After opening in late 2021, this light-filled café tucked away on a quiet sidestreet of Hawthorn East has established itself as a neighbourhood café serving modern takes on breakfast classics. Breakfast is available all day, with lunch available from 11am onwards.
The space is bright and airy with high lofted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and indoor ramps that make the venue fully wheelchair accessible. Because it's so spacious and tables are spaced out well, it's easy to have a conversation with your tablemates without the sound getting drowned out by café chatter.
The menu is curated by head chef Joey Hyokeun, who has formerly cheffed at spaces including White Mojo, Attica, San Telmo and Bar Lourinhã. Utilising local and seasonal produce, the offerings are unpretentious yet elevated versions of nostalgic comfort food.
Think French toast served with praline chantilly, roasted chocolate crumble, miso caramel, yoghurt ice cream, almond tuile and seasonal fruits, or fried chicken and waffles topped with a fried egg and sriracha maple sauce. Hash browns come in the form of potato pave, or thinly sliced and layered potato cooked in duck fat, served with tangy black garlic aioli, sweet pickled zucchini and marinated slices of tomato.
For lunch, try the pan-fried gnocchi tossed with marinated shimeji mushrooms, rocket, lemon zest, parmesan and pecorino cheese, or order a hearty sandwich served with a side of shoestring fries. Our pick? The American-style corned beef Reuben sandwich with house-made Big Mac sauce and a heap of sauerkraut.
If you're just after a coffee and a pastry, the barista bar is located smack dab in the centre of the restaurant. Check out the display case filled with delicious baked goods by sister venue the Hamptons Bakery, and Elsternwick bakery Miss Ladybird Cakes.
Head to the Rumour Has It website to browse the full menu and to book a table.
