Brunch Date: The Best Cafes in Footscray & Surrounds

The West may have rolled up late to Melbourne’s cafe scene, but honey — it brought the goods. Now fully caffeinated and firing on all cylinders, this side of town is slinging flaky pastries, bold brunch plates, and coffee so good you’ll forget the postcode envy.

From Footscray to Kingsville, Yarraville to Maidstone, here’s where the west’s culinary cool kids are rewriting the brunch brief — one silky flat white and pandan pastry at a time.

The Best Cafes in Footscray

Elka Sushi

Footscray’s quietly brilliant sushi bar, Elká Sushi, is a seafood-lover’s dream born from the pedigree of D&K Seafood. It’s all minimalist elegance here: pristine chirashi bowls scattered with buttery salmon, roe, scallops, and oysters; aburi nigiri kissed by flame; and silky maki rolls with a whisper of wasabi. Their house-brewed soy lets the fish take centre stage, and the fish-scale wall? A wink to what’s on offer. Small, serious, and absolutely worth the detour.

2/7-9 Leeds Street, Footscray

The 2 Men Cafe

The 2 Men Cafe is Footscray’s brunch ace in the hole — a quietly stylish nook where the coffee’s smooth, the food’s polished, and the vibes? Permanently set to “morning staple.” Viet flair hums through every detail, from pandan sweets to salted cream iced lattes and tiramisu brews that somehow taste like a good mood. Grab a salmon bagel or Croque Monsieur, sink into that sun-drenched outdoor seat, and you’ll get why this one’s a local love story.

Shop 3/7/9 Leeds Street, Footscray

Nhu Lan

Nhu Lan is the undisputed queen of Footscray’s banh mi game — a bakery so beloved, it practically has its own postcode. Lines? Constant. Prices? Gloriously stuck in another decade. But it’s the crackle-on-crackling roast pork rolls, the pillowy baguettes baked on-site, the silky pâté, and that essential hit of coriander and chilli that make it cult-tier. Locals know, loyalists swear by it — this isn’t just lunch, it’s a rite of passage.

116 Hopkins Street, Footscray

Papelon

Papelón is Footscray Market’s flavour bomb — a riot of colour, culture, and unapologetically bold eats straight from the heart of Venezuela. Arepas come stuffed to the brim, patacones are double-fried plantain sandwiches with everything, and the pabellón bowl (shredded beef, black beans, rice, and sweet plantains) is comfort food royalty. The tequeños? Straight-up addictive. Pair it all with a sugarcane lemonade or cocada and consider your cravings conquered. Loud, proud, and utterly delicious.

Unit 190/81 Hopkins Street, Footscray 

Rudimentary

At  Rudimentary, three shipping containers have been cleverly grafted together to create a modern, sun-dappled Footscray cafe. Classic dishes get a fancy touch in housemade kimchi cheese toasties, mushroom congee, and confit duck rillettes on toast, while the menu also offers plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diners. Out the back, a bountiful kitchen garden provides many vegetables, fruits and herbs that go onto your plate.

16-20 Leeds Street, Footscray

Dumbo

Dumbo is a bustling cafe in Footscray with a unique, internationally-inspired brunch menu and a name that gives nod to the tiny, ever-so-fashionable neighbourhood in New York City. Sitting pretty in what was once an old vacant milk bar in West Footscray (WeFo to the locals), with an airy-yet-cosy indoor space and a sunbathed outdoor section that’s perfect for friendly catch-ups.

On the menu: XO Folded eggs with prawns and fermented chilli sambal on sourdough and pan-fried potato gnocchi with confit duck leg and porcini mushroom ragu, a tasty breakfast ramen, and a deliciously crunchy fish burger. We’re also suckers for their staple Japanese eggs – they’re the ultimate comfort food. 

11 Argyle Street, West Footscray

First Love Coffee Roasters 

For coffee aficionados, the new Footscray HQ of this Melbourne roastery is pure magic. Set in a sun-drenched warehouse among the old cotton mills, First Love Coffee is where exceptional green beans meet roasting artistry. Swing by to sip a stellar brew, watch coffee roasting in action, and grab fresh beans or brewing gear to elevate your at-home coffee game. 

90 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray

Konjo Cafe

Konjo is one of the best cafes in Footscray, bringing Ethiopia’s rich culinary traditions to life with charm and warmth. Start your day with Ful, a hearty broad bean stew crowned with a hard-boiled egg and paired with crusty bread and spiced tea, or Silts, perfectly scrambled eggs infused with berbere spice. Can’t decide? The Half-Half lets you savour both. Don’t miss their organic Ethiopian rainforest coffee — espresso-style or the soulful, traditional brew — served in a space that balances modernity with authentic hospitality.

89 Irving Street, Footscray 

Cafe Larome

Cafe Larome might be hiding in plain sight in Footscray, but it’s fast becoming the city’s go-to for Japanese-French fusion done oh-so-right. The menu’s a masterclass in variety — sandos, burgers, teishoku, takoyaki, chicken katsu, don bowls, and a mouthwatering parade of baked goods and pastries stacked at the front counter. The matcha latte? One of Melbourne’s finest. But don’t stop there — from silky ube lattes to rich, creamy hojicha, the drinks invite a full-on taste test.

8 Warde Street, Footscray

Migrant Coffee 

Putting it mildly here, we’re low-key obsessed with West Footscray’s Migrant Coffee. In fact, this is everyone’s favourite westside coffee and bagels – and it’s easy to see why. The menu consists of New York style bagels with twists of Filipino, Thai and Island flavours, fusing the owners’ love of classic bagels with tastes from home. 

More than just a cosy and friendly space, Migrant Coffee is a QPOC-owned and run business that stands for equality and inclusion. Founded by two best friends who share a love of culture and joy in daily ritual and connecting with people, their history is at the centre of everything they do, as proud first-generation daughters of immigrants.

3/576 Barkly Street, West Footscray

Nabo

Nabo is Kingsville’s slice of Scandi serenity — all soft light, warm woods, and the gentle hum of weekend chatter. Owners Sarah and Cameron channel their love for hygge into every detail, from the slow pours of coffee to the cardamom buns that practically demand a moment of pause. Swedish potato waffles and picture-perfect smørrebrød (both sweet and savoury) deliver flavour without fuss, while dreamy cakes and cosy porridges round out a menu made for lingering.

2a Williamstown Road, Kingsville 

Gordon Street Bakery

Start your weekend right with a visit to Gordon Street Bakery, a stunning French viennoiserie that’s creating carby magic. Come early to avoid missing out on their intensely-flavoured sourdough loaves, crispy baguettes, flaky almond croissants and glossy palmiers. You’ll see many locals scoffing down a fresh pastry and hot coffee outside the bakery before heading home with their goods in tow.

Sitchu Tip: The choc-almond croissant is one of Melbourne’s favourite pastries. No word of a lie.

63 Gordon Street, Footscray

Ollie’s Deli

Ollie’s Deli in Footscray is a popular spot for phenomenal sandwiches and on point coffee. Hit them up for buttermilk fried chicken in soft white rolls, truffle mushroom melts and brekkie bagels. The friendliest baristas around are pumping brews made with Proud Mary and Good Hustle beans, and weekly specials and soups will keep you coming back again and again.

7/158 Barkly Street, Footscray

The Best Cafes in Yarraville:

Boma Coffee

Simple and satisfying, the all-day menu at Boma aims to create the best possible version of all your breakfast favourites. Whether it’s buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup and berry compote (bacon optional!) or a vegan tofu scramble drizzled in chilli oil and cashew feta, you’ll leave this sunny cafe feeling ready for the day. It’s also impossible to miss Boma, with its wide, pastel pink frontage, and generous indoor and outdoor seating making it an all-weather delight.

127 Stephen Street, Yarraville

TAILOR MADE

Tailor Made is the comfort cafe Yarraville locals low-key want to keep to themselves. Found just off Yarraville’s main drag, it dishes up comfort classics with Mediterranean flair — souvlaki wraps, meatball subs, cheesy bolognese peinirli, and a Greek salad burger that surprises in all the right ways. Coffee’s strong, the portions generous, and the vibe pure westside warmth. It’s casual, confident, and quietly one of the best in the ‘burbs.

84 Gamon Street, Yarraville 

Masak Masak

Masak Masak is the soul-warming Yarraville cafe that channels Southeast Asian nostalgia with big, bold flavours and zero pretension. Housed in the old Butcher128 space, it’s where fragrant bowls of Sarawak laksa meet smoky Roti John layered with braised lamb shoulder, sambal, and herbs. Chef Deb Ong keeps it fresh with rotating specials like Sayur Lodeh and Nasi Ulam, while sweet endings come via sago pudding with palm sugar syrup and coconut cream. Add Symmetry coffee, a leafy courtyard, and heart in every bite? You’ve just found your new favourite.

Sitchu Tip: They’re also open Thursday and Friday nights, 5:30pm to 9pm.

128 Roberts Street, Yarraville

Coracle 

Nourish yourself with the inviting Asian-inspired dishes at Coracle, a calming cafe in Yarraville. The menu traverses Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and Japan, introducing diners to some of the classic breakfast and lunches enjoyed by locals in each nation. Sit down to warming abalone and chicken congee served in a claypot, sweet and sour meatballs served on a sizzling hotplate, or colourful sashimi bowls. The drinks are equally fun, with yuzu cold brews, herbal teas, and kumquat sodas calling your name.

63/65 Anderson Street, Yarraville

Rocco’s Delicatessen 

Rocco’s Deli is a westside institution – and we don’t say that lightly. This beloved Italian delicatessen has been shaving prosciutto and slicing parmesan since 1977, and they’re going as strong as ever. Loyal regulars and far-flung visitors come for the Rocco Roll, a fresh deli sanga which you can fill with any of the salty meats, cheeses and antipasti on display. Choose from soft white rolls or crusty ciabatta, then go crazy with salami, mortadella, sopressa, grilled eggplant, artichokes and much, much more. The result is an epic sandwich that will sate you all day.

122 Roberts Street, Yarraville 

The Best Cafes in Seddon

Common Galaxia

When they opened some 10 years ago, Common Galaxia heralded a new era of stylishly designed cafes serving quality coffee and fancy brunches in this suburban part of town. Over a decade later, they’re still at the top of their game, dishing out banoffee pie waffles with dulce de leche, katsu pork sandwiches, and lamb ragu baked eggs—each as delicious as anything their newer competitors offer. The thoughtfully designed space is a delight to spend the morning in, with light timber, soft edges, and sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows.

3/130 Victoria Street, Seddon 

Advieh

For brekky that’s big on flavour, head to Advieh in Seddon, a Middle Eastern cafe that stands out from the crowd. Here, your avo toasts are sprinkled liberally with herby dukkah, while scrambled eggs are folded with juicy Turkish sausage, and poached eggs are doused in spicy homemade harissa. If you’re dining with a partner or friend, go straight for the mezze breakfast for two, which will fill your table with fresh bread, dips, shakshuka and sides. The Moroccan-inspired décor is equally a delight, with its colourful tiles and stained glass.

71B Gamon Street, Seddon

The Best Cafes in Avondale Heights, Keilor East, Niddrie, Braybrook & Maidstone

Cannoli Bar

There aren’t many sweet treats that light up the senses like cannoli, crisp pastry shells filled with lush custard or whipped ricotta. Cannoli Bar in Avondale Heights is dedicated to this storied Sicilian pastry, making each one to order in classic and fun flavours like lemon meringue, vegan pistachio and blueberry cheesecake. Best enjoyed with a strong espresso, they also do savoury Sicilian specialties like saffron-spiced arancini and scacciata (an addictive stuffed flatbread) – you’re sure to leave the premises stuffed!

23 Riviera Road, Avondale Heights

Particle Cafe 

Particle is the westside spot proving that healthy brunching can be both delicious and satisfying. This 100% vegan cafe offers vibrant, gluten-free-friendly dishes, including an ever-rotating menu of smoothie bowls that are as pretty as they are flavourful. A must-try? The Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowl is loaded with house-made muesli, berries, fudge brownie bites, banana, peanut butter, and mixed nuts. Matcha pancakes, fried ‘chicken’ burgers, and veggie patch-inspired plates also make for a drool-worthy visit.

47 Military Road, Avondale Heights

Perry’s (Peregrine Social Club)

Peregrine Social Club (aka Perry’s) is the laidback (and dog-friendly) lakeside beauty Keilor East never knew it needed. Sitting pretty on the edge of a former quarry, it’s all breezy charm: sun-dappled deck, white-and-blue interiors, and locals lingering over açaí bowls, fish and chips, chilli scramble with labneh and nduja, and the fully licensed bar. The menu mixes cafe classics with just enough flair, while the bar serves Perry’s Draught, silky espresso martinis, and Sunday spritzes with serious weekend energy. Quarry-side bliss, served daily.

Sitchu Tip: Check out their weekly Sunday Run Club and Sunday Sessions from 2pm, featuring acoustic music and aforementioned Spritz specials.

45 Valley Lake Boulevard, Keilor East 

Mister Hoffman

Mister Hoffman is the brunch veteran that walks so the rest can poach eggs. This Niddrie OG has been plating up the goods for years — and it shows. From lemongrass and green chilli sambal scrambled eggs with brown cardamom yoghurt, hot curry yoghurt and herbs on sourdough, to avocado toast with harissa hummus, slow-cooked brisket bennies, Korean-spiced crispy chicken burgers, fresh pastries, and an impeccable drinks list, every dish and sip hits the mark. With vintage tiles, pastel flair, and a loyal local crowd, this cafe is brunch royalty with zero attitude. A true suburban sweetheart.

Sitchu Tip: Bring your furry bestie — the courtyard is totally dog-friendly.

85A Hoffmans Road, Niddrie

Cranwell Coffee Co.

Cranwell Coffee Co. is the low-key westside stunner giving main-character energy to your morning routine. Parkside in Braybrook, this sun-drenched cafe pairs sleek good looks with toasted subs that rule the school — we’re talking an out-of-this-world roasted mushroom melt like you’ve never had before, and a crunchy meatball sub that could launch a thousand bikes across Cranwell Reserve. With Axil coffee dialled to perfection, a leafy outlook, and space to sprawl (laptop optional, kids optional), it’s giving “local favourite” in all the best ways.

86 Cranwell Street, Braybrook

Jack B. Nimble

Jack B. Nimble is one of those westside legends that quietly gets everything right. With sun-drenched interiors, a leafy courtyard, and a menu that blends comforting classics with Asian-inspired flair (the Szechuan beef ragu and masala eggs are standouts), it’s a café worth crossing town for. The grilled ham hock sandwich with apple chilli jam and sourdough is also an underrated delight. Excellent coffee, warm service, and a community vibe make it feel like your local — even if it isn’t. A true Maidstone favourite, and rightly so.

132 Mitchell Street, Maidstone

The Best Cafes in Spotswood & Newport:

Greenwich Deli

A pint-sized sandwich shop has arrived in Newport’s backstreets, and it’s set to steal your heart (and all your money) with its regular rotation of seven mouth-wateringly good sandwiches. Think stacked pastrami Reubens, a fried eggplant, olive tapenade, pesto and spicy vodka sauce sub, and an eggs benny style (pairing braised beef with a hot butter mayo, pickled onion, shredded lettuce and fermented chilli) on brioche bun. The occasional daily special is the chicken and avocado melt with sweet chilli mayo – and it’s a must-try!

70 Hall Street, Newport

Odette House

Odette House is the west’s newest triple-threat — a striking three-level destination where sleek design meets genuine substance. Mornings begin in the light-drenched café with Asian-inspired brunch (don’t skip the rich, slow-cooked Massaman beef cheek pie), faultless coffee, and playful drinks like the Matcha Coco Cream — iced matcha spiked with coconut juice and cream cheese foam. By night, it’s all velvet booths and bold, refined flavours at Uday. And soon? Rooftop cocktails with Westgate views. Stylish, satisfying, and just the right amount of showy.

43 McLister Street, Spotswood 

Leroys

Specialty coffee, scrumptious brunch dishes, good vibes and friendly people await at Leroys, a charming Newport cafe. Swing by on the weekend, bring your bestie and try and snag a table out on the sidewalk in the sunshine. The buzzy yet relaxed atmosphere is a big win. Order up a couple of Bloody Mary’s (or bottomless Mimosas for two hours), watch the locals stream out for takeaway coffees with their doggos by their side, and indulge in fare like Mexican green chilli chicken waffles, burnt butter scrambled eggs with crispy chilli oil and acai bowls. 

5 Mason Street, Newport

Candied Bakery

This beloved westside neighbourhood bakery and cafe has built a cult following for its heavenly in-house pastries and fresh-baked delights. While savoury offerings like the indulgent Philly Cheesesteak sandwich make occasional appearances, it’s the sweet treats that steal the show — think cream cheese and custard pastries, pistachio cream wonders, and velvety tiramisu creations. Don’t skip the crack pie, golden vanilla slice doughnut, or Earl Grey and lemon croissants. Each bite is pure, buttery magic worth savouring.

136 Hall Street, Spotswood 

Pango

Newport cafe Pango is a local gem, instantly recognisable with its mint-green façade and welcoming communal benches. It’s the perfect spot for pitch-perfect coffee and seasonal dishes that transition seamlessly from relaxed Sunday mornings to leisurely wine-filled afternoons. Crowd favourites include the bacon or smoked salmon benny with beetroot hollandaise, chilli scrambled eggs, and international delights like shakshuka and brisket croquettes with chimichurri.

24 Hall Street, Newport 

If you love trying out a new cafe every weekend, why not hit up these phenomenal spots for breakfast and brunch in the CBD or these decadent high teas? Walk it off afterwards by exploring these must visit art galleries across the city.