Growing up in the country, top paddock was where the old, never-to-be-ridden again horses were kept. Top Paddock in Richmond is no such place. This little patch of greenery is where some of Melbourne's most loved cafe owners have struck gold time and again. Located next to a beautiful strip of green grass and filled with floor-to-ceiling windows, it does have its own touch of the great outdoors.
The interior of Top Paddock is beautiful and light and has a real sophistication about it that not many cafes do. It's a huge space offering small tables, communal tables, outdoor seating, and even bar seating where you can watch the baristas at work.
Speaking of coffee, they are pumping out its custom blends made from specialty coffee beans sourced from the world's best producers. Its focus here is really matching the coffee with the food.
Meanwhile, the kitchen team is offering quite a unique breakfast menu. You will, of course, find your staples of toast, granolas and eggs any way you like. But you might be surprised by dishes like the spiced pork sausage with chilli scrambled eggs, roasted pumpkin seed chilli puree, coriander salsa and oxacan or the crispy skin barramundi with sauce choron, furikake kipfler potatoes and seasonal greens.
For something sweet, Top Paddock's buttermilk waffles with vanilla roasted peaches, white chocolate ganache, chocolate custard and salted chocolate Oreo are a real treat. The servings here are generous. A side of avocado might usually come with a few tablespoons on the plate, but here you get the whole half an avocado in its skin with a spoon. Two words: brunch heaven.
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