Monk Bodhi Dharma

The verdict

Tucked away in a carpark near Woolies, Balaclava's Monk Bodhi Darma is a charming exposed brick cafe known for its heavenly house-roasted coffee, high-end healing teas and delicious, cruelty-free menu.

While none of the dishes have eggs (it's part of their vego policy), you certainly won't be missing out on your brunch fix here: the buckwheat apple pancakes served with cinnamon ice cream, maple syrup, vanilla bean whipped cream and dehydrated apple chips is a delight, and the Umami Mushrooms could satisfy any meat lover. After all, how do you say no to slow roasted king oyster, shitake, oyster & swiss brown mushrooms on a house made pumpkin, spinach & sun dried tomato polenta bread—served w/ goats cheese, thyme & red chili oil.

Sweetcorn hotcakes and breakfast trifle also make an appearance on the menu. One word: Nirvana. 

Photo credit: Jenna Fahey-White for The Urban List