7 Fabulous Cafes in Hampton You Have to Visit
Getting Back Out There
After two long years of COVID (especially in Melbourne), it’s time to get out of the house and socialise. In the spirit of sharing great places and experiences. I have put together some of the best cafes in Hampton to check out for brunch this weekend.
If I had to choose a favourite meal it would definitely be brunch. What’s not to like about brunch? It’s just a made-up meal between breakfast and lunch. A reason to eat more delicious food!
You don’t have to tell me twice. I’m in. Now is the time to grab a friend and get your brunch on!
I have been working across Melbourne to let you know the best places to go all around town. From cafes in North Melbourne to cafes in South Yarra. Now its time to discover some amazing cafes in Hampton.
Come and Discover a Hampton Cafe this Weekend
Hampton is a beach-side suburb located 15 kilometres south of Melbourne on Port Phillip Bay, between Brighton and Sandringham. Hampton offers safe swimming and is a great place for families to gather along a wide stretch of sandy beach in Port Phillip Bay. The foreshore reserve is lovely with grassy strips, palm trees and a great walking and bicycle path which snakes along the coastline.
The strip of shops along the thoroughfare of Hampton Street is one of Hampton's major attractions. Stretching from South Road in the north to over one kilometre south at Crisp Street. This is Hamptons main retail shopping precinct and features lots of amazing restaurants, fabulous bistros, trendy clothing stores and plenty of antique shops.
Looking for the best cafes in Hampton is going to be great, I have sampled many of them. The area is home to a strong cafe culture. It’s in Melbourne after all. There are fabulous cafes everywhere.
The Hamptons Bakery
Located at 427 Hampton Street. The Hamptons Bakery is a spacious 100-seat space with banquettes and counter dining. The Bakery is a relaxed, spacious café offering modern cuisine, with a particular focus on artisan bread and pastries. It has some of the freshest pastries in Melbourne. And, you don’t even have to drag yourself out of bed at dawn to enjoy them.
Rather than bake the whole day’s stock in the morning, the bakers at the Hamptons Bakery have the right attitude. They work the ovens into the afternoon to refill stock as fast as it disappears. Making sure everyone gets the freshest, most delicious breads and pastries.
Ben Avramides and his partners Tommy McIntosh and Simon Winfield have brought the Hamptons Bakery to life after having several other cafes across Melbourne. Including The Little Ox, Hawk & Hunter, Almond Milk Co., Schmucks Bagels and Sth Central.
The team bakes some of the most delicious breads. Including milk buns and a pumpkin-and-soy loaf, made with soy sauce for a rich colour and flavour, which is then rolled in pepitas.
Aside from the takeaway baked goods, there’s a full dine-in brunch menu, which includes a savoury French toast with roast mushrooms and baked ricotta. Soups, sandwiches and salad roll can be ordered for a dine in or takeaway lunch.
The Bakery’s approach toward hospitality is simple. Great food, great coffee and great service. This unsuspecting oasis offers a lovely space to escape for breakfast, brunch or even a lunchtime snack.
Gâteaux by Marc Frissard
Located at 565 Hampton Road. Gateaux by Marc Frissard is the only patisserie in the bayside suburb. Gâteaux was opened by Marc, a French pastry chef (and ex-chocolatier), and his wife, Luane, in 2011. Inside, the cafe is bathed in a lovely pink and cream, complementing the blonde timber flooring and bench tops. Cabinets filled with colourfully decorated gateaux and fresh pink tulips on the tables adda sense of cheerfulness to this lovely café. The coffee is served in pink polka-dot teacups which adds to the fun.
Patisseries are on display at the front counter, from classic favourites including macarons, chocolate éclairs and fruit tarts, to Frissard’s dessert specialties. The chocolate mousse is an indulgent treat encased in liquid-smooth chocolate with a surprise raspberry filling. But before you get to dessert, there is also a selection of homemade pies to start on.
At the back of the cafe is a separate private dining room, with a large window to view the master patissier at work. This space also serves as a classroom for French language classes during the week.
Holy Bowly
Located at 531 Hampton Street, Hampton. Holy Bowly is a superfood bar which is leading the way in Melbourne. They quite rightly believe that it takes more than just a wholesome meal to feel good. Holy Bowly really does have the extras nailed. There’s fresh greenery, an abundance of natural light, and the activewear-clad clientele will likely even motivate you to exercise. Unlike many superfood bars, there’s plenty of seating inside and out, so you can kick back with the morning paper and soak up the sun.
All-day breakfast includes the signature sprouted holy bread, which takes two days to prepare, topped with smashed avo, Meredith goats cheese and dukkah. It really does taste out of this world. Lunch offers a vegan lentil burger in a gluten-free bun with housemade tomato relish, avocado, tomato and garlic cashew sauce. Then there are smoothie bowls topped with all manner of colourful decorations.
The drinks selection reflects current health food trends. There’s Bulletproof coffee made with organic butter and MCT oil, and the Feel Good Choc smoothie with raw cacao, cacao nibs, mesquite, banana, raw honey and coconut ice-cream. It’s my go to when I’m there. A pantry provides healthy essentials, and a takeaway fridge houses cold-pressed juices and raw cakes.
Holy Bowly is also host to a range of night-time events, such as meditation and vegetarian dinners.
Cornerstone & Co.
Located at 75 Ludstone Street in Hampton. Cornerstone & Co is a small licensed cafe located in the leafy back streets of Hampton. The contemporary space is coated in white tiles and features slim wire chairs, recycled timber tables and custom wooden shelving. Both inside and outside dining is available, with the dog friendly courtyard a favourite with locals.
In his first business venture, owner Leigh Fisher combines his passion for hospitality experience with a strong front of house team and very experienced kitchen. The result, an award-winning formula in Hampton.
The menu at Cornerstone & Co. explores some Japanese flavours and ingredients while still delivering the classics breakfasts that Bayside has come to love.
Coffee is sourced from Melbourne based, Symmetry Coffee Roasters. Cornerstone and Co baristas are armed with quality ingredients including all round – rich milk from Procal Dairy and a range of alternative milks to suit everyone.
Brown Cow
Located at 382 Hampton Street, Hampton. Brown Cow is an all-day dining oasis in the heart of Hampton. Committed to fresh produce, Brown Cow is the perfect place to gather, share and enjoy. Great for a morning coffee, a casual bite with friends or alfresco dining under the stars.
My favourite brunch item at Brown Cow is their Honey Roasted Almond and Oat Granola. It comes with peach infused yoghurt, seasonal fruit salad, passionfruit coulis & chia seeds.
They also cater to larger groups, special occasions and functions, whatever the moment calls for. Brown Cow is all about bringing people together to enjoy life at its sweetest.
At Brown Cow, the philosophy is - sip, eat and enjoy.
Sebastian’s Food and Wine
You will find Sebastian’s Food and Wine at 301 - 303 Hampton Street.
It’s a well-known Hampton café with one of the best and most relaxed back yards in Melbourne.
Sebastian’s Food and Wine is easy going and generous, open 7 days. They serve all day breakfast, lunch and coffee, along with a large selection of beer and wine.
Every Friday between 4.30pm and 9.30pm, Sebastian’s is home to Straight Outta Hampton Burgers, named after the vibrant suburb. They are some of the best burgers in Melbourne. I find it so hard to stay away every Friday night. You can usually find me sitting in the corner with friends or family that call Hampton home. You can eat in or take away. Even enjoy your delicious burger with a glass of wine, beer, or one of their famous spritzers.
www.sebastiansfoodandwine.com.au
Arugula Café
Arugula Café can be found at 400 Hampton Street, Hampton. More than just a café, Arugula is a happiness hub. At Arugula they strive to bring nutritious food and beverages, events & classes to the Hampton community.
Arugula was born from three key ideas. Positivity, balance & awareness. Their goal is to help bring their customers these three principles through nutritiously balanced meals and drinks, community events, nutrition and health and offering a space for the community to come together.
Arugula strives to be more than just a café. They aim to be a focal point for the community to make Arugula a hub for events, education and awareness.
