Must-try brunch spots in St Kilda and Southside

There's nothing more important to Melburnians than brunch and that first coffee hit in the morning. From St Kilda to South Melbourne, Elwood to Port Melbourne, save this guide for your next weekend outing. 

St Kilda

Sorsi e Morsi, 31 Blessington Street, St Kilda

A charming spot right next to the St Kilda Peanut Farm Reserve, Sorsi e Morsi does a brisk trade in tasty, Italian-inspired brunches. Think parmesan scrambled eggs, port and fennel salsiccia, and pancetta on the side instead of bacon. It's served with a flourish by owners Dave and Brad, and a friendly team of Euro expats. 

The Galleon, 9 Carlisle Street, St Kilda

It doesn’t get more St Kilda than this beloved breakfast spot. There’s a true community feel at The Galleon, an enduring local favourite for over 30 years, known for its mismatched retro furniture, great coffee, and hearty breakfasts. 

Fitzrovia, 2 / 155 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda

Fitzrovia’s streetside tables and artisan coffee are a draw for locals. The menu proudly showcases seasonal Victorian produce, with breakfasts stealing the show. The front counter, adorned with an abundance of fresh cakes and baked goods, offers great take-away options.

Looking for more?

Feast on European-inspired favourites and locally roasted coffee at newcomer Al Naturale. Their house-made almond milk is a specialty. Step back in time at Cowderoy's Dairy, a retro gem in the back streets of St Kilda West. Add a stop at Frankies after a beachside walk - it's a stone's throw from St Kilda West Beach. Lady of St Kilda is known for their Mediterranean-inspired breakfasts. Try the traditional shakshuka or 'Good Morning Istabul' - a 'pita sunrise' covered with minced beef, and with tahini or tzaziki. 

Albert Park and Middle Park

Jack the Geezer, 99 Canterbury Road, Middle Park

Just across the road from Albert Park, local favourite Jack the Geezer is a popular spot for takeaway coffees, dine-in breakfasts, lunches and everything in between. There's a distinct UK theme running through the menu, where you can brunch like royalty on epic all-day brekkies like the Buckingham Benedict, the Spice Girls or the Piccadilly Grocer. Peckish for lunch? Tuck into the clucking good Dirty Bird burger. Wash it down with a cuppa, bloody mary, or an espresso martini fit for a king.   

Dundas & Faussett, 111 Dundas Place, Albert Park

Located in the heart of Albert Park, Dundas & Faucett serves up a diverse menu in a lively atmosphere. If you are craving comfort food, they've got you covered with classics like eggs benedict, ricotta pancakes, steak sandwiches, prawn linguini, burgers, and fresh salads. But the real star is the Asian dishes. For lunch, try the Fried Bao-goer (buttermilk fried chicken, steamed bao bun, Asian slaw, hoisin) or the crispy barramundi with gai lan, five-spice soy dressing, ginger, and chili. Or explore the wok menu, with favorites like pad see ew, nasi goreng, pad Thai, and Penang beef curry.

Ned's Local European, 40 Armstrong Street Middle Park and 123 Bridport Street, Albert Park. 

Both an artisan bakery and cafe, Ned’s Local European is a firm favourite with Middle Park and Albert Park locals. Its two locations boast some of the prettiest outdoor frontage in the area - alfresco tables nestled among the greenery of tree-lined Armstrong Street and flower-lined planters on Bridport Street. With all-day breakfast and lunch menus, you're spoiled for choice. Enjoy house-made fruit loaf toast with butter, chili scramble on freshly baked sourdough, or zucchini with goat's curd, egg, and garden herbs. For lunch, savor handmade potato gnocchi with truffled mushroom sauce or rigatoni beef ragu. Don't forget to grab a loaf of their fresh bread to take home. 

Elwood

Jerry's Milk Bar. 345 Barkly Street, Elwood

Jerry's Milk Bar is an Elwood institution known for its eye-catching vintage facade and community-first hospitality.  The menu treads perfect line between comfort food and prime brunch fare. Think breakfast tacos, and housemade waffles with vanilla mascarpone, fresh berries, and chocolate salted caramel sauce. For lunch, indulge in Jerry's signature burger made with grass-fed beef and their special sauce, or opt for the mouthwatering minute steak sandwich with Swiss cheese and aioli. Save room for their famous thickshakes, available in six delicious flavors. 

Arlo, 133 Ormond Road, Elwood

Arlo has been smashing out coffee, breakfast and lunches to enthusiastic crowds since opening their doors in early 2024. Step into the inviting wooden interior, bathed in natural light from the plant-covered feature wall. The Canadian maple toasted granola or the bacon benny are flavour-packed brunch options  But you can't go past the smashed avo. Made with a generous serving of avocado, feta, red chilli and pomegranate seeds on sourdough, it's breakfast perfection. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, with adaptability for some dishes.

Plain Sailing, 133 Ormond Road, Elwood

Sitting on one of the most picturesque stretches of Ormond Road, Plain Sailing offers fresh, thoughtfully crafted dishes paired with excellent coffee and friendly service. Start your day right with Niccolo coffee or a Mork hot chocolate, then progress to apple, cinnamon and date bircher or crowd-pleasers such as chilli scrambled eggs on brioche toast. The outdoor area, nestled under trees with views of Ormond Road, has both ambiance and a a sea breeze, with the beach just around the corner. 

South Melbourne

ST. ALi, South Melbourne

Renowned for roasting and brewing their coffee on-site, St Ali has unmatched name recognition in the specialty coffee scene. Plus in classic Melbourne style, it's in a hidden laneway adorned with street art. There's a lot more here to try than your standard latte - including cold brew, pour-over and a single origin, three espresso flight. The cosy yet spacious interior features colourful tiles, wooden detailing and a marble bar overlooking all the barista action.  Try American pancakes with bacon and maple syrup or Mexican-themed eggs with corn fritters and salsa for breakfast. The KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) burger with Korean chilli sauce and red cabbage slaw is a lunchtime standout. House coffee blends and small batch groceries are also for sale in their well-stocked retail shelves. 

Kettle Black, 50 Albert Road, South Melbourne

The Kettle Black does everything well. Housed in an 1880s terrace, just walking in feels special, with stunning interiors that blend heritage with modern design. The coffee is top-notch, using premium beans sourced from the best producers worldwide. The menu takes brunch to the next level with fresh spins on classic dishes, all in expertly-plated Instagrammable style. Think blueberry and ricotta hotcakes, spanner crab chilli scrambled eggs, male bacon benedict or lemon meringue waffles. Don't miss their signature cocktails - they're available all day. 

Juniper, 269 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

A newcomer in South Melbourne from the team behind North Carlton's Florian, Juniper has quickly won over Southside brunch enthusiasts. Located near South Melbourne Market, its cosy dining area seats just 24 diners, with a menu that makes the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients. A large cabinet features a range of sandwiches, baguettes, and rotating salads. In colder months, there's soup with house-based focaccia. Mushroom congee and the egg and crispy bacon rolls are perennial favourites. 

Lookinng for more?

And keep an eye out for the reopening of the cult cafe Chez Dre. Currently closed for renovations, no Southside brunch list is complete without it.

St Kilda East and Balaclava 

Wall280, 280 Carlisle Street, Balaclava

Recently celebrating its 25th birthday on Carlisle Street, Wall280 is quintessentially Melbourne. There's the eye-catching street art on its outside wall, lined with minimalist outdoor tables. There's the superb coffee, which Melburnians travel far and wide for (seven million lattes served, and counting) and a menu perfectly crafted breakfast favourites. And if the wood-lined interior looks familiar, that's because it's the work of Six Degrees Architects. Made from recycled materials and featuring one of Melbourne's first communal tables ringed by stools, it was ground-breaking in its time, and still stands up as a perennial example of Melbourne-inspired sustainable design. 

Las Chicas

This long-standing neighbourhood favourite is known for its hit-the-spot St Ali coffee and hangover-friendly dishes like Bikini Blowout Benedict and berry-topped buttermilk pancakes. But there's plenty more to explore on the Las Chicas menu, which also heros local and sustainable ingredients from small batch producers. Don't miss  unique options like Moroccan eggs with garlic and thyme-roasted Portobello mushrooms and harissa chickpeas, or the coconut sago pudding. Inside, the warm wooden decor is perfect for chilly days, while the outdoor courtyard and street-side tables are great for sunny weather.

Looking for more?

Newly opened Savion Bagels and Cakes offers a great dine-in menu, including coconut and chia pudding, truffled omelette with seasonal mushrooms and shakshuka eggs. Recently opened on Chapel Street in the former Garage site on Chapel Street, Hello Sparrow is quickly becoming a local favorite for coffee, breakfast and fresh takeaway options. Glass Merchants serves up all-day breakfast and lunch in an eclectic industrial space, that was once a glass factory. With eye-catching murals on the outside walls, it's hard to miss. 

Port Melbourne

Hurricane Handsome

Port Melbourne locals love to start the day at this light-filled spot on Bay Street. Hurricane Handsome's colourful insta-worthy dishes are as tasty as they are photogenic. The menu traverses the Northern hemisphere, with morning favourites such as the Spanish Scrambler (eggs with manchego cheese, chorizo, fresh chilli, Spanish onion), grilled saganaki and pork belly French toast. Fresh juices and smoothies are also a feature.

Grey & Bliss

Grey & Bliss is a go-to spot for communal catch ups and great coffee. From  the morning avocado smash and blueberry and ricotta hotcakes to lunchtime favorites like Portuguese chicken and wasabi-crusted calamari, the menu hits the spot any time of day. You'll also find rotating specials, fresh smoothies, and a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.