Melbourne❜s Best Cafes in Plant Nurseries

Often hidden gems, cafes in nurseries can really turn up the enjoyment factor. Great coffee and a cheeky fiddle-leaf fig in one shopping trip? That's basically Melbourne in a bag!

Here's where we love to croissant and compost across the city...

Poyntons of Essendon

On the banks of the Maribyrnong River lies this multi-level leafy wonderland (pictured above), where you can find just about everything you could want for your garden and more. When you've chosen your pots, seedlings, and planters, head into The Boulevard Cafe (a bonus fenced kids' playground is right outside) for breakfast or brunch – wine is optional, but recommended as their cellar is top-notch! Their menu is lengthy for what is first and foremost a garden centre, so it's definitely a spot to check out – especially for the view! High on the hill gives you a fantastic vista of the city skyline with your apple kasha, avocado on toast or a hearty reuben sandwich.

Where: Cnr Vida Street & The Boulevard, Essendon
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday: 8am–5pm, Sunday & public holidays: 9.00am–5.00pm  

Warran Glen Garden Centre and Cafe

You'll find exceptional quality food from a seasonal and ever-changing menu at the super kid-friendly Warran Glen Cafe. They even have a playground, peacocks, chooks and ducks that eat right out of your hand! It's a really great experience, as well as being stocked with fantastic greenery and gift ideas.

Where: 373 Ringwood–Warrandyte Rd, Melbourne
Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 9am–4:30pm

Kew Nursery and Cafe

Amongst the large range of stunning plants, seedlings, vegetables, herbs, fruit, ornamental trees, shrubs, indoor plants, garden products, tools, fertilisers, potting mixes, compost, mulches, pots and giftware – phew! – you'll find the Kew Nursery Cafe serving up delicious all-day breakfast, lunch, and brunch. Feast on buttermilk pancakes, chia pudding, bacon and egg Turkish rolls, pumpkin fritters, and scotch fillet steak sandwiches, all washed down with an assortment of tea and coffee choices.

Where: 2 Gladstone St, Kew
Opening hours: 7 days: 8.30am–3:30pm

Yarra Edge Nursery Cafe

Check out the Yarra Edge Nursery Cafe in the historic grounds of the Melbourne Polytechnic Fairfield campus, where the child-friendly hub offers delicious lunch options, great coffee and freshly baked treats to eat in or take on the go. 

The nursery specialises in retro and old-school plants your nanna would have had, and their greenhouse is full to the brim with good-quality indoor plants.  

Where: Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday: 9am–4pm

Ceres Environment Park

An absolute northern staple, you'll have visited this one already if you're a local! As well as being a fully-functioning farm, there is a nursery onsite and a choice of two eateries – the organic grocery store area (with olive tree to climb, chooks, and tonka trucks to play with), and the sustainability-focused Merri Cafe.

Where: Cnr Robert St and Stewart St, East Brunswick
Opening hours: 7 days a week, 9am–5pm

Paperbark Cafe at Kuranga Native Nursery

Boasting the largest range of native plants anywhere, Kuranga Native Nursery also features the beautiful Paperbark Cafe, where you can partake in culinary delights under wide verandahs overlooking Olinda Creek. Their menu is also seasonal, focuses on local ingredients, and has a delightful native bushfood twist.

Where: 118 York Rd, Mt Evelyn
Opening hours: 7 days: 8.30am–5pm

Main image: Poyntons of Essendon

Other Outdoor Adventures In Melbourne

Check Out These Secret Gardens
Trees Adventure Yeodene Park
Adventure Park Geelong

 

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