Ophelia

Overview

The minds behind Terror Twilight, Convoy, Tinker and Hi-Fi — Ben Argentino, Bec Moore and Kieran Spiteri — know how to cafe. They've figured out the magic algorithm to make a successful breakfast and lunch spot, and are now taking it one step further with Ophelia.

Here, right on the Westgarth end of Northcote's High Street, the team runs Ophelia as a somewhat classic cafe in the morning before switching things up as the day goes on — becoming more of a long lunch destination and, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, a cosy neighbourhood wine bar.

Dave Green

On the seasonally evolving, all-day menu, you'll find Euro-leaning dishes like the savoury buckwheat galette layered with roast pumpkin, buffalo milk ricotta, rocket pepita pesto, aleppo pepper and nigella seeds; a caramelised onion jam, ash brie, tarragon, and radish omelette; and a sticky date porridge with poached pears, butterscotch dates and macadamia granola. You can also take your pick of grab-and-go options like breakfast sandwiches and freshly baked goods — including a selection from Coburg's Back Alley Bakes — from the bountiful cabinet. After 10am, the menu expands with hefty sandwiches and freshly made salads.

The team describes the menu as not quite a classic breakfast nor your usual lunch, but instead filling the space between these mealtimes. Whatever you're in the mood for, you can pair your meal with coffee, house sodas, cocktails, mocktails or wine.

Dave Green

Much like its siblings, Ophelia also has a strong focus on vinyl. Music is chosen from the floor-to-ceiling record wall, and is played from open to close. The venue will lean even further into those wine bar vibes from Tuesday, June 17, when it opens after dark on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Swing by on a Tuesday night for weekly rotating $20 pasta specials, or snacks and sips soundtracked by vinyl-spinning DJs on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Top images: Dave Green.