Auction Rooms Cafe | Coffee North Melbourne

Housed in the bones of an 1864 auction house, this North Melbourne heavyweight operates at full throttle. Exposed brick. High ceilings. A sun-drenched courtyard buzzing with serious brunch energy. The floor staff navigate the weekend chaos like seasoned pros—pulling flawless shots of St Ali espresso with a thick, syrupy crema. Those who track the city's elite cafe circuit consider this spot an absolute institution. You’re coming for the inventive, unapologetic plates. Take the creamy mushroom paccheri—pure comfort disguised as high-end dining, layering rich shiitake stock with truffle oil and crispy fried enoki. Or the legendary corned beef hash. Craving sweet? The rhubarb French toast stacked with bourbon whipped cream and maple-glazed bacon is a towering monument to excess. Yes, you might queue on a Sunday. Do it anyway. Snag a table in the serene back courtyard, listen closely for the nostalgic hum of vintage auction recordings playing in the background, and let the kitchen go to work.