Melbourne is the Brunch Capital of the World

Melbourne is known as the breakfast capital of the world. You will see a cafe every 100 meters. The Philippines and Melbourne has a four hour time difference. Even if that isn't so long, for some reason, it really affected me. I am normally an early riser but due to jet lag, I would wake up past 10 am already. I wouldn't make it to breakfast so I made it a point to go to cafe for brunch instead.

The first thing I noticed about the brunch scene in Melbourne is that it is very Vegan/ Vegetarian friendly. When the waiter takes your order, he will ask you right away if you have any dietary preferences. For example if the dish you like has meat, you can ask them to remove it for you or if you have a food allergy, they will adjust and make the dish how you like it. As a customer, it feels great because you know that they really are catering to you. 

1. Top Paddock
Address: 658 Church Street, Richmond

On my first day in Melbourne, my friend took me to her favorite cafe, Top Paddock. It was already past 3 in the afternoon and it was still jam packed with people. It was a big place--- it could've easily accommodated 50 people or more. Each corner was set up in a different way with the bar in the middle.

Melbourne has the BEST coffee I have ever tasted in my life!

Being the basic b*tch, that I am, my first meal in Melbourne was none other than an avocado toast

2. Pillar of Salt 
Address: 541 Church Street Richmond

On the same street as Top Paddock, you can find Pillar of Salt. You can choose whether to dine inside or al fresco. We opted for the latter since it was a nice breezy day out. It's always too hot in Manila to sit outside but when in Melbourne, it's a must!

This fat doggie lives inside the cafe. He's quite the celebrity. All the guests would play with him.

Mandee's Order: Smashed Avocado

I ordered Red Chilli Scrambled Eggs on toast

3. Light Years
Address: 132 Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East Victoria 3123

This cafe wasn't originally on my list of places to eat in but my friend's brother brought us here. This would have to be my favorite cafe in terms of interiors. I love that it's high ceiling, full of windows and the play of the colors. Their menu is constantly changing which I love because there's always a reason to come back.

Assorted fruit platter

My ootd matched the colors of the place just right

Soft shell crab burger

The restaurant is separated from the cafe

4. SMÄK Food House
Address: 6 Daly Street, South Yarra Victoria 3141

It was a rainy day out so we decided to look for a place near by. We found this cute cafe with pink walls and I was instantly drawn inside. I ordered a Mexican Tostada Bowl and an almond latté. It was actually my first time to try an almond latté in Melbourne and I got hooked right away. I made sure to get one everyday before coming back to Manila. It's such a shame that it's not popular back home. Did you know that almond milk is a lot healthier than drinking fresh milk?

5. Au79 Cafe
Address: 27-29 Nicholson Street, Abbotsford

This ranks as the my #1 brunch place in Melbourne. It was hard to find because it's not in a tourist area. Thankfully, there's google maps to the rescue. If I were to put up a cafe, this would probably be my inspiration. There's nothing I don't love about this place!

Croque Madame with an extra order of Chorizo

Look how beautiful the murals are

6. Rogue District
Address: 179 Albion Street Brunswick

This cafe was quite the journey. It was a 45 minute commute but it was worth it. I ordered Tim Tam Pancakes. I finished the huge dish in just a couple of bites. It was that delicious! This definitely broke my diet but who cares, I was on vacation.

This is Lucy, my friend Mandee's dog. We took her with us to brunch. 

Others Suggestions: 

The cafes below are the ones that I didn't get to try but caught my eye. Honestly, when you walk around anywhere in Melbourne, you will pass by more than a hundred cafes. I'm not even exaggerating. You will get so overwhelmed so it's good to plan ahead which ones you really want to go to.