Brunch Baby

You're not going to find your typical eggs ben for brunch here. Instead, expect to be surprised by unusual combinations like their Salted Egg Sweet Potato Fries ($12), which are great for sharing. Probably the most surprising is the Aburi Broccoli Salad ($12), a truly inspired dish of torched broccoli topped with shaved parmesan, cracked pappadum and coconut sugar. You wouldn't expect it to work, but it just does. For a hearty main, don't hesitate to order the Beef and Grains ($24), a Japanese-inspired dish that is all umami and super hearty. Finish off with the Banana Beignets, and if you'd like to go all out, have their Malted Pie Crust Shake ($9) as well ;)

Opened by an ex co-owner of Sarnies, The Hangar is a seriously chill spot with good, honest food. Their menu is focused on sandwiches and salads, with brunch offerings like Smashed Feta and Avocado on Toast ($8), and The Hangover ($20) — a massive plate of eggs, sausages, mushrooms, beans, and toast. Albeit humble-looking, the sarnies here pack a load of flavour, and everything is made from scratch. Look out for their unique sandwiches such as Lotus Croqueroots (lotus root croquettes, $10), and the Lemongrass Steak ($12). Of course, no brunch is complete without coffee. Note that they roast their beans in-house!

Gæst's weekend brunch is always solid, refreshing, and completely satisfying. Their brunch plates are truly unique and wholesome, made distinct with their remarkably good homemade sourdough and Danish rye bread. Go for Brunch Plate 1 ($20), which features a fluffy Danish omelette that's stuffed with potatoes, covered with bacon and is just oh-so-darn-good, alongside sourdough, rhubarb compote, brie, cream cheese, and homemade caramel. If decadence is what you're after, order their Pork Sandwich ($14) — chock full of pork, crispy crackling, a red cabbage slaw, red apple and mustard mayonnaise. For something dead-simple, there's always the delightful option of Bread with Mascarpone and Strawberries for just $7.

Slightly under the radar for brunch is Super Loco, Lucha Loco's sister outlet. It makes perfect sense to enjoy your weekends here. Just imagine a tequila or mezcal cocktail in hand, washing down a table of Mexican food while enjoying the picturesque Roberston Quay. Start with the Esquites ($8) — grilled corn on the cob coated with mayonnaise, cotija cheese and chilli — a typical Mexican street food. The Breakfast Burrito ($18) is stuffed with steak, scrambled eggs, Mexican beans and caramelised onions, and is perfect for ravenous people. They also have tortas (Mexican sandwiches) and more common dishes like avocado toast and pancakes. Go for the guava and blood orange margarita ($16) if you can't decide on a drink!

Sprucing up the dining scene in the Buona Vista area is Paddy Hills, a beautiful space that should be high up on your list of places to visit. The menu is diverse and refreshing, with a fusion of several cuisines. A feast for the eyes, the Berry Ricotta Hotcake ($19) is served with mascarpone, blueberry sugar and fresh berries, inspired by Melbourne's Top Paddock. A crisp exterior gives in to a fluffy interior tinged with maple syrup — a must-order dish that tastes a lot more cake-like than the usual hotcakes. The Japanese-inspired Squid Ink Tagliatalle ($23) features tobiko, ikura, mentaiko, puffed rice, and seared scallops. Also order the Cauliflower Fritters ($12) served with masala yogurt, and the Toasted Spicy Rice Cakes ($15) with gochujang mayo to snack on. Besides the usual coffee and tea, they have cocktails, ciders and wines as well.

If what you're after is the taste of a classic Jewish deli, Sacha & Sons is the place to be. Start your day right with their Latkes (potato and onion pancakes) with Gravlax and Creme Fraiche ($16), it is everything you'd want for brunch. Share a plate of their delightful Pastrami Knishes ($12) — three warm, buttery puff pastry rolls stuffed with pastrami and potatoes, served with a black pepper pastrami sauce. Craving for bagels? Choose from their Eggs with Toasted Bagels selection. For another classic, go for the Grilled Rueben Sandwich ($18), the combination of corned beef with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing is sublime. The prices here are slightly on the steep side, but you do get what you pay for!

Super yummy honey wings ($10), croissant ($15) and Lola's full work ($17) and ice latte ($5.50) which is not too sweet. Went on a tues afternoon, queued for around 10 mins. Staffs are friendly and service was good 👍🏻 worth returning!