Really enjoyed our brunch here. The space was very cute and inviting and it was clear the locals loved it here too. Service was efficient and friendly, and the food was awesome. The coffee was super smooth and creamy so props to the barista! We tried the breakfast salad and the chai porridge, both of which were super yummy and nourishing. Everything was very nicely cooked and presented and portion sizes were generous too. Extra points for providing proper knives (my pet peeve is getting butter knives at brunch and then having to saw through crusty sourdough toast) and the sides were really reasonably priced – only $4.50 for halloumi and got multiple pan seared slices compared to the sad, single $6 sliver I got elsewhere in Melbourne recently. They also have a good range of pastries, sweet treats (including freshly baked muffins that smelt divine), and ready to go wraps and sandwiches available too. This is one we’ll definitely be back to.
Overview
Walking into The Foodstore Cafe feels like stepping into a place where locals actually hang out, not just pass through. I first stopped by during a midweek lunch rush, expecting a quick bite, and ended up staying longer than planned because the vibe was relaxed and the food came out with that just-made care you notice straight away. It sits at 1/22 Bills St, Hawthorn East VIC 3122, Australia, tucked into a pocket that feels neighbourhood-focused rather than flashy, which honestly suits the place perfectly.
The menu leans into modern café classics but doesn’t play it safe. You’ll see familiar brunch staples, yet they’re handled with attention to detail that shows the kitchen knows what it’s doing. Their approach reminds me of what hospitality researchers from the Australian Foodservice Industry Association often point out: diners return not just for taste, but for consistency and thoughtful execution. That tracks here. The eggs are cooked exactly how you ask, the sourdough is properly toasted, and the coffee extraction is balanced rather than burnt or bitter. I once watched a barista remake a flat white without hesitation because the milk texture wasn’t right, which says a lot about standards.
One thing that stands out is how the staff explain dishes without sounding rehearsed. When I asked about a seasonal special, I got a genuine breakdown of how the sauce was prepared and why the ingredients worked together. That kind of transparency builds trust, especially in a time when diners care more about sourcing and preparation methods. According to data from Restaurant & Catering Australia, cafés that communicate clearly with customers see higher repeat visits, and this place seems to understand that instinctively.
Reviews from regulars often mention the balance between speed and quality, and I’d agree. Even during busy periods, plates come out promptly without looking rushed. A friend of mine, who works in hospitality management, pointed out that this usually means the kitchen workflow is well designed. Orders are staged smartly, and prep is done earlier in the day so service stays smooth. You feel that efficiency without it ever becoming impersonal.
Location-wise, Hawthorn East is competitive when it comes to cafés, yet this spot holds its own by being reliable and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where solo diners don’t feel awkward and groups don’t feel cramped. I’ve seen people working quietly on laptops, families sharing plates, and friends catching up over long coffees. That mix matters, because cafés that serve multiple needs tend to stay relevant longer.
What I appreciate most is the absence of hype-driven gimmicks. There’s no attempt to overwhelm the menu with trends that don’t fit. Instead, the focus is on flavour, comfort, and familiarity done well. One regular I chatted with summed it up perfectly, saying the food is honest cooking without trying to show off. Another mentioned that it’s their go-to local café because they always know what they’re getting, which is rare praise in a crowded food scene.
Of course, no place is perfect. Seating can fill up fast on weekends, and parking nearby isn’t always guaranteed. Still, those are more about the area than the café itself. The consistency in service, the care in preparation, and the easygoing atmosphere make it clear why people keep coming back. It’s a reminder that a good café doesn’t need to shout; it just needs to deliver, day after day, in ways that feel genuine and human.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
âś“ Coffee âś“ Organic dishes âś“ Prepared foods âś“ Small plates âś“ Vegetarian optionsDining options
âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ SeatingAmenities
âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiCrowd
âś“ Family friendlyPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Cute cafe that has amazing flavour packed food! Lots of space and nice natural light coming through. Everything sounded delicious, so it was hard to choose! For the dishes we had, flavour wise, there was lots going on - in a good way! And presentation was SPOT ON! 10 outta 10 would recommend!
The Foodstore Cafe never disappoints! I ordered the steak sandwich, and Chef nailed the medium-rare cook—tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The bread was fresh, the fillings well-balanced, and the whole dish felt crafted with care. Great service and a welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit every time.
This neighbourhood cafe is a great spot for breakfast, brunch, or coffee. It’s conveniently located near the park, and the friendly and fuss-free service makes it a pleasant experience. I particularly enjoyed my coffee and açai bowl.
Stopped by this café and was pleasantly surprised! Chef prepared a perfect steak sandwich—cooked medium rare, just as it should be. Juicy, flavorful, and well-seasoned, paired with fresh bread and crisp sides. Friendly service and cozy atmosphere make it a spot worth revisiting. Highly recommend for steak lovers!
A cosy atmosphere, generous crew, and delicious food - this local café is the kind of hidden gem you may miss if you're not familiar with the neighbourhood, which would be your loss! Because they serve one of the tastiest mochas around, which pairs well with any of the cabinet options when you're in a rush and need a quick pick-me-up - as a sweet tooth I'm partial to their freshly baked carrot cakes, apple muffins, and banana breads myself. Relaxed weekend brunches also always a hit here - on this occassion we sat and enjoyed a refreshing superfood salad and the reliable smashed avo, but their pancakes are also a touch above the everyday fare. Anyone looking for a vegetarian-friendly spot should definitely drop by - there's a decent list to choose from on the menu, including some fritters which we hope to try next time!
The Foodstore Cafe is a gem! I tried their smashed avocado and it was outstanding—fresh, creamy, and perfectly seasoned. Chef’s touch made it feel special, with a beautiful presentation that matched the taste. Warm service and a relaxed vibe make this cafe an ideal spot for brunch or coffee.
10/2025 - increasing to a 5*, been here three times, and left happy each time. Got the mushroom medley and the almond croissant hotcakes (Mother’s Day special). Both dishes were yummy, and priced fairly for the portion. I rarely comment on service, but in this instance, the staff were noticeably engaged and attentive. Only thing preventing me leaving a 5* is my rule that I need to visit at least 3 times, so leaving a 4* as I’ll be back.