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Newly opened cafe on High Street. Try the cold brew topped with vanilla foam, olive oil and chocolate, or folded eggs with chilli.

Go on a weekday morning

Greek-leaning takeaway cafe: flaky spanakopita, rice pudding, and coffees finished with thyme honey, mastic foam or olive oil foam.

Takeaway only, arrive early

Tall heritage warehouse serving all-day food. Order the peanut butter waffles or hotcakes, and swap coffee for a breakfast cocktail.

Go on a weekday

Long-running specialty coffee name. Known for ricotta hotcakes and sesame prawn toast with sambal eggs; busy, and chilly in winter.

Weekdays are quieter

Italian espresso bar open since 1954. Sit at the counter for a pasta lunch and a strong coffee.

Go off-peak, expect queues

Old-school Cantonese upstairs in Chinatown, open very late. Order roast duck, congee and XO pippies after a night out.

Come late, after 9pm

Newer Korean spot built around gomtang, a rich beef soup made from three cuts of wagyu.

Go at lunch

Cantonese fine dining since 1975, ranked in Asia-Pacific's top 100 in 2025. Peking duck and baked crab are the signatures.

Book well ahead

Bluestone laneway opposite Federation Square, covered in street art that is repainted often. Free to walk through.

Early morning, fewer crowds

Row of 82 colourful beach huts, some dating to the 1860s. Take the Sandringham train to Brighton Beach station.

Sunrise or golden hour

Yellow facade, green dome and clock arches. Shoot the exterior from across the road, or the crowds inside.

Shoot from Federation Square

Octagonal La Trobe Reading Room with white arches and geometric desks. Best views come from the upper balconies.

Free entry, visit on weekdays

Bakery from Charlie Duffy selling croissants, seasonal danishes, Roman-style pizza and stirato sandwiches; pastries often sell out mid-morning.

Go before 9.30am

Tiny 16-seat café serving a Shanghai-style dirty coffee: cold milk and espresso in a frozen glass on a wooden tray.

Order the Dirty -85°C