Breakfast: favourite places in the Melbourne CBD
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Or at least one of our favourites. So much so that we’ll often have it for lunch and dinner as well. In this series, we’ll explore some of our favourite breakfast bites in places we’ve been.
When you think about Melbourne you might think about food. We go for the theatre, the beer, the shopping and not necessarily in that order. There’s one constant though: at the end of every night, we wake up and it’s morning.
We often stay closer to Southern Cross station for ease of access when we’re carrying suitcases. While we know there’s some amazing breakfast spots in Brunswick, Collingwood (like Smith + Daughters), Fitzroy (think: Archie’s All Day) and South Yarra, sometimes it’s nice to just pad out of our hotel and find something reliably yummy.
Hardware Societe
While the original store in Hardware Lane might have been temporarily closed, the location tucked away in the laneway stylings of Katherine Place in the southern CBD is one of our favourite spots. A light-filled and welcoming space, we love it for the many vegetarian and vegan options. When we last went, it was baked tofu, an impossibly light souffle, a rich spinach dish and piping hot cups of tea served from pots covered in knitted cosies. We could eat those little donut balls that come with tea and coffee by the barrel load.
10 Katherine Place, Melbourne | Website
Grain Store
Just around the corner from Hardware Societe is where you can find an even more elevated breakfast or brunch, but still with a casual and friendly attitude. With breakfast served until noon, chef Ingo Meissner’s healthy, hearty and impeccably plated dishes include a classic smashed avo, a morning brioche with eggs, a bircher muesli for the health conscious or ricotta pancakes for the sweet teeth. (If you do eat seafood, why not go fully indulgent with a Lobster Eggs Florentine?) Lines start early, so make sure you book or plan to wait a few minutes.
517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne | Website
Bowery to Williamsburg
Up at the other end of town, this New York inspired diner locale was one of the first we fell in love with. In addition to the New York style bagels and broad range of schmears, there’s stacks for vegetarians. The corn and sweet potato hash and the Shakshuka eggs with zaatar challah are perennial favourites. (Pro tip: get the latter with halloumi – or better yet, get a whole side of potato latkes, cornbread or mac and cheese. Don’t forget the pickles). With communal tables indoors and outside, you might even strike up a conversation with a fellow foodie. Great spot if you’re looking for a bite before or after a trip to ACMI or Federation Square.
16 Oliver Lane, Melbourne | Website
Liminal
In the very heart of the CBD, sitting in the actual foyer of the T&G Building, this upscale eatery suits a casual breakfast, a business brunch or a quick dine if you’ve just stepped off a plane (as we very much did on our last trip). The crisp decor and various seating options are only matched by the lovely all-day breakfast menus. You’ll find your egg options naturally, and the obligatory avo toast, but also coconut and chia puddings, Corn Fritter Stacks and a whole lot of toasties. On our last trip, the Mushroom Toastie – with its vegan mozzarella, greens and truffle vegan aioli – scratched an itch.
161 Collins Street, Melbourne | Website
Schmuck’s Bagels
Bear with us on this one. At first glance, this two-location bagel joint may be easy to walk past. Yet beneath the cutesy pop culture decor there’s some really good bagels for breakfast. Whether you’re feeling like a quick PB & J, a more indulgent strudel-inspired Stru Blue or a classic Avo Our Way (my favourite), this is a great option for a decent bite with limited time. It’s also right near Southern Cross, so you can easily make your way there between land and sea ports.
Guests Lane off Little Burke Street & 567 Collins Street, Melbourne | Website