Whether you are on the hunt for your first cup of joe for the day or in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, Dukes Coffee Roasters in Melbourne’s central business district is a foolproof solution (Photo: Dukes Coffee Roasters)
Check out these cafés and bakeries in Melbourne where you can immerse yourself in the city’s justifiably-famous brunch and coffee culture.
If you are in Melbourne over a weekend, a spot of brunch is non-negotiable. But in a foreign city teeming with cafés, where does one decide to spend their meal coins?
Tucked away in one of the city’s countless laneways is Krimper, frequented by Melbournians and tourists alike for a hot beverage and mouth-watering breakfast fare that will have you wanting seconds.
When searching for the restaurant, look for plant-covered bare brick walls and large black chalk boards perched outside the entryway, enticing you inside with the promise of quality brews, courtesy of renowned coffee roaster Maker.
Each Krimper dish features a unique combination of ingredients you are unlikely to find in non-Australian cafés. Popular picks include the bacon and waffle that meshes sweet and savoury elements; the Eggs Benedict that comes with your pick of bulgogi-style beef, soy braised mushrooms or smoked salmon; the poached pear and yuzu mascarpone-topped almond French toast; and the prawn scrambled eggs, served with ciabatta and garnished with citrus purée and parmesan cheese.
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Heartier options are found in the Krimper house burger, customised with your choice of protein, or the gochujang roasted salmon. If you are craving something lighter and more refreshing, we suggest getting one of the two salads on offer or the Bircher — a smoothie bowl-like mix of seasonal fruit, nuts and seeds, coconut cream and juice.
As portions are relatively large, make sure to come with an appetite and an open mind on trying new things (dietary restrictions are easily accommodated if you just tell the attentive waitstaff). We recommend pairing your meal with a coffee, tea or juice for a proper Aussie brunch experience.
20 Guildford Lane, Melbourne. Mon to Fri, 7.30am-3.30pm; Sat and Sun, 8am-3.30pm.
To the sceptics who have yet to visit, the famed Lune Croissanterie may come across as overrated. After all, how good can a croissant really get? If there is so much as a sliver of curiosity, however, we advise you not to knock it till you have tried it!
While there are three branches of the beloved patisserie in Melbourne (and two more in Brisbane), we highly recommend going to the one in the quaint and hip suburb of Fitzroy. Not only is it bigger and within walking distance of the neighbourhood’s several weekend markets, but it is also the only one in the city with the Cube — a glass box in the centre of the space that houses Lune’s busy team of pastry chefs as they create buttery, flaky goodness.
A normal day will see the bakery fully packed and a queue of customers winding around the building corner within the first few hours of opening. Hence, the earlier you can drag yourself away from the comfort of your bed, the better the chances of your arriving before some of the flavours are sold out.
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While novelty is nice, the changing monthly specials menu may be risky for picky eaters and pastry purists. Luckily, Lune’s lineup of classics never fails to satisfy. The traditional plain French croissant comes with a crisp outer shell and fluffier layers inside. The pain au chocolat and almond croissant are tried-and-true staples. For something a little more special, opt for the sugary spiral Kouign-Amann or the tart lemon curd cruffin (muffin-shaped croissant). Prefer savoury over sweet? Try the ham and gruyere for a safe buy or go full Australian with the vegemite and cheese.
Additionally, pastry connoisseurs in search of an unparalleled experience may reserve the Lune Lab three-course dégustation that is served at the private bar with a prime view of the Cube. That said, do note that Lune currently cannot cater to gluten, egg or lactose intolerances or allergies.
119 Rose Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne. Mon to Fri, 7.30am-3pm; Sat and Sun, 8am-3pm.
Pre-morning caffeine grumpiness is no joke and sometimes what we all need is a quick fix to start the day right. Whether you are on the hunt for your first cup of joe for the day or in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, Dukes Coffee Roasters in Melbourne’s central business district is a foolproof solution.
It is not uncommon to arrive at the café’s emerald green facade to see a line forming out the door. Fret not, though, as Dukes’ charm lies in its almost magical ability to churn out each order in a matter of minutes, ensuring you will not have to wait long. However, if you wish to park yourself inside for an extended period of time over food and drink, the crammed and bustling interior is not the best place for it. Though the few seating options are usually occupied, this small location is more grab-and-go.
Another of Dukes’ quirks is that while a small selection of tempting baked goods is available from the glass case by the cashier, food is seldom the objective here for most patrons (though if you prefer your coffee with a side of cakes or pastries, we certainly will not object and the café is unlikely to disappoint).
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Melbournians are known to take their java very seriously and as shown by the white box-letter menu on the store’s back wall listing the speciality espresso and filter selections available, Dukes is a prime example of this attention to detail. Here, a hot drink will cost approximately A$4 (RM12.34) or A$5, depending on the style and, if applicable, milk choice.
Dukes loyalists and curious cats outside of Melbourne will also be able to purchase their blends in-person at the café or online, along with high-quality barista equipment for your home set-up.
247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Mon to Fri, 7am-4.30pm; Sat, 8am-5pm; closed Sunday.
This article first appeared on Apr 1, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
