Five perfect brunch cafes to try around Deanside

No city does coffee and brunch quite as well as Melbourne, and that iconic culture is certainly on show around Carolina. Whether you’re after a quick bite between weekend errands or a leisurely mid-morning catch up with friends, you’re well positioned for some extraordinary local choices.

Boasting an almost perfect Google rating of 4.9 out of 5, Baked Since ’95 – just ten minutes away in nearby Hillside – has definitely earned its reputation amongst Melbourne’s best cafes. Once a humble milk bar, Baked Since ’95 has become one of the region’s most popular brunch destinations, thanks to its superb, Middle East-inspired dishes and traditional local favourites. From their twist on Aussie classics including a three-cheese toastie and smashed avo with pomegranate, to exotic offerings such as Lebanese bagels and their French toast brioche filled with Kunefe (a kind of sweet cheese) and drizzled with rose syrup, it’s easy to see why guests travel from far and wide to enjoy its treats – and often stay for a second round… and even a third. Open early every day until 3pm.

Cupla Espresso, nestled in the HomeCo. shopping centre at Woodlea is another favourite amongst local coffee fanatics. Combining great coffee, outstanding service and a fantastic menu of quick bites, hearty meals, delicious pastries and mouth-watering gelati, Cupla has something for every taste and need, whether you’re after breakfast, lunch or afternoon pick-me-up. Open every day from 7am to 5pm.

The newly opened No 9 the Café, just north of SC Square shopping complex in nearby Caroline Springs has managed to attract a very loyal following in the short amount of time it has been open. One visit and it’s easy to see why. The coffee is made with passion, the pastries are a delight, and the brunch selection is diverse and impressive – with filled croissants, smoothie bowls, and some innovative but very tempting open toasts and sandwiches. Open every day from 7am to 3pm.

Just around the corner in Caroline Springs’ Central Shopping Centre, Mr Nomane takes brunch to a new level with its array of dishes. From the sublime sweet treats to hearty breakfasts that’ll keep you satisfied all day. Here you’ll find some fresh approaches to tried-and-tested favourites, including baked eggs, avocado and peas on toast, artisan crumpets with grilled bananas, salmon scrambled eggs, and of course exceptional coffee just the way you like it. Open every day from 7am till 2pm.

Rounding out our top five, Eating Station in Ravenhall has all bases covered, from early breakfast through to late lunch. The team serves up a wide variety of lovingly prepared dishes, from lighter acai bowls and chia puddings to warming Japanese pancakes and chilli scrambled eggs, with regular specials of the day and a full drinks list, just in case brunch flows into lunch… and with this good, why shouldn’t it? Open every day 7am to 3pm.

Baked since ’95: Shop 4/49-69 Wattle Valley Dr, Hillside

Cupla Espresso: 2 Lim Way, Aintree VIC 3336

No 9 the Café: 9 Commercial Rd, Caroline Springs VIC 3023

Mr Nomane: 14c/218-222 Caroline Springs Blvd, Caroline Springs

Eating station: 269A Robinsons Rd, Ravenhall