South of Johnston

Overview

Oxford Street in Collingwood is not exactly buzzing with decent cafes. Look a little closer, however, and you'll find South of Johnston, err, just south of Johnston Street. Here you have a converted factory that's big enough for the masses of Melburnians who have taken fancy to the place.

South of Johnston is the first solo project from Stuart McKenzie, one of the owners of Mart 130 in Middle Park. With more room to move, McKenzie has created a space where you want to be. With couches out back, free Wi-Fi and many a uni student in sight, we're going to dub this one a great coffice. For those of you a little pun slow, coffee shop office is what we mean.

One of our menu favourites is the French toast, which they serve with organic brioche, caramelised banana, chopped walnuts and jocks gingerbread ice cream, or with grilled bacon and real maple syrup ($14.9). We'll let you in on a little secret:  you'll get the whole bottle, yes the whole bottle of maple syrup to yourself, regardless of what way you order it.

Not a fan of the aforementioned sugar overdose? You can't go wrong with the corn fritters with coriander, tomato relish, sour cream and grilled bacon ($15.9). Perfect portion size and they really pack some flavour. You will also find your regular Melbourne breakfast items like Bircher muesli with poached seasonal fruit, crunchy granola and vanilla bean infused yoghurt ($9.9) and sourdough with goat's cheese, crushed avocado, parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice ($8.9).

Sitting for hours on end is welcomed here, and if you find yourself there for lunch try the herbed and crumbed chicken rolled in flatbread with salad and lemon infused mayonnaise ($19.0), or if you're in the mood for something hearty try the home made potato gnocchi with porcini, field and Swiss brown mushrooms, blue cheese and roquette ($17.9).

South of Johnston packs some serious cafe punch in its wholesome brekkie offerings and is an accommodating fixture in the Collingwood traps.