The sun has finally started to show its face here in Melbourne. And goodness, do we welcome the sun with open arms. But sometimes, when the sun is out, all you want to do is find a café, sip a cold drip coffee, eat a plate of smashed avocado, and bathe in the sunshine. Here are a few of our favourite cafes to visit when the sun is out and the city is happy.
Little Henri
When you head north into Thornbury, you’ll find Little Henri, a large café space that loves sunshine as much as we do. While there are plenty of tables inside for those who prefer a shady breakfast, outside, you’ll find a large courtyard filled with greenery, white tables, and a covered area for when the Melbourne weather gets a little too warm. You can eat a McHenri – bacon, egg, emmental, and kasuni, or for something a little larger, the zucchini fritters served with smoked salmon, avocado, and horseradish cream is a solid option.
850 High Street, Thornbury VIC 3071
(03) 9484 8857
littlehenri.com.au
Friends of Mine
Just the façade of Friends of Mine is happy. With bright yellow and exposed painted brick, it is asking for the sunshine to join it. Whether you get a spot inside the backroom with white tables cloths, the café section with wooden details, or the front courtyard bathing in sun, you’ll be doing well for yourself. The smashed avocado with feta, and thyme buttered mushrooms is a cult favourite and the berocca and the Bloody Mary make for perfect sunshine hangover recovery.
506 Swan St, Richmond VIC 3121
(03) 9428 7516
www.friendsofmine.com.au
Industry Beans
A place for amazing coffee and interesting food, in the back streets of Fitzroy. Found off Brunswick Street, Industry Beans takes industrial to a new level. Inside you’ll find a clean, concreted, open space, while outside, you’ll find a warm, plant filled, exposed brick space that welcome the sunshine and the warm breeze. Cold drip coffee, a range of interesting teas, and dishes like the Blue Swimmer Crab with crispy prawn, green apple, lychee, and herb omelette are just the beginning.
Warehouse 3 62 Rose Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065
(03) 9417 1034
industrybeans.com
Thomson Street Foodstore
Found off the beaten track in Northcote, Thomson Street Foodstore is a true local café. They make everything from scratch from the relish to the spice rubs. The kitchen is small and visible from the café tables, but churns out some serious dishes. Go for the spicy Harissa beans, slow cooked with capsicum, tomatoes, cumin, garlic, chilli, and fetta on toast, or the breakfast pot of eggs, roasted broccoli, smoked cheddar, and spring onions with toast. While their courtyard was a late addition, the intimate tree filled space is the perfect escape.
81 Thomson Street, Northcote
www.thomsonstreetfoodstore.com.au
Top Paddock
Top Paddock is full rain, hail, or shine. But shine is always better, right? The space is filled with windows, so inside gets the benefit of the sunshine, just as much as the outdoor tables do. The menu has a cult following of its own, especially the ricotta hotcakes served with berries, organic maple, seed, and double cream. The chilli scrambled eggs with local seasonal mushrooms and feta is worth the trip as well.
658 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121
(03) 9429 4332
toppaddockcafe.com
Auction Rooms
Auction Rooms has been killing it for years now, winning awards left right and centre. And lucky for our little round up here, they also have a killer courtyard. Breakfst looks like brulee French toast with passionfruit labne, poached mandarin, macadamia crumle, and white chocolate ganachem or pressed pork shoulder with white bean puree, morcilla, picked carrots, sweet potato crisps, and a slow poached egg. Take your meal outside to the gorgeous courtyard filled with exposed brick and trees.
103-107 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
(03) 9326 7749
www.auctionroomscafe.com.au
Stables of Como
Stables of Como is all about the sunshine. Found in the gardens of the Como House and Gardens, you can either eat in the white, light filled café, the outdoor tables surrounding the café, or take a picnic into the gardens in full expose of the stunning Melbourne sun. Organic granola with vanilla poached pear, honey yoghurt, and toasted almonds is a great summer choice, as in the Giorgio’s Buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and basil salad with vincotto dressing, and torn sourdough croutons.
Cnr Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141
(03) 9827 6886
www.thestablesofcomo.com.au
