This Trendy Melbourne Brunch Spot Serves Fish-Shaped Pancakes And We❜re Intrigued

By: Rosie Stevens, ellaslist

When it comes to brunch spots, Melbourne boasts some pretty high rollers. Whether it’s kid-friendly cafes you’re after or a swankier hotel breakfast, the city is home to some of the most cutting-edge concepts and among the best coffee in Australia. 

And, there’s a new kid on the block that combines all of the above. Project 281 in Brunswick looks as though it’s been hand-crafted by the cafe gods themselves; with enough greenery to fill a park, an on-site herb garden and high industrial ceilings that create gorgeous natural light. And that’s before we’ve even started on the food.

Oh, the food! It’s got a decidedly Japanese and Korean twist, and shared-plates are strongly encouraged. Gone are the days of your own plate of avocado toast (which, coincidentally, Project 281 don’t serve year-round on the insistence that it’s a seasonal fruit and should be used as such), the food scene here is all about mixing and matching. 

And now the reason you’re all here—the pancakes. The fish shaped pancakes. These Japanese pancakes are filled with maple nashi pear custard, berries and vanilla ice-cream. We think the kids will want a bite—and if they’re not enthused, well…all the more for you.

The dedicated kids menu (pictured above) serves up a chibi taiyaki of cheese, ham and tomato sauce (fish shaped, of course), a yoghurt pannacotta and a tiny bulgogi burger, meaning the little ones are well and truly covered. 

Project 281 is at 281 Albert Street, Brunswick. Check out the full menu here.

 

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