The best brunch spots in Melbourne

Catch up over coffee and carbs with bottomless brunch, Filipino breakfast sets, Sunday brunch 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 vanilla yoghurt panna cotta with kiwi, chai-poached pear, mixed berries and raspberry dust is a fresh as it gets.

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. Level-up your egg order with a crabmeat scramble. Or go for the ultimate sweet and savoury stack featuring grilled bacon, bacon, nutella and salted caramel sauce.

Baguette Studios

We've got three words for you: pretzel bread sandwiches. Baguette Studios in North Melbourne is quickly making a name for itself with its beautifully burnished baguettes piled high with deli fixings. That's not to discount the sweet treats on offer though. Double chocolate croissants, pain au chocolat and honey pistachio baguettes will kick start your day with a sugar fix. No brunch would be complete without coffee so add sip a refreshing cold brew to your order.

Cassette

On a quiet Kensington corner is where you'll find Cassette. The light-filled space is a glorious mix of terrazzo tile, raw metals and chic furnishings. It's not just a pretty face. Cassette is a zero waste venue that uses GreenPower energy and an onsite bio-composter. So feel good about feasting on that thrice-cooked potato rosti with cashew cream or the locally-sourced grilled mushrooms with plant-based fetta.

Sunhands

From the team behind Heartattack and Vine comes a cute new cafe and wine bar. Find Sunhands on an iconic sun-soaked Carlton corner and make it your new local. Swing by during aperitivo hour to sample the local wine list. Or start your day with coffee and a breakfast plate and throwback to simpler times with comforting dippy eggs.

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 sweet potato and pumpkin fritter or wake up early for mocha hot cakes with Oreos. You'll be dreaming about them for weeks.

Dame

There is nothing like Dame at the Paris end of Collins Street. This elegant all-day dining venue is a peaceful oasis in the Collins Place atrium. Pale pink marble, muted tones, and sheer curtains set the sophisticated scene for a fancy morning meal. And then there’s the food. For brunch try maple granola with balsamic strawberries or the lemon curd French toast loaded with vanilla mascarpone and spiced rhubarb.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?