Higher Ground

Step into this Little Bourke Street powerhouse—a cavernous, industrial-chic cathedral of Melbourne brunch culture. Soaring ceilings. Massive sun-drenched windows. Exposed brick whispering of its historic past. The city's brunch purists routinely pack this space for a menu that aggressively pushes boundaries. Think sky-high ricotta hotcakes demanding to be shared, and a fried chicken croffle spiked with jalapeños and gochujang that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and heat. Those with a penchant for fusion chase the prawn toast benedict—a brilliant nod to traditional Hong Kong flavors complete with a crispy Chinese doughnut. Coffee here isn't just poured; it's engineered. The signature espresso cloud and flawlessly extracted iced long blacks hit all the right tasting notes, boasting a rich crema that commands respect from local caffeine fiends. Yes, the weekend rush is legendary—and waits are part of the initiation—but score a table, order a glass of pinot grigio to pair with those chilli scrambled eggs, and you'll instantly understand the hype.