It’s a small part of our world, but East Melbourne deserves brilliant cafes of its own. We think so and so do the team behind Square and Compass, the new café to pop up on Clarendon Street. This newbie is from a team with a lot of experience under its belt. Kael Sahely (Pillar of Salt, Touchwood, and Barry) is teaming up with business partner Matt Stribley (Porgie & Mr Jones), and chef Jeremy Fraser (ex Barry and Porgie & Mr Jones).

The menu will likely remind you a little of the menu we’ve been seeing over at Berry in Northcote. Healthy dishes are mixed in with heartier options, all executed perfectly. For something on the lighter side you can go for the labne with raw fruit, poached fruit, and buckinis, or the raw zucchini pasta with kale, tomato, basil, and cashews. There are café classics like the avocado with mixed pickles, raw beetroot relish, charred lime, and smoked salt, or the Eggs Benedicts with poached eggs, kaiserfliech, and apple cider hollandaise. We can see the Californian superfood salad, and the S.A Rock lobster roll with sriracha mayo being crowd favourites.

Coffee is from Seven Seeds with rotating filter options, while hot chocolate is from Mork, and pressed juices are from the team at Ayomo Cold Pressed Juices.

The space that’s tucked into what looks like a red bricked fronted home, is all white walls, dark wooden details, large windows, greenery, and interesting and unique light fittings. A lovely space indeed.

Now when you find yourself in East Melbourne, you’ll know where to go. 

Square and Compass
222 Clarendon Street, East Melbourne
(03) 9416 4914
www.squareandcompass.com.au