Riddik

The Verdict

The Melbourne food scene rumbles on, and this time, it’s Templestowe’s turn. It’s not a suburb that generates a lot of foodie hype, but with cafes like this, that could change.

Riddik draws inspo from everybody’s favourite Vin Diesel Nightwalker (altered spelling, presumably for legal reasons). It’s a family-run, all-day cafe and eatery—everything from a 9am Eggs Bene to a 9pm Code Black Espresso Martini.

Behind the pass you’ve got chef Adam Robins, who’s built a clever little all-comers menu. Think Crispy, soy-braised pork belly, poached eggs, apple slaw and blood orange hollandaise, or French Toast stuffed with strawberry cheesecake and served up with fresh berries, toasted coconut and vanilla bean ice-cream (we just died a little inside).

The fit-out wouldn’t raise eyebrows in Collingwood or Fitzroy—an on-trend mix of white marble, blonde timber and artful greenery, designed by the team at Studio Equator. There’s even an epic mural from acclaimed European street artist, Tarek (set to become a well-known insta-background, if we’re any judge).

Better fire up the Google Maps. You’ve got a brunch date in Lower Templestowe. 

Image credit: Phoebe Powell