melbourne cafes photo blog

slowpoke

2012-02-03T21:26:00.001+11:00

slowpoke cafe
157 brunswick st
fitzroy
melbourne 3065

Slowpoke boasts a striking reclaimed timbre feature wall. It is all about that wall. Beautiful. And it's multi-tasking being, not only a thing of beauty but also, good for holding things up. Like glasses and water bottles. There is also a little seating in a back room, and a cute courtyard beyond. The space was designed by Sasufi

al images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

the quartermaster's store

2012-01-25T22:51:00.000+11:00

The Quartermaster's Store
68 Edgevale Rd
Kew
Melbourne

I love a good neighbourhood cafe. The parking is free (in both senses of the word) the vibe is chilled, the clientele laid back.. and this little ex-milk-bar cafe boasts all this, and more. It is cute, inside and out, with several sweet touches: the signage, the vintage pieces, the classroom style chairs (that's how they were in my day, certainly..) Oh, and a range of newspapers are for sale too, for anyone missing the original milk bar, I guess.. Nice one, check it out..

grizzly espresso

2012-01-19T15:03:00.000+11:00

grizzly espresso
cnr brunswick and johnston streets (along alleyway)
fitzroy, melbourne

It took a bit of fossicking down the alleyways at the brunswick/johnston intersection to find this one. But I guess that's part of the fun. So no hints from me. This is not a shirt and tie kinda place. There is a super relaxed vibe, along with super relaxed service from barista/DJ, grizzly himself. The alleyway location itself sets the mood, the graffiti art sets the tone. Relax to the funky tunes at the counter on box seating and enjoying a well made coffee.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

my mexican cousin

2012-01-19T14:39:00.001+11:00

my mexican cousin, cafe
cnr sturt st and southbank boulevard
southbank, melbourne

Oh what a great way to obtain st ali quality coffee without fighting the crowds. Perfect for tram 1 commuters (if willing to break the journey) and handy enough en route to acca or national gallery..
But hell, a worthy destination in its own right too. Beautiful space, relaxed, well heeled clientele, attentive staff and full commercial kitchen.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

cosi fan tutti

2012-01-05T09:12:00.001+11:00

cosi fan tutti

calliope rd

devonport

auckland

new zealand

web

Our last day in New Zealand we were invited to lunch with my friend, owner of Cosi Fan Tutti, the most beautiful gift shop you will ever see. The following photos are not actually form the shop but her beautiful home.. Photos taken using hipstamatic.

eutopia cafe

2012-01-05T08:52:00.000+11:00

Eutopia Cafe

Highway 1

Kaiwaka

Northland

New Zealand

web

Heading due north from Auckland on highway one you will hit, after about an hour and a half, the roadside village of Kaiwaka. It is a great pitstop boasting public toilets, a playground, several eateries and a cheese shop with imported and local cheeses. We usually stop here en route to Northland to see the folks.. but this time, for the first time we stopped for coffee and chose this crazy arsed place - it will become a regular going forwards! Enter the wonderland...

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pearl oyster

2011-12-15T20:32:00.001+11:00

pearl oyster cafe

114 miller st

thornbury

melbourne

I bundled the kids in the car and headed due north. 'We're going up north girls!'

'Will it be snowing?'

'Does Santa live there?'

'Um.. it might snow sometimes but it won't be snowing today'

It was maybe not as exciting as they anticipated (no snow, no Santa) but they did have a ball at Pearl Oyster. Paper and pencils, and a chocolate cup cake. What could be better?

My latte was pretty damn good too.

Interiors - love the rolled counter front, kitsch formica and vinyl furniture and quirky details.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

plantation

2011-12-07T18:46:00.001+11:00

plantation cafe
level 2, shop 253
melbourne central
melbourne 3000

I had an education this morning at Plantation - I sampled a cold drop coffee (made over night, put on ice and dished up with a solitary ice-cube - not unlike a shot of whiskey) and a syphoned coffee, made before me - and photographed below. Watching a barista craft a syphon coffee is like watching a scientist conducting an experiment - everything is weighed and timed and checked for temperature... The resulting coffee is tea-like in consistency (light and clean) and not unlike wine for its subtle nuances.. the aroma, the initial taste, the after taste....
Usually I just concentrate on photographing cafe interiors - but today I delved a little deeper!

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

8 days

2011-12-06T21:54:00.001+11:00

8 days cafe
1184 high st, armadale
melbourne 3143

New to the Melbourne cafe scene 8 days, perched on a busy High Street corner in Armadale, does it all and does it all very well indeed. This spacious, ambient eatery is dishing up excellent coffee, amazing food and great service... The perfect addition to this well heeled, urban neighbourhood.

all photos copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

chez dre pop up @ melbourne music week

2011-12-02T23:40:00.001+11:00

chez dre pop up @ melbourne music week
Birrarung Marr Park
melbourne 2000

I meant to post this whilst it was still up and running, but it is all gone now, a mirage... This Melbourne Music Week music venue (and cafe) was within a 'kubic' installation. If you're thinking 'Please explain' then I'll let the pictures do the talking..

pop up cafe @ design files open home

2011-12-01T21:17:00.001+11:00

pop up cafe @ design files open home
40 little napier st
fitzroy 3065

Being a pop up - this ain't going to be here long - get in before Sunday! (4th Dec) Design files have set up a pop up home wares store - in a home! Succinct, it must be said. And, the point for me I guess would be that Elaine So and Coffee Supreme have enhanced the whole thing still further with a roof-top cafe, to boot.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

made cafe

2011-11-17T12:26:00.001+11:00

made cafe

60 pin oak crescent

flemington

melbourne 3031

This cute, tiny cafe is just what you would want to find nestled within this strip of vintage shop fronts. This inner-suburb is home to an international, relaxed population, and has a grungy 'Stoke Newington' kinda vibe (for all those that did their time in London..)

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

verb cafe

2011-11-12T12:11:00.001+11:00

verb cafe

336 racecourse road

flemington

melbourne 3031

Verb cafe is everything you want from your local - good food, good coffee, friendly service all in a laid back, unpretentious environment.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

garden tuscany

2011-11-09T22:00:00.001+11:00

garden tuscany
32 young st
moonee ponds
melbourne 3039

This family run lane-way cafe boasts great coffee, traditional wood-fired pizza and perfect home made chocolates. The lush greenery and warm terracotta tones make for a cosy and inviting tuscan 'themed' cafe that has a unique charm all of its own..

chilli chocolate - it was as good as it looks!

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

boundary espresso

2011-11-06T19:32:00.002+11:00

boundary espresso, cafe

107 plenty rd

preston

melbourne 3072

This cute neighbourhood cafe has reputably good coffee and a rather unusual moustache thing happening..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

growers espresso

2011-11-04T23:15:00.000+11:00

growers espresso

332 st georges rd

fitzroy north

melbourne 3057

This is a locals cafe for espresso based coffee. Housing a boutique roaster of largely Australian coffee they also sell take home packs and make on line sales - a true specialist coffee retailer..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

tango

2011-11-04T22:25:00.000+11:00

tango cafe

475c toorak rd

toorak

melbourne 3142

For a little slice of South America in Toorak..

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second edition

2011-11-04T22:03:00.002+11:00

second edition, cafe and recycled books

215 glenferrie rd

malvern

melbourne 3144

A social enterprise of The Brotherhood St Laurence, second edition sells 'pre-loved' books and reputably good coffee..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

set shot

2011-11-04T21:45:00.000+11:00

set shot cafe

shop 2, 60 fitzroy st

st kilda

melbourne 3182

As a low key kind of venue this place is all about convenience (on the platform of the St Kilda Station tram stop) good coffee and a rather funky collection of Ye Olde milkshake makers..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

nshry

2011-11-04T21:26:00.000+11:00

nshry cafe

129a beaconsfield parade

albert park

melbourne 3206

With stunning interiors to mach the stunning views - and the coffee (Campos) is pretty good too..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

third wave

2011-11-04T21:05:00.000+11:00

third wave cafe

1/189 rouse st
port melbourne

melbourne 3207

Just a stroll from the main drag of Bay Street Third Wave is a buzzy neighbourhood cafe with a rep for damn good coffee..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

truman

2011-10-26T16:27:00.001+11:00

truman cafe
381 montague st
albert park
melbourne 3206

It's a little piece of the grungy north in the well-heeled inner south... Not a hint of pretension here but plenty of great coffee, good food and friendly service. A steady stream of local regulars pop in for a chat and a coffee like this place has been here for years, not just months..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

hoboken

2011-10-13T18:25:00.000+11:00

hoboken cafe
hosier lane
melbourne 3000

On the one hand I can't believe I took so long to 'discover' this place, but on the other I'm pleased it is my first port of call after my recent dry spell off the black stuff. Laid back vibe, relaxed service, great coffee.. it's my new CBD favourite..

Hobba

2011-10-12T23:04:00.001+11:00

Hobba
Malvern Road
Prahran

Melbourne 3428

Wood panelling and a variety of seating options from cosy booths to bar stools at the counter kit out this huge, bustling cafe..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

husband

2011-10-12T22:50:00.000+11:00

husband cafe
377 malvern road
prahran
Melbourne 3141

Minimalist and masculine, Husband is a friendly, busy local..

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coffee supreme

2011-07-07T13:58:00.004+10:00

28 grosvesnor st
abbotsford
melbourne 3067

Ok so this is not a cafe - but as the Melbourne Coffee Supreme head offices, warehouse, roastery, packing room, training room (and more) there is plenty going on..

the roasting warehouse..

a roast in the cooling drum..

the packing room..

the workshop..

reception and offices..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

the abbotsford club

2011-07-06T23:10:00.005+10:00

the abbotsford club cafe
28 grosvesnor st
abbotsford
melbourne 3067

Coffee Supreme in Abbotsford has opened the door to its new cafe 'The Abbotsford Club'. As a joint venture between Supreme and Elaine So (this is her third 'baby' joining My Sister Says in Port Melbourne and Servery and Spoon in Malvern East) this cafe boasts inevitably 'supreme' coffee with divine baked goodies with a more extensive menu to follow. There is also DIY toast on offer - just like at your mum's! The interiors are industrial yet warm.. I'll let the pictures do the talking..

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

the league of honest coffee

2011-06-27T18:42:00.001+10:00

the league of honest coffee

8 exploration lane

melbourne 3000

What an altogether fantastic venue for city-bound coffee aficionados. Great coffee, great food, great service and beautiful design. Features include particle-board mosaics on two walls and commissioned art depicting the coffee plant in cherrie

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

roller door

2011-06-26T12:51:00.003+10:00

roller door cafe
13 stawell st
west melbourne
melbourne 3003

This one had slipped me by completely - but thanks to the recently released 'The Age Good Cafe Guide' it has now been 'discovered'. I knocked these shots off on my iphone - which I never do - but it is a rough and ready kind of place so I might just have gotten away with it..! This is a refreshingly laid-back non-corporate kind of place in an anonymous yet very central corner of Melbourne.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

chez dre

2011-06-01T18:37:00.002+10:00

chez dre pâtisserie boulangerie
285-287 coventry st
south melbourne 3205

What a surprise! Up an unassuming alley one wouldn't stumble upon this place, which is why I haven't been here, I guess, despite it's location. After a tip off I popped in on route to the markets camera in one hand three year old in the other... and was warmly received. What a space. So many interesting and unique elements - note the floor - cool.

all image copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

lilo cafe

2011-06-01T18:09:00.000+10:00

lilo cafe

725 esplanade

mornington

vic 3931

What a great destination for a day out of Melbourne. (And we happened upon Mornington on a Wednesday too - market day - bonus) The coast walk from the town was lovely, and rewarded with a great Supreme coffee and delish english muffin for brunch. The green theme was accidental initially - starting with the collection of green bottles, moving on to the kitsch pineapple lamp (both pictured) and blossoming from there. Class.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

friends of mine

2011-05-29T11:22:00.003+10:00

friends of mine cafe

506 swan st

richmond

melbourne 3121

Love it. Wish I had got here sooner! Love the three distinct spaces - opulent shopfront, central canteen-style space and a more formal 'eating house' space with a European gentleman's club charm...

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

aXil coffee roasters

2011-05-29T10:48:00.005+10:00

axil coffee roasters
322 burwood rd
hawthorn
melbourne 3122

Axil is housed in a huge space - one would expect it to lose intimacy and charm in such a vast space - but it works! The space is divided with a 'living wall' which certainly helps divide up the sheer volume of the cafe space, as do the hanging pendant lamps. The black high-shine floor and black laminate panelling also close in the space to add intimacy. Top marks to their designer. The coffee of course is fabulous.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

bluebird espresso

2011-05-19T12:10:00.001+10:00

bluebird espresso
134 johnston st
collingwood
melbourne

Friendly spot and somewhat of an oasis at this end of Johnston Street....

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

johnston street foodstore

2011-05-18T18:50:00.002+10:00

johnston street foodstore
256 johnston street
fitzroy

Beautifully formed...

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the bell jar

2011-05-18T17:24:00.004+10:00

the bell jar cafe
656 Smith Street
clifton hill
vic 3068

From the roadside tables to the busy shopfront, from the communal table in the back room to the courtyard out back the hip north Melbourne 'Bell Jar' attracts a mixed clientele... and serves up a great 7seeds coffee.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

coin laundry cafe

2011-04-13T12:53:00.002+10:00

coin laundry
61 armadale st
melbourne 3143

On a quiet suburban corner opposite Armadale railway station sits Coin Laundry: notable features include the draped tea-towel ceiling and a nice mix of vintage/reclaimed with new furniture and fittings. Building exteriors are beautiful too.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

spoonful

2011-04-13T12:27:00.001+10:00

spoonful
543 high st
prahran
melbourne 3181

Beautiful interiors with an opulent, vintage oriental vibe...

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manchester press

2011-03-30T22:04:00.004+11:00

manchester press
8 rankins lane
melbourne 3000

Brilliant. Love it. Another stunning new CBD cafe. Manchester Press is hidden down a suitably dank laneway off Little Bourke and is the baby sister of Loco Cafe in Elsternwick.

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wide open road

2011-03-30T21:16:00.002+11:00

wide open road
274 barkley st
brunswick
melbourne 3057

This is a beautiful space by architect Nicky Adams. I got to have a peek out back too, where there was roasting in progress...

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beatrix

2011-03-30T16:53:00.001+11:00

beatrix cafe
688 queensberry st
north melbourne
melbourne 3051

Oh so sweet and simple corner cafe with the odd little quirk (beaters hanging from the ceiling and cocoa-mo cookies...)

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

hausfrau

2011-03-25T12:58:00.002+11:00

I'm a bit slow on the uptake - housfrau has been open for some time now in Albert Park (6 months?) and not only have I just checked them out I have also realised that they are the sister cafe to one of the same name in Footscray. Its cutsie and pink and great for the little ones ( laid back vibe plus mini tarts and cakes that they rather fancy...) though it is popular with child-free customers too....

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

combi coffee espresso bar

2011-03-12T18:53:00.003+11:00

combi coffee espresso bar
1 victoria avenue
albert park
melbourne 3206

I'm pretty impressed about this opening! A proper 'coffee cafe' just down the road! My flat white was brilliant - rich and flavoursome. I have found my local.
Great use has been made of the unusual space with a servery to the street tempting passing power-walkers and outdoor seating in nooks... inside is bar seating at a communal table and an additional room that is soon to be set up as a 'fairtrade emporium'. The cafe itself also boasts organic and fairtrade produce.
Yay. Welcome to Albert Park, Combi!

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

t.m.c

2011-03-03T22:04:00.001+11:00

t.m.c
211 chapel st
prahran
melbourne 3181

t.m.c, the cafe in the newly opened Prahran Mission complex on Chapel St is perhaps the piece de resistance of the project: opening out to the hubbub of Chapel St serving great coffee and quality cafe fare it in a hip interior - it serves as a great public face to the swanky new premises.

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little captain

2011-01-24T13:40:00.001+11:00

little captain
353 inkerman st
st kilda east
melbourne 3182

Love this little spot - it is great place to go with kids, being beside Orange Grove park and even has rear entrance via the courtyard that takes you right on out to the adjacent playground. There is seating on the street front, in the cafe space, in an extra room out back and the rear courtyard.

all images copyright www.rhphoto.com.au

harpers kitchen

2011-01-23T22:24:00.002+11:00

harpers kitchen
78 inkerman st
st kilda
melbourne 3182

Nice locals cafe away from the bustle of both St Kilda Rd and the Inkerman/Barkley intersection...

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the premises

2011-01-13T18:04:00.003+11:00

the premises
202 bellair st
kensington
melbourne 3031

Absolutely fabulous!!

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luncheonette

2011-01-13T15:00:00.004+11:00

luncheonette
173 rankins rd
kensington
melbourne 3031

Beautiful little space - sparkling clean and many charming retro touches.