Friends Of Ours

the verdict

Essendon's booming cafe scene has welcomed many new additions lately, however if you're looking for a local legend that's been on the scene for more than a few months, you can't go wrong with family-friendly cafe, Friends Of Ours. Celebrating all that's good about cafe culture—great coffee, hearty and delicious food, and a relaxed vibe where anything goes—the buzzing venue is a hotspot for both locals and those passing through. 

If you haven't yeat breakfasted, lunched or coffee'd at Friends Of Ours yet, you're well and truly missing out on a suburban gem. The venue has been open for just over three years, serving up a variety of mouth-watering home-cooked dishes, seven days a week. In need of a feed to set you up for the day? The Mediterranean breakfast is a winner: Poached eggs, mushrooms, avocado and sourdough toast are given an exotic twist with the addition of grilled halloumi, green olives and a mouth-popping chilli dressing. If you've a sweet tooth, you can't miss out on the French Espresso toast, made with banana bread and served alongside mascarpone, berries, and whipped vanilla espresso. And, last but certainly not least, the Three Little Pigs brings together our favourite ingredients—Hollandaise, pulled pork and brioche buns—with poached eggs and smashed peas is vying for the title of the best twist on pulled pork in Melbourne. 

While cafe food trends come and go (you can guarantee we won't be eating edible flower-laced breakfast salads forever...), Friends Of Ours' epic traditional fare will have you hankering for home comforts and singing the praises of the genius of an all-day breakfast AND lunch menu. Sometimes you just can't knock a classic.

Image credit: The Urban List