Higher Ground

Set inside a former power station in central Melbourne, this café brings serious scale to the city’s daytime dining. Soaring ceilings, industrial columns and cascading greenery give it a striking presence, but the mood stays relaxed and chatty.

The kitchen takes a structured approach to brunch, with dishes that favour balanced flavour and considered presentation. A tall ricotta hotcake with seasonal fruit holds its place as a house staple, while the kimchi waffle with brisket and poached eggs is more full-throttle. Coffee is a clear priority, built around a Square One house blend with rotating single-origin choices.

Long communal tables suit groups and catch-ups, but we like the quiet mezzanine corners for a solo visit. It’s a daytime operation, but the design gives it the feel of something larger.