Most photogenic Melbourne cafes
Let’s face it, we’ve reached an era where it is commonplace to first snap a picture of our food before eating it. With the sheer amount of work going into getting a decent picture, choosing the right filter and even thinking of what caption to write, it really helps if the food is photogenic to begin with.
I’m sure all of us can admit to visiting a café not because of the food but because of the gorgeous images that appear on our feeds. To save you the time of researching and stalking various Instagram accounts, here is a list of 10 Instagram worthy cafes in Melbourne where everything from the food to the drinks and even the cutlery will look great in a frame.
1. Top Paddock
Top Paddock is practically an icon on Instagram, with their signature ricotta hotcakes never failing to appear on my feed. The owners, Nathan, Ben, Diamond and Sam are no strangers to the café scene, having previously opened the highly successful Three Bags Full and Two Birds One Stone, with Top Paddock being the best of the lot.
The interior is spacious with plenty of natural lighting and modern décor made out of numerous recycled materials. The menu is extensive and creative with locally sourced ingredients. This is definitely one café where both looks and taste are equally ranked.
Address: 658 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121
Website: here
2. The Kettle Black
At first glance, this seems more like a breakfast restaurant than a café, with immaculately plated food that could rival any high end restaurant. However, this little shop tucked away inside of two building has a very relaxed vibe. A modern interior with wood accents, white walls, a touch of greenery and the intoxicating aroma of freshly ground coffee fills the air the minute you step in.
Hot favourites include the soaked muesli and the home-made coconut yogurt with nuts, fruits and citrus powder. There’s just something about microgreens and edible flowers that can make any shot look amazing even without the use of a filter.
Address: 50 Albert Rd, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Website: here
3. Ascot Food Store
Donuts! Plump pillowy soft donuts, dusted with icing sugar and finished off with a syringe of homemade custard wedged in the centre. I’ve probably never seen a more Instagrammable donut. Take note though, these sugary confections sell out fast; they were gone before noon when I went to visit.
Apart from their desserts, their main menu also offers photogenic meal options. A gorgeous little house-turned eatery, the café itself is sleek and minimalist, with black lacquered floors and wooden communal tables. A must try would be the 62 degree eggs with shaved grana, pickled truffle and brioche soldiers. The eggs are served in an egg cup, and the soldiers arranged in a way that reminds me of Jenga – definitely a dish that is both pretty and fun to eat!
Address: 320 Ascot Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
Website: here
4. Operator25
Having recently just celebrated their 2nd birthday, this hole in the wall café is a hot favourite amongst city dwellers. Located in a heritage-listed telephone exchange building with phone cords decorating the ceiling, it has a cosy vibe with communal earth-toned tables and mismatched brick walls.
Focusing mainly on brunch, the menu changes depending on what’s in season, so you can try something new whenever you return. What’s unique is that the food features global influences such as congee with pickled ginger and soy poached egg, which is currently on their autumn menu. Aside from the food, the latte art here is also nothing short of amazing.
Address: 25 Wills St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: here
5. Addict Food & Coffee
It seems that Fitzroy is the place to go to for brunch, and when you throw together two amazing ex-St Ali chefs behind this relatively new café, it’s no wonder you’ll get a café that has the crowds coming back for more. The café may look simple but don’t let that fool you. The food here is beautifully plated, down to the very last crumb.
A popular choice would be the potato hash & mushroom duxelles with roasted field mushroom, poached egg & caramelised onion – a flavour packed combination served in a photogenic stack. Vibrant, tasty and healthy, head on down to Addict Food & Coffee to get a taste of it yourself.
Address: 240 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Website: here
6. N2 Gelato
I’m not going to lie, the first time I went to the store, I ordered their Ferrero Reveal just because it came with a syringe and because well, chocolate! And I’m guilty of letting the syringe rule my decisions again the second time round when I tried their Orange Mocha Frappe.
This unique ice-cream is frozen using nitrogen fumes and is a constantly featured on Instagram feeds. Sometimes the ice cream even has a cloud of cream or meringue on top. How Instaworthy is that! The menu changes weekly with seasonal specials. Recently, in honour of Star Wars, they had a ‘Date’ Vader flavour – milk gelato with date puree, bacon crunch, buttery shortbread crust, topped with a blackened whipped cream, more bacon and a caramel syringe. Just the description alone makes it worthy of being on any feed!
Visit their website here for a list of locations.
7. Pana Chocolate
Though you can satisfy your chocolate craving by picking up their chocolates at any of their stockists, you need to head down to their main café to try their desserts. These indulgent yet guilt-free desserts will surely add a pop of colour to your Instagram feed. Specialising in raw, vegan desserts, Pana Chocolate whips up gorgeous layer cakes in a variety of colours. It’s a classic pose to hold up the cake against a white background to show off the various layers. They also serve gourmet chocolate truffles, ice-cream and many more treats that are also nourishing and healthy.
Address: 491 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121
Website: here
8. Pillar Of Salt
Pillar Of Salt is no new kid on the block, but its delicious food and aromatic coffee make it a popular cafe choice 3 years down the road. The café has a very earthy feel with brick walls, an outdoor courtyard area, greenery and open space. Almost anything on their seasonal menu is photogenic enough to be on Instagram. Hot favourites include the fluffy American buttermilk pancakes, 15th century Turkish eggs, porridge and just about any dessert!
Address: 541 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121
Website: here
9. Auction Rooms
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this industrial space has constantly been ranked as one of Melbourne’s best cafes. Stepping into the blue bricked building, the first thing that strikes you is the space. The massive warehouse has split levels and wide windows that allows lots of natural sunlight to stream in, making the cafe appear even more spacious. A lovely ambience is created with dim hanging lights that accentuate the dark timber walls and concrete floor.
It’s easy to see why this remains a favourite amongst locals with an ever-changing menu and food presented like artwork on a plate that just as easily satisfies not just the eyes but also the palette. With brunch specials including a breakfast board and brûléed French toast, this place is perfect for just about anyone.
Address: 103-107 Errol St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Website: here
10. Tall Timber
A mix of modern yet rustic, there is something about Tall Timber that makes one feel at home. With white brick walls, outdoor courtyard seats, and plenty of potted herbs, it is the perfect setting for capturing a perfect shot.
The menu is healthy and adds a twist to breakfast classics, such as beetroot hummus with smashed avocado on toast. If you cannot decide what to get, try the mixed breaky board consisting of dukkah poached eggs with hummus and smashed avo on a pumpkin loaf, muesli with berry yogurt and fruits, plus a side of OJ.
Address: 60 Commercial Road, Prahran VIC 3181
Website: here
A feast for the eyes and the palate
Melbourne cafe food has never looked prettier. Where are your favourite cafes? Let us know in the comments section below!