St Edmonds

Overview

Despite St Edmonds' garish exterior brickwork, entering the inner sanctum just off Greville Street, Prahran, is the complete opposite. Quiet, refined and welcoming, St Edmonds handles their space with an unassuming surety, especially in an age where new cafes pop up wherever there is room for a coffee machine. For a diner, there is nothing better than feeling at ease in your experience and knowing you'll be at liberty to let your mind wander or get caught up in conversation. Sit across the bar to inhale the selection of pastries ($5-6) on offer, or at one of the spacious tables. Either way, you'll be granted a slice of undisturbed privacy amongst fellow diners.

Service is consistent and friendly, if unremarkable. The upside? Regardless of how long you spend seated you will remain undisturbed, such is the genuine, relaxed presence of St Edmonds. If you just want to dine in the presence of good company, this is certainly the place to do it.

With an offering that expands to all-day eating, St Edmonds' menu is comprised of a cleverly created selection of enticing flavour combinations. The souffled omelette with smoked tomato, jamon serrano, basil and goats curd ($18) satisfies any salty cravings on hand, and in the opposite direction, the ricotta and honey pancakes with toasted pistachios, strawberry and pomegranate ($17, add bacon $20) is a decadently sweet choice. For something lighter, the seasonal fruits with honey and orange blossom ($11) finishes off a well-rounded brunch. Serves are generous and well proportioned, with a very clear emphasis on sourcing the freshest produce.

Come later in the week and things become livelier; Thursday night is St Edmonds' famous burger night, and Happy Hour from 4-7pm every Thursday and Friday also provides a nice selection of vodka, wine, champagne and schooners ($5).

St Edmonds is a reliable, unassuming edition to an area littered with dining options. A solid offering makes it the ideal place to while away a few wasted hours, although the enticing menu does permit just the right amount of fancy for a particular special occasion. Sleek and affable, let the food do the talking.