It’s the attention to detail, quality produce and considered menu of seasonal rotations that make this cosy Carlton North daytime eatery stand out from the pack. Behind an unassuming blue façade on Rathdowne St, Florian is humbly bringing breakfast back to its roots.
What elevates the breakfast at Florian is the obvious care taken with each ingredient on the plate. The gravlax is an old faithful that rightly holds a permanent spot on the menu. What looks like a simple dish, proves to be a masterpiece of balance and refinement. Glossy, thickly sliced gravlax and toast that is, without sounding trite, perfectly toasted. It comes with a luxurious jammy egg and pillowy light ricotta, all rounded out with crunchy, peppery radishes and a few sprigs of tarragon. While the menu is not huge, it is still difficult to choose just one – but you really can’t go wrong.
Best for: a place to indulge in a wholesome, slow-paced morning – with guaranteed great food, attentive and friendly service and a side of interesting people watching.
Eat this: whatever seasonal speciality catches your eye.
Perks: an unmissable pastry (from Austro Bakery), which makes for the perfect breakfast entrée or breakfast dessert (or both). The cinnamon and dark chocolate bun is an oversized scroll of golden goodness, studded with chocolate pieces and generously rolled in sugar and spice.