Axil Coffee Roasters, Hawthorn

Highlight – Contemporary interior design

Lowlight – Food lacked flavour

French toast with mushrooms, spinach and taleggio cheese

Smashed avocado with meredith feta and poached egg on toast

FOOD?

We ordered two chai lattes with honey to start and these were delivered within minutes of being seated however, we were disappointed in the taste. They did not come with honey as requested and it was like drinking lukewarm milk.

After helping ourselves to the menu we took a while to decide as there was quite a large variety to choose from. Food was presented well with fresh ingredients but lacked substantial flavour. My french toast with mushies, spinach and cheese was a tad on the bland side and needed something else to give it that oomph so that each bite keeps you wanting more. The smashed avocado with poached egg was simply cooked and similar to the offerings at Porgie + Mr Jones and Liar Liar nearby (although I would rather have their version of this than Axil’s).

Upon my next return I would be interested to try the corn fritters as they have obtained positive reviews and I think I’ll just stick to a standard skinny latte.

SERVICE?

I came here with a friend for our catch up Sunday brunch. Although there was a busy crowd and the venue looked at capacity we did not have to wait long as a table happened to clear up upon our arrival. I did notice that a line began to form shortly afterwards and this was at about 11am.

Staff are kept busily on their feet here and since we were sitting next to the menu and cutlery area and were too hungry to wait for service, we collected the menus ourselves. Drinks and food were delivered surprisingly quickly given the amount of people in the cafe.

AMBIENCE?

Upon first entering the refurbished warehouse I was taken aback. The interior design is modern, quirky and comparable to the trend of popular weekend brunch spots. Loved the pot plants hanging along the divide between the restaurant and the kitchen staff. There are lots of conversations going on and a mixture of small to big groups.

VALUE?

Average value for money and consistent with the other cafes in the area.

BOOKINGS?

Bookings are not available here so either rock up early or late to avoid the rush. Otherwise leave your name with the front of staff and have a stroll along Glenferrie Road whilst you wait.

out of 10!

Axil Coffee Roasters
322 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122
03 9819 0091 

 

Replete Providore, Hawthorn

Highlight – Great flavour combinations and decent portions

Lowlight – Small venue so can be a bit squishy

Replete corn fritters with crispy Istra bacon, tomato & avocado salsa, chutney and sour cream

FOOD?

The Replete corn fritters are one of my favourite brunch dishes in Hawthorn. A mixture of sweet chilli sauce and savoury bacon is a lovely balance combined with the other condiments. Portions sizes are quite large so you will be well fed. I am keen to try the Ricotta hotcakes with lemon curd topped with fresh strawberries, they sound amazing. Cakes in the cabinet look tasty too, I’ll definitely try them next time.

I can’t believe that I had not heard of Replete Providore until a few months ago when my friend suggested we go there for a late brunch. What a great addition to my selection of Glenferrie breakfast venues.

SERVICE?

Friendly and attentive staff.

AMBIENCE?

Busy with patrons but adds to the vibe of the cafe. Tables are situated quite close together to maximise seating and can be a bit of an inconvenience – I had to move seats as a group of customers could not get through to their table.

VALUE?

Prices are affordable and similar to other cafes around the area.

BOOKINGS?

Bookings are available so call ahead as the venue is quite small. Otherwise you can try drop by but you might have to wait for a while.

out of 10!

Replete Providore
302 Barkers Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122
03 9818 4448 

 

Liar Liar, Hawthorn

Highlight – Consistently delivers tasty meals

Lowlight – Small venue so it can get a bit crowded

Corn fritters with smoked salmon, rocket, tomato and dill mayo

FOOD?

Liar Liar and Porgie & Mr Jones are my two favourite Hawthorn brunch eateries. There is a broad range of items on the menu with fresh ingredients presented enticingly on the plate. Each time I have been to Liar Liar I have left with a smile and a happy tummy.

Also to note, Liar Liar is run by the same owners as APTE in Alphington and Three Bags Full in Abbotsford. I am keen to try Three Bags Full as I’ve heard good things!

SERVICE?

Staff are a young bunch who are quite relaxed and may come across as a bit aloof.

AMBIENCE?

There is a great vibe with many locals and regulars visiting. The décor is impressive with wooden furnishings and communal dining tables. I personally like the seats near the window that look out to the street, perfect if you’re after a table for two.

VALUE?

In my opinion, food is of a decent quality without being too expensive. I’ll happily return here again.

BOOKINGS?

I haven’t made a booking here before but from memory I am pretty sure they take bookings. They are usually busy on weekends so go early to avoid waiting in line.

out of 10!

Liar Liar
90 Kinkora Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122
03 9818 8864 

 

Petaling Street, Box Hill; Glen Waverley; Hawthorn; Melbourne

Highlight – Quick and easy meals for under $10

Lowlight – Service lacking

Mamak Mee Goreng

FOOD?

The Hawthorn branch seems to be the best out of the restaurant chain (according to mum). My mum and dad used to frequent the Hawthorn Petaling Street quite often but have been visiting there less so in the past six months. Mum says that the standard of food has dropped but dad disagrees. I think the quality of food varies from day-to-day and also depends on what you order.

I love ordering the Mee Goreng as the wok flavour truly comes out in the dish. I would also recommend the Hakka style egg noodles with belly pork. Mum recommends the fish fillet noodle soup. Lots of oily goodness to leave your lips greasy and your stomach lined!

SERVICE?

Service is as expected for the amount you’re paying per dish. So don’t expect a smile or all your dishes to come out at the same time. At the Glen Waverley restaurant I finished my meal before my friend’s meal came out. They want you in and out as fast as possible.

AMBIENCE?

A popular restaurant within the Asian community which is a good sign considering the cuisine. Always noisy chatter as per your usual Chinese – under $10 per meal – restaurant.

VALUE?

Decent sized meals with an average price of around $8-$9 per dish. Takeaway is available too!

BOOKINGS?

The Petaling Street restaurants are usually always busy. With such a quick turnover of tables no wonder they can afford to open yet another branch in the middle of Melbourne city (on Swanston Street).

As the food is delivered quickly to each table, patrons are in and out of the restaurant in no time so you won’t have to wait too long if the restaurant is currently full.

out of 10!

Petaling Street

704a GlenferrieRoad, Hawthorn VIC 3122 – 03 9818 0428
111 Kingsway, Glen Waverley VIC 3150 – 03 9561 1388
600 Station Street, Box Hill VIC 3128 – 03 9890 0972
1/160 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 – 03 9639 8264

Porgie and Mr Jones, Hawthorn

Highlight – Amazing food!

Lowlight – They don’t accept bookings so you might have to wait

Smashed avocado with thyme buttered mushrooms, marinated feta, torn basil on wholegrain toast

FOOD?

Avocado and mushroom are in my top ten favourite food items. Once combined the meal was a sure winner for me. The dish above comes with the option of a poached egg on top for that extra kick.

Each item on the menu at P+MJ is delicious and makes you want to come back for more. I highly recommend the items in the ‘Classics’ section. Also note that the breakfast menu is all day everyday so it’s completely fine if you wake up late on a Saturday afternoon. In my opinion one of the best cafes in Melbourne’s East. I can’t wait to keep trying new items on the menu!

AMBIENCE?

Fun and artsy interior which reflects a somewhat classroom feel. Always busy on weekends and at times you may have to wait for a table especially if you arrive in a large group. Well worth the wait though!

SERVICE?

Standard welcoming service with no complaints.

VALUE?

Reasonably priced for consistently great food and friendly service.

BOOKINGS?

Bookings essential for dinner but unfortunately not available during the day so be prepared to wait a bit if you’re after brekky, brunch or lunch!

out of 10!

Porgie and Mr Jones
291 Auburn Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122
03 9882 2955