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The Hardware Société
Melbourne's brunch gem with bold flavors, standout coffee, and a welcoming cafe vibe.
4.8
Restaurant
$$
Melbourne's brunch gem with bold flavors, standout coffee, and a welcoming cafe vibe.
The Hardware Société in Melbourne is a beloved breakfast and brunch cafe known for bold dishes like baked eggs and fried brioche with pandan cheesecake, plus standout drinks such as Market Lane coffee and a homemade iced tea. Reviews praise the menu's uniqueness, excellent coffee and hot chocolate, and friendly, efficient service in a busy, inviting atmosphere. Reservations are recommended for a smoother visit.
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Innovative dishes like baked eggs, French toast, and seasonal specials made with high-quality ingredients.
Expertly brewed Market Lane coffee, including flat whites and iced options, with clear tasting notes.
House-made treats such as fried brioche with pandan cheesecake and rich hot chocolate.
Quarterly updated menu featuring fresh, creative items like the Benedict of the Week with scallops.
Prompt, friendly service with quick table turnover and minimal wait times for food and drinks.
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Overall rating
Mike March
This place is hands down the best brunch we've ever had! The baked eggs were mentioned on other reviews so we gave them a try, and they are fantastic. Full of flavour, rich, and have a ton of depth. We also ordered the fried brioche with pandan cheesecake. It sounded a bit heavy and sweet on paper, but wow it was amazing! So balanced with fruit flavours and rich bread. The homemade iced tea was also stellar. Which is appreciated in a country so keen on coffee This is a must visit if you are in Melbourne!! Do book a table though as it can get busy
Grace
The menu was unique and everything we tried was delicious. I ordered an oat flat white with the Big White Rabbit beans, and the coffee was outstanding. Even though it was a white coffee, the tasting notes were very clear and well balanced. It was honestly one of the most memorable flat whites I have ever had.
Jeremy C
This is my absolute favourite place to go, usually for birthdays. The food is always great, service is excellent. It is often very busy but fast. The coffee is market lane coffee and is very good. I often have the French toast and they do change their menu every quarter. Staff has been there for a long time so I would also guess it’s a good place to work. I cannot fault them. Just be prepared to wait for a table if you arrive too late.
Avijeet Sen
Visited in Nov 2025 Hardware Societe is one of the most popular breakfast/brunch places in MEL as per multiple online lists. So decided to try it out during my recent trip to the city. We did not have a reservation and did a walk in, and were able to get a table in 5 mins. If you can, I think it’s best to make a reservation as we saw a 15-20min wait queue forming outside while we were eating. For food we ordered the Croque Madame, the Fancy Roast Chicken Sandwich and the Benedict of the Week. The Benedict of the Week came with scallops and was my favourite of the 3 items we ordered. For drinks we ordered some iced coffee and cold pressed juice. All the food items we ordered were decent in taste/flavour, and the portion sizes were spot on for brunch/breakfast. Service was excellent. Kudos to the team here for ensuring good service with the quick rotation of tables, prompt order taking, and low wait times for the food to arrive. Overall a very decent brunch/breakfast place but not the best I’ve tried in MEL.
Hungry Hippo
What a gem! This quirky and inviting cafe has completely won me over. I came for a treat and discovered what might be the best hot chocolate I've ever had (bold claim, but maybe even the best in Australia!). Everything here is top-tier: the food and service are both flawless—a solid 10/10. If you're looking for a great cafe experience, this is it. Cannot recommend it highly enough!
