Overview
When the sun is out, no one wants to be inside. Perhaps it's the tentative terms on which Melbourne has us hanging, but there are certainly no guarantees that those warm, glowing rays of sunshine are going to stick around any longer than it takes to finish a latte. So, with spring upon us and the promise of clear mornings and golden afternoons, we tracked down the ten best cafe courtyards so that you can enjoy every brunch, lunch, coffee or beer in the sun.
1. The Stables of Como
Nestled within the exquisite grounds of Prahran's Como House, The Stables of Como is perhaps Melbourne's most idyllic brunch spot. Opened by Melbourne cafe magnate Jason Jones (Porgie + Mr Jones, Friends of Mine) in July, the space is light, white and pastoral, whilst offering up some incredible brunch and lunch options that have been perfected at his other venues. Enjoy bircher muesli, eggs or the famous smashed avocado with thyme buttered mushrooms, marinated feta and torn basil on whole wheat toast ($17.90) under the umbrellas, or take a fresh baguette or Noisette pastry ($4) with you as you wander the grounds. The Stables also offer take away picnic baskets ($45 pp) complete with cutlery, a blanket and cheeseboard, for you to take out on the Como lawns.
Cnr Williams Road & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra, (03) 9827 6886, thestablesofcomo.com.au
2. Farm Cafe
Come summertime, Abbostford Convent is buzzing with film, art and music, and it's an easy wander past the main entrance to the Collingwood Children's Farm and the adjoining Farm Cafe. The place is a rustic dream — take a seat under the large undercover seating area, or at one of the tables dotted around the garden if you don't mind getting up close and personal with the chickens. Live out your farmyard fairytale with the Ploughman's Lunch (ham off the bone, pickles, cheddar, apple, pork scratchings, bread and butter; $17.50) or try an organic beef sausage roll (served with herbed slaw and house relish; $12.50). The impressive menu, secluded location and cute animals make it perfect for a spring day.
Collingwood Childrens' Farm, 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, (03) 9415 6581, farmcafe.com.au
3. Pope Joan
Pope Joan may have been known as the woman who passed as a man, but now she's known as the queen of Nicholson Street. Sharing a sun-drenched courtyard with The Bishop of Ostia next door, it's a Brunswick go-to for outdoor eating, drinking and whiling the afternoon away. As well as breakfast and lunch seven days a week, the venue is now open for dinner weeknights, serving up snacks such as crispy prawn dumplings ($4 each), salads and mains, including the steam-baked Chatham Island cod with fennel and braised white onion ($26). It's perfect for casual mid-week dining any time of the day or night — particularly when it's nice enough to sit outside.
75-79 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, (03) 9388 8858, popejoan.com.au
4. Trunk Bar and Restaurant
Located on Exhibition Street, Trunk boasts perhaps the CBD's largest and leafiest courtyard. With both a formal dining room and outdoor diner, Trunk's courtyard is a haven for hungry workers looking for a chorizo quesadilla ($10) or Cuban baguette ($10.50) for lunch, or an after-work drink come 5pm. And, on a hot night, with a boutique beer, pizza or a few plates of antipasti, there'a a distinct garden party feel that will have you forgetting exactly where you are.
275 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, (03) 9663 7994, trunktown.com.au
5. Sebastian's Food & Wine
Bayside residents love an excuse to get outdoors, and Sebastian's Food and Wine is no exception. Adjacent from Hampton station, Sebastian's is most recognisable in the summer months from the hubbub emanating from the large, open courtyard. Join the crowds for brunch of corn fritters ($17) or a forest mushroom omelette ($18), or arrive a little later for lunch — available over the counter or from the kitchen. Capitalising on excess space that is only found in the suburbs, the cafe's big umbrellas and leafy trees may well see your Supreme coffee turn into a glass of wine once brunch is over.
303 Hampton Street, Hampton, (03) 9533 4755, sebastianfoodandwine.com.au
6. Kanteen
A pit-stop for bike-riders, early-risers and those ambling along the Yarra at any time of day, Kanteen is the oasis in the middle of Abbotsford and the CBD. Due its isolated location, the cafe cuts a solitary figure along that winding body of water that cuts the city in half. Great for a spot of breakfast on your way into the city, the cafe serves up the favourites, and a very tasty bowl of black sticky rice with banana and coconut milk ($9.50). The inside-outside design means that you can sit undercover or exposed to the elements. It's about as riverside as it gets.
150 Alexandra Avenue, South Yarra, (03) 9827 0488, kanteen.net
7. Porgie + Mr Jones
If you're looking for brunch, lunch or just somewhere to retreat into reverie, this is the place to do it. Porgie + Mr Jones is bustling regardless of the day of the week, but it's a table in the 'secret garden' that you'll want to get your hands on. The expansive outdoor garden terrace is a haven within a busy pocket of Hawthorn, and the perfect place to enjoy the herb and cheesy toast with eggplant kasundi ($11.90) with a coffee, the weekend paper and some sun.
291 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, (03) 9882 2955, porgiemrjones.com.au
8. Howler
While not as intimate as a cosy cafe, Brunswick's multi-faceted eating, drinking and cultural space, Howler, does well to reflect the area's grungy past and industrial surroundings. As well as two bar spaces, Howler boasts a huge outdoor area that is open from 11am - 1pm each day, serving drinks along with Asian-style hawker food. Get down to sink your teeth into juicy bao pillows and steamed dumplings ($8) in the afternoon, and stay for the DJ sets when the sun goes down.
14 Dawson Street, Brunswick, (03) 9077 5572, h-w-l-r.com
9. Industry Beans
Sitting in Westgarth Street, Industry Beans spills onto the sidewalk. An open warehouse that houses a roastery and cupping lab as well as the cafe, the well-utilised space is welcoming both inside and out. While the clean, high-ceilinged interior is pleasant in its own right, it's the open courtyard that keeps people coming back. Explore their rich house blend and some of their more unique menu items, such as the creamed lemon tofu breakfast brulee ($14) or the deep fried panko crumbed eggs ($15).
70 – 76 Westgarth Street, Fitzroy, (03) 9417 1034, industrybeans.com
10. Chez Dre
It would be quite easy to walk down Coventry Street without even noticing Chez Dre. Tucked behind the busy South Melbourne strip, discovering this patisserie and boulangerie is a very pleasant — if not overwhelming — surprise. With the sugar-power to rival Willie Wonka, Chez Dre's cabinets are lined with dozens of decadent cakes, pastries and macarons. While hectic on the weekends, attempt to escape to the tranquility of the courtyard to nibble on your findings. Just be sure to balance it out with something savoury from the menu — either before or after you dive in.
Rear 285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, (03) 9690 2655, chezdre.com.au
Images courtesy of The Stables of Como, Farm Cafe, Pope Joan, Trunk, Sebastian's Food and Wine, Rexness, Porgie + Mr Jones, Sean Fennessy and Chez Dre.