied quinoa and salted caramel mascarpone is as fresh as it gets.

Maverick at 80 Collins

Maverick does incredible coffee and sophisticated takes on classic Melbourne brunch dishes. Gruyere chilli omelette, honeycomb hotcakes and even a cheeky espresso martini make the menu pop. And that's not thick cut bacon on your plate – the team makes perfectly juicy pastrami in-house for a decadent eggs benny.

Bottomless Brunch at Trinket

Oh Trinket – that fabulous Flinders Lane cocktail bar. Head along on weekends for a laid-back brunch date, with mimosas on arrival and two hours of free flowing sparkling, wine or beer. Pair with a selection of their most popular menu items, from oysters and prosciutto plates to burrata, smoked cheddar salad and marshmallow cannoli. Vegan and vegetarian options available!