Brunch Date: The Best Cafes in Footscray & Surrounds

The West's cafe scene may have arrived fashionably late to the Melbourne coffee party, but trust us, it’s now fully in the game and bringing some serious flair.

From mouthwatering pastries to inventive brunch menus, this side of town is bursting with unique spots serving up the kind of coffee and creativity that locals can’t get enough of. Whether you’re after the perfect flat white or an innovative twist on your weekend brunch, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the must-visit cafes in Footscray and Melbourne’s vibrant west.

Here’s where to go when you’re looking for that next delicious find…

Rudimentary

At  Rudimentary, three shipping containers have been cleverly grafted together to create a modern, sun-dappled Footscray cafe. Classic dishes get a fancy touch in housemade kimchi cheese toasties and confit duck rillettes on toast, while the menu also offers plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diners. Out the back a bountiful kitchen garden provides many of the vegetables, fruits and herbs that go onto your plate.

16-20 Leeds Street, Footscray

First Love Coffee Roasters 

For coffee aficionados, the new Footscray HQ of this Melbourne roastery is pure magic. Set in a sun-drenched warehouse among the old cotton mills, First Love Coffee is where exceptional green beans meet roasting artistry. Swing by to sip a stellar brew, watch coffee roasting in action, and grab fresh beans or brewing gear to elevate your at-home coffee game. 

90 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray

Konjo Cafe

Konjo is one of the best cafes in Footscray, bringing Ethiopia’s rich culinary traditions to life with charm and warmth. Start your day with Ful, a hearty broad bean stew crowned with a hard-boiled egg and paired with crusty bread and spiced tea, or Silts, perfectly scrambled eggs infused with berbere spice. Can’t decide? The Half-Half lets you savour both. Don’t miss their organic Ethiopian rainforest coffee—espresso-style or the soulful, traditional brew—served in a space that balances modernity with authentic hospitality.

89 Irving Street, Footscray 

Cafe Larome

This new, Japanese-French inspired gem might be tucked away in an unassuming location, but it's quickly become a must-try cafe in Footscray. Cafe Larome has a fantastic range on the menu, including selections of sandos, burgers, teishoku, takoyaki, chicken katsu, don rice bowls and a beautiful selection of baked goods, desserts and savoury pastries piled up at the front counter. It also has one of the best matcha lattes in Melbourne; but all the drinks are excellent, from the flavoursome ube latte to a rich and creamy hojicha. If you can, try them all! 

8 Warde Street, Footscray

Migrant Coffee 

Putting it mildly here, we're low-key obsessed with West Footscray's Migrant Coffee. In fact, this is everyone's favourite westside coffee and bagels - and it's easy to see why. The menu consists of New York style bagels with twists of Filipino, Thai and Island flavours, fusing the owners' love of classic bagels with tastes from home. 

More than just a cosy and friendly space for some of the best bagels in Melbourne, Migrant Coffee is also a QPOC owned and run business that stands for equality and inclusion. Founded by two best friends who share a love of culture and joy in daily ritual and connecting with people, their history is at the centre of everything they do, as proud first generation daughters of immigrants.

3/576 Barkly Street, West Footscray

Nabo

Nabo in Kingsville delivers Scandi-inspired serenity and delicate, considered food. Owners Sarah and Cameron fell in love with the Danish concept of ‘hygge’ – cosiness and comfort – during their travels to Scandinavia, and replicate it to great effect in their light and spacious café. Tuck into Nordic inflected dishes like Swedish potato waffles, traditional cardamom buns, and their many savoury and sweet variations of smørrebrød (an open-faced sandwich). 

2a Williamstown Rd, Kingsville 

Gordon Street Bakery

Start your weekend right with a visit to Gordon Street Bakery, a stunning French viennoiserie that’s creating carby magic. Come early to avoid missing out on their intensely-flavoured sourdough loaves, crispy baguettes, flaky almond croissants and glossy palmiers. You’ll see many locals scoffing down a fresh pastry and hot coffee outside the bakery before heading home with their goods in tow.

63 Gordon Street, Footscray

Ollie’s Deli

Ollie’s Deli in Footscray is a popular spot for phenomenal sandwiches and on point coffee. Hit them up for buttermilk fried chicken in soft white rolls, truffle mushroom melts and brekkie bagels. The friendliest baristas around are pumping brews made with Proud Mary and Good Hustle beans, and weekly specials and soups will keep you coming back again and again.

7/158 Barkly Street, Footscray

Cornershop

This bustling brunch spot sits across the road from Yarraville's Sun Theatre. Take yourself to Cornershop and relax in the courtyard on a sunny morning or inside where vintage touches bring character and warmth. The menu is refined, with classics somewhat redefined. Think buckwheat waffles with slow poached quince, a saffron and cinnamon mascarpone cream and walnut crumble, or simple but elegant free range scrambled eggs with parmesan, cavolo nero, soft herbs and chilli. 

11 Ballarat Street, Yarraville

Boma Coffee

Simple and satisfying, the all-day menu at Boma aims to create the best possible version of all your breakfast favourites. Whether it’s buckwheat pancakes with maple syrup and berry compote (bacon optional!) or a vegan tofu scramble drizzled in chilli oil and cashew feta, you’ll leave this sunny café feeling ready for the day. It’s also impossible to miss Boma, with its wide, pastel pink frontage, and generous indoor and outdoor seating making it an all-weather delight.

127 Stephen Street, Yarraville

Coracle 

Nourish yourself with the inviting Asian-inspired dishes at Coracle, a calming cafe in Yarraville. The menu traverses Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam and Japan, introducing diners to some of the classic breakfast and lunches enjoyed by locals in each nation. Sit down to warming abalone and chicken congee served in a claypot, sweet and sour meatballs served on a sizzling hotplate, or colourful sashimi bowls. The drinks are equally fun, with yuzu cold brews and kumquat sodas calling your name.

63/65 Anderson Street, Yarraville

Rocco’s Delicatessen 

Rocco’s Deli is a westside institution – and we don’t say that lightly. This beloved Italian delicatessen has been shaving prosciutto and slicing parmesan since 1977, and they’re going as strong as ever. Loyal regulars and far-flung visitors come for the Rocco Roll, a fresh deli sanga which you can fill with any of the salty meats, cheeses and antipasti on display. Choose from soft white rolls or crusty ciabatta, then go crazy with salami, mortadella, sopressa, grilled eggplant, artichokes and much, much more. The result is an epic sandwich that will sate you all day.

122 Roberts Street, Yarraville 

Common Galaxia

When they opened some 10 years ago, Common Galaxia heralded a new era of stylishly designed cafes serving quality coffee and fancy brunches in this suburban part of town. Over a decade later, they’re still at the top of their game, dishing out banoffee pie waffles with dulce de leche, katsu pork sandwiches, and lamb ragu baked eggs—each as delicious as anything their newer competitors offer. The thoughtfully designed space is a delight to spend the morning in, with light timber, soft edges, and sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows.

3/130 Victoria Street, Seddon 

Advieh

For brekky that’s big on flavour head to Advieh in Seddon, a Middle Eastern cafe that stands out from the crowd. Here your avo toasts are sprinkled liberally with herby dukkah, while scrambled eggs are folded with juicy Turkish sausage, and poached eggs are doused in spicy homemade harissa. If you’re dining with a partner go straight for the mezze breakfast for two, which will fill your table with fresh bread, dips, shakshuka and sides. The Moroccan-inspired décor is equally a delight, all colourful tiles and stained glass.

71B Gamon Street, Seddon

Cannoli Bar

There aren’t many sweet treats that light up the senses like cannoli, crisp pastry shells filled with lush custard or whipped ricotta. Cannoli Bar in Avondale Heights is dedicated to this storied Sicilian pastry, making each one to order in classic and fun flavours like lemon meringue, vegan pistachio and blueberry cheesecake. Best enjoyed with a strong espresso, they also do savoury Sicilian specialties like saffron-spiced arancini and scacciata (an addictive stuffed flatbread) – you’re sure to leave the premises stuffed!

23 Riviera Road, Avondale Heights

State Line

For an amazing coffee, breakfast and brunch, the ever reliable State Line is a safe bet. Passionate about bringing innovative dishes that are influenced by the food culture of Los Angeles, this relaxed, friendly neighbourhood cafe is home to one of the tastiest breakfast burritos in town, and plenty of dishes with vegan alternatives too. 

Enjoy the charming community vibes and pared back, minimalist space, as you sip happily on expertly crafted coffee, a fresh juice or smoothie. 

Shop 6-7/51 Military Road, Avondale Heights

Particle Cafe 

Particle is the westside gem proving that healthy brunching can be both delicious and satisfying. This 100% vegan café offers vibrant, gluten-free-friendly dishes, including an ever-rotating menu of smoothie bowls that are as pretty as they are flavourful. A must-try? The Cookie Dough Smoothie Bowl, loaded with house-made muesli, berries, fudge brownie bites, banana, peanut butter, and mixed nuts. Matcha pancakes, fried ‘chicken’ burgers, and veggie patch-inspired plates also make for a drool-worthy visit.

47 Military Road, Avondale Heights

Greenwich Deli

A pint-sized sandwich shop has arrived in Newport's backstreets, and it's set to steal your heart (and all your money) with its regular rotation of seven mouth-wateringly good sandwiches. Think stacked pastrami Reubens, a fried eggplant, olive tapenade, pesto and spicy vodka sauce sub, and an eggs benny style (pairing braised beef with a hot butter mayo, pickled onion, shredded lettuce and fermented chilli) on brioche bun. The occasional daily special is the chicken and avocado melt with sweet chilli mayo - and it's a must-try!

70 Hall Street, Newport

Leroys

Specialty coffee, scrumptious brunch dishes, good vibes and friendly people await at Leroys, a charming Newport cafe. Swing by on the weekend, bring your bestie and try and snag a table out on the sidewalk in the sunshine. The buzzy yet relaxed atmosphere is a big win. Order up a couple of Bloody Mary's (or bottomless Mimosas for two hours), watch the locals stream out for takeaway coffees with their doggos by their side, and indulge in fare like Mexican green chilli chicken waffles, burnt butter scrambled eggs with crispy chilli oil and acai bowls. 

5 Mason Street, Newport

Candied Bakery

This beloved westside neighbourhood bakery and cafe has built a cult following for its heavenly in-house pastries and fresh-baked delights. While savoury offerings like the indulgent Philly Cheesesteak sandwich make occasional appearances, it’s the sweet treats that steal the show—think cream cheese and custard pastries, pistachio cream wonders, and velvety tiramisu creations. Don’t skip the crack pie, golden vanilla slice doughnut, or earl grey and lemon croissants. Each bite is pure, buttery magic worth savouring.

136 Hall Street, Spotswood 

Pango

Newport cafe Pango is a local gem, instantly recognisable with its mint-green façade and welcoming communal benches. It's the perfect spot for pitch-perfect coffee and seasonal dishes that transition seamlessly from relaxed Sunday mornings to leisurely wine-filled afternoons. Crowd favourites include the bacon or smoked salmon benny with beetroot hollandaise, chilli scrambled eggs, and international delights like shakshuka and brisket croquettes with chimichurri.

Sitchu Tip: Don’t miss their pasta and vino nights for a cosy evening treat.

24 Hall Street, Newport 

If you love trying out a new café every weekend, why not hit up these phenomenal spots for breakfast and brunch in the CBD or these decadent high teas? Walk it off afterwards by exploring these must visit art galleries across the city.